All living organisms contain DNA – including living ecosystems and living wastewater treatment. The scientific research project, known as the Human Genome Project started in 1990 and took more than a decade to complete and $2.7 billion. The goal included identifying and mapping all the genes of the human genome, both physically and at a functional level. What an amazing discovery and one that is now being done in wastewater treatment. Learn about the fascinating method of wastewater genomic mapping that allows waste managers to pick the precise microbes for treating microorganisms.
The Problem with Feeding Just Any Bug
Treating wastewater can be a challenging task with breaking down sewage, reducing FOG, eliminating hydrogen sulfide, and more. The most popular wastewater treatment uses “bug farming”, however, bugs are finicky and won’t eat just anything. Throwing bugs into wastewater and expecting them to do their job isn’t always a simple and easy process. Raw sewage contains billions of bacteria and come from many different sources. It takes time, trial and error, and resources required to get the job done right. It also requires knowledge of the bacteria, which can be a daunting task, since if you can’t identify the bacteria, then the consequence of bulking and foaming occurs, which affects 30% of the world’s activated sludge in wastewater treatment facilities.
Bulking happens when sludge doesn’t settle after air pushes through the wastewater. It eventually lowers effluent quality and increases costs. Throwing bugs into a wastewater treatment system costs money, and lots of it, depending on the product and dosage. This sometimes sets up recurring costs that result in the same outcomes. If those outcomes aren’t producing satisfactory results, then you’re wasting time – and money.
The Key to Wastewater Genomic Mapping Using DNA
Microbiologist Per Halkjaer Nielsen, the head of the Center for Microbial Communities in Denmark, made a remarkable discovery using the tools from human genome mapping. He began applying and developing further technology to identify the bacteria in wastewater treatment plants. At ATS Innova, we adopted the method and found that mapping the DNA of wastewater microbes by identifying microorganisms and understanding their function, resulted in developing high-quality specialty microbes (bioaugmentation) containing synergistically-developed blends. This balance allowed us to enhance the microbial community’s ability to degrade organic material in wastewater.
With our Innova MB product line, we produce notable results with these benefits:
- Increased floc formation and settling characteristics
- Decreased BOD/COD levels
- Reduced odor generation from hydrogen sulfite, volatile fatty acids, ammonia, and more
- Reduced sludge yields
- Decreased reliance on dewatering polymers, flocculants, and other high-cost chemistry
- Solids buildup and FOD reduction
- Improved digestion and dewatering process
- Reduced lift station and sludge tank corrosion
Understanding microbial science better and ensuring a comprehensive approach to each location’s specific problems is the key to wastewater genomic mapping. For effective microbes, you must have:
- Proper scheduling
- Correct dosing
- Right environmental conditions
- Equipment Functionality
- Testing, and more
ATS Innova Aids in Wastewater Treatment
Our water experts use bioaugmentation via wastewater genomic mapping to ensure you receive the most effective treatment available. We would love to talk with about your questions and concerns and offer the best treatment at an affordable cost with our proven products. Contact us today for your FREE plant walk-through at 855.215.4600.
