Page 5 – Organica Biotech

Septic System Care for Summer Season

Posted on August 24, 2025March 23, 2026 by Oscar Peter

A septic tank system is an excellent way to treat household waste.

Buried under the ground and out of sight, many people expect septic tanks to function properly always.

But in reality, septic systems can fail.

Therefore, you must take extra care of your septic tank system.

But before you learn more about septic system care, you need to know how the septic system works.

A septic system is a network of pipes, billions of living microorganisms, and a tank.

The septic tank receives tonnes of organic waste coming from your household through pipes.

The beneficial microorganisms present in the tank do the bulk of the work and break down the waste.

While the solid waste settles at the bottom, lighter scum floats on the top.

The treated liquid is thereafter released into the environment.

What Goes Wrong In Summer?

In the summer season, several factors can affect the performance of the septic tank system.

Problems with the septic tank system often stem from improper use.

Many people don’t realize that regular care and maintenance are important as well.

Here are five pointers you should consider to take care of the septic system in summer.

Resources on Winter Care Routines for your septic tank maintenance.

Septic Tank Odour

Over time, a septic tank may accumulate solid waste if not maintained properly.

Waste in the form of sludge may reach the outlet and flow into the drain field, causing septic tank odour.

The hot temperatures during the summer season can intensify the bad odour coming from the septic system.

If this happens, know that it is a sign of a serious septic tank problem and needs an urgent solution.

Over-usage of Water

Most often, a septic system is built for a home with few family members.

But during the summer season, children stay at home more, relatives may come for vacation, and friends often visit.

This would mean that more wastewater is generated at your home and then goes to the septic tank system.

Besides, usage of toilets has increased at home due to the pandemic and the consequent lockdown measures in place.

This, too, has increased the load on septic tank systems.

Thus, the overuse of water can distress the septic tank and cause the system to flood out.

Moreover, the extra amount of water affects the natural balance of living microorganisms in the tank, necessary for the decomposition of the organic waste (kitchen and human waste)

Not to Flush Items

You should make sure that your family and guests flush only toilet paper and human waste down the toilet.

Otherwise, the septic tank system can get clogged due to items that do not decompose easily.

It may lead to system failure as well.

Avoid flushing items like diapers, hair, paper towels, disposable wipes, cotton swabs, and coffee grounds.

Additionally, avoid disposing of garbage as it can strain and impair septic systems.

Avoid Chemicals

Do not feed your septic system with chemicals.

Flushing even a small amount of paints, thinners, solvents, chemical cleaners, and caustic drain openers can harm the beneficial microorganisms necessary for the breakdown of organic waste.

In the absence of biological activities performed by microbes, waste accumulation may occur, leading to septic tank malfunction.

Regular Maintenance

Regular care and maintenance are essential to keep the septic tank performing at optimum levels.

Many consider the summer season as the best time to pump out waste from the septic system.

However, mechanical maintenance is often very costly.

Many households cannot opt for such measures every time a septic tank failure occurs.

Thus, there is an urgent need to switch to innovative and cost-effective solutions to care for septic systems regularly.

Biological septic tank treatment has emerged as one of the best methods to solve this problem.

Biological additives enhance the performance of microbes already present in septic systems.

It supports and stimulates the growth of microbes, which helps in breaking down the waste.

Additionally, biological additives are easy to use and affordable.

It can be used for the routine maintenance of the septic system regularly.

The use of biological additives frequently helps to avoid costly mechanical maintenance as well.

Organica Biotech is one of the leading companies with the best septic tank solutions.

Bioclean Septic is an advanced septic tank cleaning product containing enzyme-producing bacteria that break down organic matter efficiently and aggressively.

It minimizes sludge build-up, curbs foul odour, and resolves overflow issues as well.

Bioclean Septic is the ideal solution for septic system care during the summer season.

Also read:

Here’s How to Make Your Neighborhood Lake a Tourist Spot

Posted on August 20, 2025August 26, 2025 by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

Close your eyes and think of the nearest lake to your house.

Now, there are two reactions you can have when imagining this.

One could be that of peace, that oh-so-serene feeling of being around a beautiful lake, coupled with a breath of fresh air, while birds of different species fly by as guests at times and chirp around, adding music to the calm ambiance.

Where you can see the fish swimming from under the clear water, and you can lie on the bench and contemplate life and happy memories.

Another possible reaction could be, ‘Eww, I’d rather think about that tourist lake 10 km away from my house!’

Apart from all the rejuvenating factors, Lakes, good & clean lakes, to be precise, have plenty of ecological benefits as well.

They replenish groundwater, positively influence the quality of water of downstream watercourses, and preserve the area’s biodiversity.

They provide for recreation and tourism and can also provide water for drinking and irrigation.

But why do some lakes get awful? What makes them so now and then?

More often, poor water quality in ponds and lakes is attributed to an overload of organic waste matter and excessive quantities of nitrogen, phosphorus, and ammonia.

The build-up of such substances acts as a food source for algae, bacteria, and certain weeds.

It gives rise to eutrophication, which cuts off the supply of oxygen to the aquatic living beings and causes fish kills.

