How to Use Enzyme Cleaners: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

Green cleaning is the future, and as a result, people are quickly embracing safe and eco-friendly solutions for washroom cleaning and other applications in commercial spaces.

Enzyme-based cleaners have emerged as one of the best green cleaning solutions.

These are now preferred due to their various advantages over traditional chemical-based cleaners.

Enzyme-based cleaners, composed of plant-based ingredients, are natural, chemical-free, safe, and environmentally friendly.

On the other hand, persistent use of chemical cleaners loaded with toxic substances may carry certain risks, such as allergic reactions and skin problems.

The chemical products are also found to be a major source of environmental pollution.

Before you learn more about how to use enzyme cleaners, you need to know what an enzyme cleaner is.

Understanding Enzyme Cleaners

To better understand enzyme cleaners, it will be helpful to know how bacteria and enzymes work together.

As you might already know, bacteria are tiny living microorganisms that are present everywhere.

There are beneficial bacteria even in the human stomach, which help with digestion.

Enzymes can be defined as long-chain proteins that act as catalysts, enabling bacteria to perform their functions.

In enzyme-based cleaners, the enzymes are released by bacteria, which speed up chemical reactions and break down complex waste particles, making it easier for bacteria to consume them.

Enzyme-based cleaners are capable of breaking down stains at the molecular level, making them more effective.

In this way, both bacteria and enzymes combine to clean.

With an increasing preference for green cleaning solutions, numerous innovations are emerging in this field.

Biotechnology has paved the way for the production of enzymes from natural sources, and their environmentally friendly characteristic makes them a sustainable alternative to chemical cleaners.

Organica Biotech is one of the leading companies that offer advanced enzyme-based cleaning solutions.

The OB Care range of products is made from extracts of corn, vegetable oils, and plant-based ingredients.

With a pH level of 6-7, they are 100% safe for cleaning crews, employees, visitors, and staff in commercial spaces, posing no risk to the environment.

OB Care Range of Enzyme Cleaners

Now that you know the science behind enzyme cleaners, discover how OB Care enzyme-based cleaners can effectively break down stains and keep your washroom and toilet clean at all times.

Washroom Cleaner & Odour Eliminator

It’s no secret that washrooms in commercial spaces can emit unpleasant odours as they are used frequently.

It can also make life difficult for those using the washroom.

OB Care Washroom Cleaner & Odour Eliminator is a special enzyme-based formulation that helps eliminate washroom odour and gives a pleasant fragrance.

FlushFree Urinal Spray

If your commercial space has urinals, urine deposits can accumulate, and a foul odor can form over time.

Use OB Care FlushFree Urinal Spray to remove urine deposits effectively.

The formulation can be used for any type of urinal.

It helps in degrading urine deposits and gives a pleasant fragrance.

Additionally, when used in combination with the OB Care FlushFree Urinal Drain Cleaner, any urinal can be converted into a waterless urinal.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

If you want to embrace green cleaning and keep the toilet ceramic sparkling, the OB Care Toilet Bowl Cleaner, with its unique enzymatic formulation, will help prevent scale and stain build-up.

Unlike corrosive chemical cleaners, this solution is non-acidic and non-corrosive.

Urinal Drain Cleaner

The urinal drain can clog due to various factors, such as urine deposits in the drain lines.

You can use the specially formulated OB Care Urinal Drain Cleaner, which degrades uric acid and organic waste deposits in the drain lines, keeping them unclogged and odor-free.

The non-acidic and non-corrosive action gently cleans and also prevents the release of gases that emanate from urinal drains and nani traps.

Next time you think of cleaning, use Organica Biotech’s OB Care range of products.

Free of unwanted chemicals and related problems, enzyme-based cleaners are an excellent choice for green cleaning and odour-free washrooms.

Also Read:

The Silent Role of Biofilm in Slowing Down Nutrient Uptake

Posted on by Jimcy Rajan

In gardens, farms, hydroponic systems, or even natural streams, there’s a hidden hero, or sometimes a hidden troublemaker, working quietly.

