Biological Wastewater Treatment

TL;DR: Biological wastewater treatment is a secondary treatment process where microorganisms (primarily Bacillus and Pseudomonas species) decompose organic pollutants in industrial effluent and domestic sewage. It operates through two methods — aerobic (with oxygen, faster, higher energy cost) and anaerobic (without oxygen, slower, produces biogas). In India, only 28% of the 72,368 MLD of urban sewage generated daily is treated, making efficient biological treatment solutions critical. This guide covers treatment types, technologies (ASP, MBBR, MBR, SBR, UASB), microbial selection, operational parameters, troubleshooting, and advanced bioculture solutions for ETP and STP systems.

Biological wastewater treatment is a natural, eco-friendly process that uses beneficial microorganisms to decompose organic matter and remove contaminants from water, making it safe for discharge or reuse.

Developed in the early 20th century, this proven technology remains the most effective and sustainable method for treating both industrial effluent and domestic sewage worldwide.

Our wastewater treatment solutions harness advanced microbial cultures — a proven alternative for effective sewage treatment and industrial wastewater treatment, straight from Nature’s Laboratory.

With Organica Biotech’s specialized bioformulation for wastewater treatment and a little help from nature, you can reduce sludge volume and operational costs, curb foul odour, and significantly lower COD and BOD levels in the water.

What Is Biological Wastewater Treatment?

Biological wastewater treatment is a secondary treatment process that uses naturally occurring microorganisms to decompose organic pollutants in industrial effluent and domestic sewage.

The microbes consume organic matter as their food source, converting highly toxic contaminants into harmless byproducts such as CO₂, water, and biomass.

It is the most widely used method for secondary treatment worldwide, deployed through aerobic (oxygen-present) and anaerobic (oxygen-absent) systems.

In simple terms, it is a system where microbes are put to work cleaning wastewater.

These powerful microorganisms break down organic matter and help remove contaminants that physical treatment alone cannot eliminate.

On the surface, the concept may seem simple, but the treatment process is complex, with multiple variables at play.

Various factors related to biology, biochemistry, and engineering impact the efficiency of the process.

Biological wastewater treatment occurs after primary (physical) treatment, where solid waste, sediments, and substances like oil are removed using screens and filters.

In the secondary stage, biological treatment takes place under aerobic or anaerobic conditions in a bioreactor — an apparatus or system in which a biochemical process involving microorganisms takes place.

The treated wastewater, commonly called effluent, is then released into the environment or further polished through tertiary treatment.

What Are the Types of Biological Wastewater Treatment?

Biological wastewater treatment is of two primary types: aerobic (uses oxygen) and anaerobic (does not use oxygen).

The choice between them depends on the effluent characteristics, available space, energy recovery goals, and operational budget.

In many industrial plants, both aerobic and anaerobic processes are coupled together for maximum treatment efficiency.

Aerobic Wastewater Treatment

In the aerobic biological process, microbes act on organic waste and suspended solids in the presence of a sufficient amount of dissolved oxygen (typically 1–2 mg/L).

The process converts waste and releases carbon dioxide, water, and other by-products.

Factors like temperature, pH, and oxygen availability are important parameters that help microbes degrade waste efficiently.

Aerobic treatment is carried out in aerobic tanks, oxidation ponds, and surface aeration systems.

The process also includes activated sludge and aerobic digestion, with aeration systems maintaining a continuous oxygen supply.

A rich mixture of the bacterial population, blended with maximum nutrients and oxygen, drives rapid bacterial growth and respiration, decomposing organic matter and producing sludge.

Gradually, sludge and waste separate from the water, leaving clean water behind.

Aerobic treatment is most commonly used for treating domestic and industrial wastewater containing an extensive amount of organic matter.

It provides faster treatment (hours to days) but requires higher energy input due to continuous aeration.

Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment

Anaerobic wastewater treatment uses bacterial populations to decompose organic waste in the absence of oxygen, converting contaminants into carbon dioxide, methane, and other end-products.

It is mainly used in the agricultural and food processing industries to treat wastewater with strong organic content.

One of the major advantages of anaerobic treatment is energy recovery. Anaerobic digestion converts waste into methane, which is used to produce biogas — a renewable energy source.

The process involves multiple stages: hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis, where different microbial communities act as substrates at each phase.

Anaerobic systems must be completely closed and provided with heat. While the process requires longer retention time and larger space, it offers significantly lower operational costs and produces considerably less sludge than aerobic treatment.

Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment: Key Differences

The main difference is that aerobic treatment utilises microbes requiring oxygen to respire and degrade organic matter, while anaerobic treatment degrades organic matter in the absence of oxygen.

Selecting the right process depends on several factors:

  • Availability of Land: Anaerobic processes require higher retention time, so space requirements are greater.
  • Cost of Operations: Aerobic facilities have higher OPEX costs due to continuous oxygen supply and maintenance. Anaerobic processes are comparatively cost-effective as they require no additional energy input.
  • Effluent Type and Energy Recovery: When effluent contains high organic content, energy can be recovered as biogas via anaerobic treatment. Aerobic energy recovery is limited to organic sludge with suitable substrates.
Parameter Aerobic Treatment Anaerobic Treatment
Oxygen Requirement Requires continuous oxygen supply (1–2 mg/L dissolved oxygen) Operates in the absence of oxygen
Microorganisms Aerobic bacteria (Bacillus, Pseudomonas species) Anaerobic bacteria (methanogens, acetogens)
End Products CO₂, water, biomass, heat CH₄ (methane), CO₂, water
Energy Requirements High (continuous aeration needed) Low (no aeration, but may need heating)
Treatment Speed Faster (hours to days) Slower (days to weeks)
Space Requirements Moderate Large (due to longer retention time)
Sludge Production Higher (30–50% of organic load) Lower (5–15% of organic load)
Energy Recovery Limited (from sludge occasionally) Significant (biogas production)
Operational Cost Higher (electricity, maintenance) Lower (minimal energy input)
Best Applications Moderate to high organic load, limited space Very high organic load, xenobiotic compounds
Startup Time 2–4 weeks 2–4 months
Odor Control Better (aerobic conditions minimize odors) Requires management (H₂S, mercaptans)

Anaerobic treatment is usually chosen when the organic load is excessively high or the wastewater contains xenobiotic compounds (tough to degrade biologically).

Many industries deploy both aerobic and anaerobic treatment processes for comprehensive treatment.

What Technologies Are Used in Biological Wastewater Treatment?

Several technologies are used for the biological treatment of wastewater, including Activated Sludge Process (ASP), Trickling Filters, MBBR, UASB, and aerated lagoons.

The selection depends on the type of industrial effluent, the parameters to be treated, and space availability.

Regardless of the technology chosen, the efficiency of treatment ultimately depends on the efficiency of the microbial culture inhabiting the secondary treatment unit.

1. Activated Sludge Process (ASP)

The activated sludge process is the most prominent and widely used aerobic biological wastewater treatment method globally.

Microbes under oxygenated conditions form biological solids called activated sludge, which absorb dissolved organic matter and reduce BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand).

How It Works:

  • Wastewater is mixed with activated sludge in an aeration tank
  • Continuous oxygen supply is provided through an aeration system
  • Microbes multiply rapidly and metabolize organic waste
  • Sludge settles in a secondary clarifier
  • ~30% of sludge is recirculated to the aeration tank (Return Activated Sludge — RAS)
  • Excess sludge is removed (Waste Activated Sludge — WAS)

Variations: Extended Aeration, Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBR), Membrane Bioreactor (MBR), Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR)

2. Trickling Filter System

A fixed-film biological treatment system consisting of a bed of stones, rocks, or plastic media.

Wastewater is sprayed continuously over the media, trickling down as microbes colonize the surface, absorb contaminants, form a biomass layer, and lower BOD.

Natural air circulation provides oxygen throughout the process.

Advantages: Lower energy consumption, simple operation, and handles variable loads well.

3. Oxidation Pond (Aerated Lagoon)

Oxidation ponds are large, shallow earth basins where wastewater is treated through a symbiotic relationship between microbes, algae, and sunlight.

Algae perform photosynthesis, releasing oxygen that aerobic bacteria use to decompose organic matter.

The bacteria release CO₂, which algae use for growth, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Best for: Small communities, agricultural operations, areas with ample land and sunlight. Typical retention time is 20–50 days.

Other Established Technologies

Additional technologies for industrial effluent treatment include Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR), Membrane Bioreactor (MBR), Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBR), Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC), Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB), anaerobic lagoons, anoxic reactors, aerobic granular sludge technology, and anammox systems.

What Role Do Microorganisms Play in Wastewater Treatment?

Microorganisms are intrinsic to the secondary treatment of wastewater — they act as nature’s recyclers, transforming pollutants into harmless byproducts while creating a self-sustaining ecosystem within treatment systems.

In biological wastewater treatment, microbes consume organic material as a source of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other essential nutrients for growth.

In return, they convert highly toxic contaminants into smaller, less toxic materials that can be safely discharged into the environment.

Common Bacterial Species in Wastewater Treatment

The most common bacteria used as bioculture for wastewater treatment are Bacillus and Pseudomonas species.

Bacillus Species:

  • B. licheniformis — Degrades proteins and complex organics
  • B. subtilis — Breaks down fats and oils
  • B. megaterium — Phosphate solubilization
  • B. pumilus — Enzyme production for organic breakdown
  • B. coagulans — Acid-tolerant organic degradation

Pseudomonas Species:

  • P. aeruginosa — Degrades aromatic compounds
  • P. putida — Breaks down complex hydrocarbons
  • P. fluorescens — Biodegrades various organic pollutants

How Are Microbes Selected for Treatment?

