Muttukadu Estuary: How To Prevent Algal Blooms In Lakes and Reservoirs

Posted on by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

Muttukadu, a small town situated on the outskirts of Chennai, is renowned for its lush greenery, picturesque backwaters, and serene environment.

However, the region has lost its sheen and diverse flora and fauna in recent times due to growing algal blooms in the Muttukadu Estuary.

They are not a new phenomenon, as you may have seen green algae covering large areas of coastlines, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and other bodies of water.

However, the exponential growth of harmful algal blooms in freshwater is a matter of grave concern for aquatic organisms, the environment, and public health.

Therefore, urgent solutions are required to prevent algal blooms.

Understanding Algal Blooms

An algal bloom can be described as the rapid growth of algae in the aquatic ecosystem.

They occur naturally due to the presence of phytoplankton.

The microscopic algae are known for their photosynthetic activity as they provide food to aquatic organisms and are harmless.

But the dense growth of these species leads to the production of toxins and the consumption of dissolved oxygen in the water bodies.

These are known as Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs), which pose a significant threat to aquatic life and humans.

What Causes It?

They are primarily caused by the presence of a growing load of nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, in water bodies.

The primary sources of nutrient pollution include households, industries, and agricultural activities that generate excessive amounts of chemical waste.

It reaches water bodies untreated, causing eutrophication and algal blooms.

The high water temperatures due to global warming and climate change contribute to algal blooms.

It facilitates rapid nutrient decomposition, allowing bacteria to feed on nutrients and grow rapidly.

Cyanobacteria, which cause blue-green algae to grow faster, become thicker, and absorb more sunlight, leading to the proliferation of algae in water bodies.

Stable water bodies with low flows, slow-moving water, or those with minimal disturbance have a higher likelihood of supporting them.

It leads to the development of a warm water layer over cooler water, supporting algal growth and blooms.

Negative Impact

They degrade the water quality.

In addition, green algae produce potent toxins, which, when exposed to or consumed by humans, can lead to severe health consequences.

It can contaminate drinking water supplies and cause deaths as well.

It significantly impacts the aquatic ecosystem, disturbing the balance and leading to fish kills, animal die-offs, dead zones, and the deterioration of aquatic life.

Algal Blooms in Muttukadu Estuary

The Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA), the nodal agency for the development of brackishwater aquaculture in the country, has an experimental field station at Muttukadu.

According to their scientists, the primary cause is oxygen depletion resulting from eutrophication.

Microcystis Aeruginosa is a cyanobacterial type that produces hepatotoxin known as Microcystin.

Its presence in high quantities can be fatal to aquatic living organisms, birds, and humans.

The primary reason for eutrophication, according to various sources, is the release of untreated sewage into the backwater.

Additionally, the flow of freshwater into the lagoon is hindered by construction activities in the catchment area.

The accumulation of sand due to high sea tides has also caused stagnant water in the lagoon.

How to Prevent It?

There are numerous existing solutions to prevent algal blooms, but most of them are either unaffordable, ineffective, or environmentally unfriendly.

For instance, algaecides are commonly used to prevent it; however, they are also known to damage the entire aquatic ecosystem.

Other methods, such as aeration, are very expensive. Bioremediation has emerged as one of the best solutions to prevent it.

Organica Biotech is a leading company offering a wide range of bioremediation solutions that are both effective and eco-friendly.

Bioclean Pond Clarifier is an advanced, natural, and microbial solution that is very effective for the bioremediation of water bodies.

The enzymatic formulation acts on pollutants and reduces the excess nutrient load in the water.

It also controls bad odour, reduces sludge volumes, and acts against toxins, preventing them.

It can work as an optimal solution to the growing algal bloom problem in Muttukadu and other water bodies in India.

Also Read:

Effective Solutions For Improving Sanitation System In Uganda

Posted on by Kiranjyot

Uganda’s population was estimated at 45.9 million people in 2024, with over 76% residing in rural areas.

Projections indicate the population is expected to reach around 51.4 million in 2025, and approximately 61 million by 2030, with increasing urbanization expected, where more than 31% of the population is projected to be urban by 2030

The booming population has put stress on the existing sanitation system in Uganda.

According to experts, sewer lines, septic tanks, and solid waste management systems were not designed to support such a large population.

A large number of people do not have access to toilets and thus practice open defecation.

Public infrastructure, including public toilets, is also in a dilapidated state.

Those who use or share the pit latrines leave them once they are full, as the cost of emptying and logistics is unbearable for local people. The same applies to septic tanks.

This has led to issues with latrine and septic tank overflows.

The rainy season is a nightmare for residents, as the rain washes away waste into nearby rivers and sometimes even into homes.