That hero is biofilm: a slimy, glue-like layer made by microorganisms.

Most folks think of nutrient uptake as a straight path: plants or roots grab nutrients and grow.

In reality, nutrient movement can be slowed or diverted by this slimy mantle.

To understand why feedings sometimes seem stalled or why water seems less “nutrient-dense,” we need to look at this undercover player.

What Is Biofilm?

Biofilm refers to a community of microbes that includes bacteria, algae, and fungi, which adhere to a surface through a process of releasing extracellular polymeric substances, or EPS, a type of slime glue.

This slime serves multiple purposes.

For instance, it catches and protects particles, aids the microbes in colonizing, and enhances colonization in areas such as pipes, plant roots, and rocky stream beds.

Biofilm can mature over time to form living films that can block or slow down the movement of nutrients.

How Biofilm Slows Nutrient Uptake

  • A Thick Barrier to Diffusion

As biofilm builds up, it becomes a physical barrier. Nutrients from the surrounding fluid must first seep through the EPS before reaching the microbial cells inside.

Studies show that nutrients diffuse more slowly in multilayered biofilms, and cells deeper inside get starved as diffusion becomes limiting.

Without efficient diffusion, interior cells grow slowly and take up fewer nutrients.

  • Nutrient Gradients and Starved Cores

Inside a mature biofilm, an outer layer of active cells captures most incoming nutrients.

That leaves cells in the core undernourished.

Models confirm this “stratification” effect: biomass builds at the surface, while inner layers stagnate.

Over time, these limitations slow the overall nutrient uptake rate of the entire colony.

  • Viscoelastic Properties Influence Absorption

Some biofilms are viscoelastic, meaning they deform under fluid flow.

Simulations have shown that biofilm stiffness and flow speed alter how it grows and where it sits in a channel.

These structural traits can indirectly affect nutrient access by blocking or shifting flow paths.

  • Biofilm Age and Light Influence

In aquatic environments, older biofilms exhibit distinct behavior, particularly under light.

Younger films may take up more nitrate in daylight, but as biofilm ages, nighttime uptake and organic matter release change.

Older biofilms can even release nutrients instead of taking them up during night cycles.

This complexity further slows or alters net nutrient uptake over time.

Why It Matters: Practical Impacts

  • In Hydroponics and Aquatic Systems

In hydroponic or recirculating nutrient systems, biofilm tends to form on tubing and on roots.

This sticky buildup can clog pipes, reduce oxygen levels, and reduce nutrient transfer to plants.

The film reduces the efficiency of nutrients dissolved in water reaching roots, slowing growth.

  • In Soil and Plant Roots

On plant roots, some biofilms are beneficial as they aid in nutrient supply through the secretion of growth-promoting substances and enhanced nutrient mobilization.

However, even beneficial biofilms can become overly thick and form diffusion barriers, which reduce nutrient exchange across the root surface.

Signs That Biofilm Is Slowing Things Down

  1. Sluggish nutrient uptake: You notice nutrient levels stay higher in solution than expected.
  2. Reduced plant or microbial growth, even though nutrient levels appear adequate.
  3. Poor oxygen levels or clogs in pipes indicate a heavy buildup of biofilm.
  4. Visible slimy layers inside tubing, reservoirs, or on root surfaces.

How to Manage Biofilm Effectively

Cleaning and Flushing

Maintenance, including flushing lines and scrubbing roots or surfaces, is crucial for controlling biofilm.

In hydroponics, understanding when to change it (the nutrient solution or schedule for cleaning the tubing) is crucial.

A routine flush could include changing nutrient water for hydroponic systems every one to two weeks, depending on the system scale and microbial activity.

Flow Rate and Shear Management

Higher flow rates can prevent biofilms from adhering or even dislodge older biofilms.

Adjusting flow or adding short bursts of faster flow can disrupt thick film formation.