What Is Bioremediation, and How Can It Help in the Natural Ecological Restoration of Ponds?

Bioremediation is the process in which natural microorganisms, enzymes, and plant extracts are utilized to clean ponds and lakes.

Natural pond cleaning solutions help maintain the natural balance of the pond ecosystem, which is often disrupted by various environmental factors.

Organica Biotech has developed products that contain naturally occurring microorganisms, enzymes, biochemicals, and plant extracts in proprietary delivery systems to solve the concerns related to lakes and ponds.

Our solution, ‘Bioclean Pond Clarifier,’ helps restore natural balance in situations where environmental factors have led to unstable and unhealthy water quality conditions.

The killing of algae and weeds is temporary.

Chemical Treatment cannot remove organic muck from the sediments, and chemicals can be toxic to other aquatic life.

In such cases, using a biological solution like Bioclean Pond Clarifier is an efficient way to provide a sludge-free, clear water body.

Other highlights of Bioclean Pond Clarifier include the following:

a. Ammonia Degradation

Special strains with superior talent for rapid nitrification under aerobic conditions are provided in microbial technology.

Microbes are obligatory aerobes as molecular oxygen is involved in the degradation process.

These autotrophic microbes efficiently use the energy gained from oxidizing ammonia to fix carbon.

b. BOD Reduction

Organic food is transferred from water to microbes through two simultaneous actions: adsorption and absorption.

The soluble matter is absorbed through the cell membrane into the cell.

The particulate matter suspended in the liquid is adsorbed on the cell wall partly due to the surface charge on the cell water and partly due to the secretion of biopolymers on the surface of the cell.

The microbe secretes enzymes, which break down the adsorbed food into a simple, soluble form before it can be absorbed into the cell.

The food matter that is absorbed by the cell is metabolized by the microbes.

c. Bio Dredging

Introducing Bioclean Pond Clarifier in large quantities into a polluted system merely transplants nature’s engineering to the right place at the right time.

Bacteria will degrade sludge and pollutants dissolved in the water column, turning them into carbon dioxide, water, and bacterial biomass.

As the system returns to normal, the water becomes clear, the sludge disappears, and nature takes over, restabilizing the topography and ecology.

The bacteria themselves will die back to a normal population once their food source is diminished.

If additional polluted influent continues to arrive in the environment, a maintenance program will be established, following biodredging, to maintain the water’s cleanliness and prevent the formation of future sludge.

How Phosphorus Is Dealt With in the Water Body?

The beneficial bacteria present in Bioclean Pond clarifier also contain PAOs (phosphorus-accumulating organisms) that can absorb & lock some phosphorus (as PO4) in their cell mass as polyphosphates, making it unavailable for algae & aquatic plants.

a. Enzyme Production

Bacteria produce specific enzymes to break down compounds so that they can be ingested through the bacterial cell wall.

Each type of enzyme is highly specific.

To completely degrade mixed waste, bacteria produce selected groups of complementary enzymes.

b. Odour Control

The odour is due to the release of hydrogen sulfide or ammonia from the stagnant organic sludge that has been sitting at the pond bottom for years.

Bioclean Pond Clarifier contains safe, beneficial, and environmentally friendly bacteria that biodegrade organic matter and excess nutrients from the pond bottom and water column, thereby reducing foul odors before they occur.

Microbes from Bioclean Pond Clarifier accelerate the nitrogen cycle and eliminate ammonia gas without causing putrefaction.

Benefits of Our Product “Bioclean Pond Clarifier

Helps the effective degradation of the bottom organic sludge.
Helps maintain the Lake/Pond’s natural eco-balance.
Reduces ammonia levels and hence controls 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 helping eliminate foul odour
Reduces BOD and COD levels
Reverts the pond/lake to its natural ecosystem

Bioclean Pond Clarifier provides sludge-free, clear, and sparkling water bodies and helps beautify your neighbourhood lakes, so next time when you have to imagine your favourite lake place, it doesn’t have to be a lake far, far away from your home.

Also read: What are Natural and Effective Ways of Purifying Lake Water?

Why Composting Is Important & How Do I Compost at Home?

Posted on August 17, 2025August 26, 2025 by Jimcy Rajan

India, as a country today, is becoming a dumping ground, and one of the major reasons for this is its poor waste management system.

The amount of garbage that India produces has made it even more difficult to find more landfill sites.

India ranks third among the world’s largest producers of garbage.

According to estimates, India’s waste count is projected to increase by 436 million tons by 2050, which is a substantial rise.

Today, out of the total waste collected by municipal authorities, 94% is landfilled, and only 5% is composted.

The Central Pollution Control Board, in its 2009 report, also indicated that around 62 million tons of solid waste are produced in the nation, out of which only 20% is treated.

Thus, 52 million tons of solid waste remain untreated, which have definite adverse effects on land as well as water bodies, releasing more greenhouse gases.

Statutory notices have also been issued by the Pollution Control Board to the municipal commissioners of 184 towns, instructing them to take the necessary measures to facilitate the proper management of sewage and solid waste.

However, for now, it is necessary to explore alternatives that can overcome the challenge of finding suitable landfill sites for waste disposal.

