Bioenzymes: Effectiveness in Waste Reduction System
CHAPTER 1BACKGROUND
INTRODUCTIONThe outset of globalization, technological and
industrial development eventually resulted to an increased solid
waste generation worldwide. Developed countries in Europe and the
United States of America are now conducting studies aimed at
providing solutions to their waste management and disposal
problems. (Some countries even exported tons of garbage in
container vans in developing countries like the Philippines) In
Cabanatuan City, considered as the economic heart of Nueva Ecija
and is the focus of a metropolitan area of more than 300,000
people, wastes disposal is one huge problem. Cabanatuan City
residents, industrial and business establishments generated tons of
garbage every day. 50% of which is biodegradable 35% recyclable and
15% residual. To address the growing problem of waste disposal, the
City Government of Cabanatuan instituted ways of improving its
existing dump sites and transfer facility stations.The Valle Cruz
Transfer Facility Station in Cabanatuan was temporarily closed to
give way for its rehabilitation. The rehabilitation of the said
facility was aimed at removing odorous pollution that is affecting
the residents within and around the vicinity. These pollutants are
mostly organic solid wastes which has the highest percentage amount
based from the previous Waste Analysis Characterization System
(WACS), 2009. These solid wastes are non-soluble materials that
were discarded in a solid or semi-solid form. The semi-solid form
of waste has the quality of both solid and liquid- like sludge.In
Accordance with Ra 9003 Rule X, Section 2, Transfer stations shall
be designed and operated for efficient waste handling capacity and
in compliance with environmental standards and guidelines set in
pursuant to the Act. Provisions for vector, odor, litter and dust
control shall be included (Ra 9003 Rule X, Section 2 Criteria a).
In order to comply with this criterion, the use of enzymatic
solution is the most viable option.Enzymatic solutions are natural,
nontoxic substance that uses enzymes which helps the bacteria to
digest organic materials directly. Enzymatic solutions are
formulated specifically to dispose of soils safely, economically
and rapidly. They contain the necessary quality and quantity to
specific enzyme systems, both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and
microbial nutrient. Enzymatic solution works quickly and
efficiently in the digestion of chemical and organic waste with no
odor or noxious gas emissions. These microorganism and right type
of enzymes break the waste apart and the bacteria itself converts
this waste into two basic compounds: carbon dioxide and water. This
resulted in faster degradation of wastes with minimal residual
component, and the absence of foul odors. Geographically, Valle
Cruz is located in a residential and agricultural area where
emission of odorous pollutants produces grave effects on the health
of the constituents. Extension of the said facility to accommodate
extra tons of wastes costs large amount of taxpayers money and land
conversion causes social and economic nuances. A more viable
solution is the use of alternative means of waste reduction and
anti-pollution technology, that is, the application of enzymatic
solutions. Thus, it is therefore necessary to conduct this study
entitled Comparative analysis of some Enzymatic Solutions: Its
Effectiveness to waste reduction system to determine the
effectiveness of the application of some enzymatic solution in
reducing environmental wastes and pollution caused by organic solid
waste. Furthermore, this study can help not only in degradation and
deodorization of solid waste but also in providing a clean and
health conducive environment.OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY1. To compare
H2O (negative control), commercial enzymatic solution (positive
control) and non-commercial enzymatic solution (experimental) in
terms of organic waste degradation and odor.2. To estimate the
total time that can be saved using experimental and control group
in the degradation of organic solid wastes;3. To determine the
impact of enzymatic solutions in environmental
conservation.HYPOTHESIS The study was tested for the following
hypothesis. The enzymatic solution boosts the degradation of
organic solid waste and reduced the odor. Not all enzymatic
solutions have the same strength, some can only reduce the odor and
some can boost the degradation and others can do both. There is a
significant change in the size, shape, and weight of the organic
wastes applied with enzymatic solution.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDYThe study will be beneficial to the
following:Students: the result of this study will serve as
references for further studies on subjects dealing with the
environment and its conservation.Local Government Unit: The result
of this study is very beneficial to LGUs. The problem in local
sanitation as well as pollution caused by the burning of wastes is
readily solved.Residents: The elimination of disease causing
odorous wastes is the greatest relief that residents within the
vicinity can be experience.Environment: The study aborts the
necessity of further extension of the dumpsite therefore land
conversion which is of course very harmful to the ecosystem as well
as the social environment can now be avoided.Transfer facility
workers: the huge reduction of waste residue and the elimination of
foul odors will reduce the burden on the workers in the said
facility. Efforts, time and manpower will now be saved as physical
handling of the waste materials is now minimal.Future Researcher:
This study will serve as their stepping stone in furthering their
research on the effectiveness of the said application and will
serve as reference for future testing, experimentation and
evaluation of its effectiveness.
