Assessment of Garbage Enzyme as a Bioremediation Method for the Wastewater Treatment.

Abstract

This study evaluates the efficacy of garbage enzyme (GE) in bioremediation to reduce pollutants in sewage drains that discharge into the natural streams and rivers. Garbage enzyme is prepared with help of brown sugar, fruit, vegetable wastes, and water in the proportion 1:3:10 (by weight), which is then applied to the samples collected from various drainage sites in Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Different concentrations of GE (ranging from 0% to 20%) are mixed with sewage to assess pollution reduction. Different parameters, that is, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total suspended solids (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and CD have been measured on 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 15th, and 20th days. It has been observed in the study that significant percentage reduction in BOD, COD, TSS, and TDS of 80.6%, 62.9%, 74.29%, and 43.9%, respectively, while an increase in DO is 67.8% on 20th day of experiment with 20% GE addition. The result of the study reveals that there is highest reduction occurring on the 20th day with a 20% GE concentration. It has been observed that the GE possesses protease, amylase, and lipase activity. Meaning GE contains microorganisms that breakdown carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and it hydrolyzes these complex organic molecules into simpler compounds, making them more readily biodegradable and that is the reason for substantial reduction in the pollutants. Moreover, in this study it has been observed that there is a notable decrease in foul odor emanating from the samples. Time-dependent fluctuations in pH, TDS, DO, BOD, COD, and temperature are documented, with their correlations examined. This investigation underscores GE's potential in pollution mitigation, particularly in sewage systems, and offers valuable insights for sustainable environmental management practices aimed at conserving natural water bodies. Further tests are required to check the efficiency of treatment with GE dosage higher than 20%.