CASE HISTORY SPOTLIGHT: Bionetix® Case History #16: Sludge and Odor Reduction at Meat Packing Plant

The sludge collected from wastewater at a Southern Ontario meat packing plant was causing odor and handling problems. The sludge was thick and hard by the time it had to be emptied each week from the holding tank, and neighbors complained about the odors resulting from pumping. To address the problem, the plant emptied the tank and then began a continuous feed of diluted STIMULUS™ and a daily dose of BCP80™ into the sludge before it reached the tank. Water was drained out of the tank two to three times per week until the water was no longer clear.

The tank did not require pumping for three weeks after the treatment started. When it did occur, the sludge was much easier to handle. Odor significantly improved and neighbors stopped complaining about the smell. The entire year’s treatment paid for itself in just a few months by reducing hauling costs. Odor reduction also had the unmeasurable benefits of reducing manpower and increasing goodwill in public relations with the surrounding area.

Read the full case history here.

Keywords: sludge reduction, odor reduction, meat packing plant, odor problems, sludge problems, Bionetix, wastewater, public relations

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CASE HISTORY SPOTLIGHT: Bionetix® Case History #26: Brazil Pisciculture Trial

Keeping fish healthy and ponds clean are two typical challenges for fish farming. Sludge buildup and bad odors from decaying organics and fecal matter are common. Often, half of the pond water has to be replaced at the end of the cycle due to contamination. Heavy rain can lead to low dissolved oxygen levels. Fish stressed by poor conditions also eat less.

Bionetix® biologicals were trialed at an industrial fish farm in Mato Grosso, Brazil, to counteract these problems. Two side-byside ponds were stocked with 6300 young “Pintado” fish each. One pond was not treated. The other pond was treated with BCP54™, and AQUA-FEED™ was added to the fish food regularly. About eight months later, AEROBOOSTER-O2™ was introduced to the treated pond to counteract low oxygen levels from heavy rain. The cycle lasted 330 days in the control pond and 400 days in the treated pond (to allow time to test AEROBOOSTER-O2™).

The control pond stayed at relatively normal production (10,500 kilos [23,149 lbs]), while the treated pond saw a 42% increase from the norm and produced 15,143 kilos (33,385 lbs). Fish in the treated pond stayed healthy without medication and grew to a consistent size, while the control pond had a wide range of sizes (about one-fourth of its fish were not large enough to be included in the final production count). The treated pond also had excellent odor control and stabilized oxygen levels, with no need to follow the costly procedure of draining contaminated water, cleaning, and refilling the pond (except to compensate for natural evaporation). The results generated excitement and also captured the interest of potential investors.

Keywords: pisciculture, Bionetix, fish farming, low oxygen in ponds, fish farming challenges, keeping ponds clean, Brazil pisciculture, keeping fish healthy,
pond contamination

Read the full case history here.

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PRESS RELEASE: STIMULUS™: A Winning Member on Your Odor Control and Waste Treatment Team

What is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of wastewater treatment, manure pits, and compost heaps? It would not be surprising to hear “bad odors” as the resounding answer. All three environments have odor problems in common due to the biological breakdown of waste. Often, a high concentration of waste worsens the odors because of insufficient oxygen to facilitate aerobic processes. As a result, decomposition automatically switches to anaerobic digestion, which creates a higher volume of odorous compounds, including excess ammonia that can also lead to environmental issues. Unpleasant odors are not only difficult to work with but can cause a public relations nightmare as neighbors complain about the uncontrolled smell. Fortunately, Bionetix® International has an answer to improve the situation by naturally stimulating biological processes with STIMULUS™.

What is STIMULUS™?
STIMULUS™ is a natural biostimulant, surfactant, and odor control product derived from natural plant extract. STIMULUS™ inhibits the formation of odors while enhancing microbiological activity by supplying bacteria with a food source rich in macro- and micro-elements that encourage the composting process. The major components of STIMULUS™ can bind ammonia to form complexes and reduce the level of ammonia in waste. The active ingredient in STIMULUS™ also inhibits urease activity, therefore prohibiting the release of ammonia and reducing environmental impact.

