Garbage Enzyme

World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 60 2011

A Study of the Garbage Enzyme’s Effects in Domestic Wastewater

Fu E. Tang, and Chung W. Tong

Abstract—“Garbage enzyme”, a fermentation product of kitchen waste, water and brown sugar, is claimed in the media as a multipurpose solution for household and agricultural uses. This study assesses the effects of dilutions (5% to 75%) of garbage enzyme in reducing pollutants in domestic wastewater. The pH of the garbage enzyme was found to be 3.5, BOD concentration about 150 mg/L. Test results showed that the garbage enzyme raised the wastewater’s BOD in proportion to its dilution due to its high organic content. For mixtures with more than 10% garbage enzyme, its pH remained acidic after the 5-day digestion period. However, it seems that ammonia nitrogen and phosphorus could be removed by the addition of the garbage enzyme. The most economic solution for removal of ammonia nitrogen and phosphorus was found to be 9%. Further tests are required to understand the removal mechanisms of the ammonia nitrogen and phosphorus. Keywords—Wastewater treatment, garbage enzyme, wastewater additives, ammonia nitrogen, phosphorus I. INTRODUCTION UE to the increase of the worldwide population, the problem of sewage disposal and industrial waste management has become increasingly critical. Nearly 70-80% of rivers and streams carry polluted water [1]. Catastrophic impacts on human health and on the environment could result if pollution of receiving waters is allowed to continue. Therefore, to preserve water quality for future generations, an effective means of solving this problem must be developed [1]. Wastewater treatment technology has been improving, and currently it is possible to treat wastewater to a highly usable level efficiently and cheaply. Although treatment of wastewater and its legislation is well instituted in urban and rural areas in developed countries; proper sanitation, with efficient treatment, has not...