What is bioaugmentation?
The word “bioaugmentation” can be broken down into two parts: -bio and -augmentation. Together, they describe the process of adding helpful, pre-selected bacterial strains that were isolated from a specific environment (biology) to enhance (augment) an existing microbial community.
Why are bioaugmentation products used?
Just like you and I, not every species and strain of bacteria are good at everything. We all have a unique set of talents and abilities. Bioaugmentation products are used when you want to improve an aspect of an environment biologically (i.e., eliminate foul bathroom odor, digest complex hydrocarbons in soil, reduce wastewater sludge). And while the existing community of bacteria are good at certain things, when we introduce specific strains that are better than others, we can make the entire population more efficient.
For example, in wastewater treatment, while the existing community may be good at breaking down specific substrates, the addition of Bacillus has been shown to significantly reduce fats, oils, and grease (FOG), sludge, odors, COD/BOD, suspended solids, the chance for system upsets, and more.
How do the bacteria within bioaugmentation products work with the existing microbial community?
It is vital to note that rather than taking over the system, the added bacteria in bioaugmentation products work to strengthen the capabilities of the entire community. They play just a small part in the microbial ecosystem as a whole.
With bioaugmentation, species of bacteria are introduced that have the metabolic pathways to break down specific compounds into digestible pieces either for themselves or for the preestablished microbial population. With more accessible food, the added and existing population work together.
How does MDG use bioaugmentation?
It’s our mission to harness the power of biology to make the world a better place, which is why our R&D work spans across SEVEN different markets. CLICK HERE to learn more about these various industries and how we’re helping our customers solve complicated challenges through bioaugmentation and beyond.