Who Can Use STIMULUS™?
There are many individuals and entities that can benefit from the use of STIMULUS™:

  • Farmers
  • Landscapers
  • Industrial compost sites
  • Wastewater treatment plants
  • Food processing facilities
  • Fisheries

Following is a closer look at the situations where STIMULUS™ could be of help.

STIMULUS™ for Compost and Manure Management
Farmers, landscapers, and industrial compost sites have to deal with the buildup of dead grass, landscape products, and other organics piled into compost heaps. STIMULUS™ effectively controls the odors resulting from this decomposition. One application of STIMULUS™ to the compost windrow when the material is first set out and again when the pile is first turned is typically enough to get the desired effects. The second dose is recommended to help with the possible anaerobic bacteria buildup in the center of the pile. Further treatment is usually not needed. STIMULUS™ is great for neutralizing the musty odors from yeast and molds that form in leaf piles stored over the winter for composting. It also helps stabilize the decomposition process in wet or dry seasons. STIMULUS™ can help prevent odor development in early spring or late fall when operating conditions in the compost pile may be poor due to excess moisture. In dry weather, there is an increased need for sufficient moisture to keep the compost process going. Adding STIMULUS™ to the processing water helps reactivate the compost and also helps water and oxygen penetrate deeper into the pile by natural surfactant action. In similar ways, adding STIMULUS™ to manure storage pits accelerates decomposition and minimizes bad odors for better manure management and natural fertilizer production.

STIMULUS™ for Enhancing Wastewater Treatment
Wastewater environments at food processing facilities and municipal plants are another great candidate for STIMULUS™. Using STIMULUS™ in lagoons and clarifiers helps boost the decomposition process, keep ammonia levels in check, and reduce odors. It has also been found to control volatile fatty acid buildup in anaerobic digesters, thus increasing process stability and reducing the need for supplemental caustics such as lime. STIMULUS™ can be added to sludge prior to dewatering to control odors and sprayed onto the sludge drying bed for additional odor reduction benefits. Adding STIMULUS™ to the wastewater stream can also reduce sludge buildup early in the process.

STIMULUS™ for Deodorizing the Waste Environment
Another huge challenge with waste and wastewater is that it not only smells bad itself, but it leaves behind a bad odor on everything it touches, resulting in putrid facilities and equipment. These are a few potential problem areas:

  • Concrete floors, loading ramps, docks, truck bays, and wall
  • Tile surfaces
  •  Dumpsters, bins, and containers
  • Grit chambers
  • Sewers and lift stations

The good news is that STIMULUS™ is extremely effective at deodorizing surfaces contaminated by urine, feces, garbage, and other organic waste substances. It can be diluted and sprayed onto concrete, metal, and tile to solve the problem. It can also be metered into sewers, tanks, lift stations, and grit chambers to help with the ever-present odor in those areas of sewage exposure.

STIMULUS™ for Ammonia and Odor Control at Fisheries
Another great place to use STIMULUS™ is in ponds and lagoons at fisheries. These have a naturally high level of waste and ammonia content from fish excrements, making the addition of STIMULUS™ for odor control and binding of free ammonia perfect for some of the key problems in this environment.

A Great Team Member in the Waste Treatment ‘Game’
If waste treatment were viewed as a game, the microbes would be the team players and STIMULUS™ would be both a cheerleader and a referee—a cheerleader because, although it does not contain microbiology itself, it stimulates bacteria in the surrounding environment to do the best job possible; a referee because of its natural actions to keep unwanted compounds in check (i.e., binding ammonia and inhibiting urease). Contact Bionetix® if you would like to invite this winning member onto your waste treatment team: https://www.bionetix-international.com/contact-us/!