This makes drinking water harmful and toxic.

The outbreak of cholera, diarrhea, typhoid, and other water-borne diseases is common.

It is estimated that almost 33 children die every day due to Diarrhoea alone in Uganda, as per a UNICEF report.

Sanitation issues and their related negative consequences cost Uganda $ 177 million annually, resulting in deaths and reduced productivity.

Kampala is the capital of Uganda, where the majority of the population, approximately 60–70%, live in informal housing.

Less than 10% of them are connected to the urban sewer system.

The continuous influx of people into urban settlements and the pursuit of better opportunities will further exacerbate the sanitation problem.

Government authorities, with the help of private players, sanitation businesses, community leaders, and fundraising initiatives, are doing their part to improve the sanitation system in Uganda.

This initiative aims to build public toilets, simplify logistics, management, and waste collection from pit latrines, and provide other solutions to critical issues, such as ensuring safe drinking water for people, especially children.

Many sanitation-related challenges still pertain. For example, it remains challenging for rural residents in Uganda to afford mechanical waste disposal services.

Additionally, with a growing population, it is essential to utilize reliable and long-term, cost-effective solutions in Uganda so that they can reach the maximum number of people.

Portable Toilet Kept Near Road Side in Uganda

 

Portable toilets are touted as one of the things that will help Uganda.

Also, the microbial treatment of the septic tank is one of the best ways to improve sanitation as it will help to control the sanitation challenge at the source.

Organica Biotech’s Bioclean Septic is an innovative solution that can transform the sanitation situation in Uganda.

The advanced solution contains septic tank enzyme-producing bacteria that act on the fecal matter and degrade it.

This can completely prevent septic tank leakage or overflow issues.

This will prevent the need for mechanical emptying of septic tanks, which, in turn, can help people save money.

Additionally, it prevents sludge buildup and eliminates foul odors.

Moreover, it is an easy-to-use solution that can be utilized by millions of people living in rural areas, effectively reducing the burden on civic infrastructure and government authorities.

What’s more, it is completely safe and natural, unlike chemical sanitary solutions, which are toxic and harmful.

Bioclean Septic is one of the most effective solutions for enhancing sanitation systems in Uganda.

Cleaning Agents and How They Impact Indoor Air Quality

Posted on by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

The endocrine system enables most vital bodily functions in humans by producing hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, mood, and other essential processes.

Consisting of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries (in females), and testicles (in males), the endocrine system affects almost every organ and cell in the human body.

A properly functioning endocrine system ensures that your body continues to release hormones essential for maintaining fine-tuned and comfortable bodily functions.

But this critical system is under attack, mostly from endocrine disruptors (EDCs).

What are Endocrine Disruptors?

Endocrine disruptors are natural and mostly man-made chemicals that can either mimic or disrupt the action of hormones.

Essentially, they are chemical hormone disruptors that interfere with the endocrine system at certain doses, resulting in adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects.

Endocrine disruptors are associated with learning disabilities, cognitive dysfunction, attention disorders, brain development problems, physical deformations, various types of cancers, and sexual disorders, among others.

They are also known to affect fetal growth.

As far back as 2013, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Environment Project (UNEP) released a report linking exposure to endocrine disruptors with cancer, especially prostate cancer in men and thyroid cancer, along with a whole host of other severe to fatal ailments.

And endocrine disruptors don’t just affect humans. They affect marine and aquatic life, as well as birds and animals.

They also affect our food – vegetables, fruit, fish, and water.

While a large number of natural substances are believed to be endocrine disruptors, man-made sources far outnumber them.

And increasingly so.

We live in a world where chemicals have become increasingly prevalent.

From packaging products to medicines to transportation to bottles, pretty much any object you can think of makes generous use of chemicals.

Even the food we eat is contaminated by chemicals from fertilizers and pesticides, industrial waste, and contaminated water.

One of the biggest sources of endocrine disruptors is the cleaning products you use at home.

We have previously written about the chemicals hidden in your cleaning products, how disinfecting your home can kill off the good bacteria, and how the chemicals from your cleaning agents can end up contaminating your food.

Equally importantly, these chemicals also pollute the indoor air in your homes, ensuring that your body absorbs them with every breath you take in what should be a safe environment.

Some of the known endocrine disruptors in your household cleaners include Cyclosiloxanes, glycol ethers, phthalates, parabens, alkylphenols, ethanolamides, bisphenol A (BPA), and triclosan.

Some substances containing endocrine disruptors, especially pesticides like DDT, have already been banned in several countries because sufficient research has been conducted and documented regarding their harmful effects on human health.

