Organica Biotech Pvt. Ltd. successfully installed a biological system for wastewater treatment at a food dyes and chemicals plant
 A company based in Raigad district of Maharashtra, is one of the prime manufacturers of more than 100 high-quality colours, dyes and cosmetic pigments for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, personal care, home care, stationary and ink industries.
The company had an effluent treatment plant with only primary treatment system. After primary treatment the effluent was sent to Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) for further treatment. With an increase in production there was an increase in the generation of effluent having high organics and TDS levels. The quality of effluent treated was not able to meet the discharge norms. This resulted in surcharge of the expense paid per cubic metre to the CETP. This was an alarming situation as the company was asked to install a biological system in the facility. The company was uncertain about the characteristics of the effluent as it varied from product to product. This put the company in a dilemma whether their effluent could be treated biologically or not. The company approached Organica Biotech Pvt. Ltd. for a solution.
Background studyOrganica Biotech Pvt. Ltd. is a solution provider for biological concerns related to wastewater treatment. A uniquely designed “BioSure Analysis” was performed on the company’s complex effluent containing refractory organics. The results of the analysis were encouraging as it showed good biomass development and significant reduction in organic pollutants. Using this selective microbial formulation, an on-site pilot plant trial was performed. The pilot plant trial results further boosted confidence in the client to install a biological system.
ProjectA pilot plant of 5 cubic metres per day was designed, installed and operated on-site to understand biomass development and the organic pollutant degradation pattern. The results of the pilot plant were analysed and studied for 3 months. The pilot plant trial results convinced the client to set-up a bioreactor in addition to the existing treatment system. The installed bioreactor (capacity of 500m3) was equipped with an advanced fine bubble diffused aeration system. Considering the influent load of the company, the bioreactor was successfully commissioned within 30 days using CleanMaxx and Bioclean XLR. The consortia of beneficial microbes in CleanMaxx along with the biocatalytic properties of Bioclean XLR have the capability of degrading a wide range of refractory organics even under stringent conditions.
MLSS analysis was done every five days to check the development of the biomass. In a very short period of 15 days, MLSS of around 1,400 ppm was achieved. By the end of the project, desired MLSS of 2,500 – 3,000 ppm and MLVSS of 1,600-2,100 ppm was achieved. This shows that the ratio of MLVSS / MLSS was achieved and maintained in the range of 0.65 to 0.7.
ConclusionUsing CleanMaxx and Bioclean XLR, the client achieved multiple benefits. On commissioning of the bioreactor, a reduction of 80 per cent – 85 per cent in COD/BOD was observed. There was a considerable reduction in colour intensity (50 per cent – 60 per cent). There was no odour in the treated effluent. Biomass (MLSS) level of 2,500 – 3,000 ppm was achieved with good settling characteristics. These microorganisms were able to survive and effectively degrade organic pollutants even under high TDS levels (4 per cent – 5 per cent). The client was benefited by a significant reduction in overall treatment cost which was paid to CETP.
Authors:Sudip Chandra, Business Development Manager; Vishal Dethe, Sr. Technical Executive; and Sagar Dumbre, Technical Executive at Organica Biotech
Contact:
Organica Biotech Pvt Ltd 36, Ujagar Industrial Estate, W. T. Patil Marg, Govandi,  Mumbai – 400088Tele: +91-8422969617Email: wwtp@organicabiotech.comwww.organicabiotech.com