Impact of the use of microorganisms in floor drains in sanitary rooms

Abstract

Concern with the quality of building drainage systems has motivated biotechnology companies to invest in products consisting of mixtures of microorganisms that that act on the pre-treatment of wastewater in building sewage systems to combat unpleasant odours. The aim of this study is to assess the use of concentrated mixtures of microorganisms to accelerate the degradation of organic compounds in floor drains of building drainage systems and the impact on wastewater treatment plants. The methodology consists in diagnosing unpleasant odours in the restrooms of a university building, which are subject to constant complaints on the part of users. Thereafter, microorganism tablets were put in the wastewater of the floor drains of two restrooms and the performance and impacts of their use in restrooms and in wastewater treatment plants was investigated. Biochemical oxygen demand analyses and respirometry tests were conducted in order to check for changes in the wastewater. The results showed that the foul odours in these restrooms was not reduced and, in wastewater treatment plants, the concentration of product recommended by the manufacturer did not produce significant changes in the analysed characteristics of the wastewater.

Keywords:
Building drainage system; Microorganisms; Floor drains