The basis for choosing microbial culture for wastewater treatment is the organisms’ genetic and enzymatic machinery, which enables them to degrade substrates found in certain types of wastewater.

Selection criteria include:

  • Genetic Machinery: Ability to produce specific enzymes for target pollutants
  • Substrate Specificity: Capacity to degrade compounds in specific wastewater types
  • Tolerance: Ability to withstand extreme pH, temperature, and toxic conditions
  • Growth Rate: Rapid multiplication under treatment conditions
  • Flocculation Ability: Capacity to form stable aggregates for easy separation

Higher Life Forms as System Health Indicators

Apart from bacteria, higher life forms such as free-swimming ciliates, stalked ciliates, rotifers, and tardigrades play an important role in biological wastewater treatment systems.

They feed on free bacterial cells, help maintain good flocculation, and serve as reliable indicators of system health.

These organisms are highly sensitive to changes in the treatment environment.

Their absence indicates high toxicity (due to toxic compounds, high COD, high TDS, or extreme pH), while their presence and type reveal the stage and age of sludge development.

Organism Type Indication Sludge Age
Free-swimming Ciliates Young, developing system 1–3 days
Stalked Ciliates Healthy, mature system 5–15 days
Rotifers Well-established, stable system 15+ days
Absence of Higher Life Forms Toxic conditions or shock load System distress
Dead Organisms (Artifacts) Recent toxic event Emergency investigation needed

What Are the Stages of Wastewater Treatment?

The wastewater treatment process consists of three stages: primary treatment (physical), secondary treatment (biological), and tertiary treatment (advanced polishing).

Biological wastewater treatment occurs in the secondary stage, which is the most critical phase for organic pollutant removal.

Primary Treatment (Physical Process)

Primary treatment removes large solid materials from incoming water.

Bar screening filters out wood, plastic, rags, and other debris. A primary clarifier then allows solids to settle by gravity, sometimes with the help of coagulants and flocculants to precipitate dissolved solids.

The remaining liquid, known as effluent, still contains organic contaminants measured as BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand).

BOD is the amount of oxygen required by aerobic microbes to decompose organic matter in aquatic environments.

An increased BOD level is harmful to water resources and can severely affect aquatic ecosystems.

Secondary Treatment (Biological Process)

Secondary treatment — also known as biological wastewater treatment — is the microbe-mediated treatment of wastewater from the primary clarifier.

It uses biological processes to reduce and remove biodegradable organic matter, contaminants, and suspended solids that escape primary treatment.

Treatment plants provide suitable environments for naturally occurring microbes to thrive and act aggressively on organic matter.

The microbes feed on organic impurities for growth and release by-products such as carbon dioxide, water, and energy.

The process involves aerobic, anaerobic, or a combination of both to treat wastewater by reducing COD, nitrogen, and phosphorus to levels that meet environmental standards.

Tertiary Treatment (Advanced Treatment)

The tertiary stage is the final stage, improving water quality to a level that allows safe discharge into the environment or reuse of treated water.

It involves processes such as disinfection, membrane filtration, and carbon filtration.

What Are the Types of Wastewater?

Depending on its source, wastewater is classified as domestic wastewater (sewage) or industrial wastewater (effluent).

Both types require treatment before discharge, but their characteristics — and therefore their treatment approaches — differ significantly.

Type Source Characteristics Treatment Facility
Domestic Wastewater (Sewage) Residential, commercial, institutional High organic content from sanitary facilities, cooking, bathing, and laundry Sewage Treatment Plant (STP)
Industrial Wastewater (Effluent) Manufacturing and processing industries Varies by industry; may contain chemicals, heavy metals, extreme pH, high COD/TDS Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP)
Agricultural Wastewater Farming operations, livestock Pesticides, fertilizers, animal waste, and high nutrient content Specialized treatment systems

Industrial wastewater from sectors such as sugar, pulp and paper, food processing, distilleries, dairies, tanneries, and pharmaceuticals often contains hazardous chemicals, including lead, nickel, zinc, and pathogens.

When discharged without adequate treatment, it becomes a significant source of environmental pollution and public health hazards.

What Types of Wastewater Treatment Plants Exist?

The three most common types of wastewater treatment plants are Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP), Sewage Treatment Plants (STP), and Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP). Each serves different wastewater sources and is designed accordingly.

Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP)

ETPs are used by industries with high manufacturing capacities — textile, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries — where wastewater contains organic or inorganic compounds with high COD, TDS, and extreme pH.

ETPs are selected and designed according to the type and volume of industrial effluent generated.

Sewage Treatment Plants (STP)

STPs remove contaminants from domestic wastewater generated by residential colonies, institutions, and the hospitality industry. STPs handle wastewater with high organic content that can be treated with relatively less difficulty compared to industrial effluent.

Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETP)

CETPs treat wastewater from various small-scale industries unable to treat their effluents on-site. They are usually constructed in industrial estates or industrial development corporations.

What Parameters Affect Biological Wastewater Treatment Performance?

Optimal growth of microorganisms in a wastewater treatment system requires a balanced functioning of several bio-environmental parameters.

Temperature, pH, nutrients, toxic materials, dissolved oxygen, and the Carbon:Nitrogen: Phosphate (C:N:P) ratio all influence bacterial performance and treatment efficiency.

These elements must be checked regularly to maintain a sufficient microbial population.

Parameter Optimal Range Impact
pH 6.5–8.5 (neutral preferred) Affects enzyme activity and microbial growth
Temperature 20–35°C for mesophilic bacteria Controls metabolic rate and treatment speed
Dissolved Oxygen (Aerobic) 1–2 mg/L minimum Essential for aerobic microbial respiration
C:N:P Ratio 100:5:1 (BOD:N:P) Balanced nutrients for microbial growth
F/M Ratio (Food to Microorganism) 0.2–0.6 kg BOD/kg MLSS/day Determines treatment efficiency and sludge characteristics
Organic Loading Rate 0.3–0.6 kg BOD/m³/day Ensures optimal floc formation
Hydraulic Retention Time 6–8 hours (aerobic), 15–30 days (anaerobic) Adequate contact time for degradation
MLSS (Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids) 2,000–3,500 mg/L Indicates microbial population density
Sludge Volume Index (SVI) 80–150 mL/g Indicates settling characteristics

Understanding Residence Time (MCRT)

Residence time — also known as Mean Cell Residence Time (MCRT) — describes how long microorganisms remain in the activated sludge system to interact with and degrade organic matter.

It is calculated by dividing the volume of the secondary tank by the flow rate of the effluent.

A well-balanced residence time (typically 5–15 days for conventional activated sludge) allows optimum degradation of pollutants and determines microbial community composition.

How Do You Monitor Biological System Health?

Maintaining the desired microbial population is essential to optimize secondary wastewater treatment efficacy.

The biological health of the system must be monitored at regular intervals using a combination of microscopic examination, laboratory analysis, and physical observation.

Microscopic Examination

Regular microscopic analysis reveals floc density and structure, free bacterial cell count, types and abundance of higher life forms, filamentous bacteria density, and protozoa diversity.

This gives an inside view into the biological health of the system.

Microbial Count Analysis

Microbial count analysis helps determine total microbial count per millilitre, microbial diversity indices, specific bacterial populations, and pathogen levels in the effluent sample.

Physical Indicators

Observable characteristics without laboratory equipment include:

  • Odor: Earthy smell indicates a healthy system; foul odors suggest anaerobic conditions or toxicity
  • Color: Dark brown suggests good treatment; black indicates anaerobic conditions; light brown may indicate low MLSS levels
  • Turbidity: Clear supernatant indicates good settling; cloudy suggests poor flocculation
  • Foam: Minimal white foam is normal; excessive brown foam suggests filamentous bacteria overgrowth

What Are Common Problems in Biological Treatment Systems?

A breakdown of the secondary biological treatment system is usually associated with reduced growth of desirable microorganisms or increased growth of undesirable ones, leading to lower COD reduction, reduced nitrogen removal, and excessive foaming.

Understanding these problems — and their causes — is essential for maintaining treatment efficiency.

Problem Cause Solution
Low Treatment Efficiency Reduced microbial population or activity Add specialized microbial cultures; adjust F/M ratio
Excessive Foaming Filamentous bacteria overgrowth Optimize DO, pH; adjust sludge wasting rate
Poor Settling Low MLSS or bulking sludge Increase RAS rate; add micronutrients; check for toxicity
High Effluent BOD/COD Insufficient retention time or microbial activity Increase HRT; boost microbial population; verify aeration
Rising DO Levels Reduced MLSS or toxic stream entry Investigate upstream processes; restore microbial balance

How to Prevent Shock Loads

A shock load is any sudden change in effluent parameters that disturbs the secondary treatment ecosystem.

Several factors can trigger shock loading:

  • Aeration Failure: A reduction in dissolved oxygen creates an anoxic environment, promoting undesirable microflora growth
  • Toxic Compound Entry: Highly toxic compounds entering effluent streams can hamper microbial growth, reducing MLSS in the secondary system
  • pH Fluctuation: A sudden shift toward extreme acidity or alkalinity can devastate the microbial population
  • Flow Rate Variation: Large fluctuations in the inflow/outflow rate alter the organic loading rate and residence time

Monitoring and maintaining the characteristics of incoming effluent is essential to ensure the smooth functioning of the treatment plant and prevent shock loads.

Which Industries Need Biological Wastewater Treatment?

Any manufacturing industry producing wastewater with organic loads, toxic compounds, high COD, nitrates, phosphates, or TDS levels must treat its effluents before discharge.