However, many products still contain a significant amount of EDCs, either in the product itself or in the packaging it comes in, both of which can cause harm to you and the environment.

One EDC that has become increasingly prevalent in many cleaning products is phthalates.

Suppose you use any chemical-based cleaning product with a fragrance. In that case, it is most likely to contain phthalates, which can actually worsen the indoor air quality in your home compared to the outdoor air quality in our cities.

Unless the fragrance is derived from essential oils, which is usually not the case with chemical-based cleaners. (Sidenote: those fragrant products do nothing for odour control).

Phthalates are known to damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system.

Phthalates can be inhaled and absorbed through the skin.

For over 80 years, the industry has been using phthalates in a wide range of products, including toys, cosmetics, skincare products, and vinyl products.

And yes, air fresheners are even more deadly because we can inhale them from the air, and the particles also land on our skin and get absorbed into our bloodstream.

Common phthalates found in air fresheners include Di-ethyl Phthalate (DEP), Di-n-butyl Phthalate (DBP), Di-isobutyl Phthalate (DIBP), Di-methyl Phthalate (DMP), and Di-isohexyl Phthalate (DIHP).

These are known to interfere with hormone levels, affecting genital development in humans, and also cause reproductive and growth disorders.

In any case, air fresheners don’t work, and we shouldn’t use them because the benefits are minimal.

Still, the harm air fresheners cause to our bodies and our indoor and outdoor environments is immense and sometimes irreversible.

Air fresheners aren’t alone in this, though.

Most chemical-based cleaning products are actively harming you and not even doing that good a job of cleaning what they are supposed to clean.

Your floor cleaner, your toilet cleaner, your kitchen cleaner, your brass cleaner… they are all loaded with chemical compounds that are affecting your health, the health of your family, and the health of our environment.

If you truly want to clean your home, use solutions that not only clean but also care for you and the environment.

Like our ThinkSafe range of products, our biodegradable home cleaning solutions are non-toxic, non-corrosive, ammonia- and chlorine-free, and made from fully organic, natural, and gentle ingredients, which are gentle on you and Mother Earth.

Your Guide To Successful Septic Tank Maintenance

Posted on by Oscar Peter

If you live in a place where there is no municipal sewer system, you are certainly at the mercy of a septic system to treat waste every day.

Although hidden underground, a septic system performs the essential function of treating waste from your home, thereby preventing backup issues.

Therefore, you must pay attention to what materials you are putting down the drain.

Additionally, proper septic tank maintenance is crucial for keeping your septic tank functioning properly.

For more information regarding successful septic tank maintenance, read our guide below.

What is a Septic System?

A septic system comprises a septic tank and a drain field.

The septic tank, located underground, contains millions of living microorganisms that break down the waste within it.

Solid waste is settled at the bottom, whereas oil, fat, and grease form a scum layer above.

The treated wastewater exits the tank and passes on to the drain field.

The drain field, also known as the leach field, is a subsurface area where wastewater is disposed of.

It is a critical part of the septic system, as the accumulation of solids can cause a backup.

Common Septic Tank Problems

Common septic tank problems include a build-up of sludge, blocked septic tanks, slow flushing, and poor wastewater drainage.

These are commonly known signs that your septic tank is malfunctioning.

Moreover, constant bad odour and regular backup issues are prominent telltale signs that your septic tank system needs urgent treatment.

To prevent septic tank problems, it is essential to undertake routine septic tank maintenance.

There are some Dos and Don’ts that you must strictly follow to avoid septic tank problems.

Additionally, it will help with maintenance.

  • Regularly inspect your septic system for proper upkeep and look for any signs that indicate a system malfunction.
  • Do monitor the discharge of water through the bathroom and toilet. A significant amount of water can disrupt the balance of beneficial microorganisms present in the septic system. This can impact the decomposition process, resulting in waste accumulation and system failure.
  • Use efficient household features such as a washing machine, hot tub, and toilet that prevent excessive water use. This helps prevent septic system overload and reduces the risk of failure.
  • Do not put non-biodegradable materials into the toilet. It also includes items such as coffee grounds, diapers, and toiletries. These items do not decompose easily and can negatively impact the system’s performance.
  • Do not drain fats, oil, and grease along with waste, as it can lead to blockages in the drainpipes.
  • Do not use chemical cleaners or toxic substances in the bathroom, as they can destroy the beneficial microbes available in the septic system. This is the reason why you should avoid chemical products to clear blockages and clean septic tanks as well.

Why Natural and Effective Septic Tank Maintenance Solutions Are Important?

The increasing use of septic tank systems in both urban and rural areas in India highlights the urgent need for effective septic tank maintenance solutions.

Given the high cost of replacing a septic tank system, the focus should be on cost-effective methods.

