Winter Care Routines That Work For Your Septic Tank

Posted on by Oscar Peter

Isn’t it fun to spend time in the backyard during winter, soaking up the sunlight and feeling the warmth envelop you in a comforting embrace?

But what a buzzkill it would be if the septic tank in your backyard gets choked with sludge and emits some rotten, noxious smell, and you find flies and cockroaches feasting on overflowing waste?

It would indeed be a disgusting sight.

Let us first understand how a septic tank works.

The waste from the kitchen and bathrooms flows into the septic tank.

The heavy solid components of the waste settle to the bottom, while oils, soap scum, and grease float to the top.

The liquid effluent, located between the two layers, flows out via the sewage network into the nearest large body of water.

The Sustainable Development Goals prescribe standards for safe sanitation technology, and septic tanks and single pits are considered safe options that prevent fecal waste from damaging the environment or contaminating groundwater.

There are numerous indigenous bacteria in organic waste (kitchen and human waste) that get carried along to the septic tank.

These bacteria work on the fecal matter that gets stored there.

The bacteria digest all the organic waste, which reduces the volume of the waste.

This process creates gases like carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, and water that keep the septic tank ‘fluid’.

The undigested waste settles as sludge at the bottom of the septic tank.

Periodic cleaning of septic tanks is crucial to prevent sludge accumulation from clogging the septic system.

Besides, offensive smells from excessive sludge build-up can also move back up the pipes into the washroom and make the restroom ambience extremely unpleasant.

Maintaining a well-functioning septic system in winter can be a challenge.

The naturally occurring bacteria in the septic system are very sensitive to variations in temperature.

During winter, low temperatures slow down the bacteria.

It may even lead to the bacteria becoming dormant and not digesting the waste in the septic system at all.

Ensuring that the septic system functions efficiently in winter can be challenging.

Choked drainage lines, sludge accumulation, and offensive odors often occur in winter in residential areas, as well as in commercial establishments, malls, restaurants, hotels, IT parks, hospitals, and offices.

At very low temperatures, and in rare cases, the sludge in the septic tank may also freeze, which can worsen the situation, causing sewage pipes to burst or clog.

Poorly planned or maintained drainage and sewerage systems can worsen in the winter months, and the microorganisms that keep the system healthy can become less efficient.

Moreover, grease, oil, and fats that enter wastewater into septic tanks thicken and accumulate in winter, making the problem further unmanageable.

Just like bathroom cleaners, many chemical cleaners for septic tanks are also readily available.

However, they do not yield lasting results, and exposure to these products can lead to numerous health issues.

It cannot be debated that commercial cleaners have many chemicals that ostensibly give a sparkling shine to any bathroom.

But they are corrosive and spoil the natural pH balance of the septic system.

They also promise to disinfect the bathrooms, but in reality, the formulations are strong and loaded with harsh chemicals that kill all bacteria they come into contact with, whether good or bad.

There is no doubt, then, that when these formulations make their way to the septic system, they kill all the microscopic bacteria present there as well.

And after the wastewater is released into water bodies, these chemicals also kill the aquatic animals there.

Obviously, chemical-based cleaners are not good for you, for the environment, or for your septic tank.

The first step to keep the septic system efficient in winter would be to have it emptied before winter sets in.

After that, it is essential to use cleaning products that enhance the natural waste biodegradation process without harming the septic tank’s ecosystem.

Biological cleaning products are completely biodegradable and do not harm the bacterial colonies in the septic tank.

Their broad-spectrum power works better than most chemical-based cleaners, as they boost the microflora in septic tanks, allowing all waste to be naturally and effectively decomposed.

These products do not disturb the pH levels in the septic tank and are non-corrosive.

It also makes sense to add bacteria to the septic tank, as a healthy bacterial presence will ensure that as much waste as possible is digested.

Apart from the indigenous bacteria, task-specific bacteria designed for wastewater degradation can be used for the purpose.

Bioclean Septic is one such product that works well even in winter.

Formulated with advanced microbial technology, it ensures optimal septic tank performance in all weather conditions.

It features a unique microbial combination that includes a remarkable strain of microbes capable of breaking down the sludge in septic tanks and sewage-carrying pipes.

The microbes secrete enzymes that digest a wide range of substances, including oils and fats, grease, starch, and protein, that enter the septic tank along with the organic waste.

It is an environmentally friendly solution that prevents clogging of drainage systems and septic tanks, while also reducing the cost of maintaining septic tanks by eliminating the need for multiple sludge clean-ups.

Use Bioclean Septic on all outlets, such as washbasins, showers, faucets, and toilet flushes, and you will see a substantial reduction in sludge accumulation and odors.

With reduced chemical use, the cost of maintaining the septic system will also decrease significantly.

Bioclean Septic inhibits the growth of putrefying bacteria, eliminating foul odors.

Blockages in pipes are dissolved, eliminating the risk of overflow or backflow.

A 100% natural and safe cleaner, Bioclean Septic is essential for maintaining septic tank health during the winter months.

What’s more, you will need the same dosage of Bioclean Septic in winter as during any other time of the year.

One packet of 250 grams, used once a month, is sufficient for tanks up to 5,000 liters.

A healthy septic tank with no offensive smells, reduced maintenance cost, and complete peace of mind during winters – what more could you ask for, eh?

Oh, a backyard?

We apologize that we are unable to assist with this.

When you do get a backyard and want to grow a wonderful little garden there, we will be there to help.

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Compost Food Waste

Posted on by Ankit Nayak

Composting is one of the most efficient ways to return nutrients to the soil while reducing the amount of waste in landfills.

It may seem trivial, but it’s an imperative way to conserve natural resources, improve public health, and save money.

Currently, more than 55% of organic matter is sent to landfills, out of which 20–30% could easily be composted.

Making compost prevents non-recyclable paper, food scraps, and other organic waste from accumulating in landfills, where they emit toxic greenhouse gases like methane.

Composting food waste rather than tossing it away is also one of the best things you can do to live sustainably.

It is much simpler than you might think. Many people falsely believe that composting can only be done if your home has a garden.

All it takes is a compost bin, not a sprawling backyard or outdoor area. But we’ll get to that in a bit.

