DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a nutrient formulation for fast recovery of microbial population during Effluent Treatment Plant disturbance due to shock loads.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hydrocarbon processing industry produces large amount of waste water during its various operations. The waste water thus produced is treated in Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) by various physico-chemical methods to recover economically separable hydrocarbons and subsequently remainder pollutants are degraded in biological units by microbial action in activated sludge process.

The activated sludge consists of large amount of acclimatized microbes which are vulnerable to shock load leading to plant upset. The shock load may occur due to following:
(a) sudden increase in the concentration of the contaminants which normally administered to the treatment system.
(b) induction of any new contaminants or toxic substance in the treatment system.
(c) sudden change in temperature, pH, salinity etc.

The above disturbance due to shock loads have adverse effect on performance of ETP’s because it causes damage of microbial cells, modification of sludge compaction properties and decreased removal of contaminants. The activated sludge system may take about 2 weeks to come to normalcy after such plant disturbance due to shock and sometime requires re-inoculation of microbe to achieve normal functioning of plant. This situation and delay may lead to non compliance to regulatory norms. Hence, there is need for some intervention to maintain normal functioning of the plant and to reduce the time taken by plant to resume normalcy after the release of shock loads.

WO2012137220 discloses that a composition comprising a synergistic combination of selective microorganisms has ability to withstand shock load conditions to the extent of limited pH and salinity. But there is no disclosure of a non-microbial formulation for recovery the microbial population in the ETP from shock loads

US5624843 discloses a method where biodegradation of hydrocarbon contaminated water is enhanced by the adding to the contaminated water a hydrocarbon solution of (a) a mixture of a sorbitan ester of a C7 to C22 monocarboxylic acid and a polyoxyalkelene adduct of a sorbitan ester of a C7 to C22 monocarboxylic acid, the adduct having from 4 to 50 polyoxyalkelene units, (b) an alkyl glycoside wherein the alkyl group has from about 8 to 18 carbon atoms and the gylcoside is a mono or diglycoside, or a mixture thereof, in amounts sufficient to promote the growth of indigenous microorganisms. In another embodiment of the invention a source of microbial assimilable nitrogen and phosphorous also is supplied to the contaminated water. However, there is no disclosure of the formulation as of the present invention for recovery the microbial population in the ETP from shock loads.

CN103848504 discloses a biological enhancer which helps in promoting the microbe growth and mass breeding, as well as activating the activity of indigenous microorganism, and then removing the pollutant in water through co-metabolism effect of the microbe. The biological enhancer contains the components of humic acid, biotin, amino acid, cytokinin, vitamin and trace elements for processing industrial waste by stimulating the activity of indigenous microorganisms in wastewater, artificial strengthening the ability of microbial degradation, fastening the degradation process of organic matter and sewage treatment to achieve better results, while increasing stability of biological treatment systems and improving their load capacity in order to quickly recover a crashed system. However, there is no disclosure in this document of the causes and types of shock loads that crash the system which have been identified in the present invention and thus the present invention explicitly solves the problem to overcome the same. Further, this invention does not disclose the formulation as claimed presently for recovery the microbial population in the ETP from disclosed shock loads.

WO2014/033638 discloses a bio-inoculant comprising a consortium of microbes and its use for reduction of contaminants in effluents from processing industries. This prior art document further provides that the efficiency of ETP can be improved by providing microbes with higher catabolic activity and degrade multiple contaminants in varying temperature and pH conditions and in presence of toxic heavy metals. Further, the biological treatment of industrial wastewaters by activated sludge process is, however, often disrupted by shock load from organic (e.g., phenolic compounds, surfactants) and inorganic (e.g., heavy metals, sulfides etc.) chemicals present in the wastewater stream. Hence, it is desirable to have microbes which can tolerate these shocks. However, there is no disclosure of a non-microbial formulation for the recovery of the microbial population in the ETP from shock loads.

Galil et al. 1988 (Water Science & Technology Vol 20 No 10 pp 21–29) discloses about plant disruption due to sudden discharge of phenolic waste and suggested that to prevent such disturbances, surges of concentrated wastes containing toxic and inhibitory compound should be intercepted and stored. Then it can be gradually discharged from the storage facilities to main sewage system at a controlled predetermined flow rate not disturbing the process. This option only offers a physical intervention and does not overcome the problem of shock loads.