Additionally, the traditional form of mechanical pumping is also not affordable.

The use of chemical products to treat septic tank waste should be avoided as it can cause major harm to the environment.

Thus, a natural and effective solution, such as the use of microbes in sludge degradation, can go a long way in enhancing septic tank performance and maintenance.

How Do Microbes Help in Septic Tank Maintenance?

Microbes play a vital role in sludge degradation in the septic tank system.

The bacteria present in the sludge at the bottom of the tank break down the sludge through anaerobic digestion.

The solid waste is converted into gases, including methane, hydrogen sulfide, and sulfur dioxide.

The resulting sludge decomposes further when exposed to oxygen.

However, due to various factors, such as the use of chemicals and toxic products, the microbes are unable to perform their function in a septic tank system.

This is where natural biological additives are used to enhance the performance of microbes present in septic tanks.

It helps break down waste and enhances the performance of the septic system without harming the environment.

Organica Biotech is a pioneer in providing sustainable and powerful septic tank solutions.

The product Bioclean Septic consists of natural microbes with a special formulation of enzymes for natural and effective septic tank treatment.

It aggressively acts on waste and degrades it, thus minimizing sludge buildup and preventing septic tank issues like odour, overflow, and other failures.

It also suppresses the propagation of disease-causing pathogens.

Bioclean Septic Plus is another effective septic tank treatment product that ably degrades faecal matter and food waste. It is effective against fats, oils, and grease.

Additionally, it is a cost-effective and easy-to-use solution and negates the need for mechanical pumping.

Use Bioclean Septic and Bioclean Septic Plus for successful septic tank maintenance.

Also read:

Controlling Air Pollution Through Agro-waste Management

Posted on by Jimcy Rajan

Removal of excess crop material is an integral part of the agricultural system worldwide, as it is essential for preparing the soil for new seeds and enables better control of weeds and pests.

In India, rice harvesting is about to begin in various regions, including Punjab and Haryana, and farmers are engaged in managing the rice straw, also known as stubble.

Every year, farmers typically opt for the stubble-burning method to clear crop residue, as it is less expensive and less labor-intensive, which ultimately contributes to rising air pollution levels in the region.

However, better agro-waste management and sustainable farming practices can help in overcoming this challenge.

Agriculture and Air Pollution

Approximately 50-55 million tonnes of crop residue are still burnt annually in India as of 2025.

Around 20-25 million tonnes of rice crop residue are burned every year during the post-harvest period.

Stubble burning, without a doubt, has been recognized as one of the important sources of air pollution in local regions such as Delhi.

The burning of agricultural waste releases carbon, nitrogen, and other elements into the air, resulting in smoke.

This smoke, when it reacts with atmospheric gases, causes air pollution.

This is why air quality reaching emergency levels has become a recurring trend every year, with rising particulate levels causing respiratory ailments among people residing in the area.

Additionally, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

Besides causing air pollution, stubble burning can also impact agriculture.

Minerals present in the soil are also burned in the process and affect the next crop cultivated in the same soil.

However, effective agro-waste management can help in turning waste into something valuable.

Agro-waste Management

For example, approximately 70% of the waste generated in rice farming can be utilized for soil enrichment or sent to industrial plants for converting it into energy resources.

According to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), one tonne of paddy residue can result in a loss of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other essential elements, which can be recycled.

Additionally, the sequestration of carbon has been shown to enhance the efficiency of fertilizers and pesticides, thanks to the presence of various beneficial bacteria in the soil.

In the past four to five years, there has been a gradual increase in the use of agricultural waste by industries to generate energy for different purposes.

The government of India has also launched a biogas scheme that encourages the development of new technologies and solutions to convert rice residue into biogas.

Significant innovations are underway for converting agro-waste into environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and affordable single-use plastic materials.

Agro-waste Management and Composting

Composting has emerged as one of the most effective agro-waste management practices, offering long-term benefits in terms of cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and the production of valuable resources.

Waste management involves the proper handling and disposal of waste in the most effective manner.

In an agricultural system, excess crop waste can be managed effectively through composting.

In the composting process, tiny microorganisms play a major role in breaking down organic waste and turning it into a usable product, which can be used as a soil amendment.

Thus, composting can minimize the agro-waste and produce a beneficial product as well.

There are myriad other benefits of composting, which include:

  • Inexpensive method to manage agro-waste
  • Reduced air pollution
  • Better profits for farmers as it can replace or reduce the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides
  • Helps in carbon sequestration in soil
  • Compost can be used as mulch for the next harvest

Organica Biotech is a leading company offering advanced solutions for effective waste management.