Now that you know how easy composting can be, here are 5 compelling reasons why you should compost food waste, starting today!

Enhances Soil Quality

Clumpy, dry growing soil is ineffective for growing.

However, compost can help restore the nutrients in your soil, such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P)& potassium (K).

Plants use these nutrients for growth and photosynthesis. Adding compost also helps retain water for plant use.

It also improves soil quality, supporting plant roots and reducing erosion.

Furthermore, it provides nutrients and organic materials that enhance plant growth, resulting in higher yields.

Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Organic waste, such as food scraps (kitchen waste, fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells) and yard waste (coffee grounds, wood chips), does not degrade properly in a landfill.

As a result, organic waste in landfills releases about 50% methane, a gas that has a far greater global warming consequence than carbon dioxide.

Conversely, composting mimics nature’s decomposition process by allowing organic matter to decompose aerobically.

Thus, it significantly lowers the overall waste we dump into landfills and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Reduces Landfill Spaces

Due to the increase in population in urban cities and towns, landfills are generating tonnes of waste.

And with each new complex and tower, each household generates more waste, resulting in a shortage of landfills.

A large portion of what we discard ends up in landfills, where it occupies precious space.

As landfills are costly and terrible for the environment, a common misconception is that organic waste will simply decompose in a landfill.

This is accurate, although it takes a lot longer.

Moreover, the essential nutrients created when organic matter breaks down are often lost and should be recycled back into the soil instead.

Reduces the Need for Chemical Fertilizers

While fertilizers supply your plants with nutrients, compost not only improves plant health and growth but also adds other benefits, too.

It can improve soil structure and achieve better drainage, aeration, and moisture retention.

It also contains beneficial microorganisms and microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, which aid in the decomposition of organic material.

The presence of microorganisms is vital because they aerate the soil, which speeds up the composting process, converts nitrogen to a usable form, and prevents some plant diseases.

It also reduces pests and eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers.

By reducing your dependency on pesticides and herbicides, you can produce healthier plants that are free from artificial ingredients and chemicals.

Recycles Kitchen Waste

Food waste is a precious resource!

The parts of kitchen waste that are discarded contain vital vitamins and minerals, which, when added to the soil, are recycled back into the ecosystem and absorbed by subsequent crop plantings.

Composting can save up to 30% of kitchen waste from being thrown away.

If you segregate waste mindfully, your home will have less garbage, and who knows, you may not even need to buy as many garbage bags or take out the trash as frequently.

Now that you understand the many reasons that make composting a much-needed practice, here are 4 basic steps to get you started with composting:

  • Include “green” elements, such as kitchen scraps
  • Include “brown” elements, such as dead leaves
  • Provide water
  • Turn the pile over occasionally

You can compost outside if you have a suitable, dry, shady location near a water source.

However, if you don’t have space, you can compost indoors with a special compost bin that can be purchased from a hardware store.

The right way to compost indoors is to maintain your pile and keep track of what you add to it.

An appropriately managed compost bin will not attract pests or mice and will not emit an unpleasant odor.

Within two to five weeks, your compost should be ready.

If you smell a foul odor from your compost, it usually means that it hasn’t been made properly, and you may need to consult a composting guide and try again.

To encourage beginners to take up composting, we at Organica Biotech have designed a formulation called Soilmate that helps speed up the composting process and motivates people to compost rather than throw away their kitchen waste.

Soilmate features odour-busting technology that can suppress foul odours and accelerate the composting process by supporting solid waste management.

The natural herbs in Soilmate inhibit harmful bacteria & repel disease-carrying flies and maggots, keeping your compost hygienic and disease-free.

Composting is good for the community, the soil, and the environment.

With the right resources at hand and the will to make a difference one step at a time, you too can reduce food waste, lower your expenses on synthetic additives, and contribute to ensuring that nothing is wasted in nature.

Chemical Cleaning Products are Destroying The Ecosystem and Your Septic Tank

Posted on by Oscar Peter

A septic tank is typically an underground sewage collection unit where waste from households and small establishments is broken down and decomposed through bacterial activity.

This is a space that holds and treats raw sewage through the settling of solids and digestion by anaerobic microbes, and therefore has a natural bio-composition and the presence of several bacteria that break down the waste.

These naturally occurring bacteria are responsible for breaking down solid waste, allowing the liquid waste to flow down and out of the septic tank, thereby reducing septic tank maintenance costs.

It’s so common (and convenient) to drain liquid waste of all kinds down the sink, toilet, or tub in your home.

However, it’s essential to consider the potential damage you may cause to your septic tank by doing this.

The health of a septic tank depends on the balance of naturally occurring bacteria.

Therefore, you must be mindful of what you put into the drain that could damage these microscopic organisms and disrupt the composition and balance within your septic tank, thereby affecting the natural degradation of waste.

It also helps in avoiding septic tank maintenance.

The bacteria in a septic tank are typically capable of decomposing 95% of waste, leaving only 5% behind.

This is a significant component of decomposition, which, if compromised, can lead to clogging, overflow, and the release of numerous harmful effluents into the waterways beyond the septic tank.

A healthy, balanced, and properly functioning septic tank ensures that pathogens are trapped within, preventing them from being leached out.

On the other hand, if the balance of the hardworking organisms responsible for breaking down the waste is skewed, it will not function as well, leading to septic tank maintenance issues.

This may then cause the discharge of unhealthy volumes of improperly treated wastewater in and around the vicinity of the tank.

This is one of the primary causes of groundwater contamination and a significant health hazard.

According to UNICEF, one gram of human faeces may contain 10 million viruses, 1 million bacteria, 1,000 parasite cysts, and 100 parasite eggs.

So every time a septic tank malfunctions, it becomes a potential threat that could release these pathogens into the groundwater.

This not only pollutes the environment, affecting the soil, groundwater, as well as rivers and the sea, but also poses a significant health hazard to humans and animals in and around the area.

The more a septic tank’s capacity to break down sewage is compromised, the greater its potential to cause groundwater contamination.

Pathogens – or disease-causing bacteria and viruses – are the contaminants typically found in untreated wastewater.