Biological wastewater treatment is the primary method for organic pollutant removal across these sectors:

Uses of Treated Wastewater

When properly treated to environmental standards, wastewater can be reused for:

  • Industrial Applications: Cooling water, boiler feed, process water
  • Agricultural Use: Irrigation of non-food crops, greenbelts
  • Landscaping: Parks, golf courses, highway medians
  • Construction: Concrete curing, dust suppression
  • Municipal Use: Toilet flushing, firefighting
  • Groundwater Recharge: Aquifer replenishment

This reuse significantly reduces demand on freshwater resources and promotes sustainable water management.

India’s Wastewater Crisis: The Scale of the Challenge

India faces a wastewater treatment deficit of staggering proportions.

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) 2020-21 assessment, the country generates 72,368 MLD (million litres per day) of urban sewage — nearly double the rural generation of 39,604 MLD — yet only 28% receives treatment.

The remaining 72% (52,132 MLD) is discharged untreated into rivers, lakes, and groundwater.

Current Treatment Gap (2020-21 CPCB Data)

Future Projections (2025–2050)

Global Context (UN Water 2024)

Globally, only 38% of industrial wastewater is treated, and just 27% is safely treated to meet environmental standards.

An estimated 42% of household wastewater globally is not safely treated, releasing approximately 113 billion m³ into the environment annually. [Source: UN Water Progress Report, August 2024]

With projections showing water availability could drop below 1,000 m³ per capita per year — classifying India as “water scarce” — the urgency for efficient biological wastewater treatment has never been greater.

Since building new treatment plants is cost-prohibitive at the required scale, the most viable solution is enhancing the efficiency of existing treatment systems through advanced biological solutions.

Why Cow Dung Is Not the Best Solution for Wastewater Treatment

Cow dung is sometimes used as a bacterial culture source in wastewater treatment, but it is unsuitable for industrial applications.

Cow dung contains microorganisms from the cattle’s gut adapted to digest cattle feed, not industrial pollutants.

When transferred to a completely different and harsh effluent environment, these organisms cannot treat wastewater efficiently.

  • Wrong Microbial Profile: Contains gut bacteria adapted to cattle feed, not industrial pollutants
  • Pathogen Introduction: Carries harmful pathogenic bacteria that can negatively impact treatment processes and, when released into the environment, cause health hazards
  • Ineffective Treatment: Cannot adapt to harsh industrial wastewater conditions
  • Variable Composition: Inconsistent microbial populations make standardized treatment impossible

There is no substitute for a well-researched, tailor-made bacterial culture for wastewater treatment that is specifically designed for the effluent and treatment process.

Advanced Biological Treatment Solutions from Organica Biotech

With over 25 years of expertise, a DSIR-accredited R&D laboratory, and ECOCERT certification, Organica Biotech offers a wide range of customized microbial remediation solutions for wastewater treatment from both industrial and domestic sources.

Cleanmaxx® Product Range

Cleanmaxx® Aero (for aerobic systems), Cleanmaxx® ANB (for anaerobic systems), and Cleanmaxx® STP (for sewage treatment) are bioculture products containing highly aggressive microbes capable of degrading high organic loads.

These solutions deliver:

  • Maximum BOD/COD reduction from wastewater
  • Minimum sludge production (30–50% reduction)
  • Foul odour neutralization by competing with pathogens
  • Resilience under shock loads and variable conditions
  • No modification required to the existing system setup

Organica Biotech also offers specialized solutions: Cleanmaxx® FOG for fats, oil, and grease degradation, and Microbster — a 100% natural nutrient additive blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and micronutrients crucial to biomass development.

These advanced bio-augmentation products contain specially cultivated microorganisms that withstand extreme conditions, degrade specific industrial pollutants efficiently, and maintain high activity under variable loading — making them the ideal solution for powering the biological process in secondary wastewater treatment.

Explore our proven results: See how Organica Biotech’s solutions have transformed wastewater treatment across industries, or request a free sample to test in your plant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Treatment Questions

1. My aerobic wastewater system is not working efficiently. Which microbial culture can help?

First, contact one of our experts for a system assessment. For aerobic systems, Cleanmaxx® Aero is one of the most effective biological wastewater treatment enzymes.

This bio-enzyme contains a specialized, heterogeneous consortium of uniquely functional bacteria with high proliferative capacity, capable of withstanding and treating hostile effluent water.

2. How can I increase biogas production and treatment efficiency in my anaerobic system?

Anaerobic wastewater systems are sensitive and require diverse microbes to complete hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis.

Cleanmaxx® ANB provides a highly diverse mix of facultative anaerobes that strengthen and stabilize anaerobic systems, maximizing COD-BOD reduction while enhancing biogas production capacity and minimizing sludge volume.

3. I need nutrients for my biological system. How can Organica Biotech help?

Maintaining the correct C:N:P ratio is critical for good treatment efficiency. Microbster is a 100% natural, eco-friendly nutrient additive — a blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, micronutrients, and biostimulants crucial to biomass development in sewage and industrial wastewater treatment.

Our experts will guide you through the dosing process.

4. I have excessive fats, oils, and grease buildup, causing foul odours. What should I do?

Cleanmaxx® FOG is specifically developed for degrading excessive buildup of fats, oils, and grease.

Its selectively cultivated, target-specific microbes get activated when mixed with water, completely degrading organic waste during wastewater treatment and curbing foul odour emission.

5. My STP cannot handle tough urban waters with high organic load. How does Cleanmaxx STP help?

Cleanmaxx® STP works in two steps: first, breaking complex compounds into simpler polymers, then further degrading them into carbon dioxide and water.

It contains specialized bacterial strains that survive and perform under shock loads, effectively degrading the majority of man-made and natural contaminants present in municipal wastewater.

6. How do I assess the current health of my biological system?

Organica Biotech’s BioCheck study analyzes the current health and status of the biological system at your sewage or industrial wastewater treatment plant. Contact our team to schedule an assessment.

7. Do all microbes perform in biological wastewater treatment with equal efficiency?

No. Microbes show greater biological diversity than any other life forms on the planet. Depending on the environment, food source, and the microbe’s genetics, their capacity to degrade different kinds of waste varies.

In industrial wastewater treatment, the primary factor determining performance is the type of effluent and treatment method.

The key to efficient treatment lies in choosing the right microbial partner for your specific plant conditions.

8. Can I reduce ammonia through secondary treatment of wastewater?

Yes. Ammonia concentration can be reduced through microbial action in a two-step process: first, ammonia is oxidized to nitrites and nitrates (nitrification), then nitrates are reduced to nitrogen gas (denitrification).

Denitrification is especially crucial since releasing nitrates into the environment causes eutrophication and algal blooms.

9. How do I achieve efficient COD reduction when my effluent contains high TDS?

High total dissolved solids restrict microbial growth due to osmotic stress. The microorganisms in Cleanmaxx are specially selected for their ability to sustain high TDS effluents and still provide efficient COD reduction in industrial wastewater treatment plants.

Operational and Troubleshooting Questions

10. Are filamentous bacteria in my biological treatment plant a cause for worry?

In small amounts, filamentous bacteria are desirable — they form the backbone of floc formation, leading to healthy sludge.

However, a high density of filamentous bacteria indicates that the food-to-microbe (F/M) ratio, pH, or dissolved oxygen may not be optimal.

Investigate the root cause promptly, as continued presence leads to heavy foaming and reduced treatment efficiency.

11. How do I analyse the toxicity of the effluent in my plant?

The presence of higher life forms (ciliates, flagellates, rotifers) indicates non-toxic or very low-toxicity effluent.

Their absence — along with a reduced microbial count — indicates toxic conditions requiring additional treatment before biological processing.

12. Can I reduce the toxicity of my effluent using biological treatment?

Yes, microbial action can break down high molecular weight toxic compounds into smaller molecules that microbes use as a food source, reducing overall toxicity. This must be tested at a pilot scale first.

Organica Biotech’s BioSure method tests the efficacy of bioremediation products using effluent from your plant, providing a realistic scenario and solution.

13. How do I decide the volume and rate of sludge wasting?

Sludge recirculation is usually decided based on MLSS and MLVSS levels present in your system and the settling characteristics of your sludge. Regular SVI measurement helps optimise this balance.

14. How can I understand treatment plant efficiency without a microscope?

In the absence of laboratory equipment, physical characteristics of the effluent provide reliable indicators: odor (earthy = healthy; foul = distress), color (dark brown = good; black = anaerobic conditions), turbidity, and foam characteristics.

Additionally, estimating the Sludge Volume Index (SVI) reveals sludge development and settling ability in the aeration tank.

15. What is the ideal DO level for a wastewater treatment plant?

A dissolved oxygen level between 1 and 2 mg/L is typically maintained. Low DO levels hamper microbial growth and reduce treatment efficiency, while excessively high DO may indicate reduced MLSS or toxic stream entry.

16. How can I replicate biological wastewater treatment at a pilot scale?

Replicating the actual biological process in a lab is difficult.

Organica Biotech’s specially designed BioSure method tests the efficacy of our wastewater bioremediation products using effluent from your plant, providing a realistic pilot-scale scenario before full-scale deployment.

17. Should I add microorganisms to the primary tank?

Normally, it is not advisable. In primary treatment tanks, conditions may not be conducive for microbial growth — high amounts of alum, polyelectrolytes, or other chemical settling agents, along with fluctuating pH, are harmful to microbes. Microbial cultures should be introduced at the secondary treatment stage.

