ACTI-ZYME BIOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES: POTENTIAL FOR USE IN ANAEROBIC SEWAGE TREATMENT CO-GENERATING BIOGAS

Abstract

The biochemical properties for Acti-zyme, a biocatalyst were characterized for potential use in anaerobic sewage treatment with the aim of producing biogas. Sterile Acti-zyme media containing peptone water was plated on the MacConkey Agar, Starch Agar, Kliger Agar, Urease Agar, Sulphide Indole and Motility Agar at 37.5°C for 24 hours, at a pH of 7±0.2. Acti-zyme was found to be immotile and contained several enzymes that have different applications in sewage treatment. These included catalase which detoxified harmful substances, protease which broke down the proteins as well as amylase which broke down the polysaccharides available in sewage. However, Acti-zyme did not contain urease; an ammonium catalyzing enzyme. Acti-zyme did not to promote H2S production which is a contaminant in biogas production. Acti-zyme also did not contain pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae such as E. Coli and Salmonella. The identified Acti-zyme biochemical properties make it useful in sewage treatment co-producing biogas