Bioremediation

of Freshwater bodies

Lake/Oxbow/Pond Bioremediation

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 Bioremediation (biological rehabilitation, reme-
diation without chemicals) of freshwater bodies
(mainly lakes, oxbows, ponds, and slow mov-
ing rivers and canals) means the restoration of
the ecological balance of the water body by
using a combination of different beneficial bac-
terial strains isolated from ground and natural
freshwater bodies.

Malatech Water Freshwater Department

has the following services in the field of
freshwater remediation:
⊲ Comprehensive and complex ecological assessment of freshwater bodies,
followed by professional, high level evaluation
⊲ Comprehensive bioremediation of freshwater bodies
⊲ Prevention and healing of occasional and continuous ecological damages
(organic poisoning and overload, nutrient overload, fish kills, lack of
Oxygen, bluegreen algae and algae blooms)
⊲ Engineering consultation and technical support for customers

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Main problems of freshwater bodies in the world
Most freshwater bodies worldwide are exposed to organic and inorganic loads due
to human activity. External pollution results nutrient abundance and organic overload
of lakes, which speeds up the succession process. As a result, a several thousand-year
process becomes a few decade process where the lake’s life come to an early end by
forming a swamp in a few decades. The acceleration of this process is due to intensive
agricultural activity, the infiltration of fertilizers rich in Nitrogen and Phosphorous, by
fish over-stocking, over-use of fish food applied by anglers, and simply by the expan-
sion of human civilization (e.g. treated and untreated municipal wastewater load).

As a result the world’s lakes and slow moving rivers are struggling with:

⊲ Upsets of ecological balance

⊲ Deterioration of water quality
⊲ Proliferation of algae and aquatic plants, high level of organic sludge
formation
⊲ Temporary or permanent deficiency of dissolved Oxygen in the water,
fish kills
⊲ Pathogenic bacteria abundance

Lake succession means the continuous increase of sediment level, and decrease of water
column level, which is a natural process. However, this process is highly accelerated by
nutrient-enrichment in waters. For preserving our freshwater bodies in an ecological con-
dition that is favorable for the growth and proliferation of wildlife we need to intervene
from time-to-time to reduce the adverse effects, without degradation of water quality.

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Bioremediation – an alternative solution
Malatech Water, Ltd. Freshwater Department offers an efficient, environmentally
friendly, cost-effective solution to replace the following, dangerous and harmful
technologies:

Sludge dredging: Its disadvantages are its high cost, difficult imple-
⊲
mentation, and the necessity of the sediment’s transportation and disposal, which
is recorded as a hazardous waste. Dredging is only a temporary solution, as the
factors, which are the cause of sludge formation, remain unchanged. However,
the main problem questioning dredging as a solution at all, is its high ecologi-
cal risk. By the disruption of the sludge layer, large quantities of rotting organic
matter, toxins, heavy metals, fertilizer derivatives and nutrients are released to
the water column, posing a serious risk to wildlife, accelerating the process of eu-
trophication, and resulting heavy algal blooms in warm seasons after dredging.

Chemical treatment: A very dangerous and the most hazardous treat-

⊲
ment method of freshwater bodies. As an ad-hoc solution for algae removal, hydrated
lime – or formerly copper sulfate – is still often used for algae-removal. However it is
usually forgotten that in long-term they do more harm than good as the disinfectants
used for chemical treatment kill not only algae and blue-green algae, but also benefi-
cial organisms useful and essential for aquatic life, which play an important role in the
food chain. At the same time, further contaminants are allowed into the water (Copper,
which is a heavy metal, is biologically absorbed by aquatic organisms, and through
their consumption, also into human bodies), and affecting the pH adversely.

Artificial movement of water: This can be a long-term solution

⊲
since it is boosting the aquatic microlife, the self-purification, however, until now
only limited success was gained by this method, as the technologies which are
available to move large quantities of water are expensive to install and to operate.

Biological methods for bottom sediment reduction:

⊲
The fact must be considered that if the dissolved Oxygen balance of the water
is not stabilized, the sludge breakdown will occur under anaerobic conditions.
The main consideration of sludge digestion products’ manufacturers is achieving
rapid results by the introduction of anaerobic microorganisms in high concentra-
tion into the water column or in the sediment zone. As a result of this procedure,
the sludge level decreases, but the operating principle of these methods is the
fermentation of the organic content in the sludge, and the end products of the
fermentation are not just Carbon dioxide and water, but mainly low-carbon-chain
organic compounds. As a result of sludge level decrease in the bottom, a signifi-

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 cant proportion of the sludge constituents – organic compounds and nutrients –
enter the water column. In case of overdosing such, mostly biological additives,
a risk of a large-scale fish kill due to Oxygen depletion dramatically increases.

The concept of bioremediation

(biological rehabilitation)
The concept of bioremediation is not recent, the solution has been given for decades.
By definition, bioremediation is the elimination of contaminants in the environment
(eg. soil or groundwater) by microorganisms or plants (in case of plants, the term
‘phytoremediation’ is often used). Oil-degrading microbes released into the medium
have been used for decades for supplementing and accelerating the remediation of
soil or groundwater contaminated with various oil derivatives.

