Improve Water Clarity Naturally with AQUACLAR™ PLUS

It is normal for wastewater lagoons and ornamental ponds to get dirtier and smellier over time due to waste buildup. Small lakes and ponds have the added challenge of nutrient pollution that encourages algae growth. Instead of breaking out the biocides or being overwhelmed by high BOD levels, Bionetix® International recommends taking a natural approach to water clarity by using AQUACLAR™ or its new extra-strength version, AQUACLAR™ PLUS.

Improve Water Clarity Naturally with AQUACLAR™ PLUS

Improve Water Clarity

AQUACLAR™ is a water clarifying bacteria/enzyme blend in a mineral porous carrier. These nonpathogenic bacteria and accompanying enzymes improve water clarity by digesting and consuming nutrients that cause algae growth. AQUACLAR™ also lowers toxicity by allowing sequestration of heavy metals and ammonia. The product is very easy to use and provides an economical, effective way to keep water in ecological balance, improve water clarity, and compete with algae growth.

Side benefits include the following:
• Lower BOD/COD
• Breakdown of fecal and other organic waste
• Less TSS and organic sludge
• Fewer malodors
• Nitrogen removal

For applications that need a higher level of power and effectiveness, Bionetix® has created an extra strength version called AQUACLAR™ PLUS, which contains 5 billion colony-forming units per gram (50 times more than the 100 million CFU/g of regular AQUACLAR™). This higher concentration of bacteria gives it a better adsorption capacity and a more powerful ability to attack waste products and excess nutrients in water, making it well-suited to problem areas. 

Keep Wastewater in Balance

AQUACLAR™ can be used in a variety of small to larger applications. One of the most typical is wastewater treatment lagoons, which receive high loads of waste that must biodegrade sufficiently before being released to the environment. Out of control BOD and COD levels, bad odors, and high ammonia levels are all signs of organic overload. Adding AQUACLAR™ or AQUACLAR™ PLUS to lagoons can help the wastewater system get back into balance by breaking down and/or removing some of these extra wastes and toxins.

Enhance Water Quality in Lakes, Ponds, and Aquariums

AQUACLAR™ is also excellent for small lakes, ponds, canals, and fish farms. Lakes and ponds in particular struggle with algae growth because of the prevalence of fertilizer runoff. AQUACLAR™ can help consume these excess nutrients, leaving behind fewer nutrients for algae to feed on. Extra ammonia and fecal matter from fish is another problem in lakes and ponds, or in fish farms where the piscatorial population is especially dense. AQUACLAR™ and AQUACLAR™ PLUS can help keep these aquatic environments in balance. Although primarily intended for commercial/industrial applications, AQUACLAR™ has also shown good results in nitrogen reduction for home aquariums.

Restore Natural Beauty

Keeping lakes, ponds, aquariums, and especially wastewater lagoons clear is and will continue to be a constant battle. AQUACLAR™ and AQUACLAR™ PLUS stand to improve water quality by using the natural activity of non-pathogenic bacteria and enzymes to speed up the biodegradation process. It is one excellent way to keep ponds and lagoons in balance and restore some of nature’s beauty. Contact Bionetix® to get started improving water clarity!

Keywords: improve water clarity, reduce BOD, reduce ammonia in water, enhance water quality, bioaugmentation, Bionetix, high BOD in wastewater, wastewater treatment, aquaculture, aquarium maintenance

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Bionetix® Case History Spotlight #42: Reducing COD in Glove Wastewater

Bionetix International BCP11™

A glove manufacturer was struggling with high COD readings in their wastewater, which sometimes reaches high temperatures and has foaming issues. Their Bionetix® representative recommended using BCP11™. In just two weeks, their BOD levels dropped significantly, with corresponding reductions in COD. The manufacturer continued using BCP11™ and, as of one-and-a-half years into the treatment, was satisfied with the outcome.

To read the full case history, please visit: https://www.bionetix-international.com/wp-content/uploads/wp-member-files/Restricted_Case_Histories/ch042.pdf

Keywords: Bionetix, Bionetix Case Histories, how to reduce COD, glove manufacturing, glove wastewater problems, wastewater foaming issues, how to reduce BOD, industrial wastewater problems, wastewater treatment, BOD loading

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PRESS RELEASE: How to ‘Automatically’ Improve Wastewater Treatment Efficiency with BCL6000™!