Nutrient Rotation or Pulsing

Changing nutrient concentrations or shifting availability can trigger biofilm dispersion, and nutrient starvation or sudden nutrient spikes can both induce detachment.

Intentional periodic shifts may prevent long-term buildup while maintaining a balanced microbial community.

Beneficial vs. Problematic Biofilms

In root zones, encourage beneficial biofilms with good plant‑growth‑promoting bacteria.

But in pipes or stagnant areas, treat biofilm as a problem and clean it out regularly to prevent clogging and slow nutrient transfer.

Quick Comparison Table

Situation Biofilm Effect Management Strategy
Hydroponic tubing/tanks Slows nutrient diffusion, clogs Flush, clean the tubing, and change the solution regularly
Root zone (beneficial film) Enhances nutrient cycling up to a point Encourage light, beneficial strains; maintain balance
Aquatic sediments/pipes Stratified uptake, slowed diffusion Manage flow, occasional surges, and clean surfaces
Mature biofilm in a water body May even release nutrients at night Understand age dynamics; monitor dissolved oxygen levels

Conclusion

Biofilm is a fascinating invisible world: dynamic, complex, and impactful.

Its presence in systems, whether in our hydroponic tanks, root zones, or natural water bodies, can quietly slow nutrient uptake.

The thicker, older, or denser the film, the more it acts like a stubborn wall, blocking diffusion and starving inner cells.

But this slowdown isn’t always bad. Beneficial biofilms in plant roots help nutrient cycling.

The trick is balance: let helpful communities thrive, but not turn into smothering barriers.

Sources of Washroom Odor in Corporate Offices & How to Eliminate It

Posted on by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

Washrooms at corporate offices are cleaned at regular intervals by the housekeeping staff.

Still, at times, the emanating odor from these washrooms tends to be a concern for employees visiting them throughout the day.

What Is This Odor? Where Does It Come from in Spite of Washrooms Being Cleaned Every Day? Is Your Workplace Hygienic?

There are specific sources that contribute to this toilet odor.

Regular cleaners, which are often primarily toilet odor eliminators, act as masking agents and do not address the source of the odor, thereby often failing to resolve the issue.

Given below are some of the sources of odor in washrooms and the solutions thereof:

Urine

Urine is one of the primary reasons for the odor we encounter in washrooms.

Hundreds of employees visit the washroom in a corporate office.

Thus, the quantity of urine flushed every day is very high.

Urine comprises salts, proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and urea that contain nitrogen.

Bacteria feed on urea and carbohydrates, producing odor-causing compounds such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.

Additionally, urine spills on the floor are also a source of unpleasant odor.

Urinal Drain Clogging

Due to the presence of organic matter in the urine, it is prone to bacterial degradation, resulting in a foul odor.

The biological degradation of urea by bacteria creates an alkaline environment, causing uric acid to react with salts from flush water, which then deposits on the surface of the drainage pipes, leading to clogging of the urinal drain.

This process is known as pipe scaling. Such blockages prove to be a major hurdle.

Flushing

Flushing is also a factor contributing to the problem of odors.

An invisible mist containing bacteria rises and settles on the urinals, floors, and surrounding areas with every flush.

If left unattended, these bacteria then cause an unbearable odor.

Solution for Maintaining a Pleasant Washroom Atmosphere

Most solutions fail because they aim only to mask the odor, rather than eliminate it.

We at Organica Biotech have launched the Washroom Cleaning and Odor Control solutions.

These enzymatic formulations, in addition to cleaning washrooms, effectively degrade organic waste, such as urine deposits, thereby neutralizing the odor emanating from these sources and maintaining a pleasant washroom atmosphere.

  • OB Care Flush Free Urinal Spray

The FlushFree Urinal Spray can be used to create a pleasant washroom atmosphere.

It effectively controls odor by degrading urine deposits at the source.