SCOPE AND DELIMITATIONThe focus of the study is to determine the
effectiveness of commercial and non-commercial enzymatic solutions
in deodorizing and decomposing organic waste to determine its
usefulness in solid waste reduction system. This study did not
focus on the different components of enzymatic solutions. Enzymatic
test was not conducted but was recommended for the continuation of
further study by other researchers, because Bachelor of Science in
Environmental Science focuses only on social environmental
problems. Micro aspects such as enzyme activity and other
microbiological parameters are not under the description of the
course.The Experimental procedure was done at the College of Arts
and Sciences (CAS) Laboratory, NEUST, Cabanatuan City.
Conceptual FrameworkTreatment Effect Impact Odor reduction of
organic waste
Enhanced degradation of organic waste
Saved time.
T1Negative controlApply pure water
T2Positive controlApply commercial enzymatic solution on the
sample
ExperimentalT3Apply non-commercial enzymatic solution on the
sample
T1Negative Control Does not reduce bad odor and have a slow
degradationT2Positive control Reduce bad odor after 2 to 5 weeks.
Decomposed after 14 to 30 daysT3Experimental Reduce bad odor after
2 to 5 weeks but not as effective as T2
Definition of termsFor clear understanding of the terms used in
this study definitions of unfamiliar words are listed
alphabetically.Aerobic bacteria- aerobe is an organism that can
survive and grow in an oxygenated environment.Anaerobic bacteria-
are anyorganismthat does not requireoxygenfor growth. It may react
negatively or even die if oxygen is present.Alpha amylase-a
proteinenzymeEC3.2.1.1thathydrolysesalpha bonds of large,
alpha-linkedpolysaccharides, such asstarchandglycogen, yielding
glucoseandmaltose.It is the major form ofamylasefound in humans and
other mammals.It is also present in seeds containing starch as a
food reserve, and is secreted by many fungi.Biocatalysis- is the
use of naturalcatalysts, such as proteinenzymes, to perform
chemical transformations onorganic compounds. Both enzymes that
have been more or less isolated and enzymes still residing inside
living cells are employed for this task.Biodegradable- materials
that is capable of being broken down especially into innocuous
products by the action of living things (as
microorganisms).Bioenzymes/Bioenzymatic cleaner- Anenzymatic
cleaneris a biodegradable, non-toxiccleaningagent.Decomposition(or
rotting) - The process by which organic substances are broken down
into simpler forms of matter.Deodorization- is the process of
removing foul odor of a substance.Enzymes- Enzymes are
macromolecular biological catalysts. They are responsible for
thousands of metabolic processes that sustain life.Glucanases-
areenzymesthat break down aglucan, a polysaccharide made of
severalglucosesub-units. As they performhydrolysisof the glucosidic
bond, they arehydrolases.used in enological practices during the
aging process of wine, particularly when aged on lees with
microxygenation. The enzyme aids in autolysis of yeast cells to
release polysaccharides and mannoproteins, which is believed to aid
in the color and texture of the wine.Odor- Anodoror odour or
fragrance is caused by one or more volatilized chemical compounds,
generally at a very low concentration, that humans or other
animals.Pollution- the action ofpollutingespecially by
environmental contamination with man-made waste;also: the condition
of beingpolluted.Recyclables- are materials that can be recycled
and use for other uses.Rehabilitate- to restore to a former state
(as of efficiency, good management,Residuals- Materials that cannot
be processed to be useful again.Respiromentry- a general term that
encompasses a number of techniques for obtaining estimates of the
rates of metabolismofvertebrates,invertebrates,plants, tissues,
cells, ormicroorganismsvia an indirect measure of heat production
(calorimetry).WACS- Waste Analysis characterization system waste
Transfer station- a building or processing site for the temporary
deposition ofwaste.
