BluePlanet LLC

"Natural Solutions to Environmental Problems"

Product Application Guidelines for AquaClean ACF-32

BLUEPLANET LLC

AquaClean    ACF-32

Product Application Manual

BLUE PLANET - TECHNICAL CENTER
110 Charlotte Place, Englewood Cliffs NJ 07632
Phone (201) 569-0800 • Fax (201) 569-0849
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What is AquaClean?

AquaClean is a combination of various species of live bacteria suspended in a liquid medium and used for the treatment of industrial, agricultural and residential organically contaminated wastewater.

The bacterial culture contains aerobic species (those that require oxygen) and anaerobic species (those that do not require oxygen). The micro-organisms in AquaClean are not toxic nor pathogenic. They are live bacteria in a liquid medium that is non-offensive to humans, animals, plants and all types of aqua culture. AquaClean is made up of various types of bacterial species that have been cultivated for compatibility, reproduction and growth to an adult state. After incubation and when reproduction is complete, the bacteria return to an inactive state and remain dormant for long periods of time.

When AquaClean is added to a contaminated area, the bacteria immediately revive themselves and begin to feed, reproduce and attack that organic waste in the water.

The bacteria in AquaClean are live micro- organisms that should be added directly to the waste water in a periodic manner. A regular, consistent application should be maintained in order to obtain a high-micro-organism population which will insure high feeding requirements and high levels of reproduction (which means high consumption of organic solids and grease in septic tank and lagoon environments). In this way, a high level absorption of contaminants can be achieved and maintained.

How Does AquaClean Work?

AquaClean reduces the concentration of hydrogen sulfate, a sure sign of water contamination. The hydrogen sulfate is a poisonous gas with an offensive odor (associated with untreated waters in lagoons and septic tanks).

During the oxidation process of the hydrogen sulfate, a reaction occurs which converts it to elemental sulfur and then copper sulfate. AquaClean also reduces the BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) and the COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) as well as the levels of suspended solids that are indicative of concentrated contamination. Hydrogen sulfate is the most common indication of contamination, producing harsh odors that emanate from treatment plants, lagoons and septic tanks.

When AquaClean is applied to septic tanks and/or grease traps, their efficiency of operation is greatly improved which will either eliminate or drastically reduce the need for expensive cleaning and pumping procedures.

AquaClean Guarantees the Following Results and Characteristics:

• Drastically reduces insect growth and other domestic pests.
  
  
• Drastically reduces offensive odors associated with untreated wastewaters.
  
  
• Maintains drains and drainage equipment free from buildup and clogging.
  
  
• Completely dissolves organic solids that make pumping quicker and more efficient.
  
  
• Non-toxic to humans, plants, marine life and the natural environment in general.
  
  
• Product is completely natural, made up of bacteria and live micro-organisms.
  
  
• Helps the environment and improves overall health.
  
  
• Has a shelf life of min. 5 years.
  
  
• Easy to use.

The bacteria predominantly remain in an adult state which gives AquaClean its ability to quickly adapt to different environments. The combination of these diverse components in AquaClean gives it the flexibility to treat highly complex organic components in different systems utilizing aerobic and anaerobic applications. AquaClean has been very successful in the treatment of phenolic waste with large concentrations of oils and fats and extremely offensive odors.

Augmentation Chemistry vs. Stoichiometric Chemistry

Many engineers and operators are accustomed to having precise application information when using chemical products in chemical process systems. This is usually not the case with biological systems and biological products like AquaClean.

The reason for this is quite simple. Chemicals are non- living things and act in predictable stoichiometric ratios based on molecule for molecule interactions. A good example is pH, which is the measure of [H+] ions or [OH-] radicals in solution. To neutralize a solution which is either too acidic or too alkaline requires the addition of the reciprocal ions or radicals, which combine in a direct one to one ratio to form water. For example, if a solution of hydrochloric acid, HCl, is added to an alkaline solution of sodium hydroxide, NaOH, the [H+] ions and [OH-] radicals will react to form water with the residual ions to form salt (NaCl) in a predictable, quantifiable reaction.

In biological systems, the dynamics are biochemical as opposed to chemical, and the active agents are living entities. Where one would have to increase the quantity of chemical proportionally to deal with a higher load of reactant, in a biological system the biological additive can grow to help compensate for increased loadings. While small increases in dosage may be required with increased loading, proportional increases are not required. The organisms in AquaClean grow in response to higher loads, so that the benefit is multiplied which makes biological additives much more cost effective than chemical additives. It also makes for dosage programs that do not seem to properly compensate for loading changes, as AquaClean has an inherent ability to adjust to loading changes.

