Bioremediation of Wastewater Treatment in Pharma Industries

“It’s an Illusion that the solution to pollution is dilution.”

This is India’s Century!! These words from S. Jayshankar echoed to every horizon of the planet and no single contradiction came, not from even the harshest critiques of India. This phrase is completely true in its sense and the pharmaceutical sector of India has made a tremendous contribution in making this phrase the “brahm vaakya”.

Current Scenario – Motion and Pollution

India ranks 3rd globally in pharmaceutical production, including generic drugs, OTC medicines, bulk drugs, vaccines, biosimilars, and biologics. It leads in supplying generic medicine with a 20% global share and is a major player in low-cost vaccines. India produces 60% of global vaccines, fulfilling up to 70% of WHO’s demand for Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DPT) and Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccines, and 90% of WHO’s demand for the measles vaccine. Projections suggest the industry will reach $65 billion by 2024 and $132 billion by 2030.

Yet, this growth comes at a significant cost—pollution. India’s global achievements are marred by its 120th rank in the water quality index, with 70% of its water contaminated. Pharmaceutical industries are major contributors to this issue. Despite having wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), many industries fail to meet compliance standards, leading to continued environmental challenges.

But then the question arises that if every pharmaceutical industry has a WWTP then why the compliances are not met?

Bioremediation – Exploring the Solutions

The challenges previously mentioned represent significant risks to the sustainability and operation of industries. However, much like a light at the end of a dark tunnel, Bioremediation emerges as a potential beacon of hope. When implemented effectively, it has the potential to revolutionize wastewater treatment. Nevertheless, there is a notable divide in opinions between industrialists and environmentalists regarding such claims. This skepticism is understandable, given that some companies present themselves as bioremediation companies without possessing the necessary expertise or foundational knowledge

So, we need to first understand the core of bioremediation which is the use of microorganisms. Now the readers will wonder that microorganisms are a vast group falling under Protista, do all of them work in ETP? So, this definition should be reframed as the use of the CORRECT microorganisms, especially selective bacteria to treat the wastewater.

Think of it like building a township: if the government hires without specifying the roles needed, it leads to chaos. But with careful selection—hiring engineers, doctors, and essential personnel—the township thrives. Similarly, bioremediation requires precise selection of microbial strains tailored to the specific needs of the treatment process for optimal results.

Challenges:

1. Tough to degrade Pollutants

Pharmaceutical effluents consist of some of the most tough to degrade compounds and pollutants such as carbamazepine and metformin. Compounds like these consist of NH and cyclic chain groups which makes them tough to degrade.

2. High COD and TDS

Due to the manufacture of drugs and medicines, few of the pharma effluent streams consist of very high COD and TDS up to 1 lakhs ppm which makes ETP operations difficult along with low sustainability of biomass, thereby leading to violation of compliances.

3. Shock Loads

Due to the manufacture of multiple products and constant changes in the constituents of effluent shock load situation is a common occurrence which leads to the sudden collapse of the ETP ecosystem even leading to serious conditions such as septic. Recovery is also very difficult in such  situations.

4. Poor MLSS:MLVSS Ratio

Due to the above-mentioned factors, natural biomass finds it difficult to develop to its optimum quantity which leads to poor MLSS:MLVSS ratio, which is one of the most important factors in the degradation of compounds in the secondary system.

5. Foul Odour 

Due to the presence of sulphides, mercaptans and other odour inducing compounds which mostly go undigested release a very foul and pungent odour which sometimes becomes dangerous for human health.

6. Hydraulic Load irregularities

Due to toxic and tough to degrade compounds, the EHS managers find it difficult to run the ETPs up to its maximum capacity which also sometimes affects the production.

7. Damage to RO/MEE membranes

Due to poor performances of ETPs and especially biological systems, the effluent carrying undigested pollutants eventually damages the membranes in the RO system.

8. Improper Plant design

With excessive pressure from pollution control boards and NGT it has become compulsory for industries having ETP, but many times low-experienced environment consultants suggest improper design thereby creating problems in waste-water treatment overall.