August 16, 2023

Wastewater Treatment Efficiency with BCL6000

It can be difficult to manage a wastewater treatment plant. Plant upsets may come without warning, and the naturally existing microbial colony may not be able to keep up with sudden influxes of heavy organic loading. Bionetix® International is here to help wastewater treatment plants bring effluent back into healthy balance and keep it that way through the automatic application of its new BCL6000™.

A Convenient Path to Better Wastewater Management

BCL6000™ is a blend of aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms in liquid form. It is effective in degrading many types of waste and is especially convenient for ongoing maintenance because it can be applied by automatic pumping. BCL6000™ improves treatment plant performance while keeping odors, BOD, and foam in check. The main benefits can be summarized as follows:

  • Better effluent quality
  • Lower BOD
  • Fewer unpleasant odors
  • Reduced plant upsets from shocks
  • Improved sludge settling

How BCL6000™ Works

BCL6000™ combines multispore bacteria with free enzymes, nutrients, and a source of oxygen. Together, these components work to enhance the natural biodegradation capabilities of a wastewater treatment environment. Under normal wastewater conditions, standard biological treatment relies on existing microorganisms in the wastewater to digest waste compounds into small particles, biodegrading the effluent until it is safe to be released to the environment. However, sometimes a sudden influx of new waste materials can throw the microbe-to-organics ratio out of balance. This is represented by an increase in BOD (biological oxygen demand), a measure of the amount of oxygen needed to biodegrade the volume of organic waste present. High and low temperatures or limited oxygen can also upset normal wastewater treatment plant processes. Side effects of these problems may include unpleasant odors, foam, and greater sludge buildup over time.

Bioaugmentation and Biostimulation for Costs Savings

BCL6000™ helps bring the system back into balance by adding microbial reinforcements (bioaugmentation) and nutritional supplements (biostimulation) that improve the performance of those microorganisms. For example, enzymes help microorganisms speed up the digestion process. Nutrients encourage healthier microbial growth for more efficient reproduction and biodegradation, increasing the number of microbial “workers” in the wastewater. Having an oxygen source also ensures that the microorganisms can continue working even in low oxygen environments without immediately reverting to the high-odor process of anaerobic digestion. This greater efficiency also translates into less sludge buildup, decreasing the frequency of sludge dredging and saving significant costs.

Automatic Metering in Biological Units

After a plant upset, a shock dose of BCL6000™ is a great way to get the wastewater system back into balance. Thereafter, BCL6000™ is ideal for ongoing maintenance as a liquid product that can be automatically metered into the wastewater. BCL6000™ can be used in aerated, facultative, and anaerobic lagoon systems; trickling filters; rotating biological contactors; aerobic digesters; sequencing batch reactors; moving bed biofilm reactors; and other biological units.

A Reliable Workforce

Wastewater treatment plant management can be a difficult juggling act with many unpredictable and uncontrollable aspects. BCL6000™ can help smooth out those inconsistencies through bioaugmentation and biostimulation. In effect, dosing BCL6000™ is like having a steady stream of efficient workers to keep up with the extra workload. Contact Bionetix® to learn more about this great new bioaugmentation blend for healthy wastewater plants!

Keywords: wastewater treatment, organic loading in wastewater treatment, wastewater treatment plant upset, BOD problems in wastewater, Bionetix, aerobic digestion, wastewater lagoon treatment, how to improve sludge settling, reduce bad odor in wastewater, bioaugmentation

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PRESS RELEASE: Bionetix® International Releases Microbial Powerhouse for Wastewater Treatment!

Bionetix® International is excited to release BCP-EU-FB™, a microbial wastewater treatment previously available only to a limited European audience. This synergistic blend of microorganisms is a powerhouse of sludge reducing wastewater treatment efficiency with multiple side benefits for waste treatment around the globe.

Microbial Synergy in Action

BCP-EU-FB™ is a blend of fungi, bacillus spore organisms, and enzymes that are effective in degrading many types of cellulosic and other wastes. This combination of microorganisms produces a synergistic effect, allowing BCP-EU-FB™ to work faster than bacteria alone. In short, using BCPEU-FB™ is similar to having workers on energy drinks, functioning at a high level of efficiency. By speeding up biodegradation, the blend lowers BOD and COD and reduces sludge production and buildup. At the same time, it helps oxidize and reduce malodorous compounds and foaming. BCP-EU-FB™ appears to not only cut down on sludge production but to also decrease the amount of energy used during wastewater processing, making the system more efficient overall.