Bioclean Compost is one such product that contains rapidly acting bacteria capable of effectively decomposing organic waste and converting it into nutrient-rich compost.

It accelerates the composting process, controls bad odour, and prevents harmful bacterial growth.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us at your convenience.

The Bioremediation Imperative

Posted on by Jimcy Rajan

In 2009, a team of scientists from around the world came together to create what they called a ‘Planetary Boundaries Framework.’

This framework identified nine processes that must be monitored to maintain life on Earth, including ozone depletion, biodiversity loss, chemical pollution, climate change, ocean acidification, freshwater composition, land systems change, nitrogen and phosphorus flows, and atmospheric aerosol loading.

Crossing the recommended thresholds for any of these processes could result in abrupt and possibly irreversible environmental changes.

We have already exceeded the safe threshold for four of these boundaries, researchers say.

The rate and scale at which we are degrading the planet have been unprecedented in the last 10,000 years.

Most people see environmental issues as something that happens in another dimension.

Most think we can stop and remedy the situation at any time.

The crisis is not looming large, ready to explode into a doomsday scenario, but the hysterical imaginings of a few.

This study, however, reveals that the problems are not linear, as most people tend to perceive them.

If we inflict enough damage on our planet, we risk shifting it to a whole new state, and the damage spirals out of control in an irreversible multi-scenario domino effect.

Our environment, the food we consume, and our general health are all directly correlated.

We can’t protect one without also protecting the other two.

Conversely, if we don’t protect one, we are also harming the other two.

As individuals, communities, and economies, we each have a responsibility to protect and safeguard life as we know it for future generations.

When it comes to matters like the environment, we humans tend to react rather than take action.

As individuals, we can all do our bit: we can recycle, carpool, or use public transport, reduce our carbon footprint, and compost food waste.

Not so difficult to implement if there is a will.

Within our communities and economies, we face the more substantial challenge of building consensus around affirmative environmental action and the imperative to combat apathy.

Even if we can build consensus at all levels, the damage to our environment has crossed the threshold where it is possible to reverse without intervention.

Common intervention techniques, such as burning, incineration, burial, and landfill dumping, are expensive to implement and have a significant environmental impact.

In most cases, they do not even solve the problem but compound it by merely delaying the inevitable.

The solution is bioremediation, a technique as old as time.

Bioremediation is a process used to treat contaminated media, including water, soil, and subsurface material, by altering environmental conditions to stimulate the growth of microorganisms and degrade the target pollutants.

Simply put, bioremediation is the use of either naturally occurring or deliberately introduced microorganisms to consume and break down environmental pollutants, thereby cleaning a polluted site.

Bioremediation employs microbial technology. The first lifeform on Earth, microbes, are essential to life.

They have always broken down waste, and humans have always used them, whether knowingly or unknowingly, in agricultural, domestic, and industrial activities.

They can protect crops, promote sustainable farming, and treat wastewater. Nothing is a challenge for these microscopic powerhouses.

Environmental regulations are increasingly making bioremediation the preferred intervention.

It is also a cost-effective solution without unfavourable implications on the environment.

In most cases, it provides a more permanent solution.

Several successful, large-scale projects have utilized bioremediation to mitigate ecosystem damage.

These include the cleanup of the Ganga at 52 sites using ‘sewage-eating microbes’ or the treatment of sludge from last year’s Chennai oil spill.

Many companies are seeking to innovate solutions to stem, if not reverse, the tide of environmental damage.

One such company on the cutting edge of remedial innovation is VolkerWessels’ subsidiary, KWS, which, in 2015, introduced a unique concept for building plastic roads as a sustainable alternative to traditional asphalt roads.

The PlasticRoad concept involves recycling plastic waste into lightweight modules with hollow interiors that can be fitted with cables and plastic pipes, allowing excess water to drain.

Bioremediation is the most sustainable alternative and by far the most promising solution to the environmental degradation time bomb.

They say we don’t inherit the earth but borrow it from future generations.

It is imperative, therefore, that we act now to repay this debt in the future.

This post first appeared on LinkedIn.

The Chemical Brothers And The Cycle of Life

Posted on by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

What did you have for breakfast today?

A slice of lead with some copper jam, perhaps? And maybe a nickel fluoride smoothie to wash it all down with?

We wish we were joking, but chances are that’s exactly what you had for breakfast today.

Not necessarily those very chemicals, but without a doubt, some chemical cocktail involving lead, copper, nickel, mercury, fluorides, aluminum, and a whole lot of others most likely did pass through your digestive system today, whether hidden in your daily bread, disguised in your milk, or couched in your fruit.

Most food we consume nowadays is contaminated in some way or another.

We’re not talking only about processed foods, about which much has already been written.