Waste management must be given considerable emphasis so that India can address its environmental concerns.

If we don’t take ‘Waste Management’ seriously now, then there is no way for India to get itself out of this dump.

Enthusiasts and environmentalists from around the world have suggested that segregating waste at the source and composting are highly relevant to solid waste management.

Waste management is based on the concept of extracting maximum benefits from the minimum amount of waste.

Home composting is an ideal solution to address the solid waste management challenges that the nation faces today.

Composting at Home

Composting is an affordable and environmentally friendly way to recycle.

Home composting can turn all your food waste, leaves, grass trimmings, paper, wood, etc, into an organic fertilizer.

Making compost is a biological process executed under controlled conditions, where microorganisms break down organic waste matter into simpler substances.

Making compost at home is possible if perfect environmental conditions are created within the composting system.

Soil, which is essential for plants, comprises a wide range of minerals.

The quality and texture of the soil differ from one location to another.

Not all kinds of soil are rich in organic matter. Compost can add all the necessary minerals that soil may be lacking, making it more fertile.

At Organica Biotech, we promote sustainable living and offer a product called SoilMate, which serves as a compost maker and is an effective solution for making compost at home.

This home composting solution is a unique microbial formulation for composting Kitchen, Garden, and Agricultural Waste.

It also helps eliminate odour while speeding up the composting process.

Let’s manage our waste effectively from the start, right in our own homes, and help make India a clean and sustainable nation.

Also read:

Role of Microbial Biostimulants in Mitigating the Effects of Climate Change

Posted on August 17, 2025August 18, 2025 by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

There is a strong consensus among the scientific community that various human activities over the past few decades have contributed to climate change issues.

This, in turn, has affected the agricultural system by impacting the quality and quantity of crop production and causing soil salinity, drought problems, and abiotic environmental stress in plants.

The increasing global population and the consequent rise in global food demand will further exacerbate the situation.

The use of microbial biostimulants has emerged as the most effective method to mitigate their effects on agriculture.

The unprecedented level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere today is largely due to human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, which result in the emission of greenhouse gases.

It has caused extreme events, such as natural disasters, floods, and droughts.

Such climatic conditions have a substantial negative impact on agricultural systems.

It may decrease vegetation productivity and affect plant growth, food quality, and security.

Experts note that it also directly affects the quality and quantity of plant nutrients.

Another factor that requires considerable attention is soil quality, as agricultural productivity is heavily dependent on it.

Soil degradation, soil salinity, and low soil moisture can make agricultural land useless.

Moreover, climate change issues can lead to reduced precipitation, resulting in a drop in soil moisture below the wilting point.

It means drying out, drooping, and withering.

Under this context, there is an urgent need for sustainable solutions that can mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture.

Subsequently, it should contribute to achieving the world’s food security goal in the future.

This is where microbial biostimulants can play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity and mitigating climate change challenges.

Microbial biostimulants can be defined as a combination of different microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, which, when applied to seeds, plants, or the rhizosphere, provide substantial benefits to the crops.

Some of the positive effects include:

Improves nutrient intake
Enhances the photosynthesis process
Regulates plant hormones
Increases tolerance to abiotic stress
Boosts crop quality
Increases crop yield

Water scarcity is one of the major global problems, predicted to affect agricultural systems in the future severely.

According to an estimate, a 50% increase in water for irrigation is required in developing countries and a 16% increase in developed countries in the coming years.

Microbial biostimulants can be helpful in accessing soil pores and reaching water that is inaccessible to plants.

Various studies and reports have also shown that crops in drought areas can achieve maximized productivity using biostimulants.

Additionally, it can help maintain soil moisture by enhancing water retention and improving the plant’s drought tolerance.

Soil and water salinity are other issues related to anthropogenic climate change affecting agriculture.

It has caused less rainfall, rising temperatures, and increasing groundwater salinity.

This, in turn, can lead to stunted plant growth due to physiological, biological, and chemical changes.

Microbial biostimulants are well-known for mitigating salinity stress in plants.

It enhances yield and increases the dry weight of both roots and shoots in stressed plants.

Today, highly advanced and effective solutions utilizing microbial biostimulants are available to support sustainable agriculture practices that maximize productivity and protect crops from the challenges of climate change.

Organica Biotech is a leading company offering a wide range of products and highly innovative microbial biostimulants.

They are capable of enhancing soil quality and productivity, resulting in increased crop vigor and improved yields.

Natural, safe, and effective, Organica Biotech products are designed to promote sustainable agriculture.

The Magic Gro range of products contains an advanced formulation of microbes that adapt to different geo-climatic conditions.

It helps in maintaining a healthy ecological balance in the soil.

Additionally, it boosts crop vigour and enhances immunity against biotic and abiotic stress.

Thus, you can use Magic Gro products to mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture.

Also read

Biostimulants in Agriculture: Challenges, Function and Efficacy

Posted on August 17, 2025August 18, 2025 by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

In recent years, the use of biostimulants in agriculture has gained increased attention.

It has emerged as one of the most effective methods to promote sustainable food production by influencing nutrient uptake, plant metabolism, and growth.