Where to Use BCP-EU-FB™

Because of its powerful characteristics and versatility, BCP-EU-FB™ can be used in a variety of wastewater applications, the most common being wastewater lagoons. However, it is also applicable to aerobic digesters, sequencing batch reactors (SBR), and moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBR). A common application is treatment of wastewater from food processing. It is also suited to industrial wastewaters that contain a high amount of fibers and are suffering from high levels of BOD, COD, sludge, or foam.

When to Use This Microbial Powerhouse

The high efficiency of BCP-EU-FB™ makes it an excellent addition to startup systems or wastewater lagoons that need to be repopulated after shock. It is also good for use in applications with low oxygen levels and high temperatures (i.e., 45-50 °C [113-122 °F]). The side benefits of controlling odor, pH, and foam make it well-suited for use when these problems arise. It also offers a good strategy to help avoid the development of algae and superior organisms, as BCP-EU-FB™ competes for the nutrient rich molecules that feed these nuisances.

How to Apply BCP-EU-FB™

When used in treatment plants, BCP-EU-FB™ is dosed according to flow rate. An initial shock dose spread out over the first 10 days should be followed by a weekly or daily maintenance dose according to Bionetix® guidelines. Application rate for aerated lagoons is based on the average flow rate to the lagoon; anaerobic lagoons are treated based on total volume; and lagoons with facultative systems are treated based on lagoon surface area. Lagoons in cold climates should generally be treated only after the water has warmed up to at least 10 °C (50 °F).

Aggressively Improve Wastewater Efficiency

Sludge, BOD, and bad odors are part of the normal struggles and challenges wastewater treatment plant operators face. When these get out of control and conditions are less than ideal to support a healthy microbial population, BCP-EU-FB™ tackles the situation aggressively through bacteria and fungi synergy. Contact us today to recharge your system with BCP-EU-FB™ for greater efficiency and less sludge.

Keywords: wastewater treatment, Bionetix, how to reduce wastewater sludge, improve wastewater efficiency, lower BOD, wastewater foam problems, algae problems, wastewater sludge disposal, wastewater lagoon treatment, BOD loading

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NEWS ALERT: New Bionetix® Microbiologist Brings Experience & Passion to Environmental Cleanup

Bionetix logo with ISO logo

We are pleased to welcome Irving Chang as the newest member of our Bionetix® team! Irving started his new role of Microbiologist and Biotechnologist Specialist on April 3rd and is expected to bring exciting advances to our biological product lines soon!

More Than a Decade of Experience

Irving graduated with a degree in biotechnology engineering from Saint Mary’s Catholic University in Peru and specialized in Genetic Resource Preservation at Kyoto Institute of Technology in Japan. He subsequently spent nine years in professional biotechnology research and/or fermentation and is currently a member of the Microbiology Association of Quebec. Irving is passionate about learning, science, and technology, and is fascinated with how the tiniest microorganism can do so much to improve the health of the environment.

From Childhood Inspiration to Career

When Irving learned about Bionetix® International’s vision to find more natural ways to help the world around us, he was thrilled to join the mission. This passion stems back to Irving’s childhood when he remembers hearing his grandfather say that “the best agriculture is . . . natural agriculture.” He now looks forward to helping improve agriculture and other aspects of life by finding new natural biotechnologies that help people care for the environment.

Taking Bionetix® to New Heights

Irving will be helping Bionetix® develop new products and improve capabilities of current bacteria strains. One of his goals is to get lab scale fermentation up and running to do more extensive biological R&D onsite and ultimately develop new and better products that make life easier for people. Stay tuned for further updates as we start a new part of our biotechnology adventure on the path to a healthier environment!

