INTRODUCTION
Rationale
The Environmental Biotechnology Division (EBD) is a key segment of DOST's Research and Development sector, comprising various sections dedicated to distinct projects and scientific disciplines Among these, the Cleaner Production section (CP) focuses on enhancing the global competitiveness of local businesses through the implementation of Cleaner Production Assessments.
Cleaner Production (CP) enhances workforce efficiency and productivity by adhering to key standards such as pollution prevention, waste minimization, eco-profitability, green production, low and non-waste technologies, and zero waste emissions (CP Manual, 2009) It also addresses wastewater treatment in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which oversees environmental well-being and related projects The Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) process is essential for all environmentally related initiatives, with the CP section responsible for conducting ETV for applicants and providing evaluations of their technologies through the CP’s ETV team The DENR supports technical assistance from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as needed, as outlined in the DENR-DOST Joint Administrative Order No 01, which adopts the Environmental Technology Verification Protocol (ETVP) (DENR-DOST, 2006).
CP has undertaken a significant project focused on the aerobic treatment of anaerobically pre-digested swine wastewater This innovative biogas digester processes effluent from swine farms, utilizing an aerobic method to break down nutrients The treated wastewater then undergoes an additional aerobic system that effectively eliminates chemicals, solid waste, and odors, benefiting swine farms Notably, these three major projects share a common goal of addressing critical water issues in the Philippines.
Objectives
Conduct bench-scale experiments on the treatment of anaerobically pre- digested swine wastewater
Develop and prototyping of house hold and community based water filter systems for heavy metal removal in affected areas
Conduct sampling and assessment of flood water and test the physiochemical parameters (TSS, COD, BOD, TC/FC etc.)
Conduct Swine Site Visits regularly to maintain the Technology Installed
Contents of work
Cleaner Production: o 5S: Sort, Set in Order, Shine/Sweeping, Standardize, Sustain (6S:
Safety) o Awareness, Segregation o Employee safety assurance o Healthy and Safe work Environment o Energy Efficient
3 o Eco-Profitability o Waste Minimization o Green Production o Energy Conservation
Waste Water Treatment: o Treatability Study o Emergency disinfection of flood water o Arsenic Removal from drinking water o Collection of effluent o Jar Tests o Filter Construction
Field Work ( Swine Project) o Mechanic Adjustments o Maintenance o Trouble Shooting o Improving treatment
Profile of the cooperating agency
The Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippine government, is situated in the DOST Compound on Gen Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig, Metro Manila Established on July 1, 1901, ITDI evolved from various institutions, beginning with the Bureau of Government Laboratories (BGL).
The Philippine Commission Act No 156 established the foundation of the organization, initially comprising biological and chemical laboratories, a science library, and the Serum Laboratory of the Board of Health Over the years, it evolved through various studies, organizational title changes, and executive orders Ultimately, in 1987, the National Science and Technology Authority (NSTA) was reorganized into the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) under Executive Order No 128, signed on January 30, 1987.
The National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) was restructured and renamed the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), continuing its role as a research and development (R&D) institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) This reorganization led to the dissolution of all centers, resulting in ITDI's establishment of ten technical divisions, with the Materials Science Research Institute (MSRI) integrated into ITDI The new structure includes seven divisions focused on R&D activities, three divisions providing technical services, and two support divisions The ITDI Rationalization Plan was approved on August 26, 2009, and implemented promptly, featuring the merger of certain divisions while retaining others as separate entities with minor internal adjustments (ITDI, 2018).
The Environment and Biotechnology Division (EBD) at ITDI focuses on addressing environmental issues through applied microbiology Formed by merging the Environmental Division, Microbiology and Genetics Division, and the Integrated Program on Cleaner Production Technologies, EBD is dedicated to innovative research and development in sustainable practices.
CP has developed ample proficiency when it comes to the management of
The article discusses five types of domestic and industrial wastes produced from diverse sources, highlighting the importance of collaborative research and development (R&D) efforts among industry, government, academia, NGOs, and international organizations It emphasizes the pursuit of innovative processes, techniques, training, and products derived from local raw materials through dedicated R&D initiatives.
The EBD offers technical services across various sectors, including food, energy, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, while increasingly contributing to environmental protection efforts (ITDI, 2018) Recognized globally for its excellence in biotechnology and environmental R&D, the EBD is staffed by highly competent professionals committed to delivering quality services and advanced technologies to industries.