Keywords: wastewater treatment, compost heaps, manure pits, odor problems, biostimulant, odor control at fisheries, compost and manure management, deodorizing the waste environment, ammonia and odor control, Bionetix

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NEWS ALERT: Bionetix® Bioaugmentation Opportunities Continue to Expand in Latin America

Interest in Bionetix® bioaugmentation technology is increasing in Latin America! The main focus has stayed on grease trap and wastewater treatments for high FOG (fats, oils, greases) applications and URINAL BLOCKS™, FIZZY-TAB™, and ECO-SEPT™ for institutional maintenance. However, existing distributors are branching out into wastewater treatments that go beyond food industry needs. This trend is especially noticeable in Guatemala and Chile. Overall product sales in Latin America have increased, and probiotics for livestock are getting more attention. POULTRY-FEED™ has been sold in Latin America for the first time, and there are signs of interest in AQUA-FEED™, as well.

In addition to expanding product volume and type, our reach has also grown to include new countries. Bionetix® solutions are now available in the following regions of Latin America:

  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Guatemala
  • Mexico

Currently, two additional enterprises are looking at distribution opportunities, including private labeling of wastewater bioaugmentation treatments in multiple
Latin America countries. The need for such technology is great, considering the wastewater challenges faced by a large percentage of Latin America. Bionetix®
bioaugmentation is an excellent way to support existing wastewater treatment systems and help implement new infrastructure to bring wastewater into
balance and minimize the pollution of waterways. In addition, institutional maintenance products, bio-enzyme cleaners, and natural livestock/agriculture
enhancements are always exciting technologies to explore!

If you are in Latin America and have an interest in either distributing or using Bionetix® biological treatments, contact us to get connected with the right
resources: https://www.bionetix-international.com/contact-us/

Keywords: Bionetix, wastewater treatment, food industry, Latin America, bioaugmentation, Latin America wastewater challenges, pollution of waterways, bio enzyme cleaners, grease trap treatment, probiotics for livestock

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PRESS RELEASE. Bionetix® Presents Biological Farming Technologies for Better Fruit and Vegetable Yields

As the Northern Hemisphere growing season approaches, it is important for fruit and vegetable growers to reevaluate their crop maintenance techniques and consider new ways of fostering healthy crops. Instead of using pesticides, fungicides, and inorganic fertilizers, farmers can opt for more natural methods of boosting crop health. Bionetix® International helps growers do so through the use of biological farming technologies to boost fruit and vegetable growth.

Key Factors Affecting Plant Growth and Health
To understand how Bionetix® biologicals work, it is good to think about the keys to a healthy crop. Water, soil, and nutrients are some of the basic ingredients that support plant growth. However, many underlying issues can affect the ability of fruits and vegetables to take advantage of these resources. For instance, drought may put a strain on plants by limiting the amount of water available. Soil may be deficient in organic matter and nutrients by its nature or from excessive farming. In addition, excessive use of fertilizers affects soil quality by the accumulation of excess nitrogen and phosphorus, which also reduces water quality and leads to eutrophication of lakes and rivers. Sometimes, existing nutrients are simply not in bioavailable form for plants to use.

Natural Biotechnologies in Action
Bionetix® employs naturally-derived ingredients to counter these problems. In addition to using natural fertilizers and soil amendments to stimulate microbial activity (biostimulation), Bionetix® adds beneficial non-pathogenic bacteria and enzymes to the soil (bioaugmentation) to help fertilize it in three ways:

• By digesting debris
• By creating more humic/fulvic acids
• By increasing bioavailability of macro and micronutrients
• By increasing nitrogen fixation

The same bacterial action can also improve soil structure for better root aeration. Other natural ingredients Bionetix® has used in agricultural products include beneficial fungi (e.g., mycorrhizae) that form a symbiotic relationship with roots, natural PGPR (plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria) that help plants grow, and natural wetting agents to reduce surface tension so plants can use water more efficiently under stress. The exciting benefits of Bionetix® biologicals go on to many other natural mechanisms that may show signs of improving disease resistance and boosting crop health.