Untreated wastewater, containing traces of fecal matter, has high concentrations of pathogens that make it extremely hazardous to human beings in the vicinity of malfunctioning septic tanks.

It is, therefore, crucial to ensure that your septic tank maintains a healthy microbial balance and functions optimally to break down and contain waste to the best possible capacity.

This can be achieved by following a septic tank maintenance routine and regular check-ups.

Many of the chemicals and ingredients in household cleaning products, such as ammonia, bleach, and nonylphenol ethoxylate surfactants and phosphates, have been known to cause irreparable harm to the health of septic tanks.

While these are the same chemicals that ensure a spotless and almost fully disinfected bathroom and home, they are also the same chemicals that kill the bacteria (in the septic tank where they end up), disrupting the necessary balance required to break down pathogens.

A majority of septic systems are not designed to prevent chemicals found in household products from entering groundwater.

Some products deemed ‘hazardous household products’ should especially not be disposed of in a way that allows them to enter the septic system, as the chemicals can cause harm to human health and the environment if the products are not used or degraded properly.

When these chemicals enter a septic tank in excessive amounts, they can increase toxicity levels, which in turn harm the beneficial bacteria working to break down the contents.

Then, it sets off a domino effect wherein these chemicals continue to flow unbroken down from the septic tank to the leach field around the neighbourhood, further into the water reserves.

Note that chemical cleaning solutions are likely to damage your septic tank.

This is why it is crucial to raise awareness about safe, non-hazardous cleaning products, as well as to ensure that citizens take care to safely and responsibly dispose of liquid chemical waste in their homes.

The average citizen probably has no idea about the harmful effects of products that they believe are good for them.

This is also contrary to best septic tank maintenance practices.

Citizens also lack awareness of where their sewage waste goes and how every action within the home impacts the biological chain and ecosystem.

At any given time, the average household contains an estimated 10 litres of products that could be considered hazardous to human health and the surrounding environment.

Strong cleansers, bleaching agents, disinfectants, and paints, when poured down the drain, put a strain on wastewater treatment facilities designed to treat predominantly organic waste.

Hazardous chemical components like these often go unprocessed and are eventually released back into local waterways, contaminating the sea, groundwater, soil, and local ecosystems.

This can cause significant problems in the long run if left unchecked.

A septic tank is a crucial first step in the efficient and effective treatment of wastewater generated in every home and office.

Therefore, it is well worth the effort to invest in septic tank maintenance, use safe cleaning products, read labels to ensure that everything that goes down the drain is septic-tank safe, and inform oneself about the impact that household activities, such as cleaning, can have on the environment.

Also Read:

Let’s Talk About SAFE Cleaning, Shall We?

Posted on by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

We take long showers, change clothes every day, and wash our hands regularly. Is this doing us more harm than good? A 2015 BBC article bravely questions.

A moment’s thought is enough to realise that we live in a world that aspires to hyper-sanitisation.

From bath soaps to utensil cleaners to bathroom cleaners and washing machine detergent – the promise is 99.9% of germs killed, and the premise is simple: microbes are bad for you.

However, there are two counterarguments to this discussion worth considering:

  1. A certain degree of contact with the microbial biodiversity in our environment is essential to prevent our immune systems from going into overdrive and perceiving every minor encounter with a foreign substance as a threat. This is what is happening these days with the growing spike in allergies.
  2. What about the chemicals laden within household cleaners that, while keeping surroundings clean and safe from bacterial harm, are doing nothing but wreaking havoc with our health and wellness?

The idea that our homes, workplaces, and nearly all external environments must be rid of every last germ has spurred a culture of over-cleaning that disrupts the natural balance of microbiota.

It’s why shelf after shelf in our supermarkets is bursting with cleaning products – each one claiming to be better, more sophisticated, and more reliable than the previous one.

The production of powerful antimicrobial cleaning products has profoundly altered the way we clean our homes.

While the idea of a squeaky-clean home may sound lovely, it’s worth giving the labels of all your cleaning products a closer look the next time you purchase them.

Did you know that, on average, we are exposed to about 62 chemicals through contact with household cleaners that are linked to a plethora of health issues ranging from asthma to cancer, reproductive disorders to hormone disruption, and so many more?

Some of the most common ingredients in household cleaning products include parabens, ammonia, chlorine bleach, quats, triclosan, and triclocarban, which are all readily absorbed through the skin and air in varying degrees.

Once inside the body, they act gradually, very slowly, upsetting the delicate microbial balance within.

This balance is not only crucial for our immune systems to constantly learn to cope with toxins, but some of them also form vital roles in major body functions.

The human digestive system, for example, is riddled with thousands of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes.

These are essential contributing factors to our gut health.

In recent times, gut health and the presence of these bacteria have been widely promoted as a marker of good overall health.

The reason this is crucial is that these bacteria are responsible for breaking down toxins, producing vitamins and essential amino acids, and creating protection against dangerous organisms.

According to a study published in Nature, at 3.3 million, microbial genes in our gut outnumber previous estimates for the entire human body.

Meanwhile, more recently, this disruption in the microbial balance in the gut, caused by exposure to chemicals in household cleaners, has been linked to childhood obesity.

The key to balanced physical and mental wellness lies in a well-balanced gut.

However, when the antibacterial chemicals in something as basic as your hand soap are found to kill your gut bacteria and ruin your microbial health, it’s hard to choose between health and hygiene.

That’s not all. Traces of some of the toxic chemicals like triclosan and triclocarban have been found in human blood, mucus, and even breast milk.

So, with this context in mind, one has to wonder what good cleaning is if it isn’t also simultaneously safe for us.

The real-life consequences of what is now called ‘microbial warfare’ can be life-threatening in the long run.

In wiping out all traces of microbial presence, we also run the risk of boosting sub-populations that are actually naturally resistant to these chemicals.

In a regular, balanced atmosphere, healthy microbial presence would far outnumber these bad boys and, in this manner, keep us safe from harm.

The wiping out of entire microbiota has contributed significantly to the rise of allergies and superbugs.

If this is all beginning to sound bleak, here’s the good news.

