The DEP Laboratory administers the Statewide Biological Database (SBIO). The SBIO database was developed in the early 1990's in response to the need for centralization of biological data collected by DEP and its predecessor agencies.
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DEP Laboratory Method Guidance and Interpretation
Bacteriological Analyses
The Bench Biology workgroup conducts bacteriological tests for enterococci, Escherichia coli, fecal coliforms and total coliforms. These bacteria are commonly found in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals. Their presence in water samples can indicate the potential presence of fecal pollution and enteric pathogens.
Chlorophyll Analyses
The Biology Program's Molecular Section uses microbial source tracking (MST) analyses to identify sources of fecal contamination in Florida’s waterbodies. Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), like Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Enterococci, are commonly found in human and animal waste but can also live naturally in soil, sediment, water, periphyton and biofilms.
The Biology Program's Taxonomy staff performs species-level taxonomic analyses of benthic macroinvertebrate and algal samples, and some are experienced field samplers that assist in department program sampling efforts. Studies combining benthic macroinvertebrate and algal community sampling provide a valuable assessment of the overall health of aquatic systems.
The Biology Program is comprised of three main workgroups.
Biology Program Analytical Services:
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