How Probiotics Helps Shrimp Aquaculture in Bangladesh

Posted on by Oscar Peter

Bangladesh is a densely populated country with extensive water bodies, including lakes, ponds, rivers, and estuaries, covering millions of hectares.

Aquaculture has been prevalent in Bangladesh for a long time, and according to reports, the production has increased from 7,12,640 metric tons in 2000 to 2,060,408 metric tons in 2016.

The shrimp aquaculture in Bangladesh supports coastal fishing and industrial development.

In 2016-17, it was reported that over 40,000 tonnes of shrimp were exported to the international market, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.

However, it is essential to note that shrimp aquaculture productivity is relatively low compared to other countries worldwide, and it faces numerous challenges related to sustainable aquaculture.

Diseases and Use of Antibiotics

As shrimp production in Bangladesh grows, the perennial problem of diseases continues to affect aquaculture production.

The shrimp’s health and quality are of paramount importance, and thus, they impact the whole production cycle.

Additionally, the aquatic ecosystem containing water influences the health of shrimps in aquaculture.

A large quantity of pathogens living in culture water can deteriorate water quality and cause different diseases.

The traditional method of using antibiotics against diseases harms the environment and can lead to health hazards.

Moreover, it is expensive for the farming community involved in shrimp production.

Thus, disease management has long been a primary concern among shrimp farmers in Bangladesh.

In recent times, probiotics have emerged as a promising, eco-friendly alternative to antibiotics for managing shrimp diseases in aquaculture.

It has captured the attention of the scientific community, and the positive results are very encouraging.

What are Probiotics?

Probiotics, in general terms, can be defined as living beneficial microorganisms, which, when supplied in sufficient quantity, provide health benefits to the host.

In aquaculture, probiotics are capable of modifying the microbial community within the host, leading to significant benefits such as improved feed utilization, enhanced nutritional value, and a robust immune response.

It is also well known for its ability to improve water quality.

One of the major highlights of probiotics is that they are biological agents that are non-toxic and cause no adverse side effects to other aquatic beings.

Effects and Benefits

Multiple studies and research have shown many effects and benefits of probiotics for shrimps, which are listed below.

  • Increased survival rate
  • Improved population of beneficial microorganisms
  • Nitrogen & Phosphorus reduction
  • Increased DO
  • Wet weight gain
  • Better feed conversion ratio
  • Enhanced water quality
  • Specific growth rate
  • Increased yield
  •  Reduced average mortality rate

Probiotics for Shrimp Aquaculture in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, various studies have been conducted to investigate the applications, effects, and acceptability of probiotics in shrimp farming.

The results have shown that it is efficient in improving water quality, growth performance, and disease management.

Bacterial infections like Vibriosis have affected Penaeids shrimp, and the majority of probiotics used are found to be effective against it.

The body characteristics, such as the length and survival rate of Penaeus monodon, were increased by supplying probiotics as a feed supplement.

Another study reported a better feed conversion ratio, increased nutrient utilization capacity, enhanced pathogenic resistance, and a higher protein and phosphorus utilization rate in tiger shrimp in Bangladesh.

Thus, the use of eco-friendly probiotics for shrimp farming in Bangladesh can help in the sustainable expansion of aquaculture.

Biofloc Fish Farming

Biofloc fish farming in India has been helping farmers, and it can assist Bangladesh to boost aquaculture output without affecting the environment.

It utilizes beneficial bacteria to convert organic waste matter into feed for the fish.

Thus, biofloc technology helps achieve low or no water exchange, provides an external carbon source, and offers high oxygenation by recycling waste.

It is a robust technology for disease management and lessens environmental impact. Biofloc fish farming in India is slowly reaping positive results, and so can Bangladesh.

Probiotics can be used to enhance the effectiveness of biofloc fish farming technology by improving factors such as growth, digestion, metabolism, disease resistance, and water quality in aquaculture.

Organica Biotech is one of the leading companies with a wide range of advanced products for sustainable aquaculture.

Probiotic products, such as Bioclean Aqua and Bioclean Aqua Plus, can help boost growth, improve survival rates, reduce pathogen levels, and maintain an environmentally friendly culture system for shrimp in Bangladesh.

It can also support biofloc fish farming. Affordable and cost-effective products can help farmers in Bangladesh increase their aquaculture output.

For information regarding Bioclean Aqua and Bioclean Aqua Plus, please contact us at your convenience.

Also Read:

Everything You Need To Know About Biogas Production

Posted on by Karen Sam

Every year, India generates approximately 62 million tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW), with roughly half of it being organic.

This organic waste, when disposed of irresponsibly, produces methane during decomposition.

Rather than emitting this toxic gas directly into the air, it can be used in biogas production to help curb pollution, improve livelihoods, and enhance the quality of life.

Many industrial sectors treat their wastewater through biological processes.

The anaerobic process produces biogas that can run the operations at the treatment plant.

This helps in saving costs on electricity and fossil fuels.

Before we delve into the anaerobic working process in the wastewater treatment plant, let’s gain a deeper understanding of biogas.

What is Biogas?

Biogas, commonly known as biomethane, is a renewable energy source produced through the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen.

It occurs naturally or as part of an industrial process and is utilized as fuel.

