Requirements
1. Ecobac is a biological product which must be stored at 5°C and even at 5°C the shelf life is limited to 6 months. Methods of distribution and use of the product must be arranged to preserve the activity of the product.
2. Ecobac is a powdered product which must be resuspended in water before use. Liquid formulations of Gram-negative bacteria in particular do not have good shelf life. Once the powder has been added to water, it must be used within 24 - 48 hours (this is true of all known liquid formulations of Gram-negative bacteria).
3. Ecobac is effective for treatment of grease and food wastes in commercial grease traps and other situations of similar scale. Ecobac has been used effectively in larger scale waste treatments such as sewage works and abattoir ponds but, in these cases, additional aeration generally has to be used to assist the biodegradation.
4. The bacteria in Ecobac are able to grow at temperatures from 4°C to 55°C, but exposure to higher temperatures will kill them.
Formulation
Ecobac consists of pure, cultured bacteria in a dry, inert state; a cereal as an inert carrier and product stabiliser; agricultural grade mineral nutrients and food grade enzyme supplements.
Safety
The bacteria in Ecobac are harmless microbes occurring naturally in soils around the world, feeding on non-living organic matter. The dry product is slightly dusty due to the cereal component so normal precautions against breathing of dust should be taken. Some persons are or can become hypersensitive to the food-grade enzyme supplements, so prolonged skin contact with the products should be avoided. Wash with water after handling and do not expose open cuts or wounds to the product.
Operating conditions
Conditions under which these biological products will function are:
pH range: 5.5 to 8.0
Temperature range: 4°C to 55°C
Disinfectants and caustic chemicals should be avoided and only biodegradable cleaning materials, detergents and shampoos should be used with this product.
Shelf life
When stored in a cold room or refrigerator, this product will retain full activity for 6 months and 80% of full activity for 8-9 months. Storage at room temperature and/or frequent opening and closing of containers of the product will reduce shelf life. After addition of water for pre-incubation, the product should be used within 24 hours.
Dosage
The effective dose rate of Ecobac for commercial grease traps is 250 grams per 1000 litres, administered initially twice a week to clear away old grease, followed by a maintenance dose rate of once or twice per month. The effective dose rate of Ecobac for sewage pump wells is 200 grams per day to prevent build up of grease and odour.
Pre-incubation in water (4 litres per 100 g powder) for 8 - 24 hours (depending on temperature) before use can enhance the effectiveness up to 10-fold.