Tallow and Stick Water Impact on Wastewater

Understanding the Waste Stream

In the rendering and meat processing industries, tallow and stick water are two major by-products that significantly influence wastewater pond performance when discharged without proper pre-treatment.

What is Tallow?

Tallow is a highly hydrophobic lipid by-product derived from animal fat processing. It is composed primarily of triglycerides (long-chain fatty acids and glycerol) and remains largely non-biodegradable without enzymatic breakdown. At ambient pond temperatures, tallow can form floating mats or congealed layers that insulate the pond surface, reducing oxygen transfer and interfering with microbial activity.

What is Stick Water?

Stick water is the aqueous phase separated during rendering. It contains:

• High concentrations of proteins, amino acids, fats, and minerals

• High BOD and COD values, often exceeding 30,000–50,000 mg/L

• Low pH, which can lead to acidification of receiving ponds

Degradability and Treatment Challenges

Low Biodegradability of Tallow

Tallow resists breakdown due to:

• Poor solubility in water

• Lack of emulsification

• Requirement for lipase enzymes for initial hydrolysis

Once introduced to wastewater systems, tallow floats and hardens, particularly in cooler temperatures, leading to:

• Surface scum layers

• Insulation of oxygen transfer zones

• Dead zones in aerated ponds

Stick Water Decomposition

While stick water is more biologically degradable, its shock loading overwhelms pond microbial populations, leading to:

• Reduced DO levels due to rapid microbial oxygen demand

• Odour generation (ammonia, hydrogen sulphide)

• Sludge accumulation, from both microbial cell mass and undigested solids

Tallow reduces DO uptake. High BOD rapidly depletes DO. Sludge Production - undigested fats settle or float, increasing sludge. Rapid biomass growth increases solids. Effluent Quality. Floating solids and FOG increase discharge ammonia, TSS, and BOD in effluent. Anaerobic zones form beneath tallow mats with high protein breakdown causes ammonia & H₂S This all impacts on biological health.

Micro‑Genix Solutions for Tallow & Stick Water Impact

To address these challenges, Micro‑Genix offers a suite of bioaugmentation and reactor-based technologies:

1. FOG Eliminator

• Contains lipase-producing gram-positive bacteria and biosurfactants to break down tallow

• Applied via surface spray or bio-reactor injection

• Prevents surface scum formation and boosts FOG digestibility

2. BOD Reducer

• Rapidly digests stick water organics with a synergistic blend of enzymes, lipopeptides, and Bacillus strains

• Restores DO balance and stabilise pond conditions

3. Microbial Multiplier Reactor

• On-site amplification of tailored microbes to tackle shock loads from rendering waste

• Scalable for variable loading rates and multiple waste streams

Operational Benefits

Implementing Micro‑Genix’s tailored programs allows rendering facilities and abattoirs to:

• Reduce sludge build-up and desludging costs

• Improve effluent BOD/COD compliance

• Eliminate persistent odours

• Maintain microbial health and process stability

Conclusion

Tallow and stick water present serious risks to wastewater pond health when untreated. Their impact—ranging from sludge and scum buildup to effluent failure—can be mitigated with proactive microbial and enzymatic strategies.

Micro‑Genix provides the technology and expertise to transform these difficult streams into manageable inputs, restoring balance and performance to wastewater systems.

📧 info@micro-genix.com • 🌐 www.micro-genix.com • 📍 Brisbane, QLD