In a review article Burgess JE, Quarmby J, Stephenson T (1999) (“Role of micronutrients in activated sludge-based biotreatment of industrial effluents". Biotechnol Adv. 1999 Apr; 17(1):49-70) discloses that adding micronutrients to biological treatment processes is one possible approach to upgrading an existing facility in order to deal with increasing volumes and strengths of industrial wastewaters and the tightening discharge legislation. However, there is no disclosure of a non-microbial formulation for the recovery of the microbial population in the ETP from shock loads.

JE Burgess et al. 2000(“Nutrient balancing for enhanced activated sludge reactor performance: UK perspective” ,Water Science & Technology Vol 41 No 12 pp 223–231) tested trace metals and vitamins for enhancing chemical oxygen demand (COD) and toxicity removal in activated sludge treating trade effluent and found that the addition could significantly improve the degradation of hard COD in the wastewater with no significant effect on the air requirement of the sludge. However, there is no disclosure of a non-microbial formulation for the recovery of the microbial population in the ETP from shock loads.

Thus there is need to ameliorate the effect of disturbances in plant operation due to shock loads that can be used for fast recovery of microbial populations to maintain trouble and effective free operation of ETP.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a formulation comprising yeast extract, salts of iron, manganese, molybdenum, calcium, zinc or magnesium, sorbitol ester, hydrogen phosphate of any alkali metal and phosphate, sodium citrate, oleic acid, dried powder of Sapindus mukorossi, linseed oil and vitamins, wherein said formulation helps in reducing the impact or recovery of microbial cells from damaged caused by the shock loads in the Effluent treatment plants.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the said formulation is effective against following type of shocks:
(a) pH shock (pH in acidic range from 2-6, and in basic range from 7.5-11);
(b) Shock caused by high concentration of phenols, wherein the concentration of phenols is about 2%;
(c) Shock caused by high concentration of sulfides, wherein the concentration of sulfides is about 2%;
(d) Shock caused by high concentration of hydrocarbons (0-5%);
(e) Temperature as high up to 60°C and as low up to 3°C; and
(f) Any combination of above conditions

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a formulation wherein the concentration of yeast extract is in the range of 1-45%, concentration of salts of iron, manganese, molybdenum, calcium, zinc or magnesium is in the range of 1-10%, concentration of sorbitol ester 0.5-5%, concentration of hydrogen phosphate of any alkali metal and phosphate is in the range of 1-10%, concentration of sodium citrate is in the range of 0.5-5%, concentration of oleic acid is in the range of 0.5-5%, concentration of dried powder of Sapindus mukorossi is in the range of 0.5-5%, concentration of linseed oil is in the range of 0.5-5%and concentration of vitamins is in the range of 1-10% (in equal ratio).

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a formulation wherein the vitamins are selected consist of Pyrodoxine, biotin, pantothenic acid, niacin and thiamine (in equal ratio).

In another embodiment of the present invention, the said formulation improves mixed liquor suspended solids in the ETPs.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a process for the fast recovery of microbial populations during ETP disturbances due to Shock Loads, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) dosing a Formulation in the biological inlet section of ETP at the rate of 200-500 ppm;
(b) adding 0.15 % Urea and 0.05 % of Diammonium Phosphate;
(c) dosing the ingredients of step (a) and (b) continuously for 2-96 hours; and
(d) achieving stability of the microbial cells in the ETP system.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the formulation is dosed in the inlet of biological section of ETP at the rate of 200-500 ppm along with 0.15 % of urea and 0.05% of diammonium phosphate, continuously for 2-96 hrs.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the formulation can also be dosed once in day at the rate of 0.25% (w/v) in the inlet of biological section of the ETP.

In another embodiment of the present invention the formulation, is useful even if only 10-100 CFU/ml damaged living cells are available in the ETP system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and/or alternative processes and/or compositions, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and tables and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular processes and/or compositions disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The tables and protocols have been represented where appropriate by conventional representations, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more processes or composition/s or systems or methods proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other processes, sub-processes, composition, sub-compositions, minor or major compositions or other elements or other structures or additional processes or compositions or additional elements or additional features or additional characteristics or additional attributes.