18. Does the presence of heavy metals affect secondary treatment?

Heavy metals are toxic to microorganisms and can hinder their growth. The microbes in Cleanmaxx can survive in the presence of moderate heavy metal concentrations.

However, high concentrations require chemical scrubbing and other pre-treatment methods before the effluent undergoes biological treatment.

19. Can both organic and inorganic components be treated biologically?

Technically, microorganisms can only use organic compounds as their primary food source.

However, certain microbial strains can also consume some inorganic compounds — provided you have the right bacterial culture in your biological units.

The key is selecting the appropriate microbial formulation for your specific effluent composition.

20. Which pathogen removal method is best for wastewater?

Pathogens — microorganisms harmful to humans, animals, or aquatic life — can be removed through chemical, physical, or biological processes during secondary and tertiary treatment steps.

The choice depends on contamination levels and the required environmental, health, and safety standards. Typically, a combination of biological treatment followed by tertiary disinfection provides the most effective pathogen removal.

The Future of Biological Wastewater Treatment

Biological wastewater treatment remains the most sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible method for managing both industrial and domestic wastewater.

Since its development in the early 20th century, it has become the backbone of wastewater treatment globally.

However, the scale of the challenge has intensified dramatically.

With India generating 72,368 MLD of urban sewage daily but treating only 28%, and projections showing a 75–80% increase in wastewater generation over the next 25 years, the urgency for action has never been greater.

Success in biological wastewater treatment depends on:

  • Understanding the specific characteristics of your wastewater
  • Selecting appropriate treatment technologies and microbial cultures
  • Maintaining optimal operating parameters consistently
  • Regular monitoring and proactive system management
  • Investing in specialized bioculture solutions for complex wastewaters

Modern advancements in microbial cultivation, genetic understanding, and bio-augmentation technologies have made it possible to treat increasingly complex wastewater streams while reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

By combining proven biological processes with innovative microbial solutions, industries and municipalities can achieve regulatory compliance, protect water resources, and contribute to sustainable water management for future generations.

Biological wastewater treatment harnesses the power of naturally occurring microorganisms to transform pollutants into harmless substances.

Whether through aerobic processes that rely on oxygen or anaerobic systems that work without it, these microscopic workers provide an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution for one of humanity’s most pressing environmental challenges — the safe treatment and reuse of water.

Note on Data Sources: Statistics in this article are sourced from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reports for 2020-21, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) assessments from 2024-25, UN Water reports (2024), Down to Earth research publications, and peer-reviewed market research reports. All statistics are hyperlinked to their original sources for verification.

An Overview of Non-Biodegradable Waste Management and Solutions

TL;DR
  • Global Waste Crisis: The world generates 2.24 billion tonnes of solid waste annually, projected to reach 3.88 billion tonnes by 2050 (World Bank). Plastic waste alone accounts for 400 million tonnes yearly, with only 9% successfully recycled (UNEP), driving an urgent need for non-biodegradable waste management solutions.
  • What Constitutes Non-Biodegradable Waste: Materials that cannot decompose through biological processes, including plastics, metals, glass, electronics (mobiles, laptops, batteries), thermocol, biomedical waste, and chemical waste—sourced from households, industries, hospitals, agriculture, and construction.
  • Environmental & Health Impact: Improper disposal leads to uncontrolled landfills, causing disease outbreaks, pipe blockages in drainage systems, groundwater contamination, and water body pollution—making effective solid waste management essential for public health and environmental protection.
  • Three Primary Management Methods: Recycling (reprocessing plastic, paper, glass, metals with economic value), Incineration (burning non-recyclable waste at 500°C+ to minimize volume), and Individual Management (source segregation into biodegradable/non-biodegradable bins as the critical first step).
  • India’s Policy & Innovation Response: The 2016 Solid Waste Management Rules mandate source segregation and two-bin systems; Swachh Bharat Mission drives progress; innovative solutions include plastic roads (recycled plastic + bitumen) and energy recovery research to replace fossil fuels with waste-derived energy.

Waste can be defined as discarded and useless materials that do not possess any value.

Solid waste is generated from different sources, such as households, industries, agriculture, commercial spaces, and other human activities, and poses significant environmental and public health risks.

Thus, effective solid waste management is a necessity.

Thus, effective solid waste management is a necessity. Globally, the world generates over 2.24 billion tonnes of solid waste annually, and this number is expected to rise to 3.88 billion tonnes by 2050, according to the World Bank.

As per UNICEF, solid waste is categorized into Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable waste.

Biodegradable waste includes kitchen waste, agricultural waste, and human and animal waste, which can be decomposed by the biological action of living microorganisms.

However, non-biodegradable wastes are those that cannot be decomposed biologically.

It includes plastic, metal, glass, etc. Plastic waste alone accounts for over 400 million tonnes annually, with only 9% being successfully recycled, as per UNEP.

This is the reason why non-biodegradable waste management using different technologies and solutions has assumed greater importance today.

Countries worldwide are enforcing stricter regulations, such as the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan and the UN’s resolution to end plastic pollution by 2040.

What is Non-biodegradable Waste?

As mentioned, any waste type that cannot be decomposed by natural or biological processes is considered non-biodegradable waste.

Besides plastic, glass, and metals, it includes cardboard, paper, old clothes, thermocol sheets, cans, man-made polymer, biomedical waste, chemical waste, electronics, batteries, etc.

Non-biodegradable Waste Sources

All human activities can create non-biodegradable waste, ranging from households and industries to hospitals, agriculture, construction, and other fields.

Generally, plastic waste, electronic waste such as discarded mobiles, laptops, batteries, and steel waste from steel utensils and glass are derived from households.

Depending on the industry type, large amounts of non-biodegradable waste are generated, including metal, plastic, and mineral waste.

Machinery waste and packaging waste generated in agriculture, syringes, medicines, and different equipment from hospitals are considered non-biodegradable.

Problems Caused by Non-biodegradable Waste

If non-biodegradable waste is left untreated and disposed of improperly, it can deeply affect the environment.

Some of the problems may include uncontrolled landfills that may cause an unhygienic environment, leading to diseases among the people residing nearby.

Plastics and other such waste can cause pipe blockages and groundwater contamination.

Other waste, such as chemicals, biomedical waste, and plastics, can also pollute water bodies.

Thus, solid waste management is essential to overcome the challenges posed by non-biodegradable waste.

Non-biodegradable Waste Management

  • Recycling

Recycling is one of the best and most popular methods employed for non-biodegradable waste management.

Waste such as plastic, paper, glass, iron materials, and cloth can be recycled and have economic value as well.

It also helps in reducing the waste being sent to landfills, supports deforestation, and saves energy.

  • Incineration

Incineration is widely used to manage non-biodegradable waste, which is also non-recyclable.

It involves waste decomposition using temperatures above 5000 Degrees Celsius and can help minimize the trash volume.

  • Individual Management

Individual management of waste is the first step to successful non-biodegradable waste management.

Segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste in separate bins and following recycling practices whenever possible are some measures that can be taken at the individual level.

Non-biodegradable Waste in India

Due to rapid industrialization and urbanization, the amount of waste generated in India has increased.

Dumping of non-biodegradable waste in landfills has become a problem due to the growing population, and less area is left for landfills.

According to a 2014 report by the Planning Commission of India, waste generation was predicted to reach 165 million tonnes by 2031, and the land required to build landfills for two decades would be 66,000 hectares, which is staggering, to say the least.

However, the Swachh Bharat Mission has helped the country to make great strides in non-biodegradable waste management.

According to the new Solid Waste Management Rules in 2016, segregation of waste into dry, wet, and hazardous at the source is mandatory.

It also says to have two bins, one for biodegradable and the other for non-biodegradable waste, at residences and institutions.

It empowers local rag pickers to collect non-biodegradable waste, which can be recycled. Provisions for packing materials such as cardboard and plastics are made.

Companies using non-biodegradable materials need to collect such waste and recycle it.

There are many innovative methods and solutions in the pipeline to achieve solid waste management goals.

To manage organic waste, composting is touted as one of the best methods, which, if implemented in households, can greatly reduce the waste burden.

There are biological solutions, such as Organica Biotech’s Soilmate, which helps in a faster composting process and output.

In the case of non-biodegradable waste management, plastic roads, for instance, are a great way to solve the problem of potholes in India.

The recycled plastic, in combination with bitumen, can be used for constructing roads.

Also, non-biodegradable waste contains energy. Various scientific research, studies, and innovations are happening in this field to use this energy and replace fossil fuels with it.

As mentioned before, using effective solutions such as recycling and incineration can help in efficient non-biodegradable waste management in India.

In addition, better awareness and mindset toward controlling non-biodegradable waste at an individual level will support the cause.

It will further help in protecting human health as well as the environment.

Types Of Organic Farming In India & How To Get Started With Sustainable Farming Practices

TL;DR
  • Organic farming (pure & integrated types) offers India a sustainable alternative to chemical-intensive agriculture, now covering 2.78M hectares with government support via PKVY/NPOP, despite initial yield and infrastructure challenges.

The population explosion has always been a major challenge in India.

Rapid urbanization, better lifestyles, and the increased food consumption pattern today have led to a rise in food demand in the country.

Therefore, increased food output is essential to maintain food security and meet consumer demand.

According to FAO estimates, India will need to produce 50% more food by 2050 to sustain its growing population.

It was precisely for this reason that the Green Revolution was introduced in the 1960s.

Farming saw the adoption of modern methods, technology, and extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to boost crop yield.

However, such intensification of agriculture led to the loss of soil fertility and pollution of soil, water, and air, adversely affecting human health and the environment.