Mrs Rochelle L Retamar holds a BS in Chemical Engineering and an MS in Environmental Engineering She currently serves as the Senior SRS of the Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production Section (CPS) Every week, on the last working day, her team conducts a meeting to review the status of ongoing projects and document their weekly progress.
The meeting agenda includes a review of the week's completed tasks and a strategic work plan for the upcoming week Fieldwork data is gathered, accompanied by photographs for validation purposes, and comprehensive travel reports are generated following each completed fieldwork session.
Description of your activities
Orientation/ Familiarization (EBD Functions, research projects, equipment and Laboratory apparatus, health and safety in the workplace
Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production
Fuel and Energy Saving Devices
Swine Industry with nutrient removal
Solid Waste Management- Waste Analysis and
Timeline
A total of 4 consecutive months working at the (DOST-ITDI-EBD), see
Certificate of Completion in (Appendix 1) Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute, Environment and Biotechnology
The division commenced its On-The-Job Training (OJT) program on March 1, 2018, lasting until the end of June 2018, totaling four months During this period, a log book was maintained to record the time of arrival and the number of workdays completed, with each workday requiring a commitment of eight hours Fieldwork activities and Official Business (OB) travel related to project tasks were also counted as working days Notably, OB excursions could result in an earlier end to the workday if the destination was distant, necessitating additional time and resources.
LITERATURE REVIEW
International Literature Review
The growth of the swine population leads to increased waste concentration, resulting in significant gas emissions such as nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) Swine waste contains a high level of nitrogen, which can evaporate into the atmosphere as ammonia, a highly reactive and biologically available nitrogen form When it rains, this ammonia can return to land and water bodies, while a small fraction is lost as nitrous oxide, recognized as the "most damaging" greenhouse gas.
12 depletes the ozone layer 320 times more damaging than carbon dioxide(Delgado,
Rapid industrialization and population growth have led to significant domestic and industrial wastewater discharges into water bodies, contributing to environmental degradation This effluent negatively impacts water quality, resulting in waterborne diseases, reduced dissolved oxygen levels, altered physical characteristics of water bodies, and harmful bioaccumulation in aquatic life To protect public health and minimize environmental damage, both national and international guidelines are being implemented to ensure wastewater treatment prior to discharge.
Related Studies for the Treatment of Swine Wastewater
The treatment of swine wastewater commonly utilizes anaerobic digestion for carbonaceous compounds and nitrogen removal from nitrogen-rich effluents Two primary methods are employed for managing nitrogen-rich piggery waste: biological nitrification-denitrification and physico-chemical processes (Shipin, 2007).
Biogas is produced through the anaerobic degradation of organic materials, where methane-producing bacteria, known as methanogens, generate methane gas This process involves mixing raw materials like fruit peels, food leftovers, and waste excrements into a digester.
13 heat and anaerobic environment encourage the growth of methanogens (CAEEDAC,
Total effluent nitrogen includes ammonia, nitrate, particulate organic nitrogen, and soluble organic nitrogen The main biological processes for nitrogen removal are nitrification and denitrification Nitrification involves the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite by autotrophic bacteria, primarily Nitrosomonas, followed by the conversion of nitrite to nitrate by another group of autotrophic bacteria, mainly Nitrobacter.
Denitrification is the biological process that reduces nitrate to nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, and nitrogen gas, primarily facilitated by both heterotrophic and autotrophic bacteria The most prevalent denitrifying bacteria belong to the Pseudomonas species, which utilize various substrates such as hydrogen, methanol, carbohydrates, organic acids, alcohols, benzoates, and other aromatic compounds for effective denitrification (Eddy & Metcalf, 2003).
Enhancing strategies to increase capital revenue is essential for the long-term financial sustainability of many farms Utilizing manure, a traditional resource for fertilizer, can produce additional products that create new income streams and opportunities By maximizing manure usage, farmers can improve their viability and expand their market potential (EPA, 2018).
Converting organic waste into biogas significantly decreases methane emissions, a greenhouse gas that is 21 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide This process not only replaces methane with carbon dioxide through efficient combustion but also leads to a net reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions Additionally, farms that utilize biogas production can effectively minimize odors, insects, and pathogens associated with traditional manure management (Badurek, 2018).
Fossil fuels are concentrated in specific regions, leading many countries to rely on imports for energy Notably, Russia and the Middle East serve as major energy sources for numerous European nations, particularly for fossil fuels To enhance energy security and reduce dependence on imports, it is essential to adopt renewable energy solutions, such as anaerobic digesters (Seadi, 2008).
