Enzymes in Wastewater Treatment – Eco-Friendly Innovation and Transformative Results

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The workhorses of nature 

The moment we take a bite of food, a complex series of chemical processes and reactions begin as the food makes its way through our digestive system. All these processes are possible because of the enzymes in our body. Enzymes are intricate proteins that help to catalyze reactions in all living things. They essentially reduce the energy required for a reaction to occur, so that these reactions can occur as fast and often as they need to without massive energy to continue the billions of processes our bodies need to continue to live. The same is true in nature. 

As our digestive system utilizes our enzymes, we produce waste. And this waste enters wastewater, along with many other chemicals and materials. Along with this waste comes bacteria, which is added to the bacteria already present in the wastewater environment. Together, the environment and microbes create a microbiome in the wastewater. 

The microbiome metabolizes biological content in our waste when they digest it, not unlike the way we digest our food. Just as our bodies use enzymes, so does the microbiome, albeit sometimes in a different way. That’s where enzyme treatments come into play. These enzymes work by breaking down more complicated food sources for the microbiome into their smaller building blocks. This results in a reduction of sludge, odor and contaminants (including BOD), as well as an increase in DO. 

An eco-powered solution

Some may be surprised to find that, despite being powerful catalysts, enzymes-based formulas are considered to be among the most safe, eco-friendly and non-disruptive methods of wastewater treatment. Besides the obvious facts that enzymes are naturally derived and that they prevent bioaccumulation, they also do not bioaccumulate themselves. In simple terms: when an enzyme has done its job, it biodegrades, eventually returning to the earth and becoming water or air.

Enzymes are a necessary part of life and that includes our wastewater microbiomes. Enzymes are extremely efficient at what they do and are an environmentally friendly alternative to energy-intensive methods used in wastewater treatment. Why not use the green technology our bodies have been using all along?  

What about bacteria? 

The microbiome plays an important role in our wastewater treatment, and the proper use of enzymes can enhance their processes. So, we might think that adding bacteria to our wastewater treatment plan will help; that’s why we’re starting to see more bacterial treatment options become available. However, the microbiome is diverse and can be unique to its environment. Just as we can get food poisoning from ingesting bacteria outside of our gut microbiome, adding a new microbe to a unique ecosystem may upset it. This isn’t a risk factor with the addition of enzymes, because these enzymes help to catalyze chemical reactions already in place. 

Looking forward: The Ferrari of enzymes 

Enzyme based solutions started to be used in wastewater treatment around the late 70s and have become more popular in the past 20 years thanks to advances in technology. In the past, enzyme-based treatments were criticized for lack of durability. As with almost any chemical reaction, temperature, pH, and concentration can all influence the activity of enzymes. Each enzyme has an optimum range for these factors. Outside of these ranges, enzymes may not be active or might even start to breakdown. According to Jeff Grames, President of Clearbrooke Technologies, LLC, “After a period of time, enzymes left in their natural state will cannibalize themselves, leaving the product inactive upon application.” After all, enzymes are proteins, and proteins can be broken down by some enzymes. This problem is now often remediated by “immobilizing” the enzymes. This can be accomplished in several ways.  

For example, at Clearbrooke Technologies, we encapsulate our enzymes, which prevents the premature breakdown of the enzyme and improves the longevity of its catalytic action. In addition, the enzymes are derived from specific organisms that thrive in extreme conditions; therefore, they are more durable and effective in extreme environments like wastewater. When explaining the technology, Grames often says that their enzymes “are the Ferraris of enzymes.” 

In conclusion

The major strides science has made in stabilizing enzymes has transformed what enzyme use in wastewater management really means. Recognizing the value in bringing operators up to date on all the potential for enzyme use can lead the way in enabling more successful treatment plans and healthier communities everywhere. Good review, everyone! 

-Clearbrooke Technologies, LLC. has been a pioneer in enzyme wastewater treatment for nearly 30 years. To learn more about enzymes or our personalized treatment programs, contact us at [email protected].  

References

Al-Maqdi, K. A. (2021). Challenges and Recent Advances in Enzyme-Mediated Wastewater Remediation—A Review . Retrieved from PMC (nih.gov): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8625148/

Khan, M. (2021). Immobilized enzymes: a comprehensive review. Retrieved from Bull Natl Res Cent: https://bnrc.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s42269-021-00649-0

Peces, M. D. (2022). Microbial communities across activated sludge plants show recurring species-level seasonal patterns. Retrieved from ISME COMMUN.: https://www.nature.com/articles/s43705-022-00098-4

Puspita K, C. W. (2022). Four Decades of Laccase Research for Wastewater Treatment: Insights from Bibliometric Analysis. Retrieved from PMC (nih.gov): https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/1/308

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