It mainly consists of 50-70% methane and 30-40% carbon dioxide, with a trace amount of other elements, such as hydrogen sulfide, siloxanes, and some moisture.

However, the relative quantities vary depending on the type of waste involved in producing the resulting biogas.

Biogas is considered to be highly efficient in converting energy sources into electricity.

It offers operators various benefits, including low power costs, reduced power outage risks, and improved sustainability profiles.

Achieving zero-carbon power with biogas is possible, as it is clean, reliable, and affordable in today’s world.

Some of the potential sources that generate biogas are:

  • Livestock Waste: Animal waste contains nutrients that serve as a substrate for biogas production. Manure from poultry, cattle, and pigs helps produce reasonable quantities of biomethane, a key component in biogas production.
  • Landfill Gas: This energy generator utilizes waste from domestic activities to develop biogas. Landfills contain suitable organic materials that decompose and contribute to the generation of biogas.
  • Activated Sludge From ETP/STP: The effluents that enter the wastewater treatment plant contain organic substances. The activated sludge is channeled to the decomposition chamber, where methane is generated.

Modern sewage treatment plants undergo efficient treatment, eliminating impurities.

The effluent and sewage sludge formed as byproducts are utilized as an energy source and biomass in the future.

In ETP/STP, microorganisms act on the waste in the biological treatment process, where they decompose the organic matter.

Depending on the availability of oxygen, degradation occurs in two ways: aerobic and anaerobic.

Microbes that decompose organic matter without oxygen emit methane and carbon dioxide.

This can be used in biogas production.

The demand for biogas technology is increasing as more people opt for sustainable energy sources to reduce costs and protect the environment.

Wastewater treatment plants can produce biogas on a large scale, as their primary role is to treat effluents and utilize methane in biogas production.

WWTPs are considered to be the largest consumers and producers of sustainable energy.

Biogas in Wastewater Treatment Plant

Biological treatment is a part of the wastewater treatment plant.

Under biological treatment, anaerobic digestion is a phase where bacteria in the treatment plant break down organic matter, such as animal manure, wastewater biosolids, and food waste, in the absence of oxygen.

Anaerobic digestion occurs in a sealed vessel called a biodigester.

The digester is designed and constructed in various shapes and sizes, specific to the site and feedstock conditions.

These reactors break down the waste and produce biogas as a result.

In a digester, multiple organic matters are combined for co-digestion.

Co-digested materials include manure, food waste (i.e., processing, distribution, and consumer-generated materials), crop residues, fats, oils, and greases (FOG), as well as many other sources.

It helps in increasing biogas production from low-yielding or difficult-to-digest organic waste.

However, sometimes the anaerobic process malfunctions.

Some of the common problems that are seen in the system are:

  • Oxygen Exposure
  • Variation in effluent upsetting the system
  • Temperature fluctuation
  • Foam formation

These common issues can affect biogas production and might indirectly impact the working of the treatment plant.

Is there a solution to overcome these issues?

Treating Wastewater with Cleanmaxx ANB

Organica Biotech has developed an innovative solution to address these issues.

With over 22 years of research expertise and our DSIR-approved laboratory, we help industries from analyzing the treatment plant’s problems to providing tailor-made solutions.

Cleanmaxx ANB contains a consortium of highly diverse facultative anaerobes that can stabilise the anaerobic system without making any physical change to the current system.

Benefits of Cleanmaxx ANB

  • Effective over a range of temperatures and pH
  • Can degrade complex organics, xenobiotics & recalcitrant natural compounds.
  • Maximise BOD/COD reduction levels
  • Reduces sludge volumes
  • Increases biogas yield
  • Curbs odour

Contact the wastewater experts today for an effective solution to your wastewater treatment plant needs.

Effect Of Winter On WWTP

Posted on by Priyanka Khaire

The main goal of a wastewater treatment plant is to treat, degrade, and convert waste into satisfactory by-products that do not harm the environment.

Biological treatment of waste is a key process in wastewater treatment facilities.

The naturally occurring microbes play a major role in breaking down organic waste.

The wastewater thereafter consists of sludge and the effluent, which is released into the environment.

There are many factors which affect the performance of wastewater treatment system and one of them is temperature.

It is also an important parameter that influences the biological treatment of wastewater.

Therefore, during the winter season, wastewater treatment facilities face significant challenges.

One of the major effects of cold is the slowing down of the activity of helpful microbes available in the treatment plants.

Low temperature is not conducive to microbial growth, production, or metabolism.

Thus, the natural microbial community is unable to efficiently perform the function of breaking down organic waste reaching wastewater plants.

Moreover, it becomes difficult to manage the amount of Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) generated in the facility.

An expansive wastewater treatment plant complex with circular tanks, buildings, and pipes, situated alongside a river.

According to wastewater treatment experts, for every temperature drop of approximately 10 degrees F, microbes lose about one log of potential growth, equivalent to a 90% reduction.

Bacterial growth requires a temperature between 59°F and 113°F.

Additionally, the low temperatures associated with winter disrupt the effluent BOD and TSS limits.

It is estimated that BOD degradation rates drop and TSS increases during the winter season.

The sludge formation increases, and the removal efficiency decreases as well.

Other factors, such as dissolved oxygen, retention time, pH balance of the wastewater, and nutritional requirements, are drastically affected.

