Neutralizing the Quaternary Ammonium Compounds often used as Disinfectants in Industrial Sanitation

Problem: Quaternary ammonium compounds can negatively affect the performance of anaerobic and aerobic wastewater treatment. Quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats) are not broken down during anaerobic treatment. They inhibit anaerobic bacteria and Archaea leading to diminished BOD removal, reduced methane production and reduction in the production of anaerobic granules in high rate anaerobic wastewater systems. In aerobic wastewater treatment the presence of quaternary ammonium compounds leads to biomass foaming, dispersion of biomass floc, diminished BOD removal and loss of nitrification. Quats tend to build up in the biological solids in both anaerobic wastewater treatment and in aerobic wastewater treatment systems. In aerobic wastewater systems and as they release the quaternary ammonium compounds inhibit both heterotrophic bacteria at approximately 10 mg/l and nitrifying bacteria at 4-5 mg/l. In anaerobic wastewater systems the Quats start inhibiting anaerobic bacteria and archaea at 5 mg/l.
Solution: The introduction of the quaternary ammonium “Neutralizing” biochemical NeutraQuat™will bind up the free quats and reduce their toxicity to anaerobic and aerobic wastewater biomass. In anaerobic wastewater systems NeutraQuat™ helps with enhanced gas production, the formation of anaerobic granules and enhancement of BOD removal that has been compromised by the presence of quaternary ammonium compounds. In aerobic wastewater systems NeutraQuat™will reduce biomass foaming due to quaternary ammonium compounds, assist in reducing nitrification toxicity and improve overall biological treatment. The benefits of NeutraQuat™ is designed to neutralize the quaternary ammonium compounds often used as disinfectants in industrial sanitation. This custom blend also neutralizes phenols, hexachlorophene, formalin, and ethanol. This neutralization supports growth of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms and promotes a healthy bacterial environment.
For more information on NeutraQuat™ visit our website at www.hydrosolutions.com or contact Randy Drake at 502-899-7107.