The following description is of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described without departing from the scope of the invention.
It must be noted that, as used in the specification/description and the appended claims and examples, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and or “to about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about”, it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

Definitions:

The term “activated sludge” as used in the context of the present invention means a mass of microorganisms cultivated in the treatment process to break down organic matter into carbon dioxide and water.

The term “Mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS)” as used in the context of the present invention means the concentration of suspended solids, in an aeration tank during the activated sludge process, which occurs during the treatment of waste water. It is consists mostly of microorganisms and non-biodegradable suspended matter.

As used herein, the terms “formulation” and “composition” as used in the context of the present invention have been used interchangeably and are meant to have the same definition and meaning.

The present invention provides a formulation in which its components synergistically act to recover the microbial cells from damaged caused by the shocks and in turn help in fast recovery of the plant during and after the shock.

In one aspect the present invention provides a formulation which is highly effective against following type of shocks:
(a) pH shock (pH in acidic range from 2-6, and in basic range from 7.5-11);
(b) shock caused by high concentration of phenols, wherein the concentration of phenols is about 2%;
(c) shock caused by high concentration of sulfides, wherein the concentration of sulfides is about 2%;
(d) shock caused by high concentration of hydrocarbons (0-5%);
(e) temperature as high up to 60°C and as low up to 3°C; and
(f) any combination of above conditions.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a formulation which comprises the following ingredients:

S.No. Name of component Weight (%)
1 Yeast extract 1-45
2 Salts of iron,maganese, molybedinium, calcium, zinc and magnesium ( in equal ratio) 1-10
3 Sorbitol ester 0.5-5
4 Hydrogen phosphate of any alkali metal and phosphate of same or different metal (ratio 1:3) 1-10
5 Sodium citrate 0.5-5
6 Oleic acid 0.5-5
7 Dried powder of Sapindus mukorossi seed or its extract 0.5-5
8 Linseed oil 0.5-5
9. Pyrodoxine, biotin, pantothenic acid, niacin and thiamine (in equal ratio) 1-10

Another aspect of the present invention the formulation consists the following ingredients:
S.No. Name of component Weight (%)
1 Yeast extract 1-45
2 Salts of iron,maganese, molybedinium, calcium, zinc and magnesium ( in equal ratio) 1-10
3 Sorbitol ester 0.5-5
4 Hydrogen phosphate of any alkali metal and phosphate of same or different metal (ratio 1:3) 1-10
5 Sodium citrate 0.5-5
6 Oleic acid 0.5-5
7 Dried powder of Sapindus mukorossi seed or its extract 0.5-5
8 Linseed oil 0.5-5
9. Pyrodoxine, biotin, pantothenic acid, niacin and thiamine (in equal ratio) 1-10

Another aspect of the present invention provides a formulation that can be used as alone or in oil in water emulsion, or water in oil emulsion form.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a formulation which can be added in advance of any known shock load which helps in reduction of the impact of the shock.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a formulation which can be added after the shock load and helps in recovery of the damaged microbial cells.

In another aspect the present invention provides formulation which also improves Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids (MLSS) content.

In another aspect of the present invention, dried powder of Sapindus mukorossi helps in emulsification of the oil and it improves oil and other nutrients bio-availability to the damaged microbial cell.

In another aspect of the present invention, the composition address to overcome shock conditions by repair of the damaged microbial cells due to shock load.

In another aspect of the present invention, the formulation helps in recovery of ETP from disturbance due to shock loads and restore quickly its performance. The efficiency of the ETP is thus increased as the formulation helps achieve normalcy in ETP after a shock load is induced.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a dosing methodology of the disclosed formulation for the fast recovery of microbial populations during ETP disturbances due to Shock Loads, said methodology comprising the steps of:
(a) dosing a Formulation as herein described in the biological inlet section of ETP at the rate of 200-500 ppm;
(b) adding 0.15 % urea and 0.05 % of diammonium Phosphate;
(c) dosing the ingredients of step (a) and (b) continuously for 2-96 hours; and
(d) achieving stability of the microbial cells in the ETP system.