Even whole fruit and vegetables, milk, and drinking water aren’t free of contamination.

These contaminants enter our food either during production or processing, or due to environmental factors.

Chemicals in agricultural pesticides not only directly contaminate the fruit and vegetables we eat, but farm animals also consume these contaminants, affecting the milk they produce.

And no, pasteurisation does nothing to remove these chemicals from milk before it reaches our homes.

Runoff from pesticides and other industrial waste leeches into our groundwater and water bodies, eventually entering our oceans and contaminating all manner of aquatic life in the process, including the fish we eat and the food we consume.

These are no ordinary contaminants either.

The vast plethora of chemicals mixing with our food across various stages of food production includes aluminum, arsenic, trihalomethanes, dichloroacetic acid, fluoride, lead, nitrates, 2, 4-D, malathion, diazinon, fenpropimorph, sulfates, including gypsum, anhydrite, barite, and celestine, cadmium, PCBs, and many more.

If this were a Stan Lee comic book, eating and drinking all these chemicals would probably turn you into a superhero, flying all over the world to save our planet.

In real life, however, sustained exposure to these chemicals has been proven responsible for a whole range of illnesses, from mild to fatal.

Various topical and occupational cancers, Alzheimer’s, reproductive, cardiovascular, immunological, and neurological diseases, kidney diseases, stomach, bladder, brain, and colon disorders, lifestyle illnesses like diabetes and thyroid disorders, and diarrhoea are all proven effects of chemical contamination.

So yeah, if you planned to eat THAT apple so you could fly across the planet faster than the speed of light, you might need to rethink.

Our bodies and minds are not the only things affected by these chemicals.

Our planet is also affected by them. In fact, our very existence is threatened by chemical contamination.

Chemicals that run off from food waste also leach into groundwater and the soil, leaving progressively fewer nutrients for vegetation to flourish.

With solid waste management worldwide in its current deplorable state, all these chemicals from our food inevitably find their way back into the ecosystem.

They pollute the air, land, and water, driving global temperatures up, reshaping climatic and geographic patterns, increasing economic disparities worldwide, and making life as difficult as it can be for humans and all other living creatures.

There are ways to minimise our exposure to these chemicals:

  • Buy organic produce.
  • Be extremely diligent when it comes to the ingredient labels in store-bought food.
  • Ensure your milk is sourced from a reputable supplier.
  • Maybe switch to plant milk.
  • Ensure your drinking water is boiled and always filtered, and avoid plastic bottles.
  • Definitely don’t buy bottled water of any kind.
  • Avoid pre-packaged foods, juices, and drinks.

Most of all, avoid processed foods of all kinds. Not only are processed foods loaded with chemicals, but they are often not even the food you buy.

That carton of orange juice, for example, is actually a flavour pack. No, seriously!

Even if you are intentionally mindful of what you put into your body, you’re still at risk for exposure to chemical contamination in your food, your water, and even the air in your homes.

How?

The cleaning products you use at home include bath soaps, dishwashing soaps, laundry detergents, floor cleaners, toilet cleaners, and various polishes typical to most houses.

Some houses even use bleach. Oh, and air fresheners.

We purchase all of these products to clean our dishes, floors, toilets, and bodies, and to leave every place smelling oh so fresh.

And they are excellent at not doing that. Chemical-based cleaners actually disinfect, not clean, and in the process, kill off all the microbes that are beneficial to us.

They release chemicals into our homes, which are harmful to us and our homes.

They pollute the indoor air in our homes while also contaminating our clothes, dishes, and floors, infecting every surface and leaving us vulnerable to the illnesses we discussed earlier.

When we are done cleaning our homes, dishes, and toilets with these chemical cleaners, they are flushed down our drains, finding their way into groundwater and water bodies and contaminating them, too.

And that polluted water then enters our food stream again. Because fish drink that water, and we eat the fish.

Or because that contaminated water enters our drinking water reservoirs.

Or because it leeches chemicals into the soil where farmers grow our food.

And the cycle will continue perpetuating itself till, eventually, life as we know it ceases to exist.

Being conscious of where you get your food from, growing and eating organic, and avoiding plastic of all kinds is not enough for a healthy you or a sustainable Earth.

You also need to eliminate harmful chemicals from the cleaning products you use at home.

And you can begin making the switch today with our range of cleaning products.

Made from natural, organic ingredients with no harmful chemicals, we formulated ThinkSafe, keeping you and our planet at the forefront.

After all, cleaning the planet can only happen when our homes are clean as well.