In winter months, the growth of filamentous bacteria causes a major problem for wastewater treatment plants.

It is predominantly caused by low dissolved oxygen, low F/M ratio, or high sulphide levels.

It causes serious settling problems.

Thus, it can be summarized that wastewater treatment efficiency decreases when the temperature is low, leading to disastrous consequences.

Elevated levels of waste in effluent make it toxic and harmful to the environment.

Various elements, such as nitrogen, are released into water resources, which causes eutrophication.

Aquatic animals suffer from a lack of oxygen. Humans who consume such water are also affected by various diseases.

The poor performance of wastewater treatment plants often leads to higher operation and maintenance costs.

It is essential to prevent problems rather than address issues when treatment facilities malfunction.

There are several solutions, such as increasing wastewater temperature and reducing waste loading, but these are not economical or efficient in the long run.

To overcome the mentioned challenges in the winter season, innovative solutions can be used to boost the performance of wastewater treatment facilities.

The biological degradation of waste can be enhanced by utilizing a specialized microbial community.

Organica Biotech is a leading company offering an extensive range of wastewater treatment solutions.

Cleanmaxx Aero is a specialized heterogenous concentrated consortium of uniquely functional bacteria that is active over a wide range of temperatures and pH.

It thrives in high TDS and low dissolved oxygen conditions, aiding in faster MLSS development during the winter season.

Moreover, it promotes rapid biomass generation capacity.

It can be used for all suspended and attached growth processes, including the Activated Sludge Process (ASP), Sequence Bed Reactor (SBR), Lagoon process, Moving Bed Bioreactor (MBBR), Membrane Bioreactor (MBR), Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC), and Fluidized Air Bed Reactor.

Using Cleanmaxx in the biological treatment process is one of the best methods to enhance and maintain the performance of wastewater treatment plants during winter.

What’s In Your Household Cleaner?

Posted on by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

Cleaning is an essential part of modern, urban living, designed and promoted as a fundamental way to protect our health in our homes, schools, and workplaces.

It’s antithetical to be now told, from multiple sources, that the very same products we’ve been relying on to keep our homes and offices clean, free from harmful bacteria, and therefore healthy, are products we need to watch out for.

Preferably, eliminate them from our homes altogether.

Here are some facts to give you a better perspective on this:

  • In an article about the toxicity in cleaning products, the Organic Consumers Association states, “In the year 2000, cleaning products were responsible for nearly 10% of all toxic exposures reported to U.S. Poison Control Centers, accounting for 206,636 calls. Of these, 120,434 exposures involved children under six, who can swallow or spill cleaners stored or left open inside the home.”
  • In 2014, the World Health Organisation (WHO) published a report on antimicrobial resistance, establishing chemicals in household cleaners as a contributing factor and stating, “This serious threat is no longer a prediction for the future; it is happening right now in every region of the world.”
  • In 2017, the WHO issued a stern warning that superbugs and drug-resistant bacteria/pathogens are currently one of the biggest threats to human health worldwide.
  • The NCBI, in a paper on the global rise of obesity, states that hypervigilant cleaning is a growing cause, as it strips our environment of all microbes, including many that are responsible for regulating essential bodily functions, such as digestion, nutrient absorption, and immunity.
  • But that is not all. Clean homes are contributing to polluted drainage systems worldwide, adding a massive amount of untreated, chemical-laden wastewater to our waterways and environment.
  • Closer home, contaminated water is a leading factor for the unchecked spread of sometimes fatal diarrhoea that claims the lives of 1 in every 5 children (According to the WHO).
  • We are exposed to and come in contact with an average of about 62 chemicals through the array of basic household cleaners in our immediate living environment, many of which are now known to cause health issues such as asthma, cancer, reproductive disorders, and several hormonal imbalances.

Here’s a look at some of the chemicals lurking in your cleaners, making a compelling case for switching to safer cleaning products.

