New biological formula for wastewater treatment plants

An innovative biological formula has been developed at the University of Silesia that could revolutionise the way wastewater treatment plants operate in Poland and abroad. The patented solution, developed by Associate Prof. Katarzyna Kociubczyk-Kręcigłowa from the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of Silesia, combines many years of microbiological experience with a practical approach to the operational problems of wastewater treatment plants.

Bacteria with potential: an alternative to imported preparations

The core of the developed preparation consists of specialised bacteria isolated from activated sludge used in Polish wastewater treatment plants. In contrast to numerous solutions available on the market, which are based on imported strains that are often unsuitable for local conditions, the University of Silesia’s patent is based on native microorganisms. This approach significantly increases the effectiveness of the process, as these bacteria are already adapted to Polish climatic conditions, sewage composition and typical operating parameters of municipal treatment plants.

Comprehensive support of biological processes

The new preparation demonstrates multidirectional action, supporting key biological wastewater treatment processes. The strains included in its composition accelerate the decomposition of organic compounds and support nitrification and denitrification processes. This enables more effective removal of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, which translates into better quality of treated water and reduces the risk of exceeding the indicators in discharged sewage.

Technological and economic benefits

The implementation of the preparation has the potential to deliver tangible technological and economic benefits. Reduction of secondary sludge amount, stabilisation of biological reactor operating parameters, and greater resistance of microflora to increased pollutant loads in wastewater or changes in its composition are just some of the advantages. From the operators’ point of view, this means a reduced risk of failure, less frequent interventions and lower costs associated with sludge disposal and facility operation.

What’s next

Work on the preparation is application-oriented and focused on its practical use in municipal wastewater treatment plants. Currently, field tests are underway in selected installations, and the research team is seeking partners for a more extensive commercialisation of the invention. Adaptation of the composition of the preparation to different types of wastewater and various treatment technologies will also be an important aspect.

Significance for the water and sewage industry

Rozwiązanie opracowane na Uniwersytecie Śląskim wpisuje się w coraz silniejszy trend lokalnego uniezależniania się od produktów zagranicznych oraz dążenia do optymalizacji eksploatacji oczyszczalni w warunkach rosnących kosztów energii i zaostrzających się norm środowiskowych. Jest to przykład nauki przekładającej się bezpośrednio na praktykę inżynierską – z myślą o lepszej efektywności, bezpieczeństwie środowiskowym i trwałym rozwoju gospodarki wodno-ściekowej.

Fourth stage of treatment

The fourth stage of treatment is an advanced stage of wastewater treatment that goes beyond classic mechanical, biological (second stage) and chemical (third stage) treatment. It usually involves the removal of micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals, microplastics, endocrine disrupting compounds and persistent compounds, frequently by means of modern technologies (e.g. ozonation, membrane filtration, activated carbon sorption).

The regulations and requirements of the European Union set a clear path: by the end of 2033, 20% of all wastewater treatment plants in Poland will have to remove micropollutants from sewage. This will apply to all treatment plants (100% of the agglomeration) by the end of 2045.

If the solution described above is implemented now, medium-sized treatment plants can prepare for future obligations and improve wastewater quality indicators at low investment cost. The potential for implementation in medium-sized treatment plants in Poland is high, in particular as a technology supporting the biological removal of difficult micropollutants, provided that:

• the preparation will be tested under real operating conditions,
• a methodology for application and effectiveness assessment will be prepared,
• it will be included in the strategy for adapting to new EU requirements (2027–2035).

NEWATER perspective

At NEWATER, we have been keenly following innovations that can provide real support to wastewater treatment plant operators. The new generation of microbiological preparations, especially those based on local strains, represent a valuable direction of development in terms of stabilising biological processes and improving treatment efficiency. We strongly believe that such initiatives will be brought into practice more frequently, and cooperation between science and industry will become standard practice in the modernisation of water treatment systems in Poland.