Arsenic, a known carcinogenic metalloid, is regulated in drinking water due to its health risks In some existing water treatment plants, arsenic levels in finished water exceed the regulatory limit of 10 µg/L A widely used technology for removing arsenic from groundwater involves adsorption onto coagulated flocs, with ferric chloride being the most common coagulant employed for effective arsenic removal.
Chlorine interacts with dissolved chemicals, microorganisms, small animals, plant materials, and various tastes, odors, and colors in water, which collectively constitute the chlorine demand of the treatment system To ensure effective disinfection, it is crucial to add enough chlorine to meet this demand and maintain a residual level Free chlorine, which remains after reacting with other substances, is essential for continuous disinfection, with an ideal concentration ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 mg/l (Oram, 2018).
National Literature Review
The lake basin is home to various livestock enterprises that often discharge untreated farm effluent into its tributaries This practice has resulted in nutrient loading, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus from swine and poultry farms, contributing to the eutrophication of the lake and significantly diminishing its biodiversity (Alcantara & Donald, 1996).
Most surveyed farms need to adhere to DENR effluent standards by implementing effective waste management solutions to mitigate environmental impacts The animal waste produced by these farms in the lake watershed poses a significant risk of water pollution.
The failure of enterprises to adopt pollution mitigation methods and technologies has led to the degradation of water systems, rendering them unsafe for both aquatic life, including fish and plants, and their natural ecosystems (Paraso et al., 2010).
ETV Statement of Swine Effluent
Table 3 Results of ETV on DOST IV Biogas Digester
The DOST-IV biogas digester significantly reduces pollutants in swine wastewater; however, additional treatment is essential for the effluent to meet the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) standards before disposal This project aims to assist swine industries in Region IVA in achieving compliance with effluent standards by developing an effective treatment system for their anaerobically pre-digested swine effluent (DOST-ITDI, 2004).
STATUS OF THE CONSIDERED ISSUE AT THE TRAINING
Wastewater, or effluents, is a significant source of water pollution, particularly in major cities where water bodies are often contaminated by human activities and environmental changes The pollutants in wastewater originate from various sources, including anthropogenic, industrial, agricultural, and residential wastes, all of which ultimately end up in water bodies One lesser-known contributor to wastewater pollution is piggeries, which generate effluent through droppings, urine, body tissues, and excess water from cleaning processes A key method for mitigating contaminants from swine effluents is the use of biogas digesters, which effectively remove harmful chemicals and produce a by-product that can power small appliances, such as stoves (Alcantara & Donald, 1996).
On March 6, 2018, an emergency disinfection experiment was conducted to address the challenges posed by flood water, which can result from natural disasters or human activities Flooding often disrupts access to clean drinking water, as pipelines may become blocked by debris or contaminated Due to the low likelihood of rain, water from Laguna Lake was utilized as an ideal substitute for this emergency disinfection process.
18 for flood water since Laguna Lake is one of the major bodies of water that can be found within the Philippines which commonly overflows causing flood to occur frequently
Location o Bicutan, Taguig ; Laguna Lake
Objectives: o Collect Lake water as substitute for flood water o Store water for further Lab Tests
Materials: o Five (5) gallon water containers o One bucket o One large drum capable of storing 1000L of liquids (Appendix 2) o Stirrer o Gloves o Face Mask
To collect water samples from Laguna Lake, five-gallon containers were meticulously cleaned and transported using local public transportation Local small boat operators were engaged to gather water samples from a distance offshore, after which the containers were filled and returned to the laboratory for analysis.
19 o Transferred water samples to a larger container and sealed for protection, then stirred before extraction for testing to even out flocs
Result: o Water samples taken from the Lake will be stored for Lab testing as flood water substitute
Emergency disinfection is essential during crises, particularly in flood-prone cities where clean water becomes scarce Floodwater, often accessible during rainy weather, can serve as a water source, highlighting the need for effective emergency disinfection methods Key factors for this approach include ease of access, affordability, and abundance Alum, commonly known as "Tawas," was selected for its multiple uses, including medicinal benefits and widespread availability in local stores When used in the correct dosage, alum can purify tap water, although further laboratory tests will be conducted to ensure the safety and quality of treated floodwater.
Location o DOST-ITDI Environmental Biotechnology Division(EBD) Laboratory
Objectives: o To find the right dosage of alum to disinfect water o To know under what dosage flocs settle with the least amount of time
Materials and Equipment o phipps and bird jar tester (Appendix 3)
To conduct pH level testing, essential materials include the SensoDirect 150, beakers, clean plastic bottles, and a microgram weighing scale Additionally, small containers, gloves, lab gowns, and face masks are necessary for safety and cleanliness A filter containing small rocks, pebbles, sand, and activated carbon is also required for effective sample preparation.