  1. Phthalates: typically found in fragranced products, absorbed through inhalation, although they can also happen through the skin, from scented soaps and other cleaning applications. Known to have endocrine-disrupting properties, which hampers the way in which several other bodily functions function. In men, sustained exposure to phthalates has led to a drop in sperm counts.
  2. Triclosans and triclocarbons: these are antimicrobial agents used as widely as in dish liquid, soap, deodorant, toothpaste, and even antimicrobial mops and other surfaces. They also affect microbial balance, as well as induce harmful cellular and endocrine changes.
  3. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): harmful gases emitted from some chemical liquids or solids that are today’s leading sources of poor indoor air quality. They can cause issues with ENT function, irritation in the respiratory organs, headaches, digestive imbalances, loss of appetite, nausea, and a build-up of cancerous cells in some individuals.
  4. Benzalkonium chlorides: a set of biocides used in disinfectants known to promote and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
  5. Hydrochloric acid: a highly corrosive acid that, though naturally produced in the body to aid digestion, can cause harm when synthesised chemically. This is widely used and can be found in most toilet cleaners. Splashes can cause eye damage or blindness, and ingestion can lead to severe injury to the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach.
  6. Sulphuric acid: typically present in toilet cleaners and drain-uncloggers, and sometimes in detergents too. It is severely corrosive and can cause burns.
  7. Ammonia: present in products that promise sparkling surfaces, such as polishes, glass cleaners, and fine cleaners. Has a pungent smell and is an immediate irritant for most people. Particularly triggered are those who have asthma or other lung issues and breathing problems. Consistent exposure can cause chronic bronchitis and asthma.
  8. Chlorine bleach: Present in soap powders, whitening cleaners, and toilet cleaners. It can be contacted through the skin as well as inhalation, and it poses risks ranging from irritation in the respiratory tract and organs to thyroid disruption.
  9. Perc: Perchloroethylene is found in dry cleaning products or spot cleaning products. It is an established neurotoxin, and the EPA classifies Perc as a possible carcinogen as well, with prolonged exposure causing spells of dizziness, loss of coordination, and dulled senses.
  10. 2-Butoxyethanol: This is a form of glycol ether that is found in glass cleaners. Minor exposure can cause sore throats, while sustained exposure is linked with some forms of narcosis, pulmonary edema, and liver and kidney damage.
  11. Phenols: Found in phenolic disinfectants, which are slower to evaporate than water, so are often left behind even post-cleaning, causing burns over sustained periods.
  12. QUATs: found in antibacterial fabric cleaners and softeners, and therefore as harmful as other antibacterials like triclosan and triclocarban, in that they can strip away essential microbes and contribute to antibiotic resistance too.

The truth is that many household cleaning products – not limited to floor and bathroom cleaners alone, including others like body soap, cosmetics, and air fresheners – are quite heavily loaded with combinations of these harmful chemicals that have proven ill effects on human and animal health, and in some cases, an adverse impact on the environment too.

The case for safe cleaning has never been stronger, with an increasing number of links between cleaning products and ill health now being established.

If you’ve been vigilant about reading labels on the packaged foods that you purchase for your family, the time has now come to begin inspecting labels on cleaning products as well.

Some of the most commonly used ingredients, such as parabens, ammonia, chlorine bleach, QUATS, triclosan, and triclocarban, are amongst the most harmful of chemicals proven to have ill effects once inside the body.

Usually absorbed through the skin, some inhaled, and some through contamination of food, they begin to tamper with our internal systems very slowly, destabilizing the microbial balance that is essential for smooth and normal bodily function.

This adversely impacts digestion and cripples our immune systems over time – attacking the two most fundamental pillars of good health.

Essential Oils Used In Cleaning Products & Its Anti-Viral And Anti-Bacterial Properties

Posted on by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

While we spend more time indoors due to the coronavirus outbreak, regular cleaning and disinfecting are essential to keep ourselves healthy.

Cleaning products made from essential oils are one of the most natural, safe, and effective ways to clean and remove dirt, debris, bacteria, and viruses.

Household cleaners today are often full of toxic and harsh chemicals, which can do more harm than good.

The synthetic fragrance can cause serious health issues like irritation and inflammation.

Additionally, these conventional home care, bathroom, and kitchen cleaning products have been found to cause headaches, watery eyes, upset stomach, and long-term health issues due to the harsh antibacterial chemicals and cleaning agents they contain.

On the other hand, essential oils are formed naturally by extracting plants, flowers, and herbs.

The process of steam distillation or cold pressing is used to extract the compounds, thereby retaining the scent and active medicinal ingredients of the plant.

They are helpful in breaking down grime and grease, eliminating accumulated dirt, mineral deposits, and stains, especially those from the citrus family, such as orange and lemon.

What’s more, it emits a splendid fragrance to tingle your olfactory senses with no side effects.

So, the next time you decide to get on your knees and scrub with your hands, switch to essential oils for a safe and pleasant cleaning experience.

Another feature of essential oils is the disinfecting and purifying properties.

Technically, the presence of various naturally occurring phenolics, terpenes, and other antimicrobial compounds means that essential oils are effective in killing several bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens.

In a nutshell, cleaning products made with essential oils are best suited for cleaning and disinfecting your home and office.

We have compiled a list of the best cleaning and disinfecting essential oils for your use.

Pine Oil

Pine is well-known for its natural, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.

It is highly effective in eliminating fungal growth on surfaces and fabrics.

Household germs, such as yeast spores and E. Coli, can be cleaned with Pine oil.

Primarily used for floor cleaning, it can eliminate a wide range of pathogens.

Eucalyptus oil

Popular as a multipurpose cleaner, Eucalyptus oil boasts antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, which work well to ward off pests.

Recent studies show that you can fight seasonal allergies and bacteria that cause pneumonia and influenza.

Its cool scent makes it a favourite as well.

Lemon oil

An excellent cleaner, lemon oil can be used for disinfecting metal surfaces, dishes, and clothes.

It gives that clean, citrusy scent without any mix of toxic chemicals.

It eliminates greasy substances and deodorizes foul odours.

Moreover, it possesses antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, making it the most effective essential oil.

Orange oil

If you face a grease problem at your home, the orange oil is the best option.

Orange peel oil is known for breaking down organic debris and thereby preventing the growth of microbes.

Only a few oils possess both the best cleaning and fragrant properties, and the citrus scent in orange oil is one of them.

Lemongrass oil

The main components of lemongrass oil are myrcene, citral, geraniol, and nerol, which make it a potent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral essential oil.