Additionally, unsustainable farming practices have contributed to groundwater depletion, with 80% of India’s water being used for irrigation.

Today, the quality and safety of food are of paramount importance to the general consumers in India.

With growing awareness regarding how foods are grown traditionally, people are now more inclined towards eco-friendly and safe food production practices.

Organic farming has emerged as one of the best choices for farmers as well as consumers, and it also utilizes sustainable farming practices.

It is growing in popularity due to its nutritional and health benefits.

As of 2024, India ranks among the top 10 countries with the largest area under organic farming, highlighting its increasing acceptance.

It is worth mentioning that approximately 2.78 million hectares of land are used for organic cultivation in India.

Government initiatives such as the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) are further supporting the growth of organic farming.

In this article, we will explore the concept of organic farming, the types of organic farming, its benefits, and its growing significance in sustainable agriculture.

What is Organic Farming?

The term organic or the concept of organic farming was founded by Northbourne in the 1940s.

Organic farming can be defined as a cultivation method where no chemical fertilizers, synthetic pesticides, or synthetic compounds are used.

Instead, it promotes sustainable farming practices by using natural fertilizers, biological pest control made from plant or animal waste, organic manure, etc.

The main aim is to undo the damage caused by the green revolution and restore ecological balance.

Types of Organic Farming

Organic farming is of two types: Pure Organic Farming and Integrated Organic Farming.

  • Pure Organic Farming – This involves avoiding all unnatural chemicals. Instead, fertilizer and pesticides are obtained from natural sources. It is known as pure organic farming.
  • Integrated Organic Farming – This involves an integrated approach towards nutrient management and pest management to meet ecological standards and economic demands.

Principles of Organic Farming

The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) suggests four basic principles on which organic farming is based: Health, Ecology, Fairness, and Care.

  • Health – Organic farming should improve soil health, thus sustaining plants, animals, humans, and the planet.
  • Ecology – Organic farming should support natural cycles and living systems and help in sustaining them.
  • Fairness – It should be built on strong relationships that encourage fairness concerning the environment, social justice, and fair trade.
  • Care – Organic farming should be done responsibly, considering the environment and future generations.

The main purpose is to promote high-quality food production in vast quantities by boosting soil fertility, reducing pollution, avoiding the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, protecting genetic diversity, and enhancing the natural farming system cycles.

Read more on organic farming: Organic Farming – Taking A Cue From Traditional Indian Agricultural Practices.

How To Get Started With Sustainable Farming Practices

Organic farming, irrespective of its type, follows the same techniques and methodologies.

Soil management involves the use of natural fertilizers for soil nutrient replenishment after every cropping season.

Weed management discourages the use of chemical weedicides and prefers natural weedicides such as mulching or cutting.

Additionally, the biological form of pest control is promoted, which is in sync with sustainable farming practices.

The many benefits of organic farming include superior quality and high-nutrition food, which makes it healthy.

It is an environmentally friendly way of increasing crop yield.

Moreover, it is considered a cultivation method that is cost-effective and gives a good return on investment.

While it follows sustainable farming practices, some of its disadvantages include limited off-season crops, low agricultural products in the initial years, and inadequate infrastructure.

Therefore, urgent solutions are needed to bolster organic farming and make it more appealing to the larger farming community.

Organica Biotech is one of the leading companies providing advanced agriculture solutions to promote sustainable farming practices.

The Magic Gro range of products containing beneficial microbes interacts with soil and boosts plant vigour & crop productivity.

The highly adaptable microbes increase immunity and help fight pathogen attacks and pests.

It also increases plant nutrient uptake and assimilation.

To meet the growing food demand in India, use MagicGro DripSOL; it is a plant growth promoter used for organic farming that will boost food production without compromising human health and the environment.

Also, it will help achieve the goal of sustainable farming practices while keeping the future generation in mind.

Also, read:

Rooftop Gardening And Why They’re More Than Beautiful Green Spaces

Urban gardening is fast catching up in most Indian metros.

But there’s more to this seemingly hipster trend than the cosmetic value of having a balcony or terrace full of greenery to enjoy.

With the need to increase green spaces within ever-expanding cities becoming a high priority for urban dwellers, it’s a good time to look at some of the benefits of this beyond the aesthetic.

Energy Efficiency

Countries like Canada, Switzerland, and France already have laws requiring all commercial and residential buildings to have some form of rooftop garden, motivated mostly by environmental and energy conservation benefits.

According to some sources, the temperature in Tokyo could be lowered by 0.11–0.84° C if 50% of all available rooftop space were planted with greenery, resulting in savings of approximately 100 million yen.

Primarily, green roofs reduce the direct impact of heat on the roof surface, thereby reducing the energy required to cool or heat the building.

The same green cover protects the building from direct sunlight and heat, cooling it in summer and providing insulation that retains warmth in winter.

This not only reduces electricity costs but also provides a sustainable solution for conserving that energy in the long run.

Moreover, energy conservation also means fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Improved Air Quality

Your lungs will definitely thank you for the extra green space, increased oxygen supply, and clearer air quality.

Green cover, by nature, traps dust particles from the air, providing a place for them to settle, and evapotranspiration also helps cool the environment; together, this significantly reduces the presence of smog.

Cutting the distribution of dust in the air and, therefore, the levels of smog also decreases greenhouse emissions.

Plants also reduce and further filter pollutants and other particle matter in the air through the constant process of photosynthesis.

Therefore, the more rooftop gardens there are in any urban area, the greater the benefit.

Effective Management of Rainwater

Even though it is common knowledge that more trees lead to better rainfall and rainwater management, one of the seriously underrated advantages of rooftop gardens is their ability to contain stormwater runoff.

A green cover helps retain precipitation within the water cycle by absorption, which is then returned to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration.

A rooftop garden is perfect to make the most of the rain in a country prone to strong monsoons.

Plants use rain immediately and effectively, and also store excesses for later use.

It is said that up to 80% of rainfall may be retained through rooftop gardens.

Imagine the benefits of all that returning to the atmosphere through transpiration and evaporation!

Also View: Hydroponics – Farming the Future

Natural Habitats and Healthier Eco-systems

Rooftop gardens provide safe habitats for animals, birds, butterflies, and bees, amongst other creatures.

Where there is an increase in green cover or plant life density, one can expect an increase in the presence of these and other small animals, birds, and insects, which are essential to ecological balance.

A richer biodiversity has innumerable lesser-known benefits that positively impact the immediate environment.

Space Efficiency

Rooftops are among the most underused spaces in urban settlements.

Green roofs are an excellent way to make use of that space while also providing a number of sustainable, ecological benefits not just to the building’s residents but also to the neighbouring environment.

These green spaces could make for great areas for residents to enjoy the outdoors, socialise, and engage in recreation and other social activities.

Moreover, it provides an avenue for enthusiasts with a green thumb to contribute to a community effort towards urban gardening or agriculture.

Allied, Miscellaneous Benefits

The truth is, a rooftop garden does need attention, constant maintenance, and tending to.

However, this is a benefit more than it is a challenge.

Creating a mini ecosystem like this automatically opens the door to other sustainable habits that any urban dweller can engage in today.

For example, the rooftop garden is a perfect reason to start that community composting project to recycle and manage all the biodegradable kitchen waste generated in the building.

Second, for people living in apartments without the luxury of large, open spaces to garden, a rooftop garden is an efficient and effective solution.

Vertical gardening is another option worth exploring.

These use much less space than traditional gardening.

Rooftop gardens encourage other environmentally responsible practices, such as segregation of waste, proper disposal of plastic, and increased community responsibility to do their little bit to reduce their carbon footprint.

Algal Bloom – A Major Threat To Fisheries, Economy & Public Health

Phytoplankton is an essential constituent of the marine food chain and accounts for 40% of global fixed primary productivity.

Out of 5,000 species of marine phytoplankton in the world, 7% are responsible for algal blooms, including diatoms, dinoflagellates, raphidophytes, prymnesiophytes, and silicoflagellates.

Out of 7% algal bloom, 2% of phytoplankton species are toxic, and dinoflagellates contribute 75%.

The occurrence of blooms is spontaneous; their growth and persistence are influenced by a combination of physical, chemical, and biological factors that interact in unpredictable ways.

Let us understand Algal Bloom better. But before we do that, let’s get to know algae better.

What Is Algae?

Algae are entities that are present all over the world. They may live alone or may grow on other organisms’ surfaces, rocks, or in the soil.

These species are essential as they make oxygen on Earth, which is necessary for all living beings.

Most of the algae species are found in seawater or freshwater.

They can withstand a wide range of temperatures, absorb light energy through photosynthesis, and convert inorganic substances with the absorbed energy into simple sugars.

Apart from being essential sources of oxygen and food, they are also indicators of pollution.

Algae in large quantities can inhibit the growth of surrounding plants and cause an algal bloom.

What Is an Algal Bloom?

Water discolouration occurs when the algal population in freshwater or marine systems rapidly increases.

This water change is identified as an algal bloom.

There are three major types of algal blooms:

  • Fresh Water Algal Bloom

They are formed due to the deposition of extra nutrients, like phosphates, found in fertilizers on agricultural land.

The higher concentration of nutrients leads to algal bloom formation in fresh water.

  • Ocean Bloom

This algal bloom is formed in large water reservoirs like the ocean. It leads to the depletion of ocean oxygen levels, affecting the marine ecosystem.

  • Harmful Algal Bloom

A harmful algal bloom harms the aquatic system and causes dead zones, as there are toxins in the water with no marine life.

These algal blooms prevent sunlight from entering the water body, leading to oxygen depletion, and the toxins in the water make it unfit for human health.