Despite years of being told that nothing cleans our toilets, floors, and kitchen platforms as well as strong-smelling, chemical-ridden cleaners do, the tide is now slowly turning.

If the focus is now on restoring a natural microbial balance, the answers also lie in natural means and methods.

At Organica, we’re taking this a step further by developing solutions for household cleaning products that are natural, safe, and sustainable.

ThinkSafe is our range of non-toxic, non-corrosive, ammonia and chlorine-free biodegradable home cleaning products.

Made entirely from plant-based ingredients, this is a safer option that contributes to a healthier home, a cleaner environment, and better air and soil quality around you.

Microbe-friendly, pH-balanced, and chemical-free, the ThinkSafe range is designed to safeguard and restore the biology and ecology in its areas of use.

  • It’s great for you: You’ll definitely eliminate the chances of absorbing harmful chemicals through your skin or breathing.
  • It’s better for the environment: Many of the same chemicals in cleaning products are not only harmful to humans but also to the environment. When they drain out into the sewage systems, they end up adding chemicals to the soil, waterways, and even the air around us. This, too, inevitably finds its way back into our bodies.
  • It’s great for the community: One of the pivotal truths about enforcing change at a large scale is to seed that change in a small way. If every household in urban and rural India were to become just a little more conscious about the chemicals in their cleaners and choose a natural, safer alternative, it could have tremendously beneficial results for the environment over time.

The truth is, while cleanliness may be a good virtue, science offers an interesting perspective on how disrupting the natural balance in microbiota will always come at a cost.

The answer isn’t in avoiding cleanliness, but rather in inspecting and examining what we put into our cleaning products and devising ways to ensure they no longer harm the ecological balance while also providing safe and effective cleaning solutions that do not compromise the environment or our health.

Using Biotech To Ensure Golf Courses Are Green, Blue And Fun

Posted on by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

They say the best things always come in twos.

Like Laurel and Hardy. Like Karan and Arjun. Like Peanut Butter and Jam. Like Charlie and Chaplin. Like Old Monk and Coke.

Or like Bioclean Pond Clarifier and Magic Gro Plus – the best duo to ensure your golf courses are always green with water that is always clear blue.

Golf is a sport that instantly evokes memories – sometimes unjustified – of gently chirping birds, placid rolling greens, the occasional hint of water, quiet contemplation, monk-like patience, and the art of quiet appreciation.

And golf courses around the world? They simply are a sight to behold.

So scenic. Lush green grass and pretty blue water all around. Airbnb, in fact, has several listings that allow you to spend a holiday in or around a golf course.

You can also book golf course stays at golf clubs and courses around the world.

And what an idyllic vacation it would be, right?

Pack a picnic basket, grab a book, and settle by a lake or a pond for a day of endless leisure under sunny blue skies. Ah, bliss.

Golf courses are not just little limpid pools of serenity, though.

They also provide excellent habitats for a wide variety of land and aquatic animals.

Many golf courses also feature wetlands, which serve as a filter for runoff.

Golf courses, especially in urban areas, offer green spaces and a refuge from the negative impacts of modern development, including housing and business complexes.

In urban areas, golf courses also help preserve open spaces and vegetation.

They are known to rehabilitate degraded landscapes.

They also help indigenous flora and fauna flourish and thrive.

Increasingly, however, golf course managers worldwide are becoming aware of criticism regarding the negative environmental impact of golf courses.

There are two primary areas where golf courses require assistance: lawn management and water body management.

Everybody loves the lush green turf at a golf course.

Still, grass maintenance isn’t easy, and excessive use of chemical fertilisers to maintain terrestrial flora ends up harming plant immunity and longevity.

Using fertilisers and pesticides – an average golf course in a tropical country uses as much as 1500 kg per year – means the chemicals, especially nitrates, from them seep into groundwater, affecting the area’s drinking water quality as well.

Regular irrigation of turf also helps propagate the fairy ring disease, caused by fungi of the basidiomycete family in the soil.

Additionally, irrigation of golf courses is a highly water-intensive process, often requiring the same amount of water as serving thousands of people.

And you can’t think about a golf course without immediately thinking about endless stretches of calm blue water, can you?

However, maintaining water quality in ponds and lakes at golf courses is an even greater challenge.

Uncontrolled weeds and algae can easily contaminate large portions of the pond.

And while chemical applications can prove instantly effective in curbing these, the water quality is harmed immensely, and the solution doesn’t last long either, with the algae and weeds reappearing periodically.

While the need for treating and beautifying lawns is undeniable, the truth is that less than 10% of a typical golf course is the greens.

With millions of dollars spent on golf course maintenance every year, it makes sense to ensure that this money is invested in long-lasting solutions that are not only environmentally friendly but also save money in the long run, while addressing all aspects of golf course maintenance.

This is where we come in with two products that work together (or separately) to solve all issues affecting golf course maintenance, naturally.

Bioclean Pond Clarifier and Magic Gro Plus

Water bodies in golf courses receive significant amounts of fertilizer runoff from the courses, leading to algal growth.

This is further exacerbated by the biocides used to maintain the greenness of the golf greens, which ultimately contaminate both the air and water in golf courses.

Regular deposition of nutrients into the water leads to eutrophication and biomass accumulation.

This not only affects the water ecosystem but also alters the water’s color, as pollutants give rise to suspended solids.

Lastly, poor maintenance, compounded by the effects of chemical treatments, ensures that the challenges in water body maintenance continue without resolution.

The main challenges with pond and lake maintenance at golf courses are:

  • Green coloured water
  • Floating algae & very high concentrations of algae
  • Bad water quality is affecting ornamental pond fish
  • Reduced dissolved oxygen levels
  • High concentration of nutrients/Eutrophication
  • Foul odour, due to stagnant organic sludge

All of these challenges can be addressed with Bioclean Pond Clarifier, our research-backed microbial formulation, created especially for pond and lake bioremediation.

It contains a consortium of beneficial bacteria that degrade organic pollutants in water bodies and use them for nutrition, growth, and reproduction.

Bioclean Pond Clarifier degrades compounds such as ammonia and sulfide, metabolizing them to facilitate cell growth.