It has a potent odor-masking property and is one of the best essential oils for cleaning your home.

Tea tree oil

Regarded as one of the strongest cleansing oils, tea tree oil fights against bacteria, viruses, germs, and many kinds of bugs.

Among the essential oils, it is one of the best choices for maintaining your health.

Citronella Oil

The fresh and unique scent is what makes it distinct from other essential oils.

Another highlight is its ability to repel disease-carrying insects and eliminate various harmful microbes.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary oil exhibits antibacterial and antiviral properties and exudes a camphoraceous and herbal fragrance.

It is highly capable of warding off pests and destroying fungal growth from surfaces and fabrics.

It’s high time we say no to toxic cleaning products and opt for eco-friendly, natural essential oil cleaning products, such as those from Organica Biotech.

Bioremediation – The Easy Way Out Of Chaos

Posted on by Jimcy Rajan

The horizon for wastewater treatment has expanded with the Namami Gange Project.

Bioremediation, aided by microbes, is a simple and effective solution.

We are all aware of the situation we have found ourselves in due to the indiscriminate disposal of waste into water bodies.

The situation worsens further with the numerous festivals that a large country like India has.

Microbial remediation enables odour-free cleaning of the river water.

The microbes involved in the process are robust and retentive leading to long-lasting impact.

Therefore, we must adopt microbial methods for waste management.

In the long run, it becomes of immense importance that we realize the value of natural ways of wastewater management.

Namami Gange is just one among many such projects that we should look forward to in the future.

Understanding Aquaculture Sector in Indonesia

Posted on by Oscar Peter

Aquaculture is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally.

Indonesia is among the world’s top three largest aquaculture producers.

According to available reports, the country earned approximately USD 4.24 billion by exporting fish and fishery products to other nations in 2014.

Aquaculture has been growing rapidly, and national production targets are increasing annually.

Today, innovative practices are essential for the rapid expansion of aquaculture and meeting the increasing demand.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the most essential aquaculture species include Seaweed, Nile Tilapia, and Shrimp.

Other notable species are carp, pomfret, catfish, and gourami.

Several aquaculture production systems are used throughout Indonesia to produce different species.

According to the 2013 Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries report, mariculture dominates the aquaculture production sector, followed by brackish-water pond and freshwater pond systems.

The aquaculture sector has been a major source of employment and income for the people in Indonesia.

Approximately 140 million people derive their livelihoods from marine ecosystems.

This, in turn, makes Indonesia a fish-dependent economy.

Multiple full-time jobs and additional jobs are created through aquaculture.

Experts predict that aquaculture production will grow to exceed 10.1 million metric tons per year, resulting in the creation of approximately 8.9 million full-time jobs, and the industry will be worth USD 39.5 billion by 2030.

Moreover, the population in Indonesia highly depends on fish for their nutritional needs.

Thus, consumption rates have been growing consistently for many decades.

The Indonesian government has played a vital role in the expansion of the aquaculture sector by drafting strong policies that support the sector.

The national government has made significant contributions in various areas, including infrastructure, entrepreneurship, technology, environmental issues, and production systems.

The tilapia species and their production remain the key area of focus for the government.

Although the aquaculture sector is growing in Indonesia, several challenges also need to be addressed.

The traditional form of capture fisheries still follows fishing methods that are unsustainable in the long run.

Additionally, poor management has been causing various problems, including water pollution and increased expenses.

Another issue that requires a solution is overfishing, which can be detrimental to the environment.

In aquaculture, one of the major concerns for fish farmers in Indonesia is the high cost of feed.

Also, the cost incurred due to infrastructure requirements is not proportional to profits most of the time.

Another common problem that plagues aquaculture systems is the presence of diseases that reduce the quality and productivity of the output.

Land use and water exchange are also issues that require urgent solutions.

The Biofloc system has emerged as one of the most viable options for enabling sustainable fish farming.

It also addresses several of the challenges mentioned and benefits the environment as well.

In simple words, Biofloc fish farming technology can be defined as a waste treatment system.

This method is used for cleaning the water used in fish farming while also serving as a feed source.

More specifically, when the feed is supplied to the fish on the farm, leftover feed, fish excreta, and nutrients accumulate in the water, forming a floc.

This biofloc is an aggregate of suspended particles, organic matter, physical substrate, and microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and invertebrates.

It acts as a natural source of food for fish, containing vitamins and minerals.

Thus, the biofloc system achieves the following objectives:

  1. It carries out the maintenance of water and improves its quality
  2. It recycles nutrients by reducing the feed conversion rate
  3. The feed expense for fish farmers is reduced
  4. Water exchange mechanisms are no longer necessary, and they significantly reduce the possibility of water pollution.
  5. Additionally, it is capable of competing against pathogens, thereby minimizing the risk of diseases in fish.

Probiotics are also a promising scientific approach to control diseases in fish farming systems.

The other characteristics include its function as a growth promoter for fish species, improved nutrient digestibility, and enhanced water quality.

Organic Biotech is one of the leading companies offering a wide range of products that promote and enable sustainable aquaculture practices in Indonesia, while also maximizing productivity.

Biogut Aqua is a probiotic feed that contains a diverse array of microbes, aiding in the efficient digestion of food in aquatic animals.

