Enzymes vs Microbes

Commercial enzymes contain a very low concentration of substrate-active enzymes when compared to those enzymes produced naturally by our microbial products in a biologically balanced treatment plant.

Commercial enzymes oxidize a chemical reaction once and then wash out. They disturb the microbial balance of a system and have to be added continually in large quantities for lasting effect.

Generally, enzymes (which are proteins with a 'half life') share the following characteristics:

1. Unlike bacteria they are not self regenerating;
2. They have an optimum pH range of 4.5–6.0. Most effluent streams operate within a range 5.5-10;
3. Enzymes generally have a thermal range of 20°C–40°C. The temperatures in many biological systems seldom reach 20°C;
4. Unfortunately for the effluent engineer, enzymes solubize COD (organic wastes) thus they enter wastewater as an emulsion and are flushed down-line. When their chemical activity ceases, they allow the organic contaminant to 'drop out' of solution and cause blockages; and
5. Enzymes often leave behind contaminating residues. Conversely, bacteria degrade COD, breaking down the organic wastes into their constituent natural compounds (such as water and natural gasses).

As a result, commercial enzymes generally do not work optimally.