Bacteria for Biological Treatment of Dairy Wastewater

Dairy is one of those food industries that generate huge volumes of wastewater. The level and constituents of the dairy wastewater will often vary from plant to plant. It depends on the type of dairy processes being carried out and the milk products being manufactured. Dairy wastewater contains significant levels of organic compounds such as casein, inorganic salts, and minerals. Besides, the cleaning of tanks generates caustic wastewater with high sodium content from the use of caustic soda for cleaning. Apart from dissolved solids, the dairy effluent also contains significant levels of suspended solids, chlorides, sulphate, oil and grease.

At Evolon Biotech, we are aware of the specific technical challenges faced by different types of industries. And we have leveraged that knowledge in designing a well-rounded bacterial mix for the treatment of dairy wastewater.

In this specific example, a large dairy unit at Mangalore was dealing with scum formation on the surface of its secondary clarifier. It was caused primarily by undegraded surfactants, fats, and the presence of long filamentous fungi in the tank. Large amounts of activated sludge solids were foaming and floating on the surface of the treatment units. The accumulated foam was giving off a foul smell due to purification.

Within two weeks of Evobac application, the floating scum layer was dissolved and the wastewater treatment plant regained its lost performance. The COD and BOD levels were quickly reduced to meet the norms while the purification odour was also eliminated as the quality of treated wastewater was improved.