With no toxic chemicals and only naturally occurring microbes, Bioclean Pond Clarifier restores ecological balance to the water body, ensuring its revival and long-term maintenance.

The microbes in Bioclean Pond Clarifier also biodegrade organic sludge and excess nutrients from the bottom and water, ensuring foul odours are eliminated at source.

The microbes also accelerate the nitrogen cycle, eliminating ammonia gases without any putrefaction.

Bioclean Pond Clarifier is completely safe for the natural ecosystem of water bodies, improving the aquatic flora and fauna of lakes and ponds while preventing weed growth and algal blooms.

Bioclean Pond Clarifier

  • helps in the effective degradation of bottom organic sludge
  • helps maintain natural eco-balance in lakes and ponds
  • reduces ammonia levels, thus controlling algae growth
  • stabilizes bloom conditions and prevents over-blooming of algae
  • prevents and treats floating clumps resulting from dead plankton
  • reduces the formation of Hydrogen Sulphide, thus eliminating foul odour
  • reduces BOD and COD levels
  • reverts the water body back to its natural ecosystem

Treating water bodies is only one step in a successful, environmentally friendly care regimen for golf courses.

Equal attention also needs to be paid to the treatment of golf greens, which, in fact, is the primary cause of all issues plaguing water bodies at golf courses.

As mentioned previously, excessive use of fertilisers and over-irrigation cause leaching of nitrates into groundwater, contaminating water bodies too.

Golf greens need the power of growth-regulating microbial supplements to thrive without the side effects of chemical use.

Exactly like Magic Gro Plus does.

Magic Gro Plus uses advanced microbial technology that reduces the dependence of grass on chemical fertilisers.

Using biosensors and bioactivators, Magic Gro Plus improves plant immunity, protects grass from pest infestations, and enables it to withstand climatic stresses.

It also helps improve nutrient and water uptake, providing a comprehensive, all-weather natural defense system for lawns in any climate, season, and location.

Also Read

How Household Chemical Cleaners Contribute to Harmful Algal Bloom

Posted on by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

Have you ever seen blood-red water or heard about a red tide near the coastal areas?

What about the green stuff that covers lakes and rivers?

It happens when algae, a microscopic living organism, grows rapidly and dominates the aquatic ecosystem.

This environmental phenomenon is known as an algal bloom.

Generally, algae play a major role in the aquatic ecosystem by providing food to aquatic living beings.

However, algal blooms or extensive growth of algae can be harmful and sometimes catastrophic.

It depletes the oxygen supply in the aquatic ecosystem, leading to fish kills and the death of animal life.

Impact of Algal Blooms on the Environment

Toxic Aquatic Environment – Oxygen is essential for aquatic living organism and their respiration process.

Fishes and other aquatic life depend on the dissolved oxygen in the water for survival.

However, an algal colony consumes a significant amount of oxygen during its cycle of growth, death, and decomposition.

This leads to oxygen imbalance and the death of aquatic life.

The death of aquatic beings serves as food for algae, which leads to faster propagation and further devastation of the aquatic ecosystem.

  • Dead Zones – Dead zones are caused by nutrient pollution, where little to no oxygen is available in a body of water. Thus, it becomes difficult for aquatic life to survive in such zones. Plants and animal life will die, and algal blooms will occur as a result of consuming oxygen as well.
  • Food Chain – Harmful algal blooms, such as the red tide, often release toxins that contaminate the water, leading to fish kills and animal deaths. These dead animals, if consumed by larger animals, allow the toxin to reach high levels in the food chain. It directly impacts dolphins, turtles, and manatees.
  • Health Hazard – Algal blooms release toxins in the water, which, if consumed by humans, can lead to irritation, itching, and skin diseases. Thus, algal blooms pose a health risk to humans.

Root Cause of Algal Blooms

Algae thrive in the presence of nutrients like phosphates and nitrates, which contaminate water.

And when algal blooms occur beyond control, they can become a serious public health hazard.

Nutrient pollution is a significant contributor to harmful algal blooms.

Household Chemical Cleaners and Algal Blooms

A body of water with a prominent green harmful algal bloom near a wooden pier, suggesting pollution from chemical cleaners.

As mentioned before, nutrient pollution is the primary cause of algal blooms.

Suppose you observe this phenomenon in lakes, ponds, or rivers near your home.

In that case, the primary contributors to this environmental degradation are likely the chemical cleaning products used in our homes.

Want to know why? Read on.

You may wonder how chemical cleaning products used in your home can harm the environment.

The chemical cleaners you use must be doing their job of keeping the indoors clean.

However, many products contain chemicals such as phosphates and ammonia, which are classified as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

These chemicals are washed down the drain and end up in nearby water bodies.

Gradually, these chemicals accumulate in the water, and their quantity increases over time.

It leads to the accelerated growth of algae, and, further, to algal blooms or eutrophication.

It is time we seriously rethink our lifestyle choices and value the impact we have on our environment.

We can help prevent algal blooms simply by making a simple switch in the cleaning products we choose.

Using sustainable and natural cleaning products at home can help reduce your environmental impact and facilitate a transition to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Organica Biotech’s range of natural and organic household cleaning products is sustainable and has zero impact on the environment.

Not only that, but they are also highly effective and economical, offering an array of delicious fragrances derived from aromatherapeutic essential oils.

They are entirely made of plant-derived ingredients, making them both safe and sustainable.

Prevention is always better than a cure!

There is an urgent need for innovative solutions to address the problem of algal blooms already present in water bodies.

While mechanical and chemical treatments are available, they are neither sustainable nor cost-effective.

Biological treatment has emerged as an environmentally friendly method for controlling algal blooms.

Thinking about adopting eco-friendly methods? Read the given resource below.

Bioremediation strategies that utilize beneficial bacteria are an effective method for cleaning water resources.

Bacteria feed on the excess nutrients present in water bodies and utilize nitrates and phosphates for their growth.

Thus, it prevents eutrophication as nutrients are unavailable for algae and plant life.

Organica Biotech’s Bioclean Pond Clarifier is one such microbial solution that aggressively acts on pollutants and reduces the excess nutrients present in the water.

