Bio-Augmentation of SBRs

Bio-Augmentation, or the improvement of biological treatment systems by the addition of proprietary dried organisms, on a regular basis, is in our view at best only appropriate in the very short term, during very unusual circumstances. Even at such times we hold doubts whether this will prove satisfactory.

At regular intervals we are approached by the operators of our leachate treatment plants and asked whether spending on such additives for either improving effluent quality, or increasing throughput, makes sense.

In no instance over the past nearly 20 years of such enquiries have we advised that such a quick fix is cost effective, although we have often been told of the availability of “superbugs” which, by the regular dispensation of a sack full into the aeration tank, will bring quite wonderful benefits.

It has always been possible to propose other simple solutions, or identify operational optimisations which provide much better and long lasting value.

In any treatment system it will only in any event be possible for added organisms to improve treatment if the lack of suitable organisms is the rate limiting factor. In practise, an ailing biological treatment plant which has been well designed, and is being operated correctly will seldom be treatment-rate-limited by a lack of a suitable population of denitrifying organisms, and the addition of these “bugs” (particularly into a leachate treatment plant which develops highly acclimatised organisms suited to leachate), will be limited by their life expectancy. The viability of these organisms is much diminished during biological leachate treatment, because they are out-competed by the host of other organisms in leachate sludges, which have been tuned by natural selection and many generations of living in leachate.

The reasons for a lacklustre plant performance can be many and varied, and not always obvious to the plant operator. Therefore, it is much more effective to take expert process diagnostic advice.

Enviros is always willing to provide advice under such circumstances. Contact us by using our Contact Form , or call Howard Robinson on telephone number
01743 284800.

Add this page to my favourites or bookmark this page.