In another aspect of the present invention, the formulation is dozed after the shock load.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the formulation is dosed before the shock load.

Another aspect of the present invention provides that the formulation is dosed in the inlet of biological section of ETP at the rate of 2-500 ppm along with 0.15 % of urea and 0.05% of diammonium phosphate, continuously for 2-96 hrs.

In another aspect, the formulation can also be dosed once in day at the rate of 0.25% (w/v) in the inlet of biological section of the ETP. This formulation is useful even if the only 10-100 CFU/ml damaged living cells are available in the system.

Another aspect of the present invention provides the process for the fast recovery of microbial populations during ETP disturbances due to Shock Loads wherein the formulation is dosed after the shock load.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides the process for reducing impact on the microbial populations during ETP disturbances due to Shock Loads wherein the formulation is dosed before the shock load.

Accordingly, the main embodiment of the present invention provides a formulation comprising yeast extract, salts of iron, manganese, molybdenum, calcium, zinc or magnesium, sorbitol ester, hydrogen phosphate of any alkali metal and phosphate, sodium citrate, oleic acid, dried powder of Sapindus mukorossi, linseed oil and vitamins.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a formulation consisting yeast extract, salts of iron, manganese, molybdenum, calcium, zinc or magnesium, sorbitol ester, hydrogen phosphate of any alkali metal and phosphate, sodium citrate, oleic acid, dried powder of Sapindus mukorossi, linseed oil and vitamins.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the formulation is dosed before the shock load in the effluent treatment plant.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the said formulation helps in reducing the impact on the microbial cells caused by the shock loads in the Effluent treatment plants.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the formulation is dozed after the shock load in the effluent treatment plant.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the said formulation helps in recovery of microbial cells from damage caused by the shock loads in the effluent treatment plants.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a formulation helps in reducing the impact or recovery of microbial cells from damaged caused by the shock loads in the Effluent treatment plants.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the formulation helps in recovery of ETP from disturbance due to shock loads and restore quickly its performance.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a formulation comprising yeast extract, salts of iron, manganese, molybdenum, calcium, zinc or magnesium, sorbitol ester, hydrogen phosphate of any alkali metal and phosphate, sodium citrate, oleic acid, dried powder of Sapindus mukorossi, linseed oil and vitamins, wherein said formulation helps in reducing the impact or recovery of microbial cells from damaged caused by the shock loads in the Effluent treatment plants.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the said formulation is effective against following type of shocks:
(a) pH shock (pH in acidic range from 2-6, and in basic range from 7.5-11);
(b) Shock caused by high concentration of phenols, wherein the concentration of phenols is about 2%;
(c) Shock caused by high concentration of sulfides, wherein the concentration of sulfides is about 2%;
(d) Shock caused by high concentration of hydrocarbons (0-5%);
(e) Temperature as high up to 60°C and as low up to 3°C; and
(f) Any combination of above conditions

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a formulation wherein the concentration of yeast extract is in the range of 1-45%, concentration of salts of iron, manganese, molybdenum, calcium, zinc or magnesium is in the range of 1-10%, concentration of sorbitol ester 0.5-5%, concentration of hydrogen phosphate of any alkali metal and phosphate is in the range of 1-10%, concentration of sodium citrate is in the range of 0.5-5%, concentration of oleic acid is in the range of 0.5-5%, concentration of dried powder of Sapindus mukorossi is in the range of 0.5-5%, concentration of linseed oil is in the range of 0.5-5%and concentration of vitamins is in the range of 1-10% (in equal ratio).

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a formulation wherein the vitamins are selected consist of Pyrodoxine, biotin, pantothenic acid, niacin and thiamine (in equal ratio).