In recent years, the use of biostimulants in agriculture has gained increased attention.

It has emerged as one of the best methods to promote

Challenges in Agriculture Today

1. Increasing Population

According to recent projections from the United Nations, the world population is set to reach 9.73 billion by 2050.

Consequently, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that the agriculture sector would need to produce approximately 50% more food than it did in 2012.

Additionally, some regions, such as South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, require agricultural output to be more than double the current levels.

At the same time, the rest of the world needs to increase its output by one-third of the current levels to meet food demand.

Therefore, there is an urgent need for sustainable practices that boost agricultural productivity.

2. Fertilizers and Pesticides

At first glance, boosting agricultural output may not seem like a challenging task.

Historically, between 1961 and 2011, agricultural productivity increased by more than threefold due to the increased use of fertilizers and pesticides.

However, the extensive use of chemicals has led to a reduction in soil quality (water, soil, and land), environmental pollution, and health hazards to humans.

The use of current practices, such as nitrogen-rich fertilizers, can pollute even the groundwater.

3. Rapid Urbanization

Today, more than half of the global population resides in urban areas.

It is predicted that two-thirds of the people will be living in urban areas by 2050.

Rapid urbanization affects the global food consumption patterns.

A higher income leads to more demand for food and nutrition.

This shift in consumption patterns also puts pressure on the agricultural system.

4. Depleting Resources

The exploitation of resources has led to land degradation, deforestation, and water scarcity issues, plaguing many regions worldwide.

According to estimates, 33% of the farmlands are moderately or highly degraded in the world.

The additional land is found to be unsuitable for agriculture.

Thus, depleting resources will certainly impact the food security goals if necessary measures are not taken today.

5. Climate Change

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), levels of anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) are at an unprecedented level.

Agriculture and its negative impacts on the land are considered a significant source of emissions.

On the other hand, climate change issues such as droughts, floods, high temperatures, and humidity levels can drastically affect crop yield in different regions of the world.

6. Pests and Diseases

The outbreak of pests and diseases is considered one of the major threats to food security.

Transboundary pests and diseases affect and damage crops, and they move rapidly to affect neighboring regions and countries.

It has a significant impact on the economic, environmental, and social structure of any nation.

Biostimulants in Agriculture

Biostimulants in agriculture have been the subject of scientific interest for some time.

As the need for sustainable, eco-friendly, and innovative agricultural solutions grows, more studies are being conducted on the efficacy of biostimulants.

What are Biostimulants?

Biostimulants can be defined as materials that comprise one or more substances and/or living microorganisms capable of enhancing the nutrient intake and use efficiency of plants.

It is often applied in the form of soil preparations (powders, granules, or solutions added to the soil) or as a liquid foliar application.

Biostimulants in agriculture, when applied in small amounts, enhance crop quality and improve plant tolerance to abiotic/biotic stress, stimulate the performance of rhizosphere microbes and soil enzymes, and increase hormone production and growth regulators in soil and plants.

As a result of using promising and environment-friendly innovations, you get better flowering, plant growth, fruit set, crop productivity, and much more.

Some other features are discussed below:

Several studies have demonstrated that the application of biostimulants in agriculture enhances the growth and size of fruits and vegetables.

It leads to an increase in root length, plant height, size, density, and weight.

It influences the physical characteristics of fruits and vegetables.

For example, firmness, shelf life, mechanical strength, and growing conditions under stress are significantly improved.

Additionally, chemical properties such as dry mass, acidity, or vitamin content are impacted, too.

Various studies also indicate that the use of biostimulants has a positive impact on antioxidant properties.

Use of Biostimulants in Agriculture

The use of biostimulants in agriculture is a sustainable production system and practice that helps farmer communities, ecosystems, and farms increase their output.

Furthermore, it will meet the food demands of the future by providing easily available, high-quality, and affordable food for all.

Biostimulants in agriculture need to be grown on a massive scale.

It will help limit dependence on mineral fertilizers and synthetic agrochemicals, such as pesticides and fertilizers.

This will play a major role in reducing environmental pollution.

Moreover, it has a positive impact on the soil, land, animals, and human population.

It also helps combat water stress and climatic factors, activating the plant’s natural defense mechanisms and minimizing the need for pesticides.

Organica Biotech is a leader in developing innovative, advanced, and eco-friendly solutions for sustainable agriculture.

After years of research, scientists and experts have utilized microbiome enhancement technologies involving nature and biotechnology to develop solutions that restore and nurture soil microbiology.

The Magic Gro range of products comprises natural biostimulants that help plants secure essential nutrients, boost crop productivity, ward off pests, and thrive in adverse climatic conditions, among other benefits.

Biostimulants in agriculture can help overcome major challenges existing in the agriculture sector and pave the way for sustainable agriculture.

Also read:

Increasing Ratoon Cotton Productivity With Advanced Biotechnology

Posted on August 15, 2025August 26, 2025 by Jimcy Rajan

Anand Patil was at his wits’ end. Anand, a cotton farmer in Jalgaon, was experiencing problems with the yield of his ratoon cotton crop.

