Exp. No. 3 Bioenzyme production from food waste

 

Exp. No. 3 Bioenzyme production from food waste

Introduction

We all love our homes to be sparkling clean and smelling nice; in order to achieve this we keep hunting for cleaning products of reputed brands off the shelves not knowing how dangerous these chemicals are for our health. Not only are these cleaning products expensive but are loaded with chemicals that are harmful for our loved ones, plants, animals, water system and the overall environment. So next time before you race out to get the chemically loaded cleaning products, try making your own all purpose cleaner called Bio Enzymes from kitchen waste, it is a phenomenal organic cleaning product.

Bio Enzyme is a simple, inexpensive, natural healthy cleaning product produced from vegetables (carrot, cucumber) / fruit peels (usually citrus). It is an effective alternative to harsh chemicals such as bleach, phenyl, and other chemical solutions we mostly use in households to wipe our floors, surfaces, wash our bathrooms, and clean our toilets. Chemically, the Bio Enzymes are an amalgamation of complex organic substances such as proteins, salts and other materials that are by-products of the bacteria/yeast (naturally occurring) that we will use to make the Bio Enzyme. These organic substances which are in the Bio Enzyme are capable of breaking down chemical and other organic waste thus helping us in removing stains, odor, getting rid of other harmful microbes, etc. They also greatly neutralize toxins and pollutants.  

Uses

As a surface cleaner-floor, tile, kitchen counters, stove, chimney, sink and toilet (avoid using on the marble as it may discolor the white marble. You can use with a ratio of 1:3 (bio enzyme & water).

·       As a dirt remover- Laundry liquid with soap nuts, Vessel Cleaner (with or without other additions such as soap nut), stain remover, etc.

·       As an anti-bacterial - Refrigerator cleaner, Cabinet cleaner Cleaning-Fruits & Vegetables, mirrors, water marks, babies high chair

·       Pest Control- Bio Enzyme has been known to repel small insects, ants, cockroaches at home without harming them, besides it can be used extremely effectively in fumigation along with Soap nuts and Neem Oil

·       Plant Care- It is a wonderful bloom nutrient. Also helps in managing plant pests like white flies, mealy bugs and spider mites

·       Pet care-It is pet safe

Aim

To develop a bio-enzyme solution from microbial origin that could take care of the cleanliness of our household, in a cost effective manner.

Materials and Methods

Eat lots of oranges, lemons. pineapples, cucumbers and carrots -Save the peels.

·       1 part jaggery (is to provide “simple” carbon source or energy for the microorganisms to first feed and grow), 3 parts lemon and orange peels, 10 parts water.

·       The combination of jaggery, fresh citrus fruits and water helps release proteins that hasten the decomposition process. Biogases will be produced as by-products of the anaerobic breakdown of the sugars (usually hydrogen, CO₂, and less likely methane). Thus, releasing the gases produced, especially during the initial stages, is essential.

·       Use any old plastic container lying around to make your Bio Enzyme (do not use glass or metal, it may break as they cannot expand to accommodate the gases formed). The container should be airtight to promote fermentation (minimize oxygen) and to also avoid flies from getting in.

Procedure

·       The jaggery was scrabbed. It was added in old plastic bottle and fill it with the addition of water. The space (1/4 of the bottle empty) was given for the gas which releases during the process.

·       Peels of lemon, oranges, pineapple, carrot & cucumber (diverse peels) were added. The lid was closed tightly (airtight). The lid was opened once in a day during the first two weeks to release the buildup gas in the bottle.

·       Post two weeks the lid was opened in the alternative days and post 4 weeks opened once in four days.

·       The process of fermentation continued over 3 months.

·       The bio enzyme was stored in an airtight container.

Result

Bio enzyme developed could be used as an alternative to the surface sterilizers. The sample could be produced in house hold and the solution could be used on a regular basis, thus making them less dependent on the commercially available product.