Chapter IIREVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURERelated literatureThis
chapter presents a review of literatures and studies which are
relevant to the present study.Biological Information of Commercial
Enzymatic SolutionsThis brand is made up of blend of different
types of live, highly selected beneficial microbes (bacteria,
yeast, actinomytecete, and molds), Enzymes, vitamins and organic
acids mixed with specially prepared nutrients in solutions.Through
the process of advanced fermentation technology, the microbes in
the product where trained to grow harmoniously without antagonizing
each other. This is based on several years of research and
development work. The microbes have the capacity to produce
powerful enzymes which could digest or degrade animal and plant
tissues, proteins, fats and cellulose. The combined actions of this
biological fermentation are responsible for the effective
deodorizing, sanitizing, and decomposing properties of this
commercial enzymatic solution.According to the test report of the
National Institute of Molecular and Biotechnology (Biotech) they
have determined the enzymatic activities of alpha amylase, beta
glucanase, cellulose, pectinase, and alkaline in the liquid
solution of biozyme.According to the textbook Regulation and
Control of Metabolism in Bacteria As a form of Catabolite
Repression, the glucose effect serves a useful function in
bacteria: it requires the cells to use the best available source of
energy. For many bacteria, glucose is the most common and readily
utilizable substrate for growth. Thus, it inhibits indirectly the
synthesis of enzymes that metabolize poorer sources of energy.Here
are some studies that might contribute to the present study.
Related Studies:According to A. Schmid (2001) the use of
biocatalysis for industrial synthetic chemistry is on the verge of
significant growth. Biocatalytic processes can now be carried out
in organic solvents as well as aqueous environments, so that a
polar organic compounds as well as water-soluble compounds can be
modified selectively and efficiently with enzymes and
biocatalytically active cells. As the use of biocatalysis for
industrial chemical synthesis becomes easier, several chemical
companies have begun to increase significantly the number and
sophistication of the biocatalytic processes used in their
synthesis operations.Biocatalysisis the use of naturalcatalysts,
such as proteinenzymes, to perform chemical transformations
onorganic compounds. Both enzymes that have been more or less
isolated and enzymes still residing inside living cells are
employed for this task.Sited from the book Green Chemistry for
Environmental Remediation by Rashmi Sanghi and Vandana Singh (2012)
enzymes are biocatalysts, which speed up chemical reactions without
undergoing any net chemical change during the reaction. Enzymes are
known to perform a multitude of chemical reactions and are
commercially exploited in the detergent, food, pharmaceutical,
diagnostics and fine chemical industries. More than 300 enzymes
have been exploited to date, and majorities have been isolated from
mesophilic organisms which function in a narrow range of ph,
temperature and ionic strength. The microorganisms from exotic
environments (Extremophiles) are considered an important source of
enzymes and their specific properties are expected to result in
novel process applications.According to Ms. Payel Sarkar (2011).The
degradation of organic wastes by the bacterial consortia is highly
significant. It reduces the time span of degradation and produces
no foul odor. The use of microbial consortium generated through
natural selection or improvement of the performance of these
microorganisms in organic kitchen waste degradation through genetic
manipulation, may be the best option for the efficient treatment of
organic kitchen waste or domestic wastewater in the near future.
The pretreatment of food waste can be used for biological
solubilization and mineralization in garbage disposal system which
is a novel approach.According to the study entitled Solid Waste
Management by Use of Effective Microorganisms Technology by Ms.
Dipti Kumar Kale and Dr. P.D. Anthappan (2012).The quantity of
waste generated due to urbanization pose a major problem of proper
and adequate treatment, so that its final disposal should not cause
environment pollution. Many scientific techniques have been
discovered for proper waste management, followed by its disposal.