Sewage Management ‘Impending Nuisance’

Posted on by Dr. Anuja Kenekar

Rapid urbanization in India—home to approximately 1.464 billion people in 2025—has driven its urban population growth to about 2.26% annually, while roughly 72% of urban sewage remains untreated, severely degrading freshwater ecosystems and threatening the life cycles of aquatic flora and fauna

Untreated sewage accounts for approximately 75% of the surface water contamination in the country.

When sewage enters a lake or stream, microorganisms begin to decompose the organic materials.

This impacts both the ecology and economy, as well as imposing severe health risks.

Sewage-contaminated water causes eutrophication, which is the increase in the concentration of chemical elements required for life, thus decreasing the amount of dissolved oxygen necessary for aquatic life.

Sewage pollution has been attributed to causing gastrointestinal disorders in humans, such as Giardiasis, Amoebic Dysentery, and Cholera.

Moreover, debris associated with sewage hampers the aesthetic value of the environment.

Advanced microbial technology by Organica Biotech provides the ultimate solution to all sewage woes.

Bioclean Septic utilizes robust, enriched, and highly specific microbes that are highly competent at degrading the organic matter entering the septic tank, ultimately contributing to the treatment of sewage.

These microbes help in restoring the biological health of septic tank systems.

Microbes in Bioclean Septic are empowered to maintain the working efficiency of the septic tank, thereby combating common problems such as overflow, backups, seepage of untreated sewage, and foul odour emission.

Microbial technology provides additional benefits, including operational cost savings and enhanced longevity, for septic tanks.

This indirectly lowers the amount of waste being dumped into the sewage system.

According to the 2022 WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme, roughly 71 million Indians (5% of the population) lack access to at least basic drinking water services, while approximately 308 million people (21.6%) lack access to at least basic sanitation facilities.

In the wake of perturbing environmental problems like water scarcity, it is also noteworthy that Bioclean Septic efficiently degrades sewage; thus, water can be recycled effectively.

Thus contributing to a clean and green economy.

How Septic Tank Cleaners Pose Significant Threat to Water Quality

Posted on by Oscar Peter

Septic tank systems play a crucial role in managing the household waste generated daily.

It is one of the most common forms of treatment systems due to its ease of installation, low costs, and high performance.

Additionally, it is widely used in both urban and rural areas because sewerage systems are often impractical and very expensive.

However, the performance of a septic system can be affected due to the extensive use of septic tank cleaners and other chemicals.

Experts suggest that septic tank failure often results in reduced effluent quality, posing a significant threat to water quality.

Septic Tank System

A typical septic tank system consists of components such as a tank, pipes, and a drain field.

Located beneath the ground, a septic tank consists of millions of beneficial, tiny living microorganisms that perform the function of breaking down the organic waste received from households through pipes.

The decomposed solids settle to the bottom, forming sludge, whereas grease, oil, and fat form a scum layer that floats to the surface.

The clarified water between the sludge and scum layer, known as effluent, flows through perforated pipes and enters the drain field.

The biological processes remove any contaminants left before they reach water bodies.

In an ideal situation, everything works perfectly with no threat to water quality.

However, chemicals are known to affect the performance of microbes, which leads to septic tank failure and reduced effluent quality.

Septic Tank Cleaners

Septic tank cleaners are used for both preventive maintenance and to address septic system issues.

However, recent studies have shown that septic tank cleaners can be a potential cause of groundwater pollution.

The unregulated septic tank cleaner contains acids and bases that can cause sludge build-up and affect the performance of helpful microbes.

It contains compounds such as Methylene Chloride, Trichloroethane, and Trichloroethylene, which, when present in substantial quantities, are known to cause pollution.

Moreover, it can damage the soil structure where the effluent is released.

Chemical Cleaning Products

In addition to septic tank cleaners, common household cleaning products can adversely impact septic tank performance by eliminating the bacterial population.

Some of them include:

  • Bleach – Chlorine bleach is known for its antibacterial properties. Thus, extensive use of it may destroy aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the septic system and drain field, respectively.
  • Soaps and Detergents – As you can understand by now, anything antibacterial will negatively impact the septic tank system. Thus, continuous use of antibacterial soaps can cause problems. Additionally, powdered detergents may contain ingredients such as phosphates and surfactants that can contribute to environmental contamination.
  • Toilet & Drain Cleaners – Toilet and drain cleaners used in the bathroom are one of the major causes of septic tank malfunction. The chemical-laced products are flushed down the drain and reach the septic tank system.

It is essential to note that these chemicals may not cause damage all at once, acting independently.

However, over time, chemicals may accumulate and disrupt the ideal conditions for biological activity to occur.

Septic Tank Failure & Consequences

A malfunctioning septic tank is unable to treat the liquid waste effluent effectively and properly.