Square drop just before boll formation resulted in fewer bolls per plant. Fewer bolls meant lower yield and lower returns.

Frustrated, Anand reached out to us for a solution.

Nutrient deprivation, climate variations, or pathogen infestation primarily cause premature boll drops.

During the boll development stage, there is excessive demand for carbohydrates and nutrients, with a major portion diverted to growing seeds.

Leaves and roots receive a minimal amount of nutrients, leaving roots weaker and decreasing the potential for nutrient uptake from the soil.

Cotton grows best in cold weather, with ideal temperatures ranging from 15 °C to 25 °C.

Minor temperature fluctuations, especially those in higher ranges, are detrimental to bolls.

Cotton plants are often prey to nematodes, parasites, and fungi. Fungal infection causes root and boll rot.

Our experts visited Anand at his farm and thoroughly analysed the problem.

Our solution is the application of Magic-Gro DripSol.

We recommended he use 500 grams of Magic-Gro DripSol per acre immediately after the first watering, followed by a second application 30 days later of 250 grams per acre.

Magic-Gro technology is the fruit of over 15 years of rigorous research.

It is a consortium of non-genetically engineered, beneficial, and robust microbes that are non-pathogenic, enhance soil fertility, and boost plant immunity.

Strains used in Magic-Gro DripSol are scientifically chosen for the best results of the products.

The formulation is in powder form and free from any toxic chemicals.

Also Read: Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture

Anand was thrilled with the results. His productivity was higher than he had expected after applying Magic-Gro DripSol.

Cotton bolls were healthier and disease-free due to increased nutrient uptake.

Leaves weren’t discoloured, and his dependence on pesticides and fertilizers was significantly reduced.

His yield was 90-100 squares per plant, in comparison to plants in his uncle’s farms, where only 20-30 squares developed per (ratoon cotton) plant.

His yield had increased by almost 80 percent!

Are You Disinfecting Your Way To Bad Health?

Posted on August 14, 2025August 25, 2025 by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

In 2014, the World Health Organisation (WHO) published a report on antimicrobial resistance, which stated, “This serious threat is no longer a prediction for the future; it is happening right now in every region of the world.”

As if that weren’t alarming enough, in 2017, the report was followed up with a stringent warning that superbugs and the universe of drug-resistant bacteria/pathogens are presently one of the biggest threats to human health across the world.

On the one hand, drug resistance in bacteria is increasing, while on the other, the speed at which newer antibiotics are being developed and introduced is rapidly slowing down.

It is now almost commonplace to hear about the connection between antibiotic resistance and the rise of the superbug, with the rapidly increasing dependence on biocides.

What Is a Biocide?

Biocide is a bacteria-killing substance and is now a generic term for a range of cleaning and disinfecting agents, including surface cleaners, antiseptics, preservatives, and the like.

It is interesting to note, however, that antibiotics are not considered a biocide, despite their serving the exact purpose that biocides do, in the purest sense.

Curiously, though, antibiotics are slotted entirely separately, as a category unto themselves.

The Concern With Biocides

One of the most crucial issues that come up when studying the link between disinfectants and the rise of superbugs is the speculation that widespread usage of biocides is responsible for their evolution and propagation.

In recent times, there has been a growing trend of biocides being introduced within the home.

They come packaged in products that we’re told are good for us, products that will help make our homes cleaner, surfaces around the house and office bacteria-free, our vegetables bug-free, and every nook and corner of our living spaces squeaky clean.

The inclusion of biocides in everyday items insidiously promotes a culture of hyper-sanitization that builds on the inaccurate premise that our homes are heavily contaminated and need to be 100% disinfected.

Enough research in recent times has shown that it is these very chemical cleaning solutions that are severely destroying not just our health, but also our ecosystems.

It is alarming, and not to mention hugely counterintuitive, to arrive at a potential conclusion that the very products that are promoted as safe and in fact essential for cleanliness and good health may actually be causing us more harm.

But here we are. All of these developments raise the question of whether we’re all collectively disinfecting our way to bad health.

Today, these biocide-ridden products are present in more places than you might imagine, and in all likelihood have convinced you that they’re good for you.

Triclosan, for example, is no longer limited to being used in surface cleaners.

It is incorporated within the surface of chopping boards, knife handles, as well as boots for indoor use, under the pretext of cleaning up all microbial contamination even before it enters your home.

These chemicals are also often present in other products, such as paint, varnish, and bathroom fittings, such as soap dispensers and toilet seats that come with the proud claim of being microbe-free or disinfected.

Priority Pathogens

The 2017 WHO report on the matter included a first-of-its-kind list of antibiotic-resistant priority pathogens and 12 families of bacteria that are believed to pose the highest threat to human health today.

The rise of the superbug stems from antibiotic resistance, which, though mostly naturally occurring, is also accelerated by the misuse of antibiotics, disinfectants, and biocides.

Antibiotic resistance threatens not just sanitation and health but is also linked to food security and, therefore, is a potential global development challenge.

Today, a wide range of infections, including salmonellosis, pneumonia, gonorrhea, and tuberculosis, are becoming more and more resistant to antibiotics, rendering the antidotes less and less effective over time.