Have You Wondered What Could Be The Primary Causes Of These Algal Blooms?

Well, there are several factors to consider that might be responsible for causing an algal bloom. Some of them are:

  • Runoff Nutrients

The presence of high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in water can lead to algal blooms.

These nutrients are usually washed away from lands and agricultural areas full of nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers.

Rains are the intermeddling agent that carries these nutrients into rivers and streams, and they end up in reservoirs like lakes and oceans.

  • High Temperature

We know how global warming affects the ozone layer, which could be one of the main reasons algal blooms are thriving faster.

The exceedingly high temperature has led to the rapid decomposition of nutrients like nitrates and ammonia, one of the more accessible forms for bacteria to use and grow in large quantities.

  • Presence of Dead Organic Matter

There are bacteria present in the ecosystem constantly in search of suitable media for growth and nutrition.

Like these bacteria, our algae bacteria are facilitated by dead organisms in the water.

The nutrients in the water, along with dead organic matter, propagate the growth of algae in the water, causing an algal bloom.

  • Gradually Moving Water

Still waters are ideal for algal blooms to thrive. Most blue-green algae prefer water with low flows, long retention times, light winds, and minimal turbulence.

Their proliferation in these waters is less troubling, which explains their confined growth in fast-flowing streams and rivers.

After Understanding The Primary Causes Of Algal Bloom, Let’s Dive Deeper Into Their Effects On The Environment. 

Apart from reducing oxygen levels in the water body, the algal bloom has many more effects on the ecosystem.

  • A threat to human health

The toxins produced by algal blooms make it unfit for consumption. When this contaminated water comes in contact with humans, it causes irritation, itching, and fatal skin diseases.

  • A threat to aquatic life

Fishes and other aquatic life depend on water-dissolved oxygen for survival. With an intense growth in algae, there is competition for oxygen, leading to an imbalance in the ecosystem.

  • Ocean dead zones

Nutrient pollution can create dead zones where there is no oxygen, and aquatic life cannot survive. These dead zones are known as hypoxia. They emit foul odours, affecting the rest of the marine life and sending them far away from the area.

  • Economic losses

The presence of an algal bloom affects waterway transport, leading to higher transport costs.

Countries affected by algal blooms are too late to seek alternative transport routes for trade, resulting in economic losses.

There are solutions to overcome this algal bloom and keep our marine ecosystem safe. One of the ways is to treat the sewage water properly.

Eliminating components such as nitrogen and phosphorus and reducing the sludge volumes can help dump fewer nutrients into the water body.

We at Organica Biotech have been providing cost-effective organic solutions to treat wastewater well and avoid mishaps.

Our solution, Bioclean Pond Clarifier, contains a natural microbial formulation created for effective bioremediation of ponds.

It helps to reduce the excessive load of nutrients in the water. Our one-stop solution is ideal for maintaining the health of the lakes and ponds around you.

Now that you know about algal bloom, wish to understand its effect on aquaculture? Check out our latest blog.

What Happens to Sewage Sludge at Wastewater Treatment Plants?

Wastewater treatment plants collect a large amount of domestic waste, industrial waste, agricultural waste, and waste from commercial spaces and provide treatment.

This involves primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment of wastewater, which uses physical, biological, and chemical methods to purify it.

This is further done to ensure it meets the standards set by government authorities before being released into the environment.

Sludge, or sewage sludge, is the residue or by-product left after wastewater treatment processes in wastewater treatment plants.

The solid, semi-solid, and slurry residues are a combination of various components, including organic and inorganic materials, plant nutrients, chemicals, and disease-causing pathogens.

The type of sludge depends on the composition of the wastewater and the treatment process undertaken at a given location.

Proper sewage sludge treatment is thus necessary.

Sewage sludge is basically of two types: primary and secondary.

The primary treatment of wastewater plants involves various processes, such as filtering of solid particles like wood, paper, plastic, vegetable matter, etc.

Also, oil and grease are removed during this process.

Gravity sedimentation, flotation processes, chemical precipitation, and sedimentation lead to the generation of primary sludge, which is settled at the bottom.

Secondary sludge is the result of secondary wastewater treatment.

The microorganisms in this stage break down the organic waste through aerobic, anaerobic, and anoxic processes.

The result is a microbial cell mass or waste biomass.

Many times, the sludge types are combined to be treated further or disposed of.

The main goal of sewage sludge treatment is to minimize the volume of sludge and to stabilize the organic materials in the sludge.

Almost all of the wastewater treatment plants are designed to treat and dispose of sewage sludge.

Sewage sludge treatment is important because sludge emanates toxic gases, and it can act as a health hazard.

There are several methods used for sewage sludge treatment.

The thickening method is used where the sludge solids volume is reduced to less than half of its current volume.

This is accomplished by using a gravity thickener or dissolved air flotation.

The de-watering method is applied using air drying on sand beds, centrifugation, and filtration.

Drying occurs through evaporation and gravity drainage. It requires a large area of land.

Therefore, this sewage sludge treatment method is used mainly in rural areas and not in urban areas.

Composting is one of the other ways to manage sewage sludge in treatment plants.

In this method, dewatering is done, which is followed by mixing the mostly solid sludge with high-carbon organic material.

The mix is laid for composting under aerobic conditions for a duration of time.

One of the most widely used sewage sludge treatment methods is the anaerobic and aerobic digestion processes.

In the former sewage sludge treatment process, sludge is kept at a certain temperature for 15 – 60 days.

The anaerobic microbes act aggressively on the sludge, resulting in the production of methane and carbon dioxide.

In the aerobic sewage sludge treatment process, the sludge is supplied with oxygen, which produces carbon dioxide.

The biological processes are able to reduce sludge volume, eliminate pathogens, and even make it easy to dry the sludge. It converts organic sludge into liquids and gases.

Due to the excessive waste load from malfunctioning treatment plants, sewage sludge treatment is often not carried out as desired.

There are now strong biological solutions that help in sewage sludge treatment.

Organica Biotech’s Cleanmaxx STP is one such product with a special microbial formulation.

It promotes rapid degradation of organic material and minimizes sludge production.

Furthermore, it acts against noxious gases such as ammonia and hydrogen sulphide, and eliminates pathogens by preventing their growth.

Also read:

Aerobic Granular Sludge Technology: The Future Of Wastewater Treatment

Technological advancement in recent times has enabled the wastewater treatment industry to develop new approaches focused on improving pollutants and nutrient removal methods, better efficiency, and lower costs.

Aerobic granular sludge technology is fast emerging as one of the promising and innovative methods to achieve wastewater treatment objectives.

The conventional Activated Sludge Process (ASP) system has been one of the most common methods used for biological wastewater treatment for a long time. A majority of treatment plants employ the ASP system.

It involves a microbial population in the form of flocs that are suspended in the wastewater.

However, there are certain drawbacks related to the Activated Sludge Process system, which include low biomass concentration, maximum floor areas, and high energy for different purposes.

Additionally, separate settling and aeration tanks are a must for this process, and the poor settleable property of activated sludge results in low effluent quality and poor treatment efficiency.

Aerobic granular sludge technology is capable of overcoming the drawbacks of ASP systems.

Aerobic Granular Sludge Technology

Introduction

The study of aerobic granular sludge was first reported in the early 1990s and has been extensively conducted over the past two decades to identify more sustainable wastewater treatment options.

These studies have reported the coexistence of aerobic and anaerobic microbial metabolic activities in the granules, allowing simultaneous nitrification and denitrification.

This technology has also attracted the attention of scientists due to the improved efficiency and potential for reducing the footprint of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants.

What is Aerobic Granular Sludge Technology?

Aerobic Granular Sludge has different physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics when compared to the activated sludge process.

According to experts, this technology can be used for effective secondary wastewater treatment with or without primary treatment.

It consists of a three-phase batch process, which is finished in one tank. In granular sludge, the bacterial cells aggregate to form a dense and strong bond, as seen in biofilms.

It consists of bio-granules used as biomass to treat wastewater biologically, as seen in the activated sludge process.

However, it performs this function without mechanical mixing and in the presence of oxygen in a controlled environment, similar to aerobic wastewater treatment.

The granules in this process can be defined as microbial aggregates that don’t coagulate due to reduced hydrodynamic shear and, thus, settle faster than activated sludge flocs.

Moreover, when considering the microbiology of Aerobic Granular Sludge Technology, granules are layered, unlike loosely mixed microbial populations in ASP.

The dense nature of the aerobic granule allows superior and rapid settling properties, high biomass retention, and the ability to handle high levels of shock loads.

Each of the granules consists of different zones, like aerobic, anaerobic, and anoxic. Thus, every granule acts as a miniature treatment plant.

The AGS process enables the removal of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and the biodegradation of toxic pollutants.

It is a cost-effective treatment method for removing reduced and oxidized wastewater contaminants.

Other Advantages of Aerobic Granular Sludge Technology include:

  • 20% less surface area required for the treatment plant
  • 30% lower power (energy) requirements
  • Minimum operation as treatment phases are completed in a single tank
  • Capital and operational cost savings
  • Fewer solids for de-watering/disposal
  • Does not require expensive media to support bacteria or membranes for solid separation
  • Retrofitting to wastewater treatment plants is possible
  • Studies show 10 mg/L for BOD and TSS effluent characteristics.

Disadvantages

  • Relatively new technology, and the majority of research is carried out in labs.
  • Impact due to rapid changes in influent makeup or toxic shocks/spills is still unclear.
  • Comprehensive real-world data on industrial wastewater treatment is not available yet.