But today, it is necessary to use such a method which can convert
waste into reusable by-product. Thus with the aim to combat
pollution, this research topic highlights the use of one of the
simple and easy method; Effective Microorganism (EM) Technology, is
the one in which organisms from natural sources are utilized to
convert waste into a reusable byproduct. It has desirable effect of
increase in organic carbon (OC), organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N),
phosphate (PO4) and potassium (K) content of waste. In this study
it was found that OC, OM, N, PO4, K, increased at an average of
22.67%, 39.09%, 1.84%, 95mg. /lit, 2.88mg./liter respectively when
compared with control where the EM was not added. Based on the
result obtained, it was concluded that the use of EM technology has
desirable effect which has been observed by many studies.According
to Natarajan, 1988 the amylolytic activities of alpha-amylase
extracted from Mirror carp (Cyprinuscarpio) and Nile tilapia
(Oreochromisniloticus) were significantly reduced by purified
amylase inhibitor albumin of wheat when tested under in vitro
conditions. The action of this inhibitor was rapid and maximum
levels of inhibition were attained within 20 minutes. For both carp
and tilapia, the enzyme residual activities after inhibition were
found to be related inversely to inhibitor concentration and
positively to the initial enzyme activity levels. The curvilinear
relationships between these parameters were explained by deriving
equations of the type: A2 = a+b A1 - c I + d I2 where a, b, c and d
are constants, Ai = Initial amylase activity (mU/min), A2 =
Residual amylase activity (MU/min), I= Inhibitor concentration as
ug protein. Inhibitions were greatest for amylases from gut tissue
and owest for amylases from gut fluids. 1ug of purified inhibitor
was found to contain a potency, to reduce 298 Units of carp gut
tissue alpha-amylase and 532 Units of tilapia intestinal tissue
alpha-amylase, by 50%. When amylase inhibitor extracted from wheat
was incorporated in the feed of carp in its active form for three
weeks, it caused a significant reduction in the specific growth
rate to only 0.16%/day, while in carp fed autoclaved inhibitort
such reduction in growth was not seen and the SGR was maintained at
over 1.00%/day. However, despite the presence of active inhibitor
in the intestine, the fish were able to maintain alpha-amylase
activities in the gut contents at a level similar to that in fish
fed denatured inhibitor. This was achieved by hyperactivation of
enzyme secretions in the tissues of hepatopancreas and intestine.
Hepatopancreas from fish fed active inhibitor exhibited more than
two-fold increase in amylase, activity compared to those fed
denatured inhibitor. By the third week of the experiment this
difference in enzyme activity levels was not apparent but there
were also no indications of adaptation or improvement in growth
rate. Degenerations in hepatopancreas were also not apparent.
Feeding carp with diet containing wheat with its inherent content
of inhibitor also caused pancreas hyperactivity and some reduction
in growth rate for a short period in comparison to those fish fed
autoclaved wheat. In carp, the alpha-amylase activity did not vary
depending on the raw or gelatinized nature of starch, both forms
elicited equal increases in enzyme activity. However, autoclaving
wheat, though effective in inactivating the inhibitor, was found to
lower the biological value and digestibility of wheat proteins.
Contrary to the result of the carp trials in Nile tilapia, the
growth was not significantly reduced by feeding on diet containing
active inhibitor and a SGR of 1.57%/day was recorded in comparison
to 1.81i/day in tilapia fed denatured inhibitor. Samples of stomach
and intestinal contents collected 4 hours after feeding did not
reveal the presence of active inhibitor. Apparently the acidic
protease, pepsin, in the stomach of tilapia caused the total
destruction of the inhibitor in the diet before the contents were
passed into the intestinal region. The presence of active amylase
inhibitor in tilapia feed did not affect the digestibilities of
starch and protein in the diet. Both the groups were able to digest
carbohydrates and protein to levels of over 90%. The implications
of these results are discussed in relation to feed formulation and
fish nutrition.According to Rungkan Klahan1, Nontawith Areechon1,
Ruangvit Yoonpundh1 and AruneeEngkagul the activity of protease,
amylase and lipase from the pseudo stomach, upper intestine, lower
intestine and liver of 5.7, 35.8 and 92.1 g male Nile tilapia
(Oreochromisniloticus L.) was determined. Protease activity had an
optimal pH of 12, 9 and 9 for the 5.7, 35.8 and 92.1 g fish
respectively and the highest specific activity was found in the
35.8 g fish. Amylase activity had an optimal pH of 6, 7 and 2,
respectively and the highest specific activity was found in the
92.1 g fish. Lipase activity had an optimal pH of 8, 7 and 8,
respectively and the highest specific activity was found in the
35.8 g fish. In all sizes of tilapia, amylase activity was
significantly higher in the liver than other organs (P