Why is it so important to control fats, oils and grease?
In the winter months, when water temperatures are colder, the naturally occurring bacteria cannot completely break down FOG and the fatty acids that build up in the wastewater plant. These fatty acids are then taken up by filaments like Microthrix Parvicella and Nocardia which allows them to float and foam. Qwik-Zyme L breaks up these fatty acids and cuts off the filament’s food source. It’s fascinating science for wastewater operators.
This product is either metered or poured into the front end of the wastewater process. Do not spray this product into the air.
Qwik-Zyme L Applications
- Collection Systems and Lift Stations
- Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs)
- Municipal Plants
- Egg Processing Plant
Qwik-Zyme L Benefits
- Reacts quickly
- Degrades fat, oil, and grease (FOG)
- Prevents foaming
- Cleans plants
- Easy to use

Qwik-Zyme L was tested against a control for a customer with COD issues. This testing showed a sharp decrease in COD when using Qwik-Zyme L, while the control was essentially at the same level after 4 hours. The control did see an initial increase in COD due to COD chains separating but not degrading and giving the appearance of more COD.
How Qwik-Zyme L Works:
Recipe for Nocardia Removal |
1.) Waste solids 20-30% (Example: if MLSS is 3000, waste to 2100-2400 ppm) |
2.) Add Qwik-Zyme L to the head of the plant (Double dosage if possible). This will heavily break down FOG for the bacteria to easily digest. |
3.) Add Foam Buster to the head of the plant or aeration basin (Double dosage if possible). This will activate and stimulate the bacteria to specifically break down FOG that is feeding the Nocardia. |
4.) Keep MLSS low for 2-3 sludge ages |
5.) After, rebuild the biomass |
(Optional: Add Bug On A Rope to lift stations to start the FOG degradation process sooner) |
Companion Products
Foam Buster for Grease-Fueled Filaments: Fats are often a key contributor to the presence of foaming filaments like Microthrix parvicella and Nocardia in wastewater plants. Pair with Foam Buster to alter the bacterial population to select against foaming filaments. When possible, increase wasting to lower sludge age during filament control treatment.
Unsure of which Aquafix grease product to use on your issue?
Bug On A Rope | |||||
Bug On A Rope Jr | |||||
GreaseZilla Liquid | |||||
Qwik-Zyme L | |||||
VitaStim Grease |
Contact your technical rep for custom recommendations and more information
Jeff –
We had a bad Nocardia break out in our SBR and it was hard to control. We heard about the Qwik-Zyme L biocatalyst, and it worked. It was like Wow the foam went right down. Potent stuff.
Joe –
The cheese plant really dumped on us and the plant foamed up. We used a bit of Qwik-Zyme L and it ate it up. Incredible.
Jeffery –
City of Pratt, WWTP in Kansas has been using this product routinely for the past two years. The City has an Activated Sludge process, specifically a U.S. Filter SBR system running two basins at 500 mgd. Prior to the Quick-Zyme product the winter months in our system were troublesome. With a build up of Filamentous bacteria due to high F.O.G. the resulting decants were bad due to poor settling. At a conference two years ago it was suggested to combat the filamentous we need to eliminate the food source (F.O.G). Quick-Zyme-L was specifically recommended. Since October of 2018 we have been dosing our basin’s through the cold months with excellent results. Reduction of TSS, and BOD in our final effluent was obvious. This resulting in reduced E-coli and Total Nitrogen. The staff at Aquafix has been easy, and prompt to work with. They will continue to receive the city’s business in the future.