Waste treatment technologies from the Genesearch Group of companies.

Abstract

Genesearch is a 10 year old research and development company of Australian scientists, specializing in microbiology and genetics. This research expertise has formed the basis of a number of microbial processes for waste treatment. In addition, a novel type of high yield fermenter for aerobic bacteria allows the economical production of high-potency bacterial preparations for waste treatment processes. A novel approach to the rapid biodegradation of polychlorinated biphenyls has been developed. Photochemical pretreatment partially dechlorinates the molecules, rendering them susceptible to complete and rapid digestion by wild-type soil bacteria. In the area of non-toxic waste, Genesearch has developed products for on-site treatment of, for example, grease-trap wastes and waste oil in ship bilges; and a large scale process for conversion of municipal grease wastes into protein-rich biomass. The prospects for novel biological waste treatment are improving, as public pressure grows, and as increasing government monitoring and penalties make inadequate waste disposal uneconomic.