Biostimulation with ORGANIC PLUS™
One highly effective all-natural plant biostimulant and soil microbial enhancer is ORGANIC PLUS™. It boosts the natural fertility of the soil by adding a high concentration of humic and fulvic acids, marine plants, and other micronutrients, which help stimulate bacterial activity and play other beneficial roles such as

• Fertilizing soil
• Enhancing seed germination
• Promoting plant health
• Chelating and colloidalizing fertilizers (to promote better nutrient uptake)
• Enhancing root formation
• Enhancing bacterial activity
• Improving water availability

ORGANIC PLUS™ is also available with rhamnolipids (RH version), which add their own beneficial natural mechanisms to tackle various crop threats. Rhamnolipids have been shown to fight some fungal diseases in plants. ORGANIC PLUS™ should be applied early in the crop growth cycle as well as at five-day increments throughout the growing season for best results. It can also be used as a seed soak/dip or added to hydroponics water.

Bioaugmentation with SOIL-BAC™
SOIL-BAC™ takes a more proactive approach to agriculture health by adding both beneficial microorganisms and nutrients directly to the soil to increase active biomass and ensure healthy growth. As the microorganisms digest raw organics in the soil, more nutrients become available to help the plants grow, causing SOIL-BAC™ to function as a biofertilizer. SOIL-BAC™ contains mycorrhizae, fungi that form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots to improve nutrient and water absorption, and PGPR. SOIL-BAC™ can also help with nitrogen fixation and phosphorus solubilization and provides many other benefits to support plant production, health, and disease resistance. Eight applications of SOIL-BAC™ are recommended throughout the season with the option of increasing the frequency and rate of SOIL-BAC™ additions for even more benefits.

ORGANIC PLUS™ and SOIL-BAC™ in Action
In the summer of 2018, a soybean and potherb mustard farmer in Japan decided to trial SOILBAC™ and ORGANIC PLUS™. The farmer was used to planting two crops per year, which put a strain on the soil and resulted in a very low 30 percent overall production rate on 12 acres (4.9 hectares) of land. The farmer
wondered if SOIL-BAC™ and ORGANIC PLUS™ could suppress replant failure and chose half an acre (0.2 hectare) of a particularly bad field on which to test the two products.

Treatment of the field resulted in a finer, more stable soil aggregate with a higher oxygen content. Fewer weeds and no mold-like microorganisms were found growing. The soybeans in the test zone had extremely good germination and growth rates in spite of high temperatures, excessive drought, and soybean blight in other fields. Approximately seven acres (2.8 hectares) of soybeans withered outside the test zone, and replant failure was approximately 40 percent. In one field, replant failure was so high that 60 percent of the crop had to be discarded. These factors made it all the more amazing that the biologically treated area produced a 100 percent yield in a similar environment.

Take the Natural Path to Healthier Fruit and Vegetable Crops
While fruit and vegetable growers aim to have the most productive crops possible, it is good to be able to reduce the amount of pesticides and chemicals used. Bionetix® ORGANIC PLUS™ and SOIL-BAC™ make that possible by going beyond the benefits of inorganic fertilizers to harness natural biological mechanisms that enhance the fertility of the soil and support natural growth and disease-resistant processes. Contact Bionetix® today to learn more about these two specific natural plant health boosters for fruits and vegetables: https://www.bionetix-international.com/contact-us/

Keywords: Bionetix, biological farming, better fruit and vegetable yields, natural fertilizer, natural soil amendment, biofertilizer, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, boosting crop health, mycorrhizal fungi benefits, fruit and vegetable growers

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NEWS ALERT: Bionetix® Animal Feed Now Used for Livestock Bedding Management

Did you know Bionetix® animal feeds have more than one use? While their main purpose is to boost livestock digestion and promote a healthy immune system, some of these biologicals have recently been purchased for use in poultry bedding. Here is a closer look at how and why they work.

Probiotics for Livestock
Bionetix® animal feeds could also be called “probiotics” for livestock. As with human probiotics, these animal feed additives contain beneficial bacteria and other biologicals and nutrients that support better digestion and promote a healthy immune system. An exciting feature is that similar mechanisms at work inside the gut of cows, chickens, and pigs can help with animal bedding and manure management!

Accelerated Waste Digestion
Some of the benefits of these biologicals is simply passed on in animal waste from livestock consuming POULTRY-FEED™, SWINE-FEED™, or DAIRY-FEED™. However, these same products can also be added directly to livestock bedding to improve waste digestion there. The biological mechanisms break up solids and decrease organic content, thus reducing odor and bedding maintenance costs.