Bio-augmentation dosage programs typically follow a descending application schedule to accommodate the fact that the benefits of the addition are multiplied. These programs usually involve a "purge" or "inoculation" dosage to establish the required AquaClean population quickly.

The "purge" or "inoculation" is followed by an intermediate maintenance dosage to support the development of the required population. Finally, a regular maintenance addition is used to maintain the required population to maintain the biochemical improvements, which have been realized through the "inoculum" and "intermediate maintenance" dosages.

On occasion, when a biological system experiences shock loads, either hydraulic or organic, it may be necessary to return to the "intermediate maintenance" dosages for a week or two to fortify and stabilize the AquaClean population.

This manual contains a comprehensive program of application schedules for every application of AquaClean: grease traps, septic tanks and industrial biological wastewater treatment systems. While they vary in size and level of technology, they are all biological systems that can benefit from the unique ecosystem in AquaClean.

Economics of AquaClean

Many potential users compare the cost per gallon of AquaClean to other liquid and dry bacterial preparations on the market. While AquaClean appears to be more expensive on a unit basis, it is usually 40% less expensive on an application basis.

For reference, the following table is a comparison of dosage rates in a normal 1-MGD system as recommended by the leading producers of dry cultures.

The price of AquaClean is usually about 2x that of the dry powders, yet the use on a per unit basis is 1/6 of the pound usage. The AquaClean Program is approximately half the cost of the leading dry products program. Additionally, there is no time wasted in pre-hydration of the product, so the labor cost for AquaClean is lower.

Grease Traps

Grease Traps are basically holding tanks with baffles, which allow oil & grease in a usually warm or hot liquid waste stream to cool off, coalesce and float to the surface of the trap where the baffle keeps it from exiting the system. In this way, the grease trap reduces the organic load going to the sewer system and results in the generation of a high organic solid waste.

The grease trap requires regular pumping to remove the floating oil and grease for disposal before the grease layer becomes thick enough to circumvent the baffle and exit the grease trap. AquaClean provides a means of stimulating the biological activity in the grease trap to digest the floating grease at the float/water interface. This continually reduces the amount of grease requiring removal, the organic load to the sewer and the frequency of required pumping. Unlike most chemical additives that solubilize the oil and grease through the generation of heat or use of surfactants, which merely solubilize the waste, AquaClean digests the waste. This prevents blockages and increased organic loads to the municipal wastewater treatment plant that would defeat the purpose of the grease trap. The AquaClean will continue to work in the sewer lines as it travels downstream.

After a period of regular inoculation, the AquaClean bacteria will begin to populate the inside walls of the grease trap and add to the biological activity of the grease trap.

AquaClean provides liquid waste haulers with an ideal program for maintaining grease traps at a lower cost with less residuals for disposal and no loss in revenue. Revenues lost by less frequent pump-outs are recovered through charges for the AquaClean addition which takes less time for the service man and can be provided with a van. This significantly increases the number of clients that can be serviced with a given fleet of pumper trucks.

For grease trap maintenance, AquaClean is added according to the following schedule:

Septic Systems

Septic systems are on-site waste treatment systems for households and facilities that do not have access to a public sewer system. Cesspools serve a similar function but are simpler in design and usually less efficient.

Septic systems consist of a septic tank, a distribution box and a leach field. In areas of poor percolation, a "sand mound" may be used to increase the amount of evaporation from the system. Waste flows into the septic tank where solids settle to the bottom of the tank and begin to digest to soluble organics and inert material. Soluble organics in solution are degraded by a combination of aerobic, microaerophilic, facultative anaerobic, anaerobic micro-organisms and primarily bacteria. Fats, oils and greases float to the top where they can also be solubilized over time. The waste flows to the distribution box and then to the leach field. In the leach field, most of the remaining organics are degraded, primarily through aerobic processes, depending on the condition of the leach field. The treated water then percolates through the soil and is absorbed by plants or evaporates into the atmosphere returning to the natural hydraulic cycles.

