The Eco Plant of Coca Cola, San Salvador - Case Study

This plant needed a quick solution to address increased treatment demand. They proceeded to make several source control changes in the facility to reduce organic loading but these changes were not sufficient to handle the demand and the average effluent COD remained over 2000 mg/l as opposed to a regulation guide of 450 mg/l.

Bio-augmentation with MICROBE-LIFT^® technology was a logical solution. Ecological Laboratories Inc. is the developer and manufacturer of MICROBE-LIFT^® technology.

Results were immediate. MICROBE-LIFT^® was introduced to the system as recommended and within two weeks, the plant was operating within the regulation requirement. After three weeks the effluent was below 50 mg/l COD on a regular basis. Even when there was a spike in influent COD, MICROBE-LIFT® was able to bring the effluent back into compliance very quickly.

The Eco Plant of Nixapa Coca Cola has experienced much success with the utilization of the MICROBE-LIFT® bacteria. In the photograph is the gentleman in the white shirt, Ing. Danilo Juárez, Head of plant maintenance, and Ing. Roberto Calderón Avelar,, Director of PRYEASA de C.V., the exclusive representatives for MICROBE-LIFT® technology in El Salvador.

“We have increased the efficiency of our activated sludge system to more than 90% with the use of MICROBE-LIFT., in conjunction with a reduction of organic loading to the system as well as the application of a heavy weight flocculent. The efficiency levels now being attained have never before been achieved with the use of other bacterial products in our treatment process.”

Danilo Juarez, Head of plant maintenance