Better Compost, Manure, and Biogas Production
After the bedding ends up in the compost heap or the manure pit, the biological action continues, speeding up the biodegradation process to create more valuable fertilizer/compost and reduce manure pit maintenance costs. It can also help with hydrolysis for bedding or manure that is converted into biogas.

Multiple Benefits from One Animal Feed
Bionetix® animal feeds are a great way to get multiple benefits from one product. Contact us today to learn more about boosting livestock health, managing bedding, and improving manure and biogas production with our probiotics for livestock: https://www.bionetix-international.com/contact-us/

Learn more about DAIRY-FEED™: https://www.bionetix-international.com/products/dairy-feed/

Learn more about POULTRY-FEED™: https://www.bionetix-international.com/products/poultry-feed/

Learn more about SWINE-FEED™: https://www.bionetix-international.com/products/swine-feed/

Keywords: livestock bedding, animal feeds, livestock health, manure pit maintenance costs, biogas production, Bionetix, poultry bedding, healthy immune system, manure management, better compost

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NEWS ALERT: Bionetix® Enzymes in Action!

Do you ever wonder if, how, and why Bionetix® products work? A recent test at Bionetix® laboratories in Montreal serves as a great visual answer to these questions by showing bio-enzymes in action.

The Bio-Enzyme Mechanism
The key power behind many Bionetix® products is their enzyme production and action. Specially selected non-pathogenic bacteria in these formulations produce enzymes that target and digest specific waste substances. For example, bacteria that produce amylase can digest starches. Bacteria that produce cellulase can digest the cellulose in plant fibers. Protease producers digest proteins; lipase producers digest fats; and so on.

Enzyme Action Demo
To confirm that all four enzymes of HYGIEA2000™ were at work, Bionetix® tested this multi-purpose organic-waste-cleanup, odor-control, and wastewater-treatment concentrate. HYGIEA2000™ was added to four petri dishes that each contained a different media representing starch, cellulose, protein, or lipids. A positive control (good producer of enzymes) and a negative control (poor producer of enzymes) were also added to each dish for comparison. A halo around each microbial colony showed where enzymes were at work digesting their “food source,” i.e., the media. HYGIEA2000™ produced halos in all four substances, demonstrating the product to be an active producer of amylase, cellulase, protease, and lipase as intended!

Probiotic Solutions for Many Industries
HYGIEA2000™ is just one example of the great probiotic cleanup solutions Bionetix® has for multiple industries thanks to the power of microbial enzymatic action. To learn more about how and where HYGIEA2000™ and other Bionetix® green cleaning concentrates can be used, please visit:
https://www.bionetix-international.com/products/hygiea2000/.

Keywords: Bionetix, bio-enzymes, biological cleaning, odor control, wastewater treatment, organic waste cleanup, enzyme action, probiotics, green cleaning, enzyme

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NEWS ALERT: Bionetix® Presents an Alternative to Traditional Chemical Cleaners at ISSA 2021!

After two years of pandemic travel limitations, it was a pleasure to see Bionetix® customers face-to-face again at the ISSA North America convention!

Although overall traffic was slower than normal at the November 16th-18th conference in Las Vegas, the Bionetix® booth still attracted a good number of visitors. Our team was able to speak with a variety of cleaning industry professionals representing septic tank maintenance, restaurant and grease trap maintenance, wholesale chemicals, wastewater treatment, and cleaning product distribution.

These guests came looking for the ecologically friendly “green” cleaners, biologicals, and enzymatic treatments that make Bionetix® stand out from conventional chemicals thanks to underlying “probiotics” technology. They were also interested in how to secure these biological products in the most economical and/or convenient delivery systems, such as concentrates, tabs, and blocs.

We are thankful for those who stopped by to talk “green” cleaning technologies and look forward to the potential for further conversations in the future! Contact us any time to learn more:
https://www.bionetix-international.com/contact-us/

Keywords: Bionetix, ISSA, green cleaning technologies, probiotics, cleaning industry, cleaning products, septic tank maintenance, grease trap maintenance, ecofriendly cleaners

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