In septic systems, the AquaClean is to be added as follows:

For slow or blinded leach fields, AquaClean should be added directly to the distribution box as follows:

Additives for Septic tanks

Over the years, there have been many misconceptions about the benefits and mode of action of septic tank additives, particularly microbiological products. Due to the improprieties of a few profiteers and the lack of understanding of septic tank operation, many states published summaries, which they believed were in the best interest of the consumer. This literature disparaged septic tank additives, particularly bacterial cultures, even though none has really taken a comprehensive, unbiased view of the situation nor has considered advances in biotechnology and differences in product capabilities and claims.

Septic System

A septic system is a rudimentary form of wastewater treatment process designed to handle waste from an individual household or facility when no public sewer system is available. The septic system consists of a septic tank and leach field. In the septic tank, micro-organisms (primarily bacteria) digest organic solids and begin the process of reducing the organic content of the waste. Breakdown of nitrogenous compounds is also initiated here. Most of the activity in the septic tank is anaerobic, although there is some aerobic, microaerophilic and facultative activity. The waste then flows to the leach field where the remaining organics are degraded, and the bacteria gets filtered out as the water percolates through the leach field which results in relatively clean water recharging the aquifer or nearby receiving stream. The activity in the leach field is primarily aerobic.

Like any biological process, a septic system is subject to problems associated with the lack of the necessary biological activity in the system resulting in myriad problems including odors, ponding and plugged leach fields. If the systems didn't occasionally need assistance, they would not fail as often as they do.

Additives

Additives usually fall into one of the following categories: chemicals, nutrients, enzymes, and micro-organisms including bacteria and fungi. Some additives may contain one or a combination of these. A brief description of each follows:

Chemical Additives - These are usually alkaline compounds that help digest organics and raise the pH in the septic tank which tends to be acidic, thus providing a more optimum operating range for the micro-organisms in the tank. The products are quickly consumed in the neutralization process and create the corresponding chemical salts, which may cause problems in the leach field.

While the products do typically work as advertised, the benefits are short lived and continual addition is required as the chemical is consumed. Often times, the benefits are sold as almost magical to the chemically uninitiated, but it is straightforward chemistry. The only thing not clear is the cost of these commodity chemicals like calcium hydroxide which sells for $.20/lb in bulk and is sold for $2.00 to 10.00/lb. to the consumer.

Nutrients - A number of products on the market contain essential macro and micro-nutrients for the bacteria, similar to vitamins. Usually they include nitrogen and phosphorous, metal co-factors and growth stimulants. Many of these are available in the water flowing to the septic tank as components of the waste, but not always. Just as there is a controversy over whether humans need vitamins in their diets, there is controversy over the effectiveness of these types of additives for septic systems. One certainty is that there are essential macro and micro-nutrients which the bacteria need to perform their job in the septic system, and the lack of these will limit their activity.

Enzymes - By definition, enzymes are biochemical catalysts through which most living things, especially bacteria, alter other compounds biochemically. Humans and animals have digestive enzymes in their saliva, stomach and intestinal tract.

From a chemical standpoint, enzymes are proteins and not living, hence they do not reproduce. All breakdown of waste, which bacteria mediate, is done through the activity of numerous enzymes that they produce. Enzymes can help "jump start" a biological system, but the overall benefits are limited, since it takes many enzymes to completely breakdown waste. Usually the enzymes wash out or are destroyed and have to be added in relatively large doses to provide an ongoing benefit.

Bacterial Additives - Since these products are in some ways "intangibles" and a lot of inferior products are on the market, these additives have developed a dubious reputation. Many products available from respected manufacturers represent significant advances in biotechnology. Unfortunately, they suffer from guilt by association with the less reputable manufacturers. While larger companies produce some of the better-known brands, one commonly used dry product in particular from a large consumer products company is nothing more than sodium chloride, better known as table salt.

A good biological additive for a septic tank should have a broad spectrum of aerobic, facultative, and anaerobic bacteria to provide the maximum benefit. Many products contain strictly aerobic bacteria and therefore, offer limited benefit. A healthy bacterial population will produce the full complement of enzymes required for the complete digestion of the waste and eliminate the need for supplementary enzyme addition. This will often involve more than fifty enzymes being produced by the microbial consortia. The advantage of bacterial additives is that they will multiply in the system and reduce the maintenance addition to once every few weeks or even months for the better products.

Often times these bacterial products are derisively referred to as "super bugs" but in a way, they actually are when compared to the capabilities of most populations. This would be like calling many of the new biotech pharmaceuticals that represent significant advances in technology, "super bugs", when they are in fact addressing illnesses that were previously untreatable.