As you can see, Aerobic Granular Sludge Technology is believed to be the future of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment.

As more research and progress are made and more industries deploy this technology, the results will give a better understanding of its potential.

Organica Biotech is a leader in developing sustainable, eco-friendly, and advanced wastewater treatment solutions for various industries.

The wastewater treatment vertical has developed efficient biological treatment solutions for industrial and municipal wastewater treatment after 21 years of dedicated research in the field.

The Cleanmaxx range of products contains a microbial formulation that degrades organic waste and powers the performance of wastewater treatment plants.

Use Cleanmaxx’s range of products to meet effluent standards in your region and protect the environment.

Also read:

Effects of Winter on Biological Wastewater Treatment Processes

Winter brings unique challenges to biological wastewater treatment systems, as cold temperatures significantly impact the efficiency of microbial activity and overall system performance.

For industries and municipalities that rely on biological processes for wastewater treatment, it is crucial to understand these effects and adopt strategies to maintain optimal operation during colder months.

In this blog, we’ll delve into how winter affects biological wastewater treatment processes and explore strategies to overcome these challenges, including the role of innovative microbial technology from Organica Biotech.

How Winter Affects Biological Wastewater Treatment

Winter can disrupt biological wastewater treatment systems in several ways.

Here are the major challenges faced during colder months:

  1. Reduced Microbial Activity: Biological wastewater treatment relies on microbial communities to break down organic waste. However, microbial activity is highly temperature-dependent. During winter, cold temperatures slow down the metabolism of microbes, reducing their ability to degrade organic matter effectively. This results in increased levels of biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in treated water.
  2. Foaming and Overgrowth of Filamentous Bacteria: In colder conditions, filamentous bacterial overgrowth is a common challenge. These filamentous bacteria thrive in low-temperature environments and can lead to excessive foaming in activated sludge systems. Foaming not only disrupts operations but also indicates imbalances in the microbial community.
  3. Reduced Nitrification Efficiency: Nitrification —the conversion of ammonia into nitrate by nitrifying bacteria —is particularly sensitive to temperature changes. Nitrifying bacteria such as Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter exhibit reduced activity as temperature decreases. This leads to higher ammonia levels in treated effluent, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems when discharged into natural water bodies.
  4. F: M Ratio Imbalances: The food-to-microorganism (F: M) ratio is critical for maintaining a balanced biological treatment process. In winter, microbial populations decrease due to the cold, but organic load levels may remain constant or even increase. This imbalance can lead to inefficiencies in waste breakdown, higher sludge production, and poor settling in secondary clarifiers.
  5. Settling Issues in Activated Sludge Systems: Winter conditions can disrupt the settling process in activated sludge systems. When microbial activity slows down, floc formation may be affected, leading to poor sludge settling and potential carryover of solids into the treated effluent.

Strategies to Mitigate Winter Challenges in Wastewater Treatment

  1. Aeration System Optimization: Optimizing aeration can help maintain dissolved oxygen levels in the system, even in colder conditions. Adequate oxygen supply supports microbial activity and prevents the buildup of anaerobic zones, which can lead to odors and inefficiency.
  2. Prevent Filamentous Bacteria Overgrowth: Addressing imbalances that encourage filamentous bacteria growth is critical. Regular monitoring of dissolved oxygen (DO), sludge quality, aeration levels, and pH can help control their overgrowth. Adjusting operational parameters, such as the F: M ratio, can also reduce their dominance in the microbial community. When filamentous bacteria overgrowth is controlled, issues such as foaming and sludge bulking are minimized, ensuring a stable and efficient treatment process.
  3. Natural Microbial Enhancements: One of the most effective ways to mitigate winter challenges is to use microbial solutions specifically designed for wastewater treatment. These solutions leverage naturally occurring microbial strains, carefully selected and optimized to address the challenges posed by low winter temperatures. These resilient, temperature-tolerant microbes ensure consistent pollutant degradation and maintain system performance even under harsh conditions.

The Role of Microbial Solutions in Winter Wastewater Treatment 

Natural microbial solutions developed by Organica Biotech are designed to address wastewater treatment challenges, even during extreme weather conditions such as winter.

These products contain a consortium of specialized microbes that are resilient to cold temperatures and thrive in low-temperature conditions, addressing some of the critical challenges faced during winter:

Key benefits of our solutions include:

  • Temperature-Tolerant Microbes: The microbes can remain active even in colder conditions, ensuring continuous waste breakdown and reducing BOD and COD levels.
  • Enhanced Nitrification: A Specialized microbial consortium in these products ensures efficient ammonia conversion, even in temperature ranges as low as 10°C.
  • Microbial Control: The right microbial solutions prevent filamentous bacteria overgrowth and help eliminate foul odors caused by incomplete waste breakdown.
  • Eco-Friendly and Safe: Organica Biotech’s solutions are sustainable and non-toxic and prioritize environmental safety while boosting wastewater treatment efficiency.

In conclusion, winter poses significant challenges to biological wastewater treatment processes, including reduced microbial activity, poor nitrification, and odor issues.

However, with proactive strategies like microbial enhancements, plant process optimization, and temperature management, these challenges can be effectively mitigated.

Organica Biotech offers a reliable, eco-friendly solution to maintain system efficiency, even in cold weather.

By introducing temperature-tolerant microbes into your wastewater treatment system, our solutions ensure smooth operations, protect the environment, and minimize operational disruptions.

Prepare your wastewater treatment system for winter by leveraging the power of innovative microbial solutions from Organica Biotech.

Advanced Wastewater Management Technologies For Reduction Of Pollutants In Wastewater

With the increasing use of advanced technologies for wastewater management and testing, scientists have identified numerous types of pollutants that can significantly impact human health and the environment.

Moreover, poor effluent quality may fail to meet the standards and regulations established by authorities.

Thus, advanced wastewater treatment technologies are required to reduce suspended solids, BOD, nutrients, and toxins, and to remove pollutants from wastewater generated in domestic, industrial, and agricultural settings.

The main objectives of using advanced wastewater treatment technologies, beyond pollutant removal, include the use of non-toxic, eco-friendly processes and environmental protection.

Also, it involves innovative wastewater treatment solutions for economical and sustainable wastewater treatment.

Use of Advanced Wastewater Treatment Technologies

Various wastewater treatment technologies and processes are used in conventional wastewater plants to remove undesirable components from wastewater.

It includes primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment processes that use physical, biological, and chemical methods to remove pollutants from wastewater.

Primarily, wastewater treatment solutions are required to treat the effluent and safely release it into the environment.

Furthermore, wastewater management should ensure that the effluent can be used for various purposes, including irrigation and industrial processes, and, in some cases, drinking.

However, due to population growth, industrialization, and urbanization, wastewater generation has increased significantly, placing undue strain on existing wastewater treatment technologies and plants.

Also, the government and local authorities have made stringent regulations for effluent quality to protect the environment.

This is where advanced wastewater treatment technologies, either as a single unit or in combination with existing systems, can help boost wastewater management.

Membrane Bio-Reactor Technology – MBR

Membrane Bio-Reactor Technology, or MBR, combines the traditional activated sludge treatment process with filtration.

In this system, a membrane acts as a barrier that helps in sludge separation and retains all particle types and microbes, achieving superior wastewater treatment objectives.

An immersed process configuration for biomass rejection in MBRs is generally preferred because it is less expensive and consumes less energy.

It is an effective modern wastewater treatment technology.

Moving Bed Biological Reactor – MBBR

A Moving Bed Biological Reactor (MBBR) is a high-performance, widely used biological treatment process that combines activated sludge and biofiltration.

This wastewater treatment method is highly effective in industrial settings.

The main feature of MBR is that it has a continuously moving biological reactor where biomass growth occurs on plastic carrier elements with a higher density than water.

The aeration system enables continuous movement.

Sequencing Batch Reactors – SBR

Sequencing Batch Reactors are similar to the activated sludge process in many aspects.

However, unlike ASP, where multiple basins are used, the SBR system uses a single basin for all treatment steps, such as filling of wastewater in the basin, react phase with mixing and aeration, settling of activated sludge, decantation process, and wasting, where a small amount of activated sludge is removed.

In addition to advanced wastewater management technologies, there are innovative and effective biological wastewater solutions that help remove pollutants.

Bioremediation is a process that uses living microbes to degrade contaminants and pollutants in wastewater.

It is highly effective and affordable. Organica Biotech is a leading company that has developed a wide range of wastewater treatment solutions.

Cleanmaxx, a consortium of specialized microbes, helps degrade organic waste and reduce sludge volume, effectively boosting the performance of wastewater treatment plants.

For more details, contact us at any time.

 

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Economical Wastewater Solutions For Effective Wastewater Management

Wastewater management is one of the world’s biggest challenges today.

The main sources of wastewater include homes, offices, manufacturing industries, factories, agricultural activities, hospitals, etc.

When untreated, toxic substances in wastewater can pollute water, harm the environment, and pose health risks to the public.

Therefore, effective wastewater treatment technologies and innovative wastewater solutions are urgently required.

Moreover, it is important to consider economical wastewater solutions, as they are a prerequisite for achieving wastewater management and treatment efficiency in most regions of India.

Conventional wastewater treatment solutions, including physical, biological, and chemical processes, are expensive and yield no significant returns.

The complexities involved in daily operations —such as handling, treatment, sludge removal, and high maintenance requirements —reflect the inefficiency of treatment plants.

It often causes process breakdowns, resulting in failures and plant closures.

The lack of high-performance wastewater treatment technologies compromises effluent quality, leading to noncompliance with standards and regulations.

