Environmental monitoring: data trending using a frequency model.

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Microbiology
• Statistical process control

Background:

• Traditional statistical control charts are used for environmental monitoring of microbial recovery in classified settings.
• These methods are effective when microbial counts are measurable.
• Increased microbial control has led to frequent zero recoveries, rendering traditional methods inadequate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present two novel methods for monitoring classified environments with zero microbial recovery.
• To address the limitations of traditional control charts in low-biocontamination scenarios.

Main Methods:

• The study proposes methods focusing on the frequency of non-zero microbial recovery events.
• Monitoring the intervals between microbial detections rather than the counts themselves.

Main Results:

• Both presented methods are suitable for environments with predominantly zero microbial recoveries.
• The frequency-based approach effectively tracks environmental performance under stringent controls.

Conclusions:

• The developed methods provide a viable alternative for environmental monitoring when microbial counts are consistently zero.
• These techniques enhance the ability to manage and assess classified environments with high levels of microbial control.