Agriment Services, Inc. has developed a multi-step process to reduce sludge buildup, in addition to other benefits related to anaerobic lagoon systems. Bioremediation has proven potential to effectively enhance lagoon management while reducing the environmental threat and financial costs of lagoon closure and/or maintenance. The first step of the bioremediation program is detoxification with a liquid medium containing sulfide-oxidizing bacteria. Within 2-3 weeks, the waste system becomes detoxified, reducing hydrogen sulfide levels up to 95%, according to the company. At the same time, a proprietary diffused air system and a second strain of bacillus are added to the lagoon. The air diffusers are coupled to a ½-1 hp rotary vain motor that produces 2-3 cfm and turns the lagoon over, eliminating dead spots in the lagoon. The low-energy diffusers, not intended to be an aeration system, accelerate the elimination of odors by keeping more solids in suspension and giving bacteria more area to break down waste. The combination of diffused air with bacillus additives will dramatically reduce sludge volumes by 40-80%, reduce hydrogen sulfide emissions and reduce BOD levels over a 3-5-year period, says the company. Agriment's tests in Duplin County, NC, have demonstrated a reduced depth of sludge from an average depth of 6 ft. to less than 2 ft. in just 12 months.
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