It is also capable of minimizing sludge volumes and thereby preventing algal growth.

Use Bioclean Pond Clarifier to prevent harmful algal blooms in water bodies.

Also read:

VOCs: Not Your Friendly Neigbourhood Chemical Compound

Posted on by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

Find yourself short of breath lately? Sneezing a lot? Accompanied by a little touch of nausea, perhaps?

Maybe it is the weather working its magic.

Maybe your allergies are acting up. Maybe it’s Maybelline.

Or maybe, just maybe, you have been getting exposed to VOCs a lot, and finally, they have started compromising your body’s systems.

VOCs are Volatile organic compounds that are present in most homes and offices nowadays.

VOCs include phosphorus, nitrogen, and ammonia compounds, and some permutation of benzene, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, xylene, and 1,3-butadiene is likely present around you as you read this.

They enter your homes and offices, and even your indoor spaces, hidden in all the cleaning products you’ve been buying to ensure your home is always clean and ready to welcome guests.

But those same cleaning products – thanks to the VOCs they contain – are actually conspiring to rid your home of even the good bacteria you need.

And they are making you fall ill. And they are affecting the indoor air quality of your homes. And they are affecting the environment.

And they are causing untold damage to our water bodies, too.

You can be exposed to VOCs by touching them, as you most likely do while using cleaning products.

Not everybody uses gloves while doing the dishes, after all.

But you can also be exposed to VOCs by breathing them because they get released into the air around you.

Most of us spend most of our time indoors, whether at home, work, or engaged in a recreational activity, and are constantly exposed to VOCs.

And this is not good news for your health.

Short-term exposure to VOCs is known to irritate the eyes and respiratory tract, cause headaches, dizziness, and sight disorders.

Short-term exposure to VOCs is also known to cause memory issues.

The long-term effects of VOC exposure include ENT irritation, nausea, fatigue, loss of coordination, and dizziness.

More worryingly, long-term exposure to VOCs can also cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system and, in some cases, also lead to cancer.

The damage VOCs can cause to the environment is equally fatal and just as persistent.

One of the most significant pollutants affecting global outdoor air quality is smog.

And yes, VOCs contribute to the increase in smog every day.

They react with nitrogen oxides to form ozone, which leads to the formation of fine particulates.

This combination, along with other gaseous pollutants, results in smog, which not only affects visibility but also has a significant impact on health, affecting respiratory systems and irritating our eyes, noses, and throats.

The fine particulates formed by VOCs in the air also mix with cloud water, which can sometimes lead to acid rain.

And yes, it is as bad as it sounds. Acid rains affect forests, freshwater sources, and soil. They kill marine life and insects.

The death of insects also affects pollination cycles, leading to reduced plant growth.

Acid rain also washes away nutrients from the soil, harming trees and animal life that depend on them.

Acid rains also have multiple adverse effects on human health and well-being.

And because soil and water are polluted, these pollutants ultimately enter our food cycle.

VOC-wrought damage to the environment increases the chance of disease for plants and reduces their ability to fight off pests and stress while also hampering their growth.

VOCs also cause a reduction in farm yields and endanger the survival of tree saplings, affecting our food supply and also the earth’s green cover.

Apart from being dispersed from the air, VOCs also reach our water bodies from our drains and toilets. And from pesticide run-off from our farms.

And from all the cleaning products disposed of in municipal waste that are not treated.

In water, VOCs lead to excess algal growth, spreading bacteria and stealing light from marine ecosystems while simultaneously depleting oxygen levels, making life difficult for fish and other aquatic animals.

VOC-induced algal bloom can also poison drinking water supplies and make water bodies slimy and odiferous.

You wouldn’t want to willingly store anything at home that has volatile as an adjective to describe it, no?

The same discretion needs to be applied when choosing your cleaning products, too.

After all, what you want is a clean home, not a chemistry lab.

Nor do you want to convert the whole world into a chemical warehouse so that you can have the illusion of cleanliness in your homes.

To be fair, cleaning products are not the only way VOCs enter your home. They are present in paints and carpets.

Even upholstery and mattresses. Even cooking releases VOCs into the atmosphere. And if you have a smoker at home, yes, more VOCs.

You may not be able to control all the ways VOCs enter your home.

But you can certainly minimise your exposure to them. Starting with your cleaning products.

Switch to a kinder, gentler, natural range of cleaning products that will not only clean your homes but also protect our planet.

Our floor cleaner and toilet cleaner are both made with all-natural, plant-based ingredients and essential oils and are completely free of any toxic chemicals.

Buy a pack today and experience the difference yourself.

The OB Care Mantra For Sustainability In The Workplace

Posted on by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

Sustainability and sustainable living are increasingly becoming topics of discussion worldwide.

Increasingly, people are transitioning from a culture of rampant consumption to more Earth-friendly, sustainable lifestyles.

Considering the state of our planet right now, we can’t say this movement has come too soon.

Previously, we spoke about how the cleaning products you use at home have a significant impact on your sustainable lifestyle.

Today, we want to expand that discussion into workspaces and how you can incorporate sustainable practices at your office.

Even with remote working gaining momentum and more people adopting freelance career paths, the carbon footprint of workspaces globally is substantial and doesn’t bode well for the future unless we start making offices more sustainable, too.

And this transition doesn’t have to be sudden.

Often, workspace initiatives don’t succeed because they’re launched with much fanfare and then interest fizzles out.

Or because the change required is too massive to consider.

But as the old Chinese saying goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

The shift to sustainable practices at your workspace, too, needs to be undertaken in a step-by-step manner, day by day.

Don’t try to change everything at once.

Instead, introduce one new habit a day that will allow everyone at your office to ease into the sustainable living movement while ensuring the movement itself doesn’t fizzle out.

Here, we have a 2-week program of activities you can complete – one per day – to ensure your office is a champion of workplace sustainability by November 2025.

  • Day 1

Turn off lights when not in use. This is self-evident, but many offices leave lights on even when nobody is in the room.

Switching just one fluorescent light off for an hour every day can reduce 30 kilograms of CO2 emissions annually.

And meeting rooms don’t need to be brilliantly lit when no one’s in them, no?