Bioremediation of freshwater bodies:

In case of freshwater bioremediation, the definition of bioremediation is more com-
plicated. Bioremediation of freshwater bodies means the improvement of the condi-
tions in highly eutrophic waters (in a bad ecological state) by the introduction of all
natural, useful microorganisms and enzymes isolated from soil or water. These micro-
organisms are capable of driving the total aquatic ecosystem back to the ecological
balance needed for a healthy aquatic wildlife.
The essence of bioremediation is the enrichment of water with bacterial species
that take a significant part in the freshwater natural self-purification process, by high-
ly accelerating it without any harmful side effects. After entering the water these
bacterial cultures (without any pathogenic or genetically modified organisms), can
effectively break down the decaying organic materials in the water column, reduce
the level of inorganic nutrients by removing and immobilizing them, restore the DO
balance of the freshwater body, and break down the organic content of the sediment
layer in oxidative conditions resulting harmless Carbon dioxide and water as end
products of the organic removal. As a result of the treatment, the water body reaches
an ecological state, as it would be without the adverse effects of human civilization.

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Bioclean Lake/Pond Clarifier, Bioclean
Aqua, Pond Pure – Leading technologies
for freshwater bioremediation
Bioclean Lake/Pond Clarifier, Bioclean Aqua, and Pond Pure are three all-natural
products consisting of microbes and enzymes isolated from soil and natural waters.
The application of the 3 products means that we reintroduce those microorganisms of
the aquatic life responsible for the self purification of the freshwater in high numbers
that were extinct or outgrown by other species due to harmful processes, chemical
treatments or eutrophication.

Functions of Bioclean Lake/Pond Clarifier:

⊲ Prevents and controls algae-proliferation (not algaecide, but inhibits the growth of
algae by removing N and P sources from the water needed for their proliferation)
⊲ Prevents the overgrowth of aquatic plants and various aquatic weed species
⊲ Biologically breaks down natural or artificial, solid or dissolved forms of organic matter
in the water column, as a result the transparency of the water significantly improves.
⊲ Microorganisms, immobilized on the bottom, break down the sludge’s organic
fraction in oxidative environment, starting the breakdown from the top of the
sediment layer.
⊲ Increases dissolved Oxygen levels in every layer of the water column.
⊲ Restores the disturbed ecological balance, providing a better environment for
fish and other aquatic animals.

Functions of Bioclean Aqua:

⊲ Reduces the concentration of Ammonium
⊲ Ensures adequate dissolved Oxygen levels
⊲ Reduces COD and BOD
⊲ Prevents the formation of Hydrogen Sulfide
⊲ Enhances the metabolic system of aquatic organisms, improves nutrient
utilization efficiency
⊲ Eliminates the threat of multicellular algae proliferation
⊲ Reduces Coliform, Vibrio and Aeromonas numbers
⊲ Immune system booster, natural mortality reduction of aquatic animals
⊲ Prevents scum formation

Functions of Pond Pure:

⊲ Performs high level of nutrient (N,P) reduction
⊲ Further improves water clarity

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⊲ Digests dissolved and particulate organic matter with improved pace
⊲ Accelerates the bioremediation process
⊲ Delivers quick and visible results in highly hypertrophic water ecosystems

Main mechanisms of bioremediation processes:

⊲ Dissolved and suspended organic contaminants are oxidized through aerobic
metabolism into Carbon dioxide and water without harmful by-product formation.
⊲ Ammonia and ammonium ions are transformed into Nitrogen gas by a connect-
ed nitrification-denitrification step of specific bacterial species.
⊲ Phosphate is irreversibly “locked” by metabolites of bacterial species, also se-
lected specifically for the process, making it inaccessible for the algae. Because
of this, Phosphates are not released from the sediment even by anaerobic decom-
position.

Safety classification of Bioclean Lake/Pond

Clarifier, Bioclean Aqua, and Pond Pure:
These products are internationally certified, bioremediation is the only solution so
far for wetland rehabilitation in highly protected, environmentally sensitive (e.g.
Natura 2000) areas.
Malatech Water, Ltd. have all the necessary permits and licenses, which are
released by the definite country’s authorities. The impact of these products on
aquatic life is not harmful, but beneficial, since they provide an environment
more livable and more suitable for reproduction of aquatic species. Their
use is also unique in freshwaters from the perspective of human health, as it
makes water bodies suitable for swimming and other recreational activities
for people without chemicals, only by using natural microorganisms.

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Malatech Water Bioremediation
– Professional, accurate and effective
Our motto is traceability and verifiability, as we consider these two things to be the
pillars of a long-term, trustful, and mutually fruitful relationship.
In case of lacking detailed water quality data, we member company carries out
the instrumental water quality testing, and gets the collected water samples analyzed
by an independent, accredited laboratory. Examinations of water chemistry and al-
gological examinations are carried out in the laboratory, and our on-site examina-
tions include measurements of dissolved Oxygen level, temperature, pH conditions
in different depths, Secchi depth (transparency), as well as the structure and organic
content examination, and thickness measurement of the sediment layer.

The result of the onsite and the lab survey gives a clear picture of the water body’s
ecological state. These results are presented to our costumers in evaluation documen-
tation. This evaluation is the basis of the exact proposal, which is the final part of the
evaluation documentation.

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Practice of freshwater treatment:
The microorganism-enzyme products are packaged in a dry inactivated state. Hav-
ing the necessary knowledge and experience, our trained experts are