Many people are advised to add yeast to a septic tank to aid in the function of the tank. While yeast can grow in the tank, they have relatively limited metabolic capabilities and are best at breaking down simple compounds like sugars and certain starches. These compounds rarely present a problem in septic systems.

The septic system is a biological process. Like any living thing, it has certain nutritional requirements to function properly and functions best in a suitable environment. There is a scientific basis for many of the additives, although some require vigilant monitoring and addition. However, the best first step in optimizing the performance of a septic system is to have a complete ecosystem of the organisms required for the most complete breakdown of the waste. Only a few products on the market do this.

While many trade organizations, consumer groups, and state agencies lambaste biological additives; they refute their claims with little or no evidence, often citing decades old studies performed before many of the newer, more effective products were introduced. They also fail to acknowledge the results that have been obtained in well-documented field studies with biological additives.

In Summary

When considering the addition of a bacterial additive, look for several things. First, find a product which has the full complement of organisms needed for efficient septic tank operation including aerobes, facultative anaerobes and anaerobes. Second, pick a product from a company, which has been in business and has a track record of successful application of their product and not just a company, which has a lot of marketing dollars to throw into advertising. Third, use a product that is available through septic tank professionals who are the real "experts" when it comes to your septic system. Fourth, read the ingredients! Last, consider the source when you begin reading information. Determine if the providers of the information have their own agenda.

Hog Pits and Slurry Tanks

With the advent of the agribusiness, the concentration of livestock on farms, e.g. pigs, cattle, etc. has increased to the point where management of the waste from these animals has become essential. Runoff from animal farms has been implicated in the contamination of ponds, lakes and rivers. Odors from waste storage facilities have become more of a problem as suburban areas become more populated. Indoor holding facilities for the animals in colder climates can experience strong odors from the waste, which can result in illness to the animals, slower weight gain and death.

The common practice for most of these livestock farmers is to collect the waste and spread it on the fields to benefit from the intrinsic fertilizer and soil enriching value of the manure. The primary problems experienced in the storage and handling of manure are as follow:

1. Odors
   
   
2. Separation of the manure into fractions
   
   
3. Crusting
   
   
4. Runoff from the fields, especially when the loading rate is high
   
   

Since odor is the most distinguishable problem, many farmers address this with the quickest fix, which is usually a chemical oxidizing agent like hydrogen peroxide or potassium permanganate. The peroxide and permanganate alleviate the odors by oxidizing the skatole, mercaptans and hydrogen sulfide. This treatment has a substantial cost, since these materials have to be added in a stoichiometric quantity as mentioned earlier. Peroxide and permanganate also destroy most of the fertilizer value of the manure and can cause phase separation.

AquaClean's unique ecosystem breaks down the odor causing compounds naturally, keeps the manure in a uniform pumpable slurry form and enhances the fertilizer value of the manure making it more readily absorbable by plants.

For the treatment of hog farms, veal farms and cattle ranches, AquaClean should be added based on the following usage table:

Holding Tanks and Lagoons

APPLICATION RATES

For every lagoon over 1,500,000 gallons, use a 10 gallon inoculation of AquaClean per million gallons of lagoon volume. Then add 5 gallons per million gallons for the next four weeks and maintain a dosage of 3 gallons every two weeks per million gallons of capacity.

Example: 2,000,000 gallon capacity = 20 gallon purge, 12 gallons per week for 4 weeks and 6 gallons every two weeks maintenance.

Litter Systems

While not common in the United States at this time, litter systems have been used for years in the Far East and are becoming increasingly popular in Europe. In a litter system, a layer of "litter", usually sawdust, is applied to the floor of the hog pen. The litter absorbs the urine and moisture from the hog manure and keeps odors down. Since the litter material is usually cellulosic, it breaks down slowly and helps to slow down the overall rate of microbial breakdown, which keeps the system aerobic. Since it is a form of composting, the process also generates heat during breakdown, which helps to heat the hogs during colder weather. Once the layer of litter is well covered with hog manure, another layer of litter is added. The layers break down and reduce in volume but do occasionally have to be removed. The used litter is then applied to the soil as fertilizer.

For application

Dairy Cattle

Apply one gallon per month for every 50 head (1200-1400 lbs. of manure). Dosage can be applied monthly or broken down into a weekly application of 1 qt./wk.