It also helps boost the immune system and prevent diseases.

Bioclean Aqua Fish is an advanced water conditioner with special microbes.

It helps in the decomposition of organic waste, maintains the pH level of water, and removes unwanted elements, such as toxic gases, from the water.

Using Organica Biotech products can further boost the aquaculture sector in Indonesia.

Also read:

Quorum Sensing: The Talk Of The Town In Bacteria World

Posted on by Karen Sam

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, wastewater treatment plants became prominent all over the world.

Over time, various technologies and treatment solutions have been developed to effectively treat wastewater.

The primary goal has always been to protect the environment and prevent health hazards to humans.

Various research studies have been undertaken over the past few decades.

One of the fascinating discoveries made was about Quorum Sensing, which has become the talk of the town in the bacterial world.

As you may already know, there are three stages in wastewater treatment: Physical, Biological, and Chemical treatment.

Out of these, biological sewage treatment is the most crucial process for removing unwanted toxins, pollutants, and other harmful substances from wastewater.

You may also be familiar with the role microbes play in wastewater treatment, breaking down organic matter completely.

There are two types of wastewater treatment methods: aerobic and anaerobic, where microbes act on the waste in the presence and absence of oxygen, respectively.

But did you know that these tiny and powerful microbes can communicate with each other?

Yes, they do.

What is Quorum Sensing?

Technically, Quorum Sensing is a communication mode for the microbial community that helps regulate ecological and physiological behaviour to achieve a particular physiological function, which a single bacterium will be unable to perform.

To put it simply, Quorum Sensing is the chemical language that helps the bacterial community to converse with each other and facilitates group behaviour.

This means that microbes use chemical signals or gene expression to monitor and coordinate group action.

In the sewage treatment process, microbes present in large numbers vote, and if all the votes are unanimous, specific action occurs.

Experts believe that this phenomenon plays a major role in the formation of biofilm and granular sludge.

Moreover, it may be essential to enhance the activity of bacteria in the biological wastewater treatment process.

Discovery of Quorum Sensing

In the 1970s, Quorum Sensing was first proposed by Nelson and Miller, who discovered bacterial cell interactions while studying two bacteria, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Vibrio fischeri. 

Later, Quorum Sensing was established in two marine bacteria, Vibrio fischeri and Vibrio harveyi.

It was discovered that a chemical signaling molecule known as an autoinducer was released to communicate between the bacteria.

Using different types of signaling molecules, bacteria regulate gene expression for various activities, including pathogenesis, bioluminescence, mobility, and biofilm formation, in wastewater treatment.

Quorum Sensing – QS systems can be divided into the following categories:

  1. Gram-negative systems mediated by Acyl-homoserine lactones – AHLs
  2. Gram-negative and positive bacteria mediated by diester furborate – AI-2
  3. Gram-positive bacteria are mediated by Autoinducing Peptide – AIP
  4. Other signal molecules include diffusible signal factor (DSF), autoinducer 3 (AI-3), and diguanylate monophosphate cyclic-di-GMP, a second messenger.

In wastewater treatment, AHLs are the main type of signaling molecules found.

Importance of Quorum Sensing in Wastewater Treatment 

In wastewater, biofilm plays a crucial role in the growth and survival of microbes.

They help bacteria to tolerate the environmental pressure in treatment plants and prepare an environment where bacteria can thrive.

Several studies have demonstrated a significant correlation between biofilms and quorum-sensing signal molecules, specifically AHLs.

In the initial stages of research, mutated bacterial strains were produced by removing the QS signal.

It showed that bacteria ruptured the biofilm.

Later, an AHL signal molecule was added, stabilizing the biofilm.

Further studies have shown that the optimal amount of AHLs can enhance communication among the bacterial population and improve the pollutant removal process.

Some of the QS bacteria identified in sewage treatment plants include Anaerobic Ammonium-Oxidizing bacteria, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, and Nitrite-Oxidizing bacteria (NOB).

Today, due to population explosion, rapid urbanization, and massive industrialization, sewage treatment plants are under undue stress.

The extensive amount of waste generated from households, industries, and agricultural activities has significantly burdened the treatment plants.

Thus, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions based on the latest scientific studies and discoveries, like Quorum Sensing.

Organica Biotech is one of the leading companies that has developed advanced biological treatment solutions for sewage treatment, the result of years of dedicated research in the field.

Cleanmaxx is one such solution that is effective for wastewater treatment.

It consists of a highly powerful blend of heterogeneous microbes capable of degrading pollutants into simple compounds.

Micro-encapsulated in powder form, it promotes high biomass generation and accelerates COD/BOD reduction.

One of the highlights of Cleanmaxx is that it can sense, adapt, and treat wastewater effectively; therefore, it is used in a wide range of industries.

More resources on wastewater treatment:

4 Types of Chemical Cleaning Agents and Why Not to Use Them

Posted on by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

We all want commercial spaces to be clean so that we can always work in a safe and healthy environment.

In pursuit of creating the best clean and fragrant spaces, we utilize a combination of chemical cleaning solutions.

However, conventional cleaners contain strong chemicals that pose health risks for humans and may cause chronic diseases.

Moreover, when these chemicals are washed down the drain, they contaminate water and soil, polluting the environment.

