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The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment

Optical Brightener

Optical Brightener Training and Monitoring

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Optical brightener monitoring involves testing for synthetic compounds commonly used in laundry detergents and other cleaning products. These compounds make fabrics appear brighter by absorbing UV light and re-emitting it as visible blue light. The presence of optical brighteners in a water body may indicate that untreated wastewater is entering the water, as these anthropogenic compounds are not naturally occurring in the environment. Potential sources include septic system leaks, sewage overflows, and lower treatment wastewater treatment systems. Monitoring optical brighteners helps identify bacteria sources and should be conducted at the same sampling time and location as bacteria monitoring.

Optical Brightener Training

The optical brightener training extension is available to eligible community scientists who meet the prerequisites outlined below. This training is distinct from other Texas Stream Team programs as it is offered primarily online. To receive certification as a Texas Stream Team optical brightener community scientist, the training program described on the following pages must be completed.

Each trainee is required to fill out the online Training Enrollment Form to become a certified Texas Stream Team optical brightener community scientist and begin monitoring activities.

Training Options

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  • The optical brightener training is available primarily online, allowing trainees to complete it at their own pace without requiring in-person instruction. To access the training module, the trainee must contact Texas Stream Team to verify their eligibility and request module access. After verifying eligibility, trainees can complete the online module, answering questions to test their understanding of the materials. After completing the module and answering knowledge-check questions, Texas Stream Team will process the certification, and the trainee will receive their certificate via email. Trainees are encouraged to follow the sampling sequence outlined in the manual to incorporate optical brightener detection into their bacteria monitoring. 

  • In-person training is available by request and must be scheduled with a certified Texas Stream Team Optical Brightener Trainer. There are no regular scheduled trainings on the Texas Stream Team calendar, as this training is conducted on an as-needed basis only. 

Depending on the route taken, community scientists will either complete the training independently using the module or in-person with a trainer, following a three-phase training structure. Regardless of the route, community scientists are required to fill out and submit the Training Enrollment Form and must meet the following prerequisites:

Prerequisites

Prior to receiving certification for optical brightener monitoring, participants must: 

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  • Phase I begins with an instructional classroom session, recapping background information on the Texas Stream Team program, introducing what optical brighteners are, their significance, and how they are used as indicators of pollution. 

    Phase I training transitions to a demonstration of optical brightener monitoring procedures. A Texas Stream Team certified trainer explains how optical brightener monitoring supplies are used. The trainer demonstrates optical brightener monitoring procedures while trainees follow along with the demonstration. The trainees perform the procedures simultaneously with the trainer. Trainees record their results on the Phase I Monitoring Form.

    After the trainees are comfortable with the optical brightener monitoring procedures, the Phase I Monitoring Form is reviewed. This form signifies the trainee’s successful completion of Phase I for the parameters specified and indicates their understanding of the monitoring procedures and commitment to following all procedures. 

  • During Phase II, trainees demonstrate the monitoring procedures learned during Phase I. The structure of this phase varies slightly based on the format

    In-Person Training: 

    Trainees perform the optical brightener monitoring procedures in the field under the direct supervision of a trainer. Whenever possible, the selected waterbody should resemble the sites the trainees will monitor regularly. The trainer observes the trainees’ procedures, provides real-time feedback, answers questions, and ensures data quality assurance. After the trainees complete the Phase II Monitoring Form, the trainer reviews the trainees’ strengths and areas for improvement through a direct discussion. The completed form is retained by the trainee as a reference for Phase III

    Remote Training:

    Trainees conduct their field demonstration independently, recording and submitting their procedures and completed Phase II Monitoring Form via the appropriate submission form within the online module. The trainer can provide support via virtual platforms (e.g., Teams, Zoom) during the field demonstration if pre-arranged. After the submission, the trainer reviews the materials and offers detailed feedback via email, video call, or other agreed-upon formats. The feedback addresses strengths, areas for improvement, and next steps for Phase III.

    Regardless of the format, all trainees are encouraged to ask questions and seek clarification as needed to ensure confidence in the procedures.

  • Phase III training can take place either at the same time and location as Phases I and II or at the trainee’s approved monitoring site within three months of completing Phase II.

    In-Person Training:

    At the trainee’s approved monitoring site, the trainer observes the trainee as they independently conduct the monitoring procedures. The trainee is expected to complete the monitoring process and the Phase III Monitoring Form without assistance from the trainer. Once the trainee has completed the monitoring, the trainer provides feedback and discusses next steps, including how to establish a monitoring site.

    Remote Training:

    If conducted remotely, trainees independently perform monitoring at their approved site and complete the Phase III Monitoring Form. Trainees document their procedures (e.g., via notes, pictures, or video) and submit the form and supporting documentation via the appropriate submission form within the online module. Feedback and guidance on next steps are provided following submission of the module, including detailed support on setting up a monitoring site.

Resources

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