Page 52 - Alpha Tech Pet, Inc. - Distributor Support Binder (April 2013)

pathways required. A consortium of selected microorganisms added to the indigenous population increases the
range and speed of degradation. The indigenous population responds by assisting in degrading the smaller
organic units produced when some of the more difficult to degrade compounds are broken down. Together
these microorganisms achieve very efficient biodegradation.
Degradation pathway for the breakdown of grease: Each step of this reaction requires specific enzymes:
Triglycerides => glycerol => cells
(Many types) => CO2
=> water
+
long chain fatty acids => shorter chain fatty acids =>shorter chain fatty acids => shorter
chain fatty acids => shorter chain fatty acids => cells
=> CO2
=> water
CONDITIONS REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE MICROBIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY
For any microorganism to be effective, certain basic biological parameters must be met. These parameters
generally include presence of dissolved oxygen, suitable temperature range, favorable pH range, adequate
organic (food source) and inorganic nutrients, and absence of toxicity. Generally, sewage is rich in organic
nutrients and in this application, organisms selectively adapted for rapid grease degradation have the advantage
of an abundant food source. Nitrogen and phosphate (PO4) are major Constituents of the bacterial cell and must
be present to allow the cells to grow. Sewage contains adequate quantities of inorganic nutrients. Sewage also
maintains a neutral pH range, which is also required for bacterial cell function. The constant flow of sewage
maintains mixing, which provides oxygenation and prevents the buildup of localized areas of unfavorable
conditions: (Forced main lines are deficient in oxygen and require a specialized bioaugmentation program.)
Temperatures are relatively constant and generally in a favorable range. Winter temperatures in colder climates
may cause a seasonal decrease in the level of activity. Overall, the sewer system provides conditions favorable to
biological activity.
PRODUCT FORMULATIONS
Products containing microbial strains for specific wastewater applications may also contain formulation
ingredients to expedite the initiation of this biological activity. In Novozymes’ line treatment products, surfactant
is added to the product formulation to initiate emulsification, thus increasing the area of oil/water interface.
Enzymes are added to initiate organic breakdown while the organisms are acclimating to their new environment.
The acclimation period is required for those organisms in spore form to germinate and for organisms to recognize
organics and turn on the production of specific enzymes.
APPLICATION TECHNIQUES
For microorganisms to be effective in removing accumulations and preventing re-deposit, they must establish
themselves in the built-up material and biofilms lining the sewers. To maximize the microorganisms’ ability to
accumulate and attach to line surfaces, continuous dosing as opposed to slug dosing is required. This continuous
dosing must be accomplished with minimal investment of labor. Liquid products can be pumped into the lines
continuously; however, the dosage point is limited to areas where pumps can be installed and a reservoir of
material maintained. Dry products in free-flowing form are cumbersome to reconstitute and are quickly flushed
down the line with little residence time in the section of line being treated.
Novozymes tested numerous devices designed to increase the retention time of the microorganisms in the sewer
segment being treated and to provide continuous treatment over an extended period of time. Eventually the
“BIO-SOCK™” was developed. It is made of a biodegradable material of a weave appropriately sized to allow
!