To dose, dilute 1:10 with water and spray into reception pit, gutters, through slats, ram pumps, and over manure in alley ways.

Waste Lagoon

Application rates are based on influent volume and conditions of the lagoon. For a 1,000 to 5,000 gal/day lagoon, dose 5 gallons for the first day and 2 gallons per week for the next four weeks. Thereafter, add 1 gallon/wk.

If the lagoon has crusted over, spray the dosage over the surface in a 1:10 dilution until the crust has dissolved. Adjustments in dosage may be required depending on the system.

Aqua-culture Systems

Similar to the problems experienced when growing livestock concentrated on a given portion of land, aquaculture grows fish at a much higher density per unit of water than that which normally occurs in the environment. As a result, fish waste and other organic matter which normally does not present a problem in rivers and streams, can build to toxic levels in an aqua- culture system if the water is not treated properly.

Of particular importance are the nitrogenous fractions of the waste including ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Once the system has been "conditioned" or "cycling" has been established (two terms commonly used for establishing populations of nitrifying bacteria), the nitrogenous components of the waste do not pose a great problem. But whenever the loading increases, the nitrifiers may not respond quickly enough to handle the increasing load. AquaClean contains the full complement of organisms responsible for the complete cycling of nitrogenous waste to nitrogen gas through a sequence of aerobic and anaerobic transformations.

In addition, the AquaClean can break down the organic components, which can cause off-taste in the fish and lead to rapid dissolved oxygen uptake leading to sags in dissolved oxygen and fish kills. The organics can also build up on the bottom reducing the effective volume of the holding tanks.

For aqua-culture systems AquaClean should be added according to the following schedule:

While fish ponds have a longer residence time for the bacteria to grow, the waste also tends to be more concentrated.

Golf Courses - Ponds and Lakes

Many golf courses have lakes and ponds to add to the aesthetics of the environment and to the degree of difficulty of the golf course. Since golf courses have to fertilize regularly to maintain the highly developed turf on the greens, tees and fairways, many of these ponds receive runoff water containing fertilizer, which results in algae blooms that are unsightly and can often lead to odors.

Advantages of AquaClean over Copper Sulfate (CuSO4)

Over the years, one of the most commonly used chemicals for algae control in ponds and waterways has been copper sulfate, empirical formula CuSO4. Copper sulfate works by dissociating into sulfate (SO4-) anions and copper (Cu+) anions. As a heavy metal, Cu+ is toxic to many life forms but particularly to aquatic plants and algae as it interferes with their metabolism. While normally not used in high enough concentrations to harm aquatic life, it has been discovered that over the years, the copper ion, which is taken up by the algae, is released as the dead plant decomposes resulting in high concentrations of copper in the sediments. Over time, these sediments can build up toxic concentrations of copper that are toxic to aquatic life. The sulfate does not build up because there are bacterial processes, which can convert the sulfate to other sulfur compounds like hydrogen sulfide.

In many states, copper sulfate for algae control has been outlawed and sediments must be disposed of in a secured landfill.

In contrast, AquaClean reduces and limits algae growth by two mechanisms: competitive exclusion and the production of a natural inhibitor, which is not harmful to other aquatic plants or animals. The photosynthetic bacteria in AquaClean, which are similar metabolically to algae, compete with algae for the essential macronutrients, nitrogen and phosphorous. By effectively competing with the algae, the photosynthetic bacteria leave little nutrients for the algae to grow on. While they provide the same benefits as the algae in terms of oxygenation, they have none of the detrimental side effects, cosmetic or otherwise.

Comprising only naturally occurring bacteria and some inorganic salts, AquaClean does not result in the buildup of harmless residuals.

Copper Sulfate:

• Contains the toxic heavy metal copper, which can be toxic to all aquatic life.
  
• Results in the buildup of a toxic residual, which can build up in sediments.
  
• As an algaecide, completely kills most algae.
  
• Dusty material, which should be applied with respiratory protection.
  
• Provides no other benefits to the overall ecology of the system.
  

AquaClean:

• Is completely non-toxic. Safe for the environment and aquatic life.
  
• All components completely recycled to the environment, so there is no residual buildup.
  
• Reduces algae growth by competitive exclusion and selective inhibition, so there may be very light algae growth, which may be desirable for overall health of the pond and certain species of fish.
  