In another embodiment of the present invention, the said formulation improves mixed liquor suspended solids in the ETPs.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a process for the fast recovery of microbial populations during ETP disturbances due to Shock Loads, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) dosing a Formulation in the biological inlet section of ETP at the rate of 200-500 ppm;
(b) adding 0.15 % Urea and 0.05 % of Diammonium Phosphate;
(c) dosing the ingredients of step (a) and (b) continuously for 2-96 hours; and
(d) achieving stability of the microbial cells in the ETP system.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides the process for the fast recovery of microbial populations during ETP disturbances due to Shock Loads wherein the formulation is dosed after the shock load.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the formulation is dosed in the inlet of biological section of ETP at the rate of 200-500 ppm along with 0.15 % of urea and 0.05% of diammonium phosphate, continuously for 2-96 hrs.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the formulation can also be dosed once in day at the rate of 0.25% (w/v) in the inlet of biological section of the ETP.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides the process for reducing impact on the microbial populations during ETP disturbances due to Shock Loads wherein the formulation is dosed before the shock load.

In another embodiment of the present invention the formulation, is useful even if only 10-100 CFU/ml damaged living cells are available in the ETP system.

Having described the basic aspects of the present invention, the following non-limiting examples illustrate specific embodiment thereof.

EXAMPLES

Example-1: Effect of Dosing of formulation after pH shock

The wastewater collected from refinery was taken in two 2L continuous bioreactor having residence time of 18hrs. The operational parameters of the reactors were as follows:
? pH: 7.0
? Temperature: 30 OC
? Stirring: 250 rpm
? Air: 5L/hr

The microbes was dosed @2% (w/v) along with minimum mineral media and kept running for two weeks to stabilize the population with daily monitoring of MLSS, microbial count and O&G content of the reactor (Table-1). After 2 weeks (on 14th day) the pH of both the reactors was increased to 11 by adding the spent caustic for 8 hrs. To see the effectiveness of the candidate bio-adjuvant formulation in one of the reactor (reactor-2) the continuous dosing of formulation-1 was done @ 200 ppm for 18hrs while the another reactor ( reactor-1) was run as such. The MLSS, microbial count and O&G content of both the reactors are given in Table-1.
Result indicated that the reactor dosed with candidate bio-adjuvant formulation-1 recovered in 48 hrs and normalcy was achieved.
Table-1: MLSS, microbial count and O&G content of the reactor before and after pH shock and dosing of formulation

Day Reactor -1 ( without formulation) Reactor-2 ( with formulation)
MLSS (ppm) Cell count
(cfu/ml on hexadecane agar plate) O&G content (ppm) MLSS (ppm) Cell count
(cfu/ml on hexadecane agar plate) O&G content (ppm)
0 600 2.4 x 105 24 600 2.4 x 105 24
1 1200 3.9 x 106 18 1200 3.9 x 106 18
2 1950 8.7 x 107 08 1950 8.7 x 107 08
3 2790 9.3 x 1012 05 2790 9.3 x 1012 05
4 2700 9.2 x 1012 04 2720 8.9 x 1013 04
8 2800 8.9 x 1012 04 2710 8.9 x 1012 04
10 2765 8.9 x 1012 05 2765 8.6 x 1013 04
11 2770 8.4 x 1012 04 2780 8.9 x 1012 04
14 2700 8.9 x 1012 04 2700 8.9 x 1012 05
pH changed to 11 by adding the spent caustic for 8 hrs
16 540 2.9 x 102 19 2040 2.5 x 109 05
17 569 5.1 x 103 18 2350 8.7 x 1012 05
18 625 8.1 x 103 18 2820 9.4 x 1012 05
22 750 9.2 x 104 17 2790 7.9 x 1013 04
24 790 8.4 x 103 17 2710 8.1 x 1012 04
25 865 8.9 x 104 15 2795 8.6 x 1012 04

Example-2: Effect of Dosing of formulation before pH shock
The experimental conditions same as of example-1, except the formulation was added @250 ppm for 24hrs in reactor-2 before pH shock (pH 12 for 12hrs) and was dosed for next 24 hrs of shock load. The microbial count and O&G content of both the reactors are given in Table-2. Results indicated that addition of formulation before the shock resulted in reduced impact of shock.

