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RB-2750 Reduces Grease Cap, Sludge & Odors; Improving Lagoon Performance

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RB-2750 Reduces Grease Cap, Sludge & Odors; Improving Lagoon Performance

Summary:

A food processing facility in the Midwest, featuring a sizable wastewater lagoon, experienced notable fat, oil, and grease (FOG) accumulation along with sludge buildup, leading to inadequate treatment during summer and reduced capacity year-round. Following a three-week treatment regimen with RB-2750, there was a marked decrease in FOG and sludge buildup, resulting in enhanced overall lagoon performance.


Background:

The food processing facility managed a 22 million gallon wastewater lagoon, receiving an average daily influent of 50,000 gallons. Lagoon water was utilized for irrigation on nearby farm fields, but this was restricted by seasonal factors and nitrogen concentration. A thick protein/FOG cap accumulation on the lagoon hindered dissolved oxygen levels and impeded nitrogen removal, consequently limiting the rate of water land application. Additionally, regular dredging of sludge from the lagoon incurred substantial costs.


Materials & Methods:

Beginning in June 2017, the lagoon received an initial application of 160 kilograms of RB-2750 (approximately 2 ppm of total lagoon volume), followed by weekly doses of 3 kilograms of RB-2750 (2 ppm of weekly flow). Monitoring of pond performance included:

  • regular photography of the FOG cap on the lagoon
  • measurement of effluent nitrogen
  • assessment of lagoon sludge depth using a sludge judge

Notably, surface aerators were temporarily removed for mechanical reasons during the treatment period, thus all observed results were achieved without aeration.


Results:

Before the application of the product, the FOG cap entirely covered the lagoon, with an average thickness of six inches (see Image 1), consistent with previous years. Following three weeks of treatment, the FOG/protein cap decreased to 60% coverage and only two inches thick (see Image 2). Moreover, there was a notable reduction in sludge buildup at the lagoon bottom, and effluent nitrogen levels significantly decreased after treatment (refer to Table 1). This reduction in nitrogen levels was likely attributed to the removal of the FOG cap, facilitating improved oxygen transfer into the lagoon.


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