For developing nations like ours, rising antibiotic resistance inevitably means longer hospital stays, higher chances of an outbreak of epidemics, rising medical costs, and a potentially unhealthy mortality rate.

These pathogens, when present in low levels, as they are in home cleaning products as well as household disinfectants, have the highest potential to make some of these bacteria grow in strength and build their resistance to antibiotics.

A growing resistance to medication that would otherwise deal with these bacteria leads to the inevitable creation of superbugs.

The fact is, chemical disinfectants, ostensibly meant to help clean up, inadvertently set off the cycle of disruption in the healthy, natural balance of bacteria – some of which are good for you – within your home or office, on your body as well as within your body, creating an environment ripe for bacteria to multiply, flourish and grow from strength to strength.

Safe Cleaning

New research and evidence are increasingly pointing to raising children in homes that have an environment sufficiently peppered with healthy, essential microbes and using other natural remedies to resolve their issues.

This will go a long way in ensuring that their bodies are equipped with bacteria that are beneficial to gut health, they can resist allergies, and build immunity against superbugs.

Essentially, an environment that is too clean may actually prove detrimental to the health of your children and families.

A disruption in the natural balance of microbial systems in the gut, as caused by exposure to chemicals in household cleaners, has already been linked to childhood obesity.

A theory known as the Hygiene Hypothesis lends explanations as to why we have seen such a global spike in never-before-seen allergies and immune-system-related disorders.

The last few decades have seen these conditions to have double, triple, and in some cases quadruple too.

That’s not all, with traces of harsh chemicals like triclosan and triclocarban found in human blood, mucus, and even breast milk, research is continuously proving that hyper-disinfected environments are more harmful to health than likely to promote good health.

There is growing evidence to show this link between antimicrobial resistance and the uninformed use of biocidal chemical cleaners.

More and more, it seems like the battle against entire strains of growing antibiotic‐resistant bacteria morphing into superbugs begins with an attempt to ensure safe cleaning done right.

Also Read – Your Home Is Not A Hospital Or Cleanroom. Here’s What You Should Know

Anaerobic Treatment of Wastewater and Different Reactor Types

Posted on August 13, 2025August 14, 2025 by Priyanka Khaire

Wastewater, which contains a large number of toxic chemicals, is treated well before being released into the environment to prevent harm to humans, animals, and plants.

The anaerobic process is one of the most effective and efficient biological methods for treating wastewater, where microorganisms break down organic matter.

The process is undertaken in the absence of oxygen.

With increasing industrialization and urbanization, a large amount of effluents is generated, which contains high organic content.

Anaerobic treatment is considered the most suitable method for treating organic matter.

The simple and inexpensive technology makes it popular among Effluent Treatment Plants – ETPs.

This process treats a wide range of industrial waste, biowaste, animal manure, sewage, waste from agricultural, dairy, pulp, food, textile, and municipal solid waste sources.

One of the major highlights of anaerobic wastewater treatment is that it consumes less energy and produces biogas as a byproduct.

Most, if not all, anaerobic treatment processes involve some form of bioreactor, which helps maintain an oxygen-free environment and assists in anaerobic digestion.

Generally, the bioreactor contains sludge, which contains a community of anaerobic bacteria that act upon wastewater as it enters the bioreactor.

The first step involves the hydrolysis of complex organic and biodegradable material to basic monomers, organic acids, and hydrogen.

Secondly, the acetogenesis step follows, where volatile organic compounds are converted into acetate and hydrogen.

Finally, methanogenesis occurs when methanogens produce methane and carbon dioxide.

Necessary environmental conditions are crucial for the anaerobic degradation of organic matter.

Depending upon the applications and requirements, a variety of bioreactor configurations are designed and developed for the anaerobic treatment of wastewater.

Some of the common types of anaerobic wastewater treatment reactors are elucidated below: –

1. Anaerobic contact process

A set of reactors is placed in series with the recycling process.

The recycled material is taken to the bottom of the first reactor, which is an up-flow reactor.

The material leaving is a mixture of solid, liquid, and gas; therefore, a vacuum degasifier is used to separate the gas.

2. Anaerobic filter – AF

These reactors consist of a tank fitted with a fixed filer media, which ranges from plastics, gravels, bricks, or other materials.

The anaerobic microorganisms establish themselves on the filter media, generating what is known as a biofilm.

In the AF reactor, wastewater is made to pass through the filter, exposing it to microbes.

It has a high capability for biosolid retention and is widely used in the food processing, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.

3. Fluidized and expanded bed reactors

It comprises small media, such as sand or granular activated carbon.

The bacteria are attached to it.

Large biomass can be developed due to mass transfer and high flow rate around the particles.

Due to their small size, fluidized bed reactors are highly efficient.

One of the most utilized bioreactor types is the Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Digestion (UASBD).

4. UASB – Upflow anaerobic sludge blanket digestion

It is one of the most utilized bioreactor types in anaerobic wastewater treatment.

UASB is a methane-producing anaerobic bioreactor that has undergone significant development and gained widespread acceptance.

