Pilot & Case Studies
Aqua America
Pennsylvania 2013
- Protein Matrix Industrial Grease Remedation (IGR) eliminated fat, oil and grease (FOG) impediments in two Aqua America wastewater treatment plants (WWTP)
- IGR was found to be compatible with plant processes and microorganisms
Aqua America, a $4 billion company responsible for operations at over 250 wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) across nine U.S. states, invited Protein Matrix to take part in a degreasing study at two of their plants in late 2013. During the study, Protein Matrix Industrial Grease Remediation (IGR) was automatically dosed into lift stations to minimize fat, oil and grease (FOG) buildup (and the corresponding blockages) throughout these plants.
As a result of IGR application, water flows normalized due to the elimination of FOG impediments, and Aqua America did not need to pump the IGR-treated lift stations. In addition, Aqua America also observed no adverse impact whatsoever on the effectiveness of their wastewater treatment facility. A letter from Aqua America summarizing the pilot studies and attesting to those remarkable results obtained from their use of Protein Matrix IGR during that time is available for download.
As seen in the letter, Aqua America is optimistic that Protein Matrix IGR can be used to combat microbiotic overpopulation. This is yet another advantage gained through use of IGR. FOG accumulation, particularly to the point of large, solid masses, can lead to overpopulation of filamentous microorganisms that are detrimental to floc formation and other WWTP processes. However, after reaction with Protein Matrix Industrial Grease Remediation, FOG particles decrease in size and are therefore more easily, and more uniformly digested by microbes and bacteria during the treatment process. As a result, unlike traditional degreasing products, which can have a detrimental effect on WWTP microorganisms and infrastructure, it is believed that IGR can actually alleviate microbial overpopulation problems at water treatment plants.