In the winter when wastewater temperatures are between 50-65°F (10-18°C), fat, oil, and grease are broken down incompletely to form long chain fatty acids such as Oleic acid. Oleic acid is taken up by the filamentous bacterium Microthrix Parvicella which makes it hydrophobic, meaning water-fearing. This causes the filament to bulk and produce a dark, matted foam that measures about 6 inches thick.
Degrading the oleic acid is done with products like our Foam Buster or Qwik-Zyme L. We work with the wastewater operator to understand and stop the growth of the Microthix Parvicella filament. If your plant is experiencing filaments and foaming email or call us and we will work with you to solve the problem.
