Bacterial Consortium: Facultative anaerobes – Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Clostridium, Methanothrix
Primary Enzymes: Protease, Lipase, Amylase, Cellulase, Esterase
Odour Control: Converts H₂S and NH₃ into stable, non-volatile compounds
Biofilm Formation: Develops a stable microbial layer preventing scum buildup
pH Stability: Maintains optimal digestion range (6.8 – 7.4)
Biodegradability: 100% natural, non-toxic, biodegradable
Composition & Physical PropertiesMicrobial Cultures: Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Lactobacillus spp.
Enzymes: Amylase, Protease, Lipase, Cellulase
Nutrient Carriers: Natural carbohydrates & mineral salts
Bio-surfactants: Plant-derived saponins
pH Stabilizers: Calcium carbonate / sodium bicarbonate
Form: Powder Shelf Life: 24 months (cool & dry storage), Toxicity: Non-toxic, safe for humans & animals
🔬 Biological Reaction Mechanism (Stage-wise)
Stage 1 – Hydrolysis (CPHEEO 2013 – Sec. 12.3 | IS 2470-1:1985 Cl. 4.2)
Purpose: To convert large, insoluble organic molecules into soluble compounds that microorganisms can easily absorb.
Key Enzymes Activated:
- Amylase –Starch & carbohydrates
- Protease – Proteins
- Lipase – Fats & oils
- Cellulase – Cellulose & fibrous waste
Representative Chemical Reactions: Polysaccharides (Starch ; (C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ + nH₂O → nC₆H₁₂O₆
Proteins:; Proteins + H₂O → Amino acids
Lipids: Fats + H₂O → Glycerol + Fatty acids ✔ Sludge liquefaction & TSS reduction
Results:
✔ Solubilization of organic solids
✔ Prevention of scum and sludge accumulation
✔ Significant reduction in TSS and odour
✔ Prepares wastewater for anaerobic digestion
Stage 2 – Acidogenesis (CPHEEO 2013 – Sec. 7.4.2 | IS 2470-1:1985 Cl. 5)
Purpose: To ferment soluble organic compounds into volatile fatty acids (VFAs), hydrogen, and carbon dioxide under anaerobic conditions.
Typical Acidogenic Reactions: Glucose fermentation to acids: C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2CH₃CH₂COOH + 2CO₂ + 2H₂
Alcohol formation: C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2CH₃CH₂OH + 2CO₂
Main Products:
• Volatile fatty acids (propionic, butyric, lactic acids) VFAs, CO₂, H₂
• Hydrogen gas (H₂)
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Results:
✔ Major reduction in BOD and COD
✔ Suppression of sulphide-forming, odour-causing bacteria
✔ Generates substrates for acetogenesis
✔ odour suppression
Stage 3 – Acetogenesis (CPHEEO 2013 – Sec. 7.4.3 | IS 2470-1:1985 Cl. 5.3)
Purpose: To convert volatile fatty acids into acetate, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide, ensuring system stability.
Representative Reaction: CH₃CH₂COOH + 2H₂O → CH₃COOH + CO₂ + 3H₂
✔ pH stabilization & controlled digestion
Outputs:
• Acetate (CH₃COOH)
• Hydrogen gas (H₂)
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
Results:
✔ Prevents acid shock and prolonged low pH
✔ Maintains stable digestion conditions
✔ Provides controlled feed for methanogenesis
Stage 4 – Methanogenesis (CPHEEO 2013 – Sec. 7.4.4 | IS 2470-1:1985 Cl. 6)
Purpose: To convert acetate and hydrogen into methane and carbon dioxide, completing anaerobic digestion.
Methanogenic Reactions:
Acetoclastic methanogenesis: CH₃COOH → CH₄ + CO₂
Hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis: CO₂ + 4H₂ → CH₄ + 2H₂O
Results:
✔ Complete stabilization of organic matter
✔ Stable end products with minimal sludge
✔ Elimination of residual odour compounds
✔ Minimal, biologically inert sludge formation