In fact, meeting rooms should only be lit by the brilliance of your ideas, no?

  • Day 2

Now that you’ve sensitised everybody to the importance of switching lights off, take the next logical step and move to energy-efficient lighting.

Not only will this help you make your office sustainable, but in the long term, it will also make your office more economical.

Energy-saving light bulbs use at least 25% less energy and last at least three times longer, helping you save on electricity costs and also reduce consumable expenses.

  • Day 3

Still, on the topic of lights, consider consulting your interior designer to determine how to redesign the office, minimizing the use of artificial lighting during the day and maximizing natural sunlight.

Not only is this an excellent efficiency win, but natural lighting is also great for office morale.

  • Day 4

Switch off those computers, too. Yes, you might get a lot of contrarian advice on how it is more efficient to leave office computers on all the time, but a single PC left on 24/7/365 can cost you thousands of rupees in energy costs.

Now multiply that by the number of computers you have in your office, and just imagine the savings.

And when switching them off is not always an option, put monitors to sleep and use energy-saving modes on your computers.

  • Day 5

Switch to laptops. Get rid of all desktop computers in your office and move everybody to laptops.

You won’t lose much in processing power, but the energy gains are tremendous.

Laptops, on average, consume a third of the energy of a comparable desktop computer.

  • Day 6

Monitor the air-conditioning. Not too many people visit Antarctica or the Arctic Circle.

But visit a typical office in Mumbai, and you might begin to understand how cold Antarctica actually is.

Because many (most?) offices always turn their air-conditioning up to the max.

This is not good for the environment or your office’s energy bills.

Nor is it good for the people working in your office. The optimal recommended setting is to leave your air-conditioning on at 24°C.

Better still would be to eliminate all air conditioning and switch to fans and natural cooling.

  • Day 7

Turn off that fax machine. Seriously, when was the last time you received a fax? Fax machines are relics from the previous century.

Offices that still have fax machines often run them non-stop to receive just one fax message a year.

And invariably, whatever message has been received by fax is often rendered more effectively by email.

If you still use a fax machine at your office, turn it off and instruct everyone to email any documents that need to be faxed.

You can save energy and paper at the same time. And finally, welcome your office to the 21st century.

  • Day 8

Stop printing. The convenience of a printer means most of us don’t even bat an eyelid when we print at the office.

Whether it is an email, a recipe, or a draft presentation, CTRL+P is used far too often. Stop.

Think carefully before printing anything, and consider whether you really need to print. Switch to apps to manage brainstorming and project management, so you don’t need to use paper notes.

And printing an email is sheer wilful obtuseness.

Print only what is essential to print. And don’t print colour sheets.

Additionally, please enable the “print on both sides” option by default on your office printer.

  • Day 9

As a continuation of Day 8, go paperless. Twenty years ago, people often discussed the concept of a paperless office.

And with all the advancements in digital record-keeping in the intervening years, it is easier than ever to switch to fully paperless. Or as paperless as possible.

With the exception of government documentation, there is nothing else where paper cannot be given up. And switch to PCW paper for the paper that you do use.

  • Day 10

Recycle. Now that you and your colleagues are reducing paper consumption, it’s time to start recycling.

First, obtain a bin (or several) in which recyclable items can be collected.

Envelopes, stationery, magazines, newspapers, and pretty much anything else made of paper.

Also, cartons and packing paper. And plastic bottles and cans. And ink cartridges from your printer.

Not only is recycling good for the planet, but it will also make your office lighter and airier.

  • Day 11

Clear the air. The quality of indoor air in your office affects the health and morale of all the people in there.

There are easy and sustainable ways to ensure your indoor air quality is always up to standard.

Get a few indoor plants. Avoid air fresheners.

Avoid chemical-based cleaning solutions and opt for all-natural alternatives.

  • Day 12

Save water. Offices use a lot of water. And a lot of that water can actually be saved, such as the water used for flushing restroom urinals.

Each urinal consumes an average of 30,000 litres of water a year.

This water can be saved by switching to FlushFree ™.

  • Day 13

Save more water. Urinals are not the only water criminals in your office.

The taps in your sinks abet them. Switch to low-flow, water-saving faucet aerators.

From personal experience, we can say that using them also makes you feel more refreshed after washing your face.

  • Day 14

People are increasingly turning to composting as a way to manage organic waste generation at home. But composting is an equally good, or even better, idea for offices.

Compost all organic waste in your office.

Convince other offices in your compound to join. Use your office terrace or compound to start a garden and use the compost to nourish it.

This is, by no means, an exhaustive list of ideas to turn your workplace green.

But this is an excellent way to begin. And you know what they say about beginning well-being: half the work done, no?

How Usage of Chemicals Affect Natural Enzymes in Septic Tank

Posted on by Oscar Peter

A conventional septic tank system performs the important function of holding and treating raw wastewater.

Millions of living microorganisms, naturally present in the septic tank, play an important role in the decomposition of organic solid waste.

After being acted upon by microbes, the effluent is dispersed into a soil leaching field for further treatment.

Finally, the treated effluent is released into the environment.

However, extensive usage of chemicals at home can affect the natural enzymes in the septic tank.

The optimum operational performance of a septic tank system depends on the health of the beneficial microbes and enzymes present.

According to various studies, cleaners, disinfectants, and chemicals used for cleaning toilets and washrooms, when flushed down the drain, can eliminate microbes and enzymes.

Consequently, the septic tank may malfunction, leading to solid waste accumulation, clogging, leakages, and foul odour issues.

In addition, the use of harsh chemicals can cause groundwater pollution, which can pose a danger to human health.

Many cleaning products are used in households, commercial spaces, hotels, and institutions.

Although the aim is to keep spaces such as the washroom and toilet clean, this can disturb the natural balance of the septic tank system.

Learn about a few chemicals and substances to avoid putting into the septic tank.

Bleach

Bleach is widely used as a whitening agent. However, the use of bleach in excess amounts can create havoc in the septic tank system.

Chlorine bleach can be dangerous, especially when it is blended with other chemicals, such as ammonia.

It can adversely affect the settling of solids, increasing BOD levels, and killing off microbes as well.