The wide range of applications for municipal wastewater treatment and industrial wastewater treatment, particularly in the food, chemical, and pulp industries, has made it a popular choice.

Anaerobic microorganisms process it and form a blanket of granular sludge.

The treatment process consists of a sludge bed and a sludge blanket.

The wastewater flows upwards through the blanket and is broken down by the anaerobic microorganisms.

The upward flow, combined with the settling action of gravity, suspends the blanket with the aid of flocculants.

The sludge bed consists of a high concentration of biomass, through which substrates pass.

The sludge blanket contains biomass with lower density, through which the remaining substrate passes.

The blanketing of the sludge enables a dual solid and hydraulic (liquid) retention time in the digesters.

Solids requiring a high degree of digestion can remain in the reactors for periods of up to 90 days.

Sugars dissolved in the liquid waste stream can be converted into a gas quickly in the liquid phase, which can exit the system within a day.

The technology requires constant monitoring when in use to ensure that the sludge blanket is maintained and not washed away.

Biogas with a high concentration of methane is produced as a by-product, and this may be captured and used as an energy source to generate electricity and cover its running power.

It features a three-phase separator called GLSS – Gas, Liquid, Solid Separator- which helps the reactor separate solid, liquid, and gas under highly turbulent conditions.

The multiple gas hoods allow the separation of biogas.

As mentioned earlier, for effective use, microorganisms are required to convert organic material into biogas through the processes of hydrolysis and acidification.

Organica Biotech’s wastewater treatment solutions comprise a diverse & well-balanced ecosystem of bacteria for wastewater treatment.

The natural and effective solution supports biogas production, and its output can also be significantly enhanced.

It is powerful against odour and maximizes COD/BOD reduction.

It is effective in various industries, including chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, food processing, paper and pulp, breweries, milk, dairy & cheese processing, as well as fisheries & meat processing units, among others.

How Do Biostimulants Reduce the Requirement of Fertilizers in Agriculture

Posted on August 10, 2025August 11, 2025 by Jimcy Rajan

Today, fertilizers are considered an integral part of modern agriculture.

One of the reasons fertilizers are widely used is that they provide essential nutrients for enhanced plant growth and improved crop productivity.

However, the overuse of fertilizers has had a profound impact on the environment in numerous ways.

It also threatens to impact human health.

The use of chemical fertilizers has adverse effects on the water bodies.

The nutrients are washed off from farms and reach nearby rivers, lakes, and ponds, causing eutrophication.

This phenomenon leads to oxygen depletion, causing fish to die and ultimately resulting in the death of other aquatic organisms.

Moreover, it results in the development of dead zones, which are oxygen-free areas where no living organism can survive.

For example, the Gulf of Mexico, which spans 20,140 square kilometers, and the Baltic Sea, which covers an area of 60,000 square kilometers, are considered dead zones due to water pollution caused by fertilizers.

The use of chemical fertilizers can also pollute sources of drinking water.

It can be harmful to human health and may cause different types of diseases.

Besides, chemical fertilizers have low use efficiency.

It means that plants absorb only a portion of the nutrients from fertilizers.

For example, important nutrients like Phosphorus, after being added to the soil, precipitate and thus remain less available for plants.

Additionally, Nitrogen, another essential nutrient, can become depleted due to factors such as nitrate leaching.

Sustainable agriculture, which promotes eco-friendly and safe methods to enhance crop yield and plant growth, has gained significance in recent times.

Due to the increasing population and consequent food demand, it is now crucial to utilize agricultural solutions that enhance productivity without compromising the environment or human health.

Recent research and studies have demonstrated that biostimulants are a viable option for promoting plant growth without adverse side effects and reducing dependency on fertilizers.

Role of Biostimulants

Biostimulants can be defined as a mixture of substances or microorganisms that help in improving crop conditions without causing any negative impact on the environment.

Various studies have shown that biostimulants can be used as an additive to fertilizers, thereby reducing the need for fertilizer.

It can also help in nutrient uptake, plant growth, and tolerance against abiotic stress.

There are various application methods for biostimulants.

It can be used in various forms, including soil preparations such as powder or granules, or as a liquid foliar product.

It is important to note that biostimulants are not fertilizers as they do not provide nutrients to plants.

On the other hand, it supports metabolic processes in plants that help in the uptake of essential nutrients.

Studies on the effect of biostimulants in agriculture have shown that they can positively increase yields.

It means the quality of vegetables and fruit is enhanced.

Moreover, it can be regarded as the amount of fruit/vegetables grown from one plant or plot.

Additionally, biostimulants have a positive impact on the growth and size of various plant varieties, as well as their physical characteristics, chemical composition, and antioxidant properties.

Thus, the use of biostimulants on a commercial scale can reduce the dependence on fertilizers.

Consequently, it can reduce water pollution and overcome the limitations of using chemical fertilizers.

Microbial biostimulants, such as Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), are known as highly capable preparations that enhance crop productivity, nutrient uptake, and resistance to abiotic stresses and pests.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria also serve as biofertilizers, regulating plant growth, inducing systemic disease resistance, enhancing plant growth, maintaining soil fertility, and providing resistance to water stress and salinity stress.