• Restores ecological balance to pond with added benefits of establishing or improving nitrification, digesting organic waste, digesting unconsumed food and reducing odors.
  
  
  

For algae, odor and turbidity control, as well as a reduction of pesticide runoff, add AquaClean according to the following schedules:

Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants and Collection Systems

One of the most significant tasks faced by city officials is to provide safe, potable water to members of the community and subsequently, to transport the used water or sewage away to be disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner. Where public sewers are not available, the homeowners and business owners must provide some means of on-site wastewater treatment, usually a septic system.

The systems, which convey this water to the wastewater treatment system, are called Collection Systems. The collection system consists of a network of progressively larger pipes from 2 to 4 inches in diameter that run into mains which may be well over 6 feet in diameter.

There are numerous problems associated with the operation and maintenance of a collection system. The most common are:

1. Accumulation of organics - particularly oil and grease, which inhibits free flow and can result in the backup of sewage. Municipalities spend millions of dollars each year in specialized equipment and manpower to keep these lines freely flowing.

2. Hydrogen sulfide – as organisms metabolize organics in the waste stream and consume oxygen, the redox potential is reduced to a point where sulfate reduction can occur which results in the generation of hydrogen sulfide. The hydrogen sulfide causes a number of problems including odors, corrosion and inhalation hazards. The hydrogen sulfide is also very common in the headworks of the treatment plant where the gas first has a chance to vent to the atmosphere.

3. Malodors – in addition to odors related to hydrogen sulfide, other odors can result and emanate from organic breakdown products like mercaptans and organo-sulfur compounds, which can be readily metabolized by AquaClean.

At the end of the wastewater treatment system is the wastewater treatment plant. The plant usually involves primary and secondary treatments. In cases where discharge standards are stringent, a third treatment may be employed.

Primary treatment normally involves some form of physical chemical treatment to remove particulates, large and small, as well as colloidal organics. Secondary biological treatment is utilized to remove dissolved organics, normally monitored as BOD or COD in the wastewater. Most municipalities use either some form of activated sludge system or a trickling filter. Municipal waste tends to be relatively low in strength, between 175 and 250 mg/L BOD and readily degradable.

Some of the key areas where AquaClean can be beneficial in municipal plants:

1. Startup and recovery of biological wastewater treatment systems.
   
2. Improving organic removal efficiency.
   
3. Improving performance of systems with inadequate aeration capacity.
   
4. Improving plant stability.
   
5. Establishing or improving nitrification.
   
6. Expanding plant capacity without capital expenditures.
   
7. Improving oils and grease digestion.
   
8. Reducing sludge generation per pound of BOD removed.
   
9. Improving cold weather operation.
   
10. Improving solids settling.
    
11. Improve breakdown of refractory organics.

The recommended application rates depend on flow and BOD levels:

Industrial Wastewater Plants

Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plants are used to treat and process wastewaters from various industries including Chemical, Petrochemical, Refining, Pulp & Paper, Iron & Steel, Food Processing (including slaughterhouses), Leather Tanning and Mining. Typically these plants represent the highest organic concentrations for which biological treatment is used. While most municipal wastes average 175 to 250 mg/l BOD, many industrial plants have BOD anywhere from 500 mg/l to 10,000 mg/l and higher. Inhibition and toxicity are also more of an issue with industrial wastewaters.

Examples of typical problems associated with various industrial wastes which AquaClean can resolve:

Filamentous Bulking - depends on the cause of the bulking

Chemical Wastes – AquaClean can degrade many of the most common industrial chemicals including phenols, alcohols, straight chain alkanes, aromatic compounds, etc.

Confectionery – AquaClean has been used successfully to treat sugar waste, high fructose corn sugar, liquid sugar and chemicals related to chocolate processing.

Dairy – Dairy and cheese processors have had very good success on dairy wastes for treating the fats and whey associated with dairy wastes. Many well-known dairy and cheese producers in the United States use AquaClean regularly.

Detergent – Surfactants and other components of common detergents can be degraded by AquaClean. Many industrial laundries in the United States use AquaClean for this purpose.

Fish Farms – AquaClean helps break down organic components of fish wastes, unused fish food and nitrogen compounds in the waste.

Food Processing – A number of food processing plants use AquaClean to reduce BOD and odors.

Fruit and Vegetable – Many fruit processors, especially apple processors, use AquaClean.