On March 6th, lake water was collected for analysis, using a full bucket from a 100L container, which was then filtered through a custom filter made of various particle sizes, including pebbles, small rocks, and activated carbon, to reduce pollutants Five 2L beakers were filled with the filtered lake water, and a microgram weighing scale along with a pH and ion meter were calibrated for precise measurements Alum was carefully weighed using a lightweight container and plastic spoon to ensure accuracy, and it was gradually added to each beaker to determine the optimal amount needed Additionally, samples of the raw, untouched lake water were taken for pH and ion concentration testing.
To conduct effective jar testing, beakers must be properly positioned, and trials should begin with slow rotations at low RPM to dissolve alum while measuring pH and ion concentrations After one minute of stirring, different concentrations of alum are added, and high RPM stirring is initiated to accelerate the emergency disinfection process, followed by further pH and ion concentration tests for data comparison After five minutes of low RPM stirring, pH adjustments are made using caustic soda or NaOH, followed by 15 minutes of high RPM stirring Once stirring concludes, a 30-minute settling period allows flocs to settle, with jar tester beakers positioned near a drain to facilitate water collection while minimizing leftover flocs and sludge Prior to storage, pH and ion concentrations are recalibrated, and beakers are thoroughly washed and dried All surfaces are cleaned, and chemicals are disposed of properly, while face masks and gloves are discarded in designated bins.
If the flocs appear visually clear, the draining process will commence, allowing the collection of treated water with minimal floc content, while sludge settles at the bottom of the beakers The by-products of the processed lake water will be analyzed for pH and ion concentrations Subsequently, the treated water will be stored in plastic bottles for future testing.
Arsenic contamination in tap water poses significant health risks and is primarily caused by natural occurrences and human activities, such as mining and industrial pollution In a particular province, alarming arsenic levels have prompted officials to seek assistance from the Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) to address the issue affecting multiple barangays Conventional methods like chlorine disinfection and boiling are insufficient for arsenic removal, necessitating the use of cost-effective decontamination filters that treat individual household taps To combat this problem discreetly, the ITDI has developed a specialized water treatment apparatus featuring filters made of sand, pebbles, and activated carbon, along with two main mixing sections to enhance purification.
The water treatment system is engineered to allow sufficient time for flocs to settle, enabling clean water to flow through a tube that leads to a UV process for final arsenic removal Ongoing research is focused on optimizing chemical practices and determining the appropriate dosage for effective arsenic treatment The apparatus developed by ITDI is currently in progress, with fabrication of the water treatment system expected to commence soon.
Arsenic is a hazardous contaminant present in water, soil, air, and even food, with excessive exposure leading to carcinogenic effects Traditional chlorine treatment methods are ineffective for arsenic removal; therefore, Ferric Chloride (FeCl3) is utilized for water purification through ion exchange This process involves Ferric Chloride adhering to flocs, which then settle at the bottom as sludge, effectively reducing arsenic levels in water.
Location o Environment and Biotechnology Division, Laboratory
Objectives: o Remove arsenic from tap water o Determine the ideal concentration of Ferric chloride to remove flocs in the least amount of time
Materials and Equipment: o jar tester (Appendix 3) o SensoDirect 150 (for checking ph level) (Appendix 4) o Beakers
24 o Clean Plastic Bottles o Microgram weighing scale/ Gravimetric Scale (Appendix 5) o Pipettes o Gloves, Lab Gown, and Face Mask o Filter (containing: small rocks, pebbles, sand , activated carbon )
The experiment involved collecting one full bucket (approximately 10L) of water from a 100L container, which was then filtered using a custom-made filter Five 2L beakers were filled with lake water, and pipettes along with a pH meter were calibrated prior to use Ferric Chloride, already in a concentrated liquid state, was weighed and measured based on previous tests, with increasing amounts added to each beaker to determine the optimal alum concentration Samples were taken from the raw lake water for pH and ion concentration analysis The beakers were arranged in a jar tester, where trials commenced with slow rotations at low RPM to maintain consistent standards with alum After one minute of stirring, varying concentrations of Ferric Chloride were introduced into each beaker.