Organic Biotech is a leading company offering innovative solutions that promote sustainable agriculture.

The Magic Gro range of products contains highly beneficial microbes that can adapt to different geo-climatic conditions and maintain a healthy ecological balance in the soil.

It enhances soil quality and boosts crop vigour, resulting in increased yields.

Additionally, biostimulants also increase immunity against biotic and abiotic stress, thereby boosting overall crop productivity.

Magic Gro’s range of products is well known for enhancing plant nutrient uptake and assimilation.

For sustainable farming and to meet future food demand, the use of microbial biostimulants, such as Magic Gro products, will help increase crop productivity and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.

Also read:

What Can We Learn From COVID-19 Pandemic To Prevent Plant Disease Epidemics

Posted on August 10, 2025August 18, 2025 by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

The notorious COVID-19 disease has claimed millions of lives in the past few months.

Besides posing as one of the greatest threats to human health, the pandemic has caused a widespread socioeconomic crisis.

This has led to urgent and decisive action from governments, health authorities, scientists, and medical experts from all countries to prevent the disease from spreading and protect precious human lives.

While much is being done to prevent and mitigate the effects of COVID-19, an emerging threat is also emerging in the form of plant epidemics.

Since food is life, there is an urgent need to prevent the destruction of healthy and nutritious food staples, fodder grasses for animals, and beneficial medicinal plants due to plant diseases.

Unless swift action is taken to prevent plant diseases, the world may witness deaths caused by food scarcity on a scale comparable to those caused by COVID-19.

At the outset, it may be challenging to view both the COVID-19 pandemic and plant endemics on the same wavelength.

However, this blog aims to bring into focus some important lessons that can be learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, we will examine how adopting sustainable biological and eco-friendly solutions can contribute to preventing plant diseases and mitigating the impending food crisis in various parts of the world.

Throughout history, plant disease epidemics caused by plant pathogens have led to food crises, resulting in starvation, displacement, and death.

The rust diseases of cereals in ancient Rome, dating back to around 700 B.C., are one of the oldest known examples.

The Irish Potato Famine of the 1840s was caused by Phytophthora infestans, resulting in approximately 1.5 million deaths due to famine or disease.

In India, the Bengal Famine of 1943 was partly caused by brown spot disease in rice, which is caused by Bipolaris oryzae.

Similar to how the COVID-19 pandemic has spread throughout the world, harmful microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi that induce plant diseases, as well as insects and nematodes, can colonize, develop, and devastate crops across the entire region.

According to an estimate, between 10% and 40% of food production is destroyed due to pathogens and pests.

Different plant species face varying levels of threat depending on characteristics such as nutritional levels, genetic profile, stress factors, age, and genetic resistance to diseases.

This is the reason why plant disease prevention has garnered significant attention.

The plant pathogens or viruses are spread in two ways.

Firstly, from the clonal propagation of plant material, it grows by using clones of the original plant, rather than true seeds.

The pathogens are usually present in this material, leading to plant diseases.

The second way is by spread mediated by an insect vector.

Epidemiologists believe that certain weather conditions also facilitate the action of pathogens in susceptible host plants.

As far as pests are concerned, they can threaten an entire country or even an entire continent.

One example is the fall armyworm, which was first found in West Africa in 2016. One year later, it spread and reached South Africa.

Therefore, just as the spread of COVID-19 can be controlled by preventing it through staying home, it is necessary to stop plant pathogens by implementing measures to prevent infections in host plants.

This makes optimal agronomic practices and monitoring of the plant ecosystem of critical importance.

What Can Be Done for Plant Disease Prevention?

Firstly, it is essential to acknowledge the threat of catastrophic proportions that plant disease epidemics can pose.

Secondly, active and regular surveillance of the plant infestation must be carried out along with tracking the spread, removal of affected plants, and treatment of the nearby plant varieties.

Plant disease prevention is the most effective mechanism for controlling plant disease epidemics.

Plants cannot fight against the disease, as it reduces the quantity of chemicals required to stop its spread when used as curative measures.

Therefore, the most efficient solution can be using products and solutions that can empower plants to fight against pathogens naturally, or in other words, develop a strong immunity to combat disease.

The use of biological seed treatment and biostimulants in agriculture can be helpful in plant disease prevention efforts.

The adverse use of chemicals has weakened natural immunity, rendering it less effective against pathogens.

Organica Biotech’s wide range of products, including MagicGro Super, the natural herbal repellent SUCKOON, and MagicGro Nemacare, are effective and sustainable farming solutions for preventing plant diseases and epidemics, while further boosting productivity.

MagicGro Super, with a consortium of beneficial microbes, enhances natural immunity in plants and reduces the dependence on chemical inputs.

This also reduces the rate of infection by pathogens.

SUCKOON boosts plant strength by strengthening plant cell walls, making it difficult for pests to penetrate and preventing infestations.

MagicGro Nemacare is an advanced biological solution that effectively controls nematode populations in soil and boosts immunity.

With such a wide variety of preventive measures, a reduction in disease prevalence is certain.

The move towards sustainable measures in plant disease prevention can only mean good things for the planet.