Keywords: bioaugmentation, probiotics for nature, environmental cleanup, microbiology, natural agriculture treatments, organic agriculture, Bionetix, green cleaning products, Bionetix products, biotechnology

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Grease Trap Maintenance Made Easy

When patrons sit down to eat at a restaurant, one of the last things they want to experience is the scent of decaying grease wafting out of the grease trap. Management wants to avoid this, too, but sometimes routine grease trap pumping is not enough. Bionetix® International brings microorganisms to the rescue to tackle this seemingly small ongoing maintenance task in a powerful way.

grease trap maintenance

Grease Trap Problems

Understanding the solution requires a closer look at the issues. The high volume of greasy or fatty foods cooked in restaurants or processed in factories means grease trap problems are real in the food processing industry. While designed to capture grease and keep too much from entering the wastewater disposal system, grease traps sometimes overflow, undermining their purpose. At large facilities, this excess FOG (fats, oils, and greases) entering the municipal wastewater treatment system can add up to excessive BOD levels penalized by surcharges. A more immediate concern is the bad odor that can drift through restaurants, making the dining experience unpleasant and unwelcome.

Good Bacteria to the Rescue

Bioaugmentation is an excellent option to remedy the situation. BCP22™ and BIOBLOC22™ do so by using FOG-loving bacteria to digest fat-based substances and speed up their biodegradation. In turn, this action lowers sludge production, prevents scum formation, and reduces unpleasant odors. BCP22™ is a high concentration powder packaged in water-soluble pouches that can be directly added to the system. It is good for shock doses to get FOG and BOD in check.
It may also be desired for maintenance doses in large facilities. BIOBLOC22™ contains the same bacteria strains inside a slow-release block that works best for monthly maintenance in average sized systems. Recent testing has shown the main beneficial bacteria strain continues growing in temperatures up to 122 °F (50 °C), easily allowing for the influx of warm water from the sink.

Steps to Good Grease Trap Maintenance

Beneficial bacteria are a great addition to the normal maintenance program and may even reduce grease trap pumping frequency. A good maintenance plan is as follows:

1. Routinely pump grease out of grease trap as normal.
2. If desired, clean out the grease trap with HYGIEA2200™ to fight engrained odors.
3. Add shock dose of BCP22™.
4. Place a BIOBLOC22™ in the grease trap once a month for ongoing maintenance or add a routine maintenance dose of BCP22™.

These simple steps do not add much work, yet they can produce significant results. The benefits are well worth the effort, resulting in a better dining atmosphere for guests, an improved work environment for employees, and lower or no BOD fines. Contact Bionetix® to make grease trap maintenance easy at your restaurant or food processing facility!

Keywords: grease trap maintenance, grease trap problems, FOG problems, restaurant odor problems, BOD fines, microbial biodegradation process, answers to common restaurant problems, how to get rid of bad smell in restaurant, Bionetix, best practices to avoid grease backup

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NEWS ALERT: New Test Data Indicates Bionetix® Biologicals Work in Temps up to 50 °C!

Bioaugmentation is a great way to clean up the environment naturally. One challenge is that elevated temperatures may slow down or destroy the beneficial bacteria added to digest waste contaminants. For this reason, Bionetix® recently tested one of its key bacteria strains to evaluate its performance at temperatures up to 50 °C (122 °F).

bacterial growth

Test Procedure

Bionetix® selected a product primarily designed to degrade petroleum products in a water environment, but which contains a bacteria strain representative of many Bionetix® biologicals. The laboratory tested the product on triplicate plates of TSA (trypticase soy agar), leaving them to incubate overnight at three temperatures—35 °C (95 °F), 45 °C (113 °F), and 50 °C (122 °F). After 17 hours, the lab counted and compared the number of colonies on each plate. It was found that the colonies continued to grow at all three temperatures. Growth in colony size was faster at higher temperatures, while the average number of colonies decreased.

Test Conclusions

The test confirmed that, while 25-35 °C (77-95 °F) remains the optimal growth temperature for most Bionetix® bacteria, the microorganisms remain functional at temperatures up to 50 °C (122 °F). Although many wastewater applications do not reach this temperature, some oil and gas wastewater processing environments (e.g., thermophilic anaerobic digesters) do. While many other factors such as food, pH, and nutrients also affect bacterial growth, this test lends confidence to users considering Bionetix® bioaugmentation in similar environments. If that environment sounds like yours, contact Bionetix® today to start a bioaugmentation trial in your high temp application!

Keywords: Bionetix test data, environmental cleanup, bacterial growth in high temperatures, how fast do bacteria grow, bioaugmentation, bioaugmentation in wastewater treatment, oil and gas wastewater, oil and gas wastewater disposal, beneficial bacteria for oil and gas, Bionetix

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