Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) problems are no stranger to those who are in the industrial, agricultural or food service and processing sector. BOD can cause serious environmental damage to the ecosystem by depleting oxygen in the water. When there is less oxygen available to aquatic organisms, they become stressed and eventually die from suffocation.
To sustain strong and healthy ecosystems, environmental regulations have become stricter and many products on the market today may no longer be able to meet your needs in BOD management. If you are looking for an economical but effective solution to control and reduce BOD levels, read on to find out how 4 companies are using Histosol to solve their BOD problems.
What is Histosol?
Histosol is a natural product derived from organic matter consisting of natural soil constituents, making it a safe, environmentally friendly and economical odor control solution for a wide range of odorous compounds and applications in various industries.
Histosol contains a combination of humate salts, humic acids, lignin matter and extractions of highly humified organic matters – powerful components that capture odorous compounds and interrupt their corrosive reactions, and enhance biological activities for solids degradation.
Case Study #1: Biological Oxygen Demand Treatment for Agricultural & Food Processing Sector
Problem
A twenty-year-old hog farm in southeast Georgia was dealing with over 5.5 million gallons of waste lagoon that had gone septic. The lagoon was in critical state, it had no presence of biological activities and the odors were extremely offensive, making it impossible for personnel to perform their duties due to eye irritation and respiratory problems. Similarly, a chicken processing plant was facing high BOD levels in its two aeration ponds, which had over 18 million gallons of wastewater in total.
Solution
A single Histosol application of 250 gallons was treated to the hog farm’s waste lagoon. The product was also applied in the cleaning process of the barn via pressure wash system. The two ponds at the chicken processing plant were treated with 75 and 175 gallons of Histosol, respectively.
Result
14 days after the initial treatment, the hog farm’s lagoon was showing signs of biological activities. After 21 days, the lagoon was functioning properly – biological activities were extremely active and the water had returned to a healthier pink color. The plant personnel had also reported significant reductions in eye irritation and respiratory side effects, and the odors were completely eliminated. Similarly, the BOD problems at the chicken processing plant were solved after one single treatment of Histosol. 30 days after the initial treatment, the BOD levels were on average reduced by 60-65%.
Case Study #2: Biological Oxygen Demand Management for Restaurants
Problem
An owner of a seafood restaurant was looking to fix his malfunctioning septic system, where its two 1000-gallon tanks were both blocked or damaged to the point that neither was functioning properly. The challenge was the city had planned to extend the municipal sewer service to the restaurant in the next 18 months, so the restaurant owner had to decide whether he wanted a permanent or temporary solution to manage the malfunctioning septic system.
If he chose to repair the septic system, he would have to face large expenses and potential revenue loss, since the tanks were located beneath the restaurant’s parking lot. If he went with the temporary solution, the restaurant had to pump the tanks every two weeks at a cost of $250. The owner needed an economical alternative to repair a system that he would have no use in 18 months.
Solution
The restaurant began using Histosol to treat its septic system, hoping it would reduce the number of pump-outs needed by the tanks. A day after the first treatment, the owner saw a significant reduction in odors from the floor and sink drains in the restaurant. After the initial treatment, every three days Histosol was added to the system at one-half gallon each time.
Result
In the first five months of Histosol treatment, the restaurant saw a significant reduction in the number of pump-outs needed. Prior to the treatment, pump-outs were required every 2 weeks, but this was extended to 7 weeks after the Histosol treatment began. Over the five-month period, the restaurant saved approximately $2,000 in pump-outs that would otherwise have been needed if Histosol was not used.
Case Study #3: Biological Oxygen Demand Reduction for Pulp/Paper Mill Plant
Problem
The aeration pond of a pulp and paper mill in Savannah had a 24 million gallon waste stream per day, and the BOD level was becoming highly concerning, ranging from 70,000 to 210,000. The plant was looking for a cost-effective but efficient solution to reduce its BOD levels.
Solution
The plant worked with a microbiology firm to formulate a product that could accomplish their desired results. The microbiologists found that, when used as a substrate, Histosol was an effective incubation medium for microorganisms. The substrate had a high concentration of organic matter, which provided aquatic organisms an excellent food source. As well, using the Histosol as a substrate significantly reduced the “lag-time” most microbial-based products on the market needed before the product begins to work.
Result
The Histosol product was tested for a 10-day trial period. A total of 500 gallons of the product was added into the aeration pond. Following the treatment, the BOD level significantly decreased by 63.5%, to an average of 16,000. Histosol proved to be an economical and effective solution for industrial plants to manage their BOD levels and to minimize negative impacts on the environment.
For more information about Histosol waste water treatment products or click the Contact Us link up there in the menu!