The presence of brown coloration in water is due to the chemical reaction of Ferric Chloride After a five-minute stirring process, it takes an additional thirty minutes for the flocs to settle The adherence of Ferric Chloride to the flocs varies based on the concentration used Jar tester beakers are strategically positioned near a drain source to collect water with minimal flocs, allowing the remaining sludge to settle in the beaker for proper disposal.
Flocs demonstrate a superior adhesion to Ferric Chloride compared to Alum, resulting in more effective coagulation The coloration observed during this process is temporary, gradually fading over time as it settles into the sludge along with the residual flocs.
On March 14, 2018, 5S practices were implemented, derived from the Japanese terms seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu, and shitsuke, which translate to Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain, with Safety often included as a sixth element These principles promote order, cleanliness, and efficiency in the workplace by organizing tools based on their usage frequency, thereby minimizing time spent searching for equipment By maintaining an organized environment, employees can make better decisions and uphold standards In some organizations, the additional focus on safety through the 6S framework enhances employee well-being while adhering to the core tenets of 5S.
DISCUSSION AND LESSON LEARNED
Discussion
The EBD's Research Team successfully completed three main projects by leveraging information from international initiatives and collaborating with various government agencies By adapting these international projects, EBD developed innovative criteria tailored to the Philippines' unique capabilities as a developing country Although challenges remain due to limited equipment, manpower, and resources, EBD has effectively addressed these constraints and made significant progress in meeting the country's needs.
Lesson learned
(5S) Sort, Set In Order, Shine/Sweep, Standardize, Sustain
Sorting of Workplace equipment, and materials according to quality and well-organized quantities
Design and execute a plan whereas every worker has access and organized floor plan to avoid waste of energy and time
Allocate adequate space for the workplace, install work related appliance where every employee has easy access to
Arrange specific documents according to its content and provide visual tags for ease of access
Reduce unnecessary purchases that takes up space and funds
Always keep the workplace neat and maintained
Standardize maintenance to equipment in the workplace
Drinking water is still available during times of flood form the flood water itself
Disinfectants can be found on typical households, products such as bleach, Alum (Tawas), and Alum
Emergency Disinfection should be rapid and portable o Laboratory Proficiency o Filtering of Raw water o pH and Ion concentration meter o Weighting scale o Gravimetric scale o Jar Tester o Laboratory Oven o Colorimeter o Desiccators
Treatment of Anaerobically Pre-Digested Swine waste water
Swine Effluent is of the contributors of waste water in our environment
Effluents from Swine contains a number of chemicals that a Digester cannot remove
Not all Swine farms have a Biogas Digester
CONCLUSION
The Philippine swine industry faces significant challenges in becoming eco-friendly, primarily due to a lack of authority, capability, and management, which leads hog raisers to dispose of waste in water bodies rather than invest in biogas digesters The Emergency Disinfection Project conducted experiments using chlorine for pre-chlorination and ferric chloride in jar tests, revealing that high and low dosages of chlorination did not effectively reduce parameters, as shown in Table 2 Consequently, data indicated that pre-chlorination is unnecessary, with control results outperforming other trials (Table 5) Further experiments confirmed these findings, demonstrating that pre-chlorination is time-consuming and fails to meet requirements (Table 6) Additionally, arsenic concentration tests identified 150 ppm as the optimal dosage for 1000 mL of water, although no significant differences were observed (Table 3) However, Appendix 14 indicates that this dosage settled the fastest with minimal floating flocs Future research is essential to enhance understanding of our water systems.
Akpor (2011) Wastewater Effluent Discharge: Effects and Treatment Processes
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I don't know!
PSA (2017) Swine Situation Report Retrieved June 12, 2018, from https://psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/SWINE%20SR%20May%202018%20FINALupdated_0.pdf
Seadi, T A (2008) Biogas Handbook Retrieved June 23, 2018, from http://www.lemvigbiogas.com/BiogasHandbook.pdf
Piggery wastewater treatment in tropical climates involves both biological and chemical methods to effectively manage waste These treatment options are essential for minimizing environmental impact and ensuring sustainable pig farming practices The integration of various techniques can enhance the efficiency of wastewater treatment, addressing the unique challenges posed by tropical conditions Effective management of piggery wastewater not only protects local ecosystems but also supports the health and productivity of livestock.
Strak, J (2017) Swine sector in the Philippines set to grow Retrieved June 24,
2018, from https://www.pigprogress.net/Finishers/Articles/2017/4/Swine- sector-in-the-Philippines-set-to-grow-123507E/
(Appendix 4 pH Meter) (Appendix 5) Microgram/