Bio-treatment Case Study

Case Study Biodegradation of Solvents - A drum washing company was experiencing problems with high solvent levels passing into their wastewater stream. The company had already introduced a treatment regime, including chemical treatments and the use of a microbial product. However, the discharge results achieved did not meet the company’s targets and they required a more effective treatment method.

The client approached IWM to help analyse the problem and provide a solution. Treatment with a Microbial Hydrocarbon Reducer was recommended by IWM to aid with the biodegredation of unwanted solvents. Treatment commenced using a 3 gram daily dose. Once the reducer was introduced the site experienced no more problems with solvents in the final effluent.

Table 1. below, shows effluent analysis results before and after treatment with the Hydrocarbon Reducer. Note: Start of treatment January. Compound Jan Feb Mar Apr Aug Sept Toluene 9260 3580 5260 2640 <10 <10 Xylene (m/p) 5200 4110 2900 1650 <10 <10 Xylene (o) 1320 833 1360 502 <10 <10 Dichloro Methane 1310 - 2300 1200 <10 <10 Ethyl Benzene 1300 - - - <10 <10 Trimethyl Benzene 1150 - 2260 - <10 <10 Carbon Tetrachloride - 1200 - - <10 <10 Tetrachloro Ethane - - 2900 2900 <10 <10 1,3 Dichloro Butane - - 1820 - <10 <10 1,2 Dichloro Butane - - 64200 11200 4000 <10 Trichloro Ethane - - - 2000 <10 <10