OB Care FlushFree Urinal Spray should be sprayed onto the urinals, the surrounding area, and the floors below urinal pots at regular intervals.

It is recommended to spray every 2 – 4 hours, depending on the load factor.

  • OB Care Urinal Drain Cleaner

This specially formulated consortium features a unique enzyme machinery that aids in degrading urinary waste deposits in drain lines, preventing the release of harmful gases from urinal traps/urinal drains, and preventing clogging of drain lines.

OB Care Urinal drain cleaner is to be used with a dilution ratio of 100 ml: 1 L water for each urinal & nahani trap.

Initially, start dosing daily for 7 days, and then reduce to once a week.

For best results, it is recommended to pour this solution in the urinal & nahani trap at the end of the day.

  • OB Care Washroom Cleaner and Odor Eliminator

This enzyme-based cleaner helps eliminate odors at the source and gives a pleasant washroom atmosphere.

For cleaning washroom floors, toilet bowls, urinals, wash basins, faucets, and other similar surfaces, use 20-50 ml of this product in 1 L of water.

To use as a toilet odor eliminator, apply the concentrated product by spraying in corners and around water closets, etc.

  • OB Care Toilet Bowl Cleaner

This is an organic toilet cleaner featuring a unique enzymatic formulation that utilizes nanobiotechnology, making it eco-friendly compared to other toilet cleaners, which often contain a blend of corrosive chemicals.

This unique blend effectively cleans toilets and removes stains, giving your ceramics a fresh & sparkling look.

This is a ready-to-use product.

To achieve the best results with this organic toilet cleaner, it is recommended that the product be spread uniformly on the toilet bowl using a brush, left for 20 minutes, and then brushed and flushed.

Repeated use will provide good results.

A combination of these four products will help you resolve any washroom odor issues that might be present in the washrooms.

How Household Cleaning Products are Harming Us in More Ways Than One

Posted on by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

It may sound counterintuitive to say that household cleaning products are potentially harmful, but this is a fact that’s lesser known and even less spoken of.

But the very same ingredients and chemicals that enable household cleaning products to keep our homes spotless, gleaming, germ-free, and fragrant are also potentially harmful.

Whether it’s the sweet-smelling air purifier, the bathroom disinfectant, the fabric softener, the grout cleaner, kitchen cleaner, washing powder, or any of the other umpteen products that we so easily reach for, they’re all loaded with chemicals that not only can cause harm to human bodies that come in frequent contact with them – causing a range of issues from respiratory conditions to skin allergies – but also potentially pollute the air, waterways as well as soil.

First and foremost, just like with the growing awareness of reading labels of processed food packets, it’s a good idea to glance at the labels of household cleaning products to get a sense of what chemicals are in them before you bring them into your home.

Basic and commonly found ingredients include bleach, ammonia, lye, and hydrochloric acid; we’re increasingly learning that it would be beneficial to reduce all potential sources of the toxic burden on our bodies.

Toxic burden refers to the cumulative effect of toxins accumulated within our bodies as a result of the food, water, air, and chemical-based products we come into contact with.

It is essential not only to eliminate the presence of substances that contribute to a toxic burden but also to adopt habits that can help flush out toxins already present in our systems.

Second, how many of us wonder about where the liquids and chemicals from cleaning products go when they are washed down our drains?

The conversation around water pollution increasingly draws awareness to the actions that begin within homes and establishments – such as washing, de-corroding, and bleaching – that most release these very same chemicals back into waterways that eventually drain into larger sewers, rivers, and eventually the sea, while also leeching into the soil along the way.

Cleaning products, therefore, taint the ecosystem at multiple touch-points in seemingly small ways that have a much larger impact.

Most detergents contain a class of chemicals called alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), such as nonylphenol ethoxylates and octylphenol ethoxylates.

These are the key building blocks of what is commonly known as “surface active agents” that give detergents their ability to do the work intended.

When these chemicals drain into municipal sewerage systems and waterways, they’re known to break down into nonylphenol and octylphenol – toxic and not easily biodegradable by-products – which have disastrous impacts on soil and water.