Thus, this effluent, containing pollutants such as phosphorus and nitrogen, as well as pathogens like bacteria, protozoa, and viruses, may reach groundwater or nearby water sources.

This polluted water, if consumed, can lead to gastrointestinal diseases, dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis, etc.

As you can see, septic tank cleaners indirectly pose a significant threat to water quality, and avoiding them is necessary.

Instead, there are environmentally friendly and organic septic tank cleaners that can be used to enhance the performance of septic tank systems and protect water quality.

Organica Biotech is a leading company that develops advanced, eco-friendly solutions for septic tank systems, sanitation, and household cleaning.

Bioclean Septic is one such product that consists of enzyme-producing bacteria capable of degrading faecal matter efficiently in a septic tank.

It minimizes sludge buildup, prevents propagation of disease-causing germs, and can handle heavy loads.

For more information about Bioclean Septic and its comprehensive range of solutions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at your convenience.

Also Read:

Effective Techniques to Treat Wastewater

Posted on by Karen Sam

In a rapidly urbanizing country like India, where freshwater is scarce, wastewater treatment is crucial.

To address surface water quality challenges in rapidly growing and emerging cities, state and non-state entities have gradually shifted their attention to innovative new wastewater management systems.

Wastewater treatment typically involves three basic stages: primary, secondary, and tertiary.

Each stage purifies water to a higher level. In certain cases, just one or two phases are required.

The level of treatment required is determined by the intended use of the water and the environment into which it will be discharged.

India’s progress in wastewater treatment is gradually increasing, leading to the development of various new modules.

Let us give you an insight into some of these that have already started creating an evident impact on a majority of the country’s industrial landscape:

  1. The CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute in Durgapur has introduced the world’s first Waste-Water Treatment Technology Model, which filters wastewater for irrigation and farming purposes, utilizing all three stages of wastewater management. It is called the Aqua Rejuvenation Plant (ARP). It is an Integrated Wastewater Rejuvenation Model that features a Six-Stage purification profile for the comprehensive treatment of Wastewater based on diverse purification parameters. The system also offers dual benefits, as the treated water is used for irrigation purposes, while the filtered sludge generated is also utilized as manure or fertilizer.
  2. A consistent issue in India has been that low-income users often cannot afford the high cost of treatment technology for treating oily wastewater from their sources. As a result, a large amount of unwashed, oily wastewater is discharged into the water without adhering to the guidelines of the Pollution Control Board. To find an effective solution to this issue, Dr. Chiranjib Bhattacharjee, a professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at Jadavpur University, developed an Electrocoagulation and Electroflotation Enhanced Membrane Module (ECEFMM) technique for wastewater treatment. This membrane module is a part of the tertiary stage of wastewater management. With the use of this innovative module, the vehicle maintenance industry, food industry, and other small to medium-sized businesses can benefit from a smart, cost-effective electric field-assisted membrane separation device for treating oily wastewater.
  3. Technologies using UV photocatalysts can treat urban sewage and highly polluted industrial wastewater streams. This has been made possible by the Energy and Resources Laboratory in New Delhi, which has developed a technology called Advanced Oxidation Technology (TADOX). It reduces dependence and stress on biological and tertiary treatment systems, helping to achieve zero liquid discharge. The most significant change is the introduction of a “zero liquid” drainage system, where treated wastewater is reused rather than discharged into public sewers and water bodies. This technology has the ability to reduce Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), dissolved organics, pathogens, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), and Micropollutants. Hence, this technology is extremely efficient and budget-friendly.
  4. The SCPI project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMU) Environmental Technology Export Initiative, is providing India with German expertise in wastewater treatment facilities. It demonstrates how to adapt wastewater treatment to local conditions, reuse water, and make it suitable for groundwater recharge, thereby improving surface water quality.
  5. Bioremediation is not a specific module or treatment plant, but rather a process that utilizes live microorganisms to break down pollutants and harmful microbes in wastewater. This is a very effective and inexpensive solution. Bioremediation is commonly used in cases involving oil spills, soils contaminated with acid mine drainage, underground pipe leaks, and crime scene cleanups. These toxic compounds are metabolized by enzymes present in microorganisms.

With all these advanced and innovative developments, the world of wastewater management will adopt a new approach and develop more effective ways of treating wastewater.

In addition to advanced wastewater management techniques, innovative and effective biological wastewater treatment solutions are available to help treat wastewater.

At Organica Biotech, we strive to become leaders in this space and have developed a wide range of solutions for wastewater treatment.

Our microbial Cleanmaxx contains a cadre of specialized microorganisms that help break down organic waste, reduce sludge volume, and effectively improve the performance of wastewater treatment plants.

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