Anti-bacterial products

The use of anti-bacterial products or disinfectants can destroy both beneficial and harmful microbes in a septic system.

Also, flushing a large amount of antibiotic medicines down the toilet can impact the functioning of a septic tank system.

Hospitals and clinics should ensure the safe disposal of medicines and related products.

Chemical Cleaners

Chemical cleaners such as those used for cleaning toilet bowls may contain strong acids and bleach.

It is also a harmful chemical that can affect the septic tank’s function.

Drain cleaners are often used to solve clogging issues.

But the harsh chemicals can impact bacterial performance. It will eventually affect the breakdown process of microbes, leading to septic system problems.

For cleaning washrooms and kitchens in commercial spaces, consider using natural and eco-friendly cleaning products.

Chemical Products

Oils, grease, paints, polish, pesticides, thinners, and varnishes should be prevented from reaching the septic tank.

It can cause irreparable damage to the septic tank system.

Inorganic Acids/Alkalis

Inorganic acids and alkalis are sometimes recommended for removing heavy clogs and improving septic tank performance.

However, the powerful compounds can kill the bacterial population necessary for the all-important waste digestion mechanism.

Natural microbes are the most effective septic tank treatment option available today.

Organica Biotech is a leading company that provides advanced septic tank cleaners, enhancing the performance of septic systems.

Bioclean Septic contains special septic tank enzymes that are highly capable of breaking down fecal matter.

It also helps minimize sludge volume, controls bad odors, and prevents clogging issues.

Another product, Bioclean Septic Plus, helps in the degradation of human faecal matter and food waste as well.

For more information about septic tank cleaners, please contact us at your convenience.

From Overflow to Efficiency: How to Resolve Septic Tank Backflow Issues Naturally

Posted on by Oscar Peter

In the quiet corners of every home, hidden beneath the ground, lies an unsung hero – the septic tank.

A marvel of engineering, it silently processes our waste, allowing us to live comfortably.

But sometimes, this hero falters, and its struggle manifests as backflow issues, causing distress and inconvenience.

Overflowing septic tanks not only disrupt daily life but also pose a threat to the environment.

In these moments of crisis, Organica Biotech emerges as a savior, offering natural and effective solutions to resolve septic tank backflow issues.

In this article, we will explore the common problems faced by septic tank owners, understand the underlying causes, and delve into the innovative products provided by Organica Biotech that not only tackle these issues but also nurture a healthier environment.

The Silent Menace: Understanding Septic Tank Backflow

Septic tank backflow issues are more than just a messy inconvenience.

They are a result of a delicate balance being disrupted in an otherwise efficient waste management system.

Backflow occurs when the drainage from a septic tank reverses its course, flooding basements, gardens, or other areas around your home.

This phenomenon can be caused by various factors, including clogged pipes, excessive water usage, or an overflowing septic tank.

Traditional solutions often involve harsh chemicals that, while providing a temporary fix, harm the beneficial bacteria essential for the septic tank’s functioning.

This leads to a vicious cycle of backflow problems and deteriorating septic tank health.

The Environmental Impact of Traditional Solutions

It’s crucial to recognize the broader environmental impact of traditional chemical solutions used to tackle septic tank issues.

These harsh chemicals not only harm the septic system but also seep into the soil, contaminating groundwater and disrupting delicate ecosystems.

The ramifications of such contamination extend far beyond the confines of our homes, affecting the very fabric of nature that surrounds us.

As responsible stewards of the environment, we must seek sustainable alternatives that not only solve our immediate problems but also preserve the delicate ecological balance.

Organica Biotech’s Natural Approach

Enter Organica Biotech, a pioneer in natural biotech solutions for addressing a wide range of environmental challenges.

Their expertise extends to resolving septic tank backflow issues with a range of specialized products that contain a powerful microbial formulation crafted to enhance the natural bacterial population within septic tanks.

Unlike chemical-laden alternatives, our septic solutions have carefully selected beneficial bacteria that actively digest organic matter, ensuring the septic tank functions optimally.

By stimulating the growth of these natural microorganisms, the product prevents backflow problems at their source.

Addressing Clogs and Blockages

Another common culprit behind septic tank backflow is pipe clogging.

Traditional methods often involve harsh mechanical cleaning, which not only damages the pipes but is also detrimental to the environment.

Organica Biotech offers a green alternative – Kitchen Drain Cleaner.

This potent formulation is designed to break down fats, oils, and grease (FOG) that accumulate in pipes and cause blockages.

By naturally degrading these substances, the Kitchen Drain Cleaner ensures smooth drainage, eliminating the risk of backflow due to clogged pipes.

Promoting Regular Maintenance

Prevention is undeniably the best solution for septic tank issues.

Organica Biotech’s Bioclean Septic Plus is specifically designed for commercial kitchens and is seamlessly integrated with septic tanks grappling with substantial amounts of food waste.

In such environments, the challenge lies in efficiently managing food residue and faecal matter to maintain optimal septic tank performance.

Bioclean Septic Plus emerges as the hero in this scenario, offering a specialized formula that excels in degrading food waste, ensuring a cleaner and more effective septic system.

The Power of Beneficial Microbes

At the heart of Organica Biotech’s solutions lies the power of beneficial microbes.

These microscopic organisms play a crucial role in breaking down complex organic matter, ensuring that septic tanks operate smoothly.

Unlike their chemical counterparts, these microbes do not harm the environment.

In fact, they contribute to the natural decomposition processes, enriching the soil and promoting healthier plant growth.

Embracing the power of these tiny yet mighty allies not only resolves our immediate backflow issues but also fosters a greener, more sustainable world.

In the battle against septic tank backflow issues, Organica Biotech stands as a beacon of hope.

Our natural, eco-friendly products not only resolve problems efficiently but also nurture the environment.

By choosing Organica Biotech’s septic tank cleaning solutions, homeowners not only regain control over their septic systems but also actively participate in the larger mission of sustainable living.

Let us embrace the power of natural solutions, transforming septic tank maintenance from a daunting task into a harmonious partnership with nature, ensuring a future where our homes and the environment coexist in perfect harmony.

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