Another hidden culprit is the widespread presence of phosphates.

These are added to enhance the water-softening properties of the cleaners commonly found in washing detergents.

However, when phosphates pass through drains and enter common waterways, they have a fertilizing impact and promote the growth of algae.

An overabundance hampers the ecological balance by consuming the oxygen supply in the water, which eventually has an adverse effect on the lives of fish and other aquatic organisms.

Apart from that, there is also the concern about how many home cleaning products, owing to their predominantly chemical composition, come packaged in single-use plastic containers, which form a significant percentage of the garbage menace that plagues the world.

Non-recyclable plastic of this nature not only clogs sewers but also releases harmful effluents into larger water bodies.

While the simplest way to reduce the presence of these chemicals in your immediate environment, as well as the larger ecosystem, would be just to reduce or cut down their use and revert to natural, homemade fixes like combinations of vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and other handy ingredients, this is not a practical solution in the long run.

They are often time-intensive, require frequent use, and are not feasible for use in larger areas, such as workspaces, factories, or hotels.

However, to start, you could begin by checking labels before purchasing any cleaning items.

Although most manufacturers don’t list specific chemicals, it is possible to get a sense of which cleaners are more harmful than others.

Second, seek out products that are natural or organic.

Try to use those that come in reusable or recyclable packaging.

As we have seen, there exist organic solutions that we can use to clean our homes and workspaces without putting our bodies or the environment around us at risk.

Our line of cleaning products for offices, institutions, hotels, and restaurants is proof that this is indeed possible.

Also Read:

Microbster – The Robust Eco-Friendly Input For Biomass Development

Posted on by Priyanka Khaire

With the world’s water consumption doubling every 20 years and the unchecked use & untreated release of water by industries, the perils of inefficient wastewater treatment have recently come to the fore.

Wastewater from homes and industries contains a variety of contaminants like solids and organic & inorganic compounds, which may be toxic.

Conventional biological treatment is minimally effective, time-consuming & expensive.

The effluents discharged by industries are released into ponds and rivers and have become a major cause of concern due to the danger they pose to human health and the environment as a whole.

Though the method of wastewater treatment varies according to effluent characteristics, the volume of effluents, and levels of toxicity, wastewater – domestic, municipal, or industrial contains one common characteristic – the breakdown of organic matter by bacterial digestion.

This contains microorganisms that can be classified as aerobic (requiring oxygen), anaerobic (not requiring oxygen), and facultative (capable of surviving with or without oxygen).

To purify this water and remove both toxic & nontoxic chemicals from it, companies use Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs).

These ETPs use chemicals such as urea and Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP). But these have proved to be a costly affair.

To meet the stringent pollution control norms, there is a need to provide the highest quality work within a budget.

Keeping this in mind, more companies have begun to recognize the benefits of biological treatment.

The use of a blend of bacterial colonies has proven to be a cost-effective alternative to conventional urea & DAP.

MICROBSTER – A powerful and rich blend of biostimulants & special compounds, is a nutrient-enriched bacterial additive that provides all the vital elements required to initiate and boost the growth of microflora in the wastewater treatment plant – something that conventional additives lack.

At just 1/4th of the usage as that of UREA-DAP, its special compounds help microbes survive & grow in the harsh conditions of the ETP.

It enhances MLSS development and improves the BOD & COD reduction.

While preventing the unwanted addition of chemicals, its biostimulants enhance the performance of microbes in the ETP, facilitate the uptake of recalcitrant compounds, and reduce recovery time after an upset.

MICROBSTER is unaffected by moisture, and its gel form facilitates easy transportation and storage of the product.

A plant-based nutrient for biomass development, MICROBSTER leads to an 80 – 85 percent reduction in organic matter.

It helps companies adhere to the norms laid down by the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), while reducing overall capital expenditure (capex) and operating expenditure (opex) costs.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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