Thankfully, there are efficient, safe, and eco-friendly organic cleaning solutions that are a great alternative to toxic chemical cleaners.

A wide range of chemical cleaning supplies is available on the market.

However, all chemical formulations fall into one of four different categories: Detergents, Degreasers, Abrasives, and Acids.

Find out in-depth about these chemical cleaning agents and why you shouldn’t use them.

Detergents

Detergents comprise a wide range of chemicals, including surfactants, alkaline chemicals, foaming agents, perfumes, and dyes.

They are used for different cleaning purposes.

Cleaning solutions containing detergents are available in various forms, including concentrated liquids, powders, and bars.

However, phosphorus is a common ingredient in detergents, which, when present in quantities exceeding the recommended amount, becomes a toxic chemical.

Besides phosphorus, chemical fragrances are used in detergents, which are often found to cause allergic reactions.

This is why you should avoid using chemical solutions with detergents.

Degreasers

Degreasers, also known as solvent cleaners, are used to remove grease, grime, dirt, and oil from various surfaces, including grills, metal surfaces, and ovens in commercial kitchen spaces.

Heavy-duty degreasers are highly alkaline and have a high pH, which also means they can be corrosive and damage surfaces.

Additionally, high alkaline degreasers can cause chemical burns to the skin and harm the eyes if used improperly.

Additionally, mixing it with bleach triggers chemical reactions, releasing poisonous gases.

Therefore, it is advisable to opt for organic cleaning degreasers instead of chemical degreasers.

Abrasives

Available in powder or liquid form, abrasives are used to remove soil or dirt from hard surfaces such as kitchen, floor, sink, and bathroom surfaces.

Some of the substances used in abrasives include Silica, Calcite, and Quartz, among others, which enhance their efficiency.

However, coarse abrasives can damage plastic, glass, and cookware surfaces by gradually scratching the finish of the items.

Acids

Acids are among the most commonly used cleaning agents in commercial spaces.

However, these highly concentrated solutions can be corrosive and dangerous.

Additionally, it is essential to handle them with care, as they are highly toxic.

Moreover, avoid contact with the skin or eyes, and ensure proper ventilation.

Apart from these risks, very strong acids are poisonous and may cause indoor pollution.

As you can see, cleaning agents with chemical ingredients and formulations can be harmful, toxic, irritating, and corrosive.

You may assume that these chemical-laden cleaning products are only harmful to employees, visitors, and cleaning staff, but they can also be dangerous to the environment.

Chemicals used in commercial spaces exit through drains into the nearby water resources, causing water pollution.

Hence, it impacts plants, animals, and the human population residing nearby.

Organic cleaning solutions, made from plant-based ingredients, can be used as an alternative to chemical cleaners.

These products do not contain harmful chemicals and therefore pose no risk to humans or the environment.

Advanced organic cleaning solutions are very effective in removing stubborn dirt or grime deposits.

Organica Biotech is a leading company offering organic cleaning solutions for commercial spaces, including hotels, restaurants, cafes, offices, and malls.

The OB Care range of products is enzyme-based cleaners that are effective, safe, and eco-friendly for commercial cleaning.

Some of the OB Care range of products include Natural Floor Cleaner, Degreaser, Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Urinal Drain Cleaner, Washroom Cleaner, and Odour Eliminator.

To learn more about our complete range of organic cleaning products and their details, please contact us at your convenience.

Also Read:

Microbes – Friend or Foe

Posted on by Jimcy Rajan

Approximately 4 billion years ago, even before the era of gigantic reptiles, the first form of life appeared on Earth.

A prokaryote is a unicellular organism that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus, mitochondria, or any other membrane-bound organelle.

It was a time when the Earth was not a welcoming place.

With no ozone layer to filter out ultraviolet sunlight, the atmosphere was full of toxic chemicals from various volcanic eruptions and the continuous barrage of objects from space to Earth.

Prokaryotes survived despite Earth being a terrible host and continue to do so to this day.

Prokaryotic organisms, such as bacteria and archaea, still thrive in extreme habitats, ranging from boiling geothermal vents to the frozen regions of Antarctica.

Like all living and non-living things, human beings have been in constant contact with microorganisms.

However, it took centuries for us to become aware of their presence.

Although Robert Hooke was the first person to observe the presence of microorganisms, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek is known as the father of microbiology for his most celebrated contribution: the microscope.

A merchant by profession, Leeuwenhoek was fascinated by lenses from a young age.

Throughout his life, he crushed an enormous amount of glass to make lenses, ultimately leading to his invention of the microscope, through which Leeuwenhoek observed microscopic organisms that he named ‘animalcules.’

He was also the first person to accurately describe fungi, bacteria, and protozoa.

After Leeuwenhoek, microbiology remained relatively stagnant for many years as scientists continued to debate the phenomenon of the genesis of life.

The phenomenon states that life forms, such as worms and grubs, can appear from non-living matter, like beef broth.

Francesco Redi and Lazzaro Spallanzani were the two scientists who showed the world that if broth is covered, maggots cannot infect it.

Later in the 1800s, a scientist named Louis Pasteur shattered many long-held beliefs when he demonstrated the world’s understanding of the influence of bacteria in souring wine and dairy.

