If you have been in the Wastewater business for 20 years or more you’ve seen some pretty dramatic changes as it relates to bioaugmentation of wastewater. Back in the early 2000’s we had janitorial supply companies pushing “bugs in a bag”. This was a primitive attempt to add a primarily freeze-dried bacillus bacteria to help keep sewer pipes flowing. Often the “bug treatments” performed well but sometimes they didn’t, and we really didn’t understand why. It was a hit or miss, and because of this we became a little skeptical of these “bugs.”
Fast forward 20+ years and from a commercial perspective, things really start to pick up on the science of “bugs”. Species of bacteria are put through rigorous scientific research studies to determine their natural ability to consume/digest selected wastewater contaminants. Bacillus species are selected based on their ability to metabolize fats, oils and grease (FOG), proteins, cold weather, cellulose, ammonia, etc. These bacteria species, bacillus among others, were selected during scientific research using DNA analysis tools and on a commercial basis, fermented in a reactor, freeze dried, packaged and ready to ship. The applications expanded even more into activated sludge and anerobic digesters for treatment of specific contaminants.
Bacteria utilize enzymes to break down contaminants into smaller more easily digested food particles. As an example, we have had much success in dairy/cheese industries with the enzyme lipase for the treatment of fats, oils and grease (FOG). I like to say, “bioaugmentation is like weed and feed for a biological system.” As long as your D.O. is above 2.0 mg/l these engineered bugs will inhibit the growth of filamentous bacteria like Nocardia or Microthrix that are characterized by the nuisance brown foam. You WWT Operators know what I’m talking about.
Here is where I would like to inject an element of caution, these bugs and the enzymes they produce can’t perform miracles. Don’t make promises that you can’t keep. Bacteria and enzymes can only reduce/digest organics they cannot consume inorganics. Make sure you give them enough time, oxygen, reasonable temperature, neutral pH and you’re in business.
A quick tip: Grab samples, using a sludge judge, from all four corners of a lagoon or settling pond and send them in for an inorganic/organic analysis. The majority of solids must be “organic”, so the bacteria are able to produce enzymes, break food into smaller particles and consume it. This is the only way you will see sludge levels drop. If samples are full of inorganic silt, then you’re not going to be happy with the results.
If you haven’t already, give bioaugmentation a chance… the science is excellent, the results are real.
Learn more. Attend a free training.
To learn more about bioaugmentation and if it could benefit your facility, reach out to Watertech for a site survey and one of our technical engineers will be in touch. Or register for one of our free upcoming
Biological Wastewater trainings. We currently have two trainings on our calendar; one in Greenfield, WI on September 18 and one in Shawano, WI on October 2.
Chris Fox?
Director of Business Development
Chris has spent the last 25+ years in the water and wastewater treatment industry. A former equity partner and small business owner, he has held positions in sales, sales management, marketing, and business development for both global and regional companies. He received his bachelor's from St. Norbert College in both Environmental Science and Biology.