Use of enzymes to treat a wastewater stream conatining starch

[Naeema]

Hi all

In an attempt to improve effluent management my company has segregated their problematic waste streams. One of these is a stream largely consisting of starch and water. The company does not want to invest in a biological treatment plant. Does anyone have any advice on the aplication of starch degrading enzymes to this stream? If not, what are other options to deal with this starch stream?

Thanks!

 

[bimr]

Would you provide the flow rate, strength of solution, % solids concentration, waste characterization.

 

[Naeema]

Hi

We use corn starch for the surface and tapioca starch for the wet end. The flow rate is aproximately 50 m3/day nad the composition is ~95% water and 5% starch.

Thanks

 

[Naeema]

Hi

If I did use starch degrading enzymes to treat the water the likely products will be simple sugars such maltose, glucose etc. Do these sugars contribute significantly to COD? Will the water be suitable for disposal?

Thanks

 

[bimr]

Yes, the sugars and other products would contribute significantly to the COD.

Why can't you dewater this material and send it off as solid waste?

 

[Naeema]

HI bimr

I will recommend that as an option. Would the remaining solid product have any use? or will it have to be disposed of?

 

[bimr]

If you are using food grade materials, you could probably have it sent off to mix into animal feed. Otherwise, there will be no use for it.

What are you doing with this material right now?

How percentage of this material is soluble and is the solution watery or viscous?