Practical Applications of Artificial Intelligence for the Environmental Laboratory

Synopsis

NOTE: This 4-hour course will be held over two days, December 1st and 3rd, 2026, from 11:00am to 1:00pm EST.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a useful productivity tool for environmental laboratories. While AI cannot replace technical expertise, professional judgment, or regulatory responsibility, it can assist laboratory personnel with documentation, calculations, data review, quality systems, and other routine laboratory tasks.

Using Total Suspended Solids (Standard Methods 2540 D) as a case study, this interactive workshop will demonstrate a practical workflow for using AI in an environmental laboratory. Participants will observe how AI can be used to develop and refine an SOP, compare laboratory documentation with the reference method and TNI requirements, create and review calculation and quality control tools, evaluate analytical data, and develop an audit checklist.

Throughout the demonstrations, emphasis will be placed on effective prompting, iterative review and refinement, recognizing AI errors and limitations, protecting confidential information, and independently verifying AI-generated work before it is used in the laboratory. Participants will also have opportunities to suggest prompts and explore additional laboratory applications of AI.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this workshop, participants should be able to:

  • Identify appropriate applications of artificial intelligence in environmental laboratory operations and recognize important limitations and risks associated with its use.
  • Develop and refine effective prompts to guide AI in producing laboratory documentation and other technical work products.
  • Use an iterative AI-assisted workflow to develop and improve a laboratory SOP while incorporating laboratory-specific requirements.
  • Evaluate AI-generated technical content against authoritative reference methods, regulatory requirements, and TNI quality management system requirements.
  • Use AI to assist in developing laboratory calculation and quality control tools and independently verify formulas, calculations, and technical accuracy.
  • Apply AI-assisted approaches to reviewing analytical data, evaluating quality control results, identifying potential problems, and supporting corrective-action decisions.
  • Use AI to develop tools such as audit checklists that support review of laboratory procedures, records, and quality systems.
  • Apply appropriate safeguards when using AI, including protection of confidential information, recognition of potential hallucinations or errors, and independent verification of AI-generated content.

Audience

Quality Managers, Technical Managers, Laboratory Managers

Digital Badges Associated with this Course

None


Fees

$120 for TNI members
$155 for non members

Group rates are available: Each purchased training course is to be viewed by only one student. If you would like multiple viewers, separate purchases must be made. A group rate of $690 for TNI members or $900 for non-members is available for groups of 6-10 students at a single location.

Certificates: A Certificate of Attendance (CoA) is provided for $20 if ordered. A Certificate of Completion (CoC) may be purchased for an additional $30. A passing score of at least 70% must be received on the test in order to receive CEUs and a CoC. Scores of less than 70% will be issued a Certificate of Attendance. For a CoA you will not need to take the test, and you will not receive CEUs. See FAQs for additional information.






Start Date

12/01/2026 11:00 AM Eastern

Length

4 hours

CEUs

0.4

Presented By:

Mary Johnson

Mary Johnson, a graduate of Loyola University of Chicago, was the long time Laboratory Manager at Four Rivers Sanitation Authority. She is a past chair of WEF’s Laboratory Practices Committee and currently represents WEF on the Environmental Monitoring Coalition. She is also a member of the Illinois WEA’s Laboratory Committee and holds an Illinois Class I Wastewater Operator Certificate.