Consequently, untreated wastewater enters the environment, causing pollution.

Thus, existing wastewater solutions, treatment plants, and technologies that are neither cost-effective nor generate economic returns need innovation and a different approach.

Modern wastewater treatment technologies, advanced biological wastewater solutions, and sustainable costs can help.

Experts also believe that decentralized treatment can be effective.

This means that local treatment systems covering a single household or a group of households and generating small volumes of wastewater can drastically reduce operating costs.

However, several factors need to be considered to determine the type of treatment systems to be used, including climate, the amount of waste generated, operational requirements, and the region’s social and economic conditions.

Common Technologies used today to treat and remove pollutants in wastewater are as follows :

Membrane Bio-Reactors

MBRs use biological membrane filtration processes that degrade pollutants in wastewater, effectively removing contaminants and organic matter.

According to various studies, MBR can result in non-detectable levels of TSS, BOD below 2 mg/L, and ammonia at 0.5 mg/L.

The filtration system eliminates the need for gravity clarification of the effluent.

Although they require high maintenance, they are highly efficient domestic wastewater treatment technologies.

UASB

Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blankets (UASB) are popular, high-performance anaerobic digesters for wastewater treatment.

It offers 75% COD removal efficiency, low operational costs, energy recovery technology, a low initial investment, easy maintenance, and a lower energy requirement than other anaerobic processes.

To make wastewater treatment more cost-effective, reducing energy consumption and maximizing efficiency can also benefit.

And there are many ways in which this objective can be achieved.

Aeration

The aeration system in the activated sludge process for wastewater treatment consumes approximately 50% of the total electricity used each year.

There are many ways you can optimize the aeration system.

Upgrading air distribution systems, dissolved oxygen control systems, and efficient blowers can reduce electricity consumption.

Sludge Management

Handling, pumping, and disposing of sludge account for a significant amount of energy in wastewater treatment plants.

Minimizing sludge volume using biological solutions is a great way to save money and energy.

Furthermore, biogas production can generate electricity, heat, and other energy.

Microbial Cultures for Biological Treatment

Biological treatment has emerged as an eco-friendly and economical option, with the advantages of ‘bioremediation’ and ‘bioaugmentation.’

Both processes help overcome high COD/BOD levels caused by specific and dominant pollutants in wastewater treatment systems.

Bio-augmentation is a high-potential, economical wastewater solution for effective wastewater management of pollutants.

The environment-friendly approach augurs well for the future of wastewater treatment as well. Organica Biotech is one of the leading companies with efficient solutions for wastewater management.

Cleanmaxx contains a consortium of special microbes that help in the aggressive degradation of organic waste, sludge volume reduction, bad odour control, and many other benefits. For more details, contact us at any time.

Commercial Grease Trap Cleaning : A Complete Guide

Did you know? The food service industry generates nearly 4 billion pounds of inedible grease waste each year.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), restaurants in the US alone generate grease waste ranging from 8,000 to 17,000 pounds.

In the absence of a commercial grease trap, most of this waste is discarded directly into the sewage system or, worse, into local water bodies.

Commercial grease traps are assets used in commercial kitchens, hospitals, and schools.

If properly maintained, they can keep your business running smoothly.

However, for many food establishments, poorly maintained or clogged grease traps can be problematic and expensive if not cleaned regularly.

A grease trap collects Fats, Oils, and Greases (FOGs) in its tank, which, over time, begin to decompose and emit a rotting smell.

If left untreated, the smell could become bothersome and adversely affect the number of customers visiting the restaurant, eventually disrupting the company’s reputation.

Routine cleaning and maintenance of grease traps and associated equipment keep a kitchen a healthy and safe place to cook.

The removal of FOG formation also helps prevent sewers from overflowing, thereby preserving the local water bodies.

Keeping the grease traps in prime condition is critical to help restaurants avoid health, hygiene, and environmental consequences.

To understand the importance of grease trap cleaning, it is first necessary to understand the basics of the grease trap.

In this guide, we aim to help you become familiar with the inner workings of a commercial grease trap and provide guidance on how to clean them efficiently without harming the environment.

What is a Commercial Grease Trap?

A grease trap is a plumbing system designed to capture FOG before it enters the wastewater.

They are designed to capture fats, oils, and grease (FOG) before the waste goes down the drains and into the public sewer system or the septic tank.

There are two primary types of grease traps: interior and exterior.

  • Interior traps near the kitchen sink hold smaller amounts of FOG.
  • Exterior traps are located outside the building and are oversized, containing thousands of gallons.

They are part of most restaurants and food service businesses’ sanitary systems.

Many cities require grease traps in commercial kitchens due to their critical role in preventing costly sewer problems.

Grease traps come in different sizes and depend primarily on the amount of waste your business produces.

They are usually located inside or outside of the building.

Typically, the wastewater passes through the sewage, and the fat solids sink to the bottom of the tank.

The air-intake valves within the commercial grease trap help prevent back pressure, keeping the baffles in place.

Importance of Cleaning a Commercial Grease Trap

In commercial kitchens, where plenty of time is spent maintaining ovens, fryers, sinks, and other equipment, it is equally essential to check the commercial grease traps.

If FOG enters the drain, it can solidify and clog it.

This causes overflows and damage to the plumbing and fixtures.

Without proper grease trap cleaning, the system will not operate optimally and may even back up.

This can lead to terrible odours, and it is unsanitary.

Improperly filtered wastewater can lead to FOG buildup in drainage systems and sewers.

This can be costly financially and time-consuming to mend.

If a drain becomes clogged with grease, it may need to be manually treated at the source of the blockage.

Cleaning frequency varies depending on trap size and grease usage in commercial kitchens.

Usually, restaurants must clean the commercial grease trap frequently to keep FOG accumulation below 25 percent.

This results in cleaning at least once per quarter and sometimes as frequently as once a month.

Effect of Chemicals Used in Cleaning

Acidic chemicals can remove grease buildup. Most grease cleaners contain harmful, toxic chemicals that affect the environment.

Moreover, these chemicals do not guarantee complete FOG removal from the drainage pipes.

They usually wash down the drain and become part of the wastewater system, making it difficult to treat.

Sustainability Is Our Motto!

With a large amount of grease pollution and toxic chemical residues entering the water body, the environment is significantly impacted.

To remove harmful chemicals, microbes with enzymes such as lipase can clean the grease trap.

Lipase is found abundantly in yeasts, heterotrophic microorganisms that utilize organic compounds as energy and carbon sources.

These microorganisms are an excellent, sustainable source for cleaning commercial grease traps without harming the environment.

The lipase-producing microbes gradually remove the grease buildup.

The drain lines will be coated with beneficial bacteria, which help reduce the grease and other organic matter that clogs the drains.

Bioclean Septic Plus and OBCare Kitchen Drain Cleaner are biological products consisting of a consortium of microorganisms containing selective enzymes that help degrade food waste and fats, oils, and other organic matter.

Together, they can help degrade grease not only in the grease trap but also in the kitchen sink and drainage pipes that lead sludge to the grease traps.

The byproduct produced by the microbes is odorless and helps remove FOG.

The solution helps eliminate foul odor and reduce the sludge volume by 30-40%.

How does Bioclean Septic Plus and OBCare Kitchen Drain Cleaner work?

The Bioclean Septic Plus consists of a consortium of dormant microorganisms activated as soon as they come into contact with water.

These microbes contain enzymes such as protease and lipase that help break down fats, oils, and grease in grease traps.

The OBCare Kitchen Drain Cleaner contains enzyme-producing bacteria in the dormant stage capable of degrading grease from the kitchen sink and drainage pipes & helps in reducing the sludge coming to the grease traps.

Using these solutions, the byproducts produced by these microorganisms are non-acidic and non-corrosive.

Advantages of Using Our Solutions

In addition to being eco-friendly and organic, the solution helps restore commercial grease traps to optimal health naturally.

It also eliminates foul odors that originate from the grease trap.

Using this solution, the commercial grease traps and drainage pipes will have a uniform coating of FOG-eating bacteria.

This eliminates the need for manual cleaning, maintains a hygienic environment, ensures compliance with municipal guidelines, and ensures performance in cold temperatures.

Direction of Use

For OBCare Kitchen Drain Cleaner, mix 10 g in 500 ml of water and pour it into the kitchen sink.

This solution can treat up to 4-5 sinks and is to be used daily.

Note: Dosage will be based on your load factor and will be recommended by our subject matter experts.

After cleaning the grease trap, mix the required amount of Septic Plus with 2 liters of water and pour the mixture into the grease trap.

Microbial digestion by OBCare Kitchen Drain Cleaner is the simplest and cleanest way to eliminate commercial grease-trap waste and keep it working properly.

The microbes used are GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) organisms. They have no pathogenicity towards humans, animals, or plants.

A properly installed, well-maintained grease trap is a focal point for hassle-free operation of a commercial or industrial kitchen.

Follow the best practices highlighted in this guide, use microbe-rich solutions to minimize grease entering the plumbing system, and take a step toward sustainable grease trap management that’s good for your business, customers, and the environment!

Bioclean Septic

Bioclean Septic is a microbial product that efficiently breaks down human waste. Bioclean Septic keeps your sludge levels in check.

Bioclean Septic Plus

Bioclean Septic Plus is a 10x concentrated microbial formula that breaks down human waste, food residue, fats, oils, and grease. A must where the toilet and kitchen lines are connected to the septic tank.

Bioclean Septic (Double Pack)

Bioclean Septic is a microbial product that efficiently breaks down human waste. Bioclean Septic keeps your sludge levels in check.

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