Table-2: MLSS, microbial count and O&G content of the reactor before and after pH shock and dosing of formulation
Day Reactor -1 ( without formulation) Reactor-2 ( with formulation)
MLSS (ppm) Cell count
(cfu/ml on hexadecane agar plate) O&G content (ppm) MLSS (ppm) Cell count
(cfu/ml on hexadecane agar plate) O&G content (ppm)
0 660 6.4 x 105 24 660 8.2 x 105 24
1 1250 3.8 x 106 18 1200 3.2 x 106 18
8 2790 2.5 x 1012 04 2710 7.9 x 1012 04
10 2705 7.9 x 1012 05 2765 8.3 x 1012 04
13 2780 8.3 x 1012 04 2780 3.7 x 1014 04
14 2700 5.9 x 1012 04 2700 9.6 x 1014 05
pH changed to 12 for 8hrs
15 569 7.3 x 102 22 2430 2.5 x 1010 06
16 560 2.9 x 102 21 2540 2.9 x 1011 05
17 695 3.1 x 103 18 2650 3.2 x 1012 05
18 769 3.8 x 103 18 2720 9.6 x 1012 05
22 778 9.2 x 104 19 2790 5.9 x 1013 04

Example-3: Effect of dosing of formulation after hydrocarbon shock loading
The experimental conditions same as of example-1, except after 2 weeks the hydrocarbon loading of both the reactors was increased to 2% by adding LCO for 8 hrs. To see the effectiveness of the candidate bio-adjuvant formulation in one of the reactor (reactor-2) the continuous dosing of candidate bio-adjuvant formulation-1 was done @ 500 ppm for 18hrs and another reactor (reactor-1) was kept as such. The microbial count and O&G content of both the reactors are given in Table-3.
Result indicated that the reactor dosed with candidate bio-adjuvant formulation-1 recovered in 72 hrs and normalcy was achieved.
Table-3: MLSS, microbial count and O&G content of the reactor before and after hydrocarbon shock and dosing of formulation

Day Reactor -1 ( without formulation) Reactor-2 ( with formulation after shock load)
MLSS (ppm) Cell count
(cfu/ml on hexadecane agar plate) O&G content (ppm) MLSS (ppm) Cell count
(cfu/ml on hexadecane agar plate) O&G content (ppm)
0 650 2.4 x 105 26 520 2.4 x 105 24
1 1230 5.9 x 106 17 1800 3.9 x 106 18
2 1980 6.2 x 107 07 2181 8.4 x 109 08
3 2870 8.4 x 1012 04 2420 9.6 x 1013 04
10 2865 3.8 x 1012 05 2872 6.6 x 1012 05
11 2570 6.4 x 1012 04 2780 2.9 x 1013 04
14 2780 7.1 x 1012 04 2870 8.9 x 1012 05
Hydrocarbon shock by adding LCO for 8hrs
16 540 2.9 x 102 321 2520 4.3 x 108 250
17 830 9.6 x 103 86 2170 8.7 x 1013 22
18 869 3.2 x 103 47 2740 3.1 x 1012 05
22 820 7.9 x 104 46 2587 1.9 x 1012 04
24 850 1.3 x 103 39 2900 8.1 x 1013 05
25 865 3.8 x 104 32 2890 9.8 x 1012 04

Example-4: Effect of dosing of formulation after multiple contaminant shock loading
The experimental conditions same as of example-1, except after 2 weeks the phenol and sulfide loading of both the reactors was increased to 200 ppm by adding phenols and sulfide for 8 hrs. To see the effectiveness of the candidate bio-adjuvant formulation in one of the reactor (reactor-2) the continuous dosing of candidate bio-adjuvant formulation-1 was done @ 500 ppm for 18hrs and another reactor (reactor-1) was kept as such. The microbial count and O&G content of both the reactors are given in Table-4.
Result indicated that the reactor dosed with candidate bio-adjuvant formulation-1 recovered in 96 hrs and normalcy was achieved.
Table-4: MLSS, microbial count phenol and sulphide content of the reactor before and after shock and dosing of formulation