With his Germ Theory, Pasteur posited that microorganisms were the primary cause of all infectious diseases in humans.

Pasteur failed to prove his theory, but it was later proved right by Robert Koch.

In his experiments with anthrax bacilli and mice, he demonstrated that mice develop anthrax when injected with the bacilli.

Koch’s discovery was a revolution, as many scientists around the world started working on different diseases.

Their efforts collectively resulted in a new pathogen being added to the list every month.

Those were the days when the human mortality rate was higher than the birth rate.

Notorious epidemics like the black death, Spanish influenza, and malaria took a rampant toll on humanity.

This led people to believe that microorganisms are nothing but tiny monsters whose sole purpose is to destroy humankind.

However, even today, when we know so much more about the positives that microbes bring to our lives, we’re still only scratching the surface of our understanding.

While on one side, there are microbes geared to attack our bodies, on the other, there are microbes on our bodies that are prepared to protect us against those attacks.

When a baby is born, millions of bacteria stick to her body, forming an invisible envelope – the commensal or normal flora of the human body.

Throughout our lives, microflora on our body synthesize a range of chemicals, enzymes, acids, and proteins, and, more importantly, they act to protect us from many invading pathogens.

Our body is constantly at war with disease-causing agents, and our body flora serves as our defensive shield.

However, a shield alone is never enough to win a war; one must have a sword.

In the battle against pathogens, antibiotics are our most powerful defense.

Antibiotics are compounds synthesized by fungi or bacteria that either kill or inhibit the growth of infections.

I have always been fascinated by the fact that the discovery of this revolution in medicine was a mere accident.

One fine day in 1928, Sir Alexander Fleming returned to his laboratory from a family vacation.

In one of his experimental Petri dishes, Sir Fleming saw something unusual – a dead zone of bacteria surrounding a fungal zone.

His investigations led him to conclude that the fungi released certain chemicals, which resulted in the death of bacteria.

The compound he accidentally discovered is, in fact, penicillin.

Penicillin was the first broad-spectrum antibiotic discovered and purified, which can be used to treat infections in various parts of the body, including the mouth and throat, skin and soft tissue, tonsils, heart, lungs, and ears.

Penicillin was named the ‘Wonder Drug of WWII’ as it saved millions of lives and prevented many amputations during the war.

What started with Penicillin led scientists to the discovery of hundreds of new antibiotics.

Today, we have a vast range of antibiotics, including sulfonamides, cephalosporins, and tetracyclines, which effectively cure a wide variety of major infections.

However, with time and the overuse of antibiotics, even for minor infections, pathogens developed drug resistance and became immune to increasingly stronger antibiotics.

Infections have become more dangerous and life-threatening as they do not respond to therapy.

One of the reasons for pathogens developing drug resistance is a phenomenon known as Quorum Sensing.

In catastrophic conditions, such as antibiotic action, chatty bacteria come together and release chemicals that help them communicate with each other.

In response to these chemicals, they form a tough intermediate structure that enables them to withstand unfavourable environmental conditions.

This bacterial layer, known as biofilm, is responsible for the destruction of water reservoirs and poses a threat to human life.

Recently, scientists have developed techniques to utilize quorum sensing and biofilms for various applications, including cancer detection, biocontrol, prevention of biofouling, diagnostics, and therapeutics.

The power of microbes extends to the plant kingdom as well.

Microbes are ubiquitous: they are present in air, water, and soil.

Microbes from the soil nourish plants by building a healthy ecosystem around their roots.

Through various biochemical processes, they fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil, which is essential for plant growth and development.

Phosphorus is another essential element required for plant nutrition.

Bacteria and fungi in the soil convert phosphate into a form that is consumable by plants.

Furthermore, certain bacteria and fungi establish a symbiotic association with plant roots, in which they colonise the roots.

This helps plants absorb more nutrients from the soil and provides microbes with shelter and waste products as their food source.

With the advancement of technology, scientists have developed innovative products, including biofertilizers and biopesticides.

These crop-specific products not only help with higher yield but also provide crops with immunity from notorious pests.

All over the world, farmers are facing the problem of infertile soil.

With the advent of chemical fertilizers, it was like hitting the mother lode – higher yields.

This led to the uncontrolled use of chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers.

Over the years, these synthetic chemicals have accumulated in the land, degrading its quality.

This affected everything – from plants to animal life to humans.

DNA damage, loss of variety, and the emergence of cancer are just some ways in which we continue to pay the price.

Just like our phones, Mother Earth needs a restore button, and that button is bioremediation.

Through bioremediation, the quality of polluted lands and water bodies can be restored to their original state with the help of microbes.

Microorganisms can break down complex organic compounds, such as hydrocarbons, into simpler products, namely carbon dioxide and water.

A little help from genetic engineering and biotechnology can boost the degrading ability of microbes.

When such modified microbes are applied to polluted water bodies or agricultural lands, they degrade chemicals present in the surroundings and ultimately restore them to their natural state.

Just like our Indian gods, microbes are present everywhere!

From our health to growing pollution, microorganisms have better solutions for most problems posed to mankind.

A debate over companionship with microbes becomes meaningless when we consider their potential to provide sustainable solutions that guarantee a better future for us and the generations that follow.

This post first appeared on LinkedIn.

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