Halogenated Aromatics – A number of halogenated aromatics can be broken down by AquaClean including chloro and di-chloro phenol. It would be best to address specific compounds in laboratory studies with some of the more highly substituted aromatics.

Petrochemicals – AquaClean can handle most petroleum hydrocarbons including straight and branched alkanes, BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene).

Nitrification – AquaClean contains Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter sp. It also has denitrifying organisms to reduce nitrates after nitrification.

Paper and Cellulose – Our product has been used widely in the paper industry for BOD reduction and odor control. Improvements continue to be made to the cellulose degrading ability of the product.

Pharmaceuticals – AquaClean can handle most of the spent fermentation media as well as solvents used for extractions. It can also handle the binders used in tabletizing operations.

Refinery Wastes – AquaClean can handle the most problematic refinery waste treatment problems e.g. phenols, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide (if sour crudes used), petroleum oils and greases, etc.

Steel Manufacturing – AquaClean can handle the phenols, cyanide, thiocyanate and ammonia usually found in steel and coking operations. It can also handle the oils used in steel rolling, etc.

Tanneries – AquaClean can handle most of the waste problems associated with vegetable tanning but is less useful in chrome tanning operations. In both it can handle the oils, fats, ammonia, and proteins, but it cannot handle the Cr+6 in chrome tanning wastes.

Textiles – AquaClean can handle some of the surfactants, starches (used for sizing) and organic dyes used in textile mills. It can decolorize some wastes but cannot do anything with inorganic dyes.

Wine/Alcohols – AquaClean can handle the sugars, tannins and alcohols found in these wastes. It can also alleviate thickening of the waste, which can result from the formation of polysaccharides.

Beverages – Several bottlers use AquaClean to handle the liquid sugars, high fructose corn syrup and flavorings used in beverage production.

AquaClean can help meet most of the standards presented but is primarily useful for removal of BOD, COD, ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, nitrates, and to a limited extent, metals. Biological treatment is not an efficient means of removing metals, and there are other technologies, which are more cost effective.

Dosage schedules for industrial wastewater are typically higher than normal because of the greater need for stability in the system and the presence of compounds that are more difficult to degrade. The following schedules are for all types of suspended growth systems (lagoons, activated sludge systems, extended aeration systems) as well as situations including upset recovery.

Addition schedule for suspended growth systems with a HRT (hydraulic residence
time) < 24 hrs.:

For systems with a hydraulic residence time over 24 hours, add AquaClean according to the following schedule:

For upset recovery, return to Day 8 through 32 dosage for two weeks e.g. dosage 2x/wk for two weeks = 4 dosages.

Areas where AquaClean can be used in industrial biological wastewater treatment systems:

1. Startup and recovery of biological wastewater treatment systems.
   
2. Improving organic removal efficiency.
   
3. Improving performance of systems with inadequate aeration capacity.
   
4. Improving plant stability.
   
5. Establishing or improving nitrification.
   
6. Expanding plant capacity without capital expenditures.
   
7. Improving oils and grease digestion.
   
8. Reducing sludge generation per pound of BOD removed.
   
9. Improving cold weather operation.
   
10. Improving solids settling.
    
11. Improving breakdown of refractory organics.

Bacteria vs Enzymes

While enzyme products do work in certain applications, bacterial products are generally much more cost effective to use.

Many people use the terms bacteria and enzymes almost interchangeably and consider them basically the same thing. This perception is incorrect, and there is a big difference between bacteria and enzymes:

Enzymes are:

1. Biochemical catalysts – which mediate a variety of biochemical reactions.
   
   
2. Proteins – many of them produced by bacteria.
   
   
3. Not living – and hence, do not reproduce.
   
   
4. Specific – only metabolize certain substrates.
   
   
5. Not consumed in reactions they mediate – and hence, get washed out.
   
   

While enzymes do work to an extent, they are usually crude preparations of one or two enzymes which mediate only one step in a breakdown reaction. They quickly wash out of a system because they do not reproduce and are easily destroyed by heat, chemicals, etc.

Bacteria are:

1. Living – so they reproduce and increase their numbers until they don’t have enough food to keep growing.
   
   
2. Enzyme factories – producing the full complement of enzymes to completely metabolize most substrates in their environment.
   
   
3. Able to form “biofilms” – which help them stay in a system or line instead of washing out like enzymes.
   
   

Because of these characteristics, bacteria are often much less expensive to use than enzymes.