Day Reactor -1 ( without formulation) Reactor-2 ( with formulation after shock load)
MLSS (ppm) Cell count
(cfu/ml on hexadecane agar plate) Phenol content (ppm) Sulphide content (ppm) MLSS (ppm) Cell count
(cfu/ml on hexadecane agar plate) Phenol content (ppm) Sulphide content (ppm)
0 690 7.7 x 105 41 25 620 3.1 x 105 41 25
1 1280 5.8 x 106 21 9 1350 8.9 x 106 20 10
2 2080 6.9 x 107 0.3 0.23 2089 6.1 x 109 0.3 0.24
3 2890 9.2 x 1012 0.2 0.11 2750 5.1 x 1013 0.2 0.11
10 2885 6.3 x 1012 0.3 0.13 2872 6.2 x 1012 0.3 0.11
11 2650 8.1 x 1012 0.2 0.11 2680 7.2 x 1013 0.3 0.11
14 3067 9.7 x 1012 0.2 0.12 2978 6.3 x 1012 0.2 0.12
Phenol and sulfide shock load for 8hrs
16 340 10 205 200 920 4.4 x 104 200 202
17 430 87 123 109 1270 5.3 x 108 22 12
18 560 1.2 x 102 112 117 1890 3.1 x 109 05 9
22 820 9.4 x 102 116 98 2487 3.4 x 1011 0.3 0.11
24 950 4.3 x 103 87 45 2780 6.2 x 1013 0.2 0.11
25 1035 3.2 x 104 50 34 2895 1.3 x 1012 0.3 0.12

,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. A formulation comprising yeast extract, salts of iron, manganese, molybdenum, calcium, zinc or magnesium, sorbitol ester, hydrogen phosphate of any alkali metal and phosphate, sodium citrate, oleic acid, dried powder of Sapindus mukorossi, linseed oil and vitamins, wherein said formulation helps in reducing the impact or recovery of microbial cells from damage caused by the shock loads in the Effluent treatment plants.

2. The formulation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said formulation is effective against following type of shocks:
(a) pH shock (pH in acidic range from 2-6, and in basic range from 7.5-11);
(b) shock caused by high concentration of phenols, wherein the concentration of phenols is about 2%;
(c) shock caused by high concentration of sulfides, wherein the concentration of sulfides is about 2%;
(d) shock caused by high concentration of hydrocarbons (0-5%);
(e) temperature as high up to 60°C and as low up to 3°C; and
(f) any combination of above conditions.

3. The formulation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the concentration of yeast extract is in the range of 1-45%, concentration of salts of iron, manganese, molybdenum, calcium, zinc or magnesium is in the range of 1-10%, concentration of sorbitol ester 0.5-5%, concentration of hydrogen phosphate of any alkali metal and phosphate is in the range of 1-10%, concentration of sodium citrate is in the range of 0.5-5%, concentration of oleic acid is in the range of 0.5-5%, concentration of dried powder of Sapindus mukorossi is in the range of 0.5-5%, concentration of linseed oil is in the range of 0.5-5%and concentration of vitamins is in the range of 1-10% (in equal ratio).

4. The formulation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vitamins are selected consist of Pyrodoxine, biotin, pantothenic acid, niacin and thiamine (in equal ratio).

5. The formulation as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said formulation improves mixed liquor suspended solids in the ETPs.

6. A process for the fast recovery of microbial populations during ETP disturbances due to Shock Loads, said process comprising the steps of:
(a) dosing a Formulation as claimed in claims 1-5 in the biological inlet section of ETP at the rate of 200-500 ppm;
(b) adding 0.15 % Urea and 0.05 % of Diammonium Phosphate;
(c) dosing the ingredients of step (a) and (b) continuously for 2-96 hours; and
(d) achieving stability of the microbial cells in the ETP system.

7. The process as claimed in claim 6, wherein the formulation is dosed in the inlet of biological section of ETP at the rate of 200-500 ppm along with 0.15 % of urea and 0.05% of diammonium phosphate, continuously for 2-96 hrs.

8. The process as claimed in claim 6, wherein the formulation can also be dosed once in day at the rate of 0.25% (w/v) in the inlet of biological section of the ETP.

9. The process as claimed in claim 6, wherein the dosing formulation is useful even if only 10-100 CFU/ml damaged living cells are available in the ETP system.