Domestic Waste Water Treatment Using Effective Microorganism (EM) Technology

Abstract

EM or Effective Microorganisms is a microbial inoculants containing many kinds of naturally occurring beneficial microbes. Maple EM-1 is activated using Jaggery water. Fruit and vegetable wastes were collected and inoculated with Jaggery water EM. The physical (Odour, Appearance and Colour) chemical (pH, TDS, BOD, COD, Alkalinity) and biological (Population of Coliforms including E.coli, Lactobacillus population, Yeast population and Actinomyces population) parameters of leachate from each sample are examined at an interval of 7 days. There was a generation of alcohol and vinegar like smell in the due process other than non-offensive smell. Chemical parameters such as pH, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) and BOD shows a declining trend. An increase in COD, Alkalinity was also observed. While analyzing the biological parameters a steady decrease in Non EM organisms are seen. Lactobacillus, Actinomyces and yeast populations almost doubled within 14 days compared to control. It can be concluded that Jaggery water is the best activator of Maple EM-compost a method of waste disposal at a low cost.