Solutions:

1. Tough to degrade Pollutants -Not so tough

Not so tough before bioremediation as compounds like metformin, carbamazepine and other aliphatic compounds can be easily degraded using the strain of bacteria which synthesizes enzymes like cytochrome P450s, peroxidases, etc. thereby degrading the myths of the afore-mentioned compounds being tough to degrade.

2. High efficiency in High COD and TDS

These high tides of COD and TDS can be easily sailed on the boat of bioremediation using paddles of microbes especially bacteria. Bacteria are not just the most primary, but one of the toughest organisms who possess the capacity to sustain and perform in high COD and TDS effluent, and degrading higher levels of COD closer to the permissible limits. Often a question is encountered whether bacteria membrane can sustain high amounts of salts or not. To be very specific there are a vast species of bacteria called halophiles which can easily sustain high amounts of TDS.

3. Shock Loads – The Myth Busted

Microbes with the shields of their enzymes can handle these shock waves of notorious effluents with shields of composure like rocks embracing high tides the sea shore. Efficiently working under shocking conditions and maintaining the efficiency of the biological system is one of the USPs of bioremediation. If a microbial consortium with a combination of selective bacteria is being assimilated into the system, then shock load management becomes very smooth enabling faster recoveries. This combination of strains makes sure that even if a different stream of effluent enters the system they act rapidly and maintain the degradation efficiency.

4. From Poor MLSS: MLVSS Ratio – to a Rich one

Bioremediation works towards upliftment of needy biological systems, especially those with poor MMLSS:MLVSS ratio. As explained earlier selective strain bacteria with the capacity to perform under certain conditions effectively maintain their cycle of LAG, LOG and Death phase which combined with efficient RAS (Return Activated Sludge) and WAS (Wate Activated Sludge) management improves the MLSS: MLVSS ratio.

5. Foul Odour – Pushed in past tense

Unfortunately, ETPs/STPs can’t opt for perfumes, but this distress has a savior called bioremediation. The sulphides, mercaptans and other odour-inducing compounds can be easily degraded by bioremediation thereby giving extremely high probability of odour removal.

 6. Hydraulic Load irregularities – From irregularities to punctualities.

Since the toxic and tough-to-degrade compounds easily be managed by bioremediation as explained before the EHS managers find it smooth to run the ETPs up to their maximum capacity which also sometimes can optimize the production.

7. Damage to RO/MEE membranes – Longevity ensured by bioremediation

Bioremediation do possess the tendency to tame the notoriously uncontrolled pollutants by either eliminating them or converting into simpler form like a constitution does to criminals by means of encounters or capital punishments.  Due to proper degradation of pollutants at microbial level, regulation of sludge, improved settling, improvement of MLSS:MLVSS the life span of RO membranes and MEE plant increases.

8. Improper Plant design-but a proper solution

Bioremediation is the best example for the concept- “Prosper in the Disaster”. Even if the plant design is improper, bioremediation with proper consultation on process management can manage the functionality of ETP thereby easing the pressures from CPCB/NGT.

Pharmaceutical industries do the noble work of manufacturing lifesaving drugs, products to fight diseases, ailments, traumas and epidemics. But when they need solutions to fight pollution or when they are in distressing time related to pollution agencies make them stand in court like trails and whole and sole blame them for the pollution despite of the efforts by the respective organizations to follow the norms. My message to the complete pharma diaspora is that you need not worry more when comes to pollution control. Bioremediation is there to give you a 360-degree solution that covers deliverance, compliance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

To sum up, bioremediation is the Aspirin, or Nitroglycerine in wastewater treatment that relieves the ETPs from dangers of heavy pollution, plant failures. choking of membranes and non-compliances of the parameters.

Uncertain about how biocultures will handle wastewater treatment in your ETP/STP? Reach out to us today to discover more about our bioremediation technology from our wastewater specialists or schedule an on-site plant visit to assess your current processes in ETP/STP.

Explore our Wastewater Treatment Bioremediation Solutions or contact us at +91 885505075.

Repel – Non-Toxic and Biodegradable, Fly, Garbage Mosquito, Herbal Repellent Liquid

For an eco-friendly yet robust solution to get rid of flies, mosquitoes, ticks and fleas Team One Biotech has fabricated T1B Repel. A strong and tenacious amalgamate of essential oils and plant extracts capable of repelling common houseflies, mosquitoes, ticks and fleas.

Extracts from lemongrass, lemon balm, eucalyptus oil, citronella oil, lavender oil, peppermint oil, and soybean oil are some of the constituents of the T1B Repel formulation. These essential oils and plant extracts have potent natural insect-repellent components. T1B Repel is a result of a unique combination of natural resources and biotechnology that is highly effective and affordable.

T1B Repel is an easy-to-apply fragrant and biodegradable solution that can be applied for open spaces and commercial use areas such as garbage dump sites, public transport facilities – bus stations, railway stations, bathrooms and toilets, residential and commercial structures, hospitals etc.

T1B Repel | Mosquito Repellent – Biodegradable Eco-Safe Essential Plant Oils & Extracts Based Formulation – For Open Spaces & Closed Areas

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Eco Clean – Prevents Insects and Bugs, Removes Stains, Dust & Grime, No Phosphates, No Chlorine, No Ammonia, Enriched with Good Microbes

Team One Biotech’s Eco Clean is a multipurpose surface cleaner designed for use in commercial cleaning applications composed of a 100% natural biodegradable enzyme and microbe-based blend. Eco Clean from the team of TOB is an all-natural non-toxic and net zero waste alternative to traditional chemical cleaning solutions that are harsh on the surface they are applied to and may contain compounds that are harmful to human, plant, and animal life.

The bio enzymatic action of T1B Eco Clean completely degrades and dissolves dirt, grime and grease on surfaces and removes stains without resulting in residue wastes. The presence of plant-based essential oil formulation also provides a fresh and pleasant fragrance thus controlling odour issues for commercial settings.

A key feature of T1B Eco Clean is its versatility making it a flawless choice for a wide range of surfaces – floors, countertops, walls, and surface types – wooden, ceramic, marble and more. The bio enzyme solution is capable to remove stubborn stains and spills from high-traffic areas that require frequent cleaning.

Chemical cleaners can have a negative impact on the environment, as they can pollute the water and harm aquatic life. Bio-enzyme cleaners, on the other hand, are considered to be more environmentally friendly, as they are biodegradable and do not release harmful chemicals into the environment. T1B Eco Clean by Team One Biotech is an excellent choice for commercial space cleaning applications due to its sustainability, effectiveness and affordability properties.

T1B Eco Clean | Surface Cleaner With Bio-Enzymatic Power – Degrades Oils & Fats Suitable For Tiles Marble Kitchen Tops Wooden Floors & Metal Surfaces

 Bio Enzyme Natural Bathroom Cleaner – Prevents Insects And Bugs – Enriched With Good Microbes -No Phosphates, No Chlorine, No Ammonia – Removes Stains, Dust & Grime – Cleans All Types Of Surfaces – Natural Floor Cleaner – Grime, Grease, And Dirt – Non-Toxic And Biodegradable – Pet Safe Product – Powerful Bio-Actives – Bio Enzyme – Deep Clean – Enzymatic Cleaning – Tough Cleaning – Hazardous Chemical Cleaners

O Spray – Odour Control, Odour Reduction, Natural Odour Removal, Dumpster, Toilet, Foul, Trash Chutes Odour

Conventional odour control methods often involve the use of chemical-based sprays and solutions which can be harmful to both humans and the environment. T1B O-Spray is a biodegradable, completely safe, highly effective and eco-friendly alternative that helps control odours with the dual action of microbial metabolic activity and enzymatic action.

The T1B O-Spray has been created as a composite of bacteria culture and nature-driven enzymes that together work to disintegrate odour-causing materials and eradicate odours at the source.

T1B O-Spray reduces the ammonic components present in human wastes, organic pollutants, and domestic garbage content into manageable smaller water-soluble compounds which can be removed safely. The degradation process makes it easier to eliminate odours at the problematic source itself.

With varied areas of application such as private and public toilets, commercial and residential spaces, garbage collection grounds and dump sites, TOB O-Spray can also be used at an industrial scale for all kinds of industries and manufacturing units.

T1B O-Spray | Combined Action Of Microbes & Enzymes – Bio-product Controls & Blocks Odour At Source Naturally – Best For Toilet Hygiene & Garbage Dumps

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D Cleaner – Powerful Bio-Actives, Non-Toxic and Biodegradable, Urine Odour Removing Product, Liquefy FOG

A concentrated, ecologically safe, and dependable solution for keeping drains unclogged and clean without impacting the environment. The T1B D-Cleaner is a specialised formulation of microbes and enzymes that breaks down and dissolves even the toughest organic materials including fats, oils, grease, hair, soap residue and food wastes.

Unlike traditional chemical drain cleaners T1B D-Cleaner has been developed with all-natural biodegradable ingredients and is an ideal choice for all types of drain pipelines and drainage systems.

TOB D-Cleaner ensures there is no residue left after the degradation of the organic pollutants and hence it is a safe option for urinals pipe lines. It prevents scaling which is a major cause of pipeline damage and sewer system failure.

T1B D-Cleaner also helps to control and prevent odour emissions as it biodegrades the contaminants completely. For clog-free and smooth-flowing urinals with a reduced environmental footprint, the bio-enzymatic concentrated D-Cleaner by Team One Biotech is the ultimate and optimal solution.

T1B D-Cleaner | Natural Ingredients Based Microbial Formula – Helps Remove odour form urinals pipe and drainage

 Urine Degrader – Non-Toxic And Biodegradable – Urine Odour Removing Product – Powerful Bio-Actives – Bio Enzyme – Grease Trap Cleaner – Pipe Bio Cleaner- Bio Plumbing – Natural Drain Cleaner And Unblocker – Liquefy FOG

Compost Aid For Solid Waste Management, Soil Microbes & Culture, Kitchen, Canteens, Hotels, Gardens Wastes

Be it any kind of composting – open air, hot composting, cold composting, large scale machine favoured or vermicomposting – the microbial culture present in T1B Compost Aid accelerates the process, decomposes organic wastes efficiently and also helps in achieving a higher quality final compost which can then be used as a natural soil amendment, soil supplement and manure.

T1B Compost Aid also combats odour control a problem associated with garbage and composting. By introducing beneficial microorganisms to the compost pit, Team One Biotech’s Compost Aid safeguards the compost against parasitic and pathogenic bacteria and microbes.

The T1B Compost Aid can work under multiple environmental conditions such as low and high temperatures, pH levels and is based on natural and 100% ecologically safe non-genetically modified organisms.  T1B Compost Aid is ideally formulated for household composting, society composting and garden compositing.

T1B Compost Aid | Powder Bacterial Mixture To Compost Domestic Organic Waste – High Quality Final Compost & Bio-compost Manure

 Composting Microbes – Organic Compost Culture – Food Waste Composting Powder -Kitchen Waste Composting Powder – Superior Composting – Know More About Higher Life Forms In – No Odour Composting Cultures – Microbial Starter Cultures – Decomposing Culture – Composting Microbes – Effective And Safe Compost Accelerator – Effective Compost Booster – Solid Waste Management – Soil Microbes – Soil Culture – Kitchen Wastes – Wastes From Canteens – Hotels – Gardens – Superior Composting – Waste To Manure – Reduces Stench – Odour Control – Silage Culture

Pond & Lake Cleaner – Bio Product For Lake Cleaning, Control Nitrates & Phosphates, Sludge Putrefaction, Pond Water Clarity & Bacteria

To carry out the bioremediation of ponds and lakes Team One Biotech’s T1B Pond & Lake Cleaner is a handy and reliable solution.

The microbial culture in T1B Pond & Lake Cleaner dissolves the organic sludge waste and breaks it down into water, CO2 and other harmless compounds. The bio culture can reduce excess nutrients as well, clarifying and purifying the water, making it odourless and improving water quality. By improving water quality and impacting the bottom sludge T1B Pond & Lake Cleaner ensures that the lake or pond’s natural eco balance is brought back.

The excessive presence of ammonical nitrogen, complex phosphates and nitrites is a major cause of algal bloom leading to eutrophication. The T1B Pond & Lake Cleaner assist in  reducing these compounds and ensuring that the nutrient balance is maintained throughout the water column. T1B Pond & Lake Cleaner works both on water column and the bottom sludge to ensure 360 degree remediation process.

The Pond & Lake Cleaner by TOB can be put to use in freshwater bodies natural or artificial, lakes, channels, ponds, water reservoirs etc.

T1B Pond & Lake Cleaner | For Clean Ponds & Pond Sludge Control – Efficiently Reduces Algal Bloom & Eutrophication – Breaks Down Ammonia, Nitrates & Phosphates

 Bio Product For Lake Cleaning – Lake Cleaning Solution – Lake Water Treatment – Effective Lake Cleaning Product – Pond Water Clarity – Natural Solutions For Lake Cleaning And Restoration – Pond Cleaner – Lake Bioremediation Bio Culture – Improve Pond Aquatic Life – Lake Bio Product – Bacterial Cultures For Lake And Pond – Microbial Cultures For Lake And Pond – Lake Bacteria – Pond Bacteria – Bio Lake Clear – Lake & Pond Restoration – Algae Reduction In Ponds – Small And Large Ponds – Large Lake Cleaning – Eutrophication – Control Nitrates And Phosphates – Sludge Putrefaction – Bottom Sludge Degradation – Sludge Bioremediation – Improves Water Clarity – Control Algal Bloom – Algae Reduction – Improve Oxygen Levels – Reduce Formation Of Hydrogen Sulphide – Nitrogen And Phosphorus Removal

MSW Composting Microbes & Culture – Bioculture, Decomposting, Faster & No Odour Composting Cultures

The T1B MSW from Team One Biotech is a microbial consortium comprising microorganisms from bacteria and fungi species with the potential to degrade organic complex compounds in municipal solid waste and convert the solid waste into a compost fertilizer within the shortest time span, without generating excess odour.

T1B MSW subjects the waste to specific conditions that encourage microbial growth and activity. The main composition of the bioproduct is a combination of cellulolytic and ligninolytic microorganisms.

The Cellulolytic microorganisms break down cellulose, a complex carbohydrate found in the cell walls of plants. The organisms produce an enzyme called cellulase that breaks cellulose into smaller sugars that can be reused as an energy source for the microbes.

The Ligninolytic microorganisms are responsible for breaking down lignin, a complex polymer that provides rigidity to plant cell walls. A high concentration of lignin affects the degradation of plant biomass adversely. T1B MSW ensures a breakdown and complete utilization of plant material and other house hold organic solid waste which are  a major component of any municipal solid waste.

T1B MSW | Microbial Culture Solution For Municipal Solid Waste Degradation and biomining – Reduces Aliphatics, Proteins & Polysaccharides In Municipal Organic Wastes

 MSW Composting Microbes – MSW Composting Cultures – MSW Composting – Microbial Composting Culture – Solid Waste Management – Multiple Species Of Microorganisms – Composting Culture – Composting Bioculture – Municipal Waste Composting – Consortia Of Bacteria – Natural Composting Bacteria Powder – Faster Composting Culture – No Odour Composting Cultures – Effective And Safe Compost Accelerator – Reduces Stench – Composting Microbes – Decomposting Culture – Biomining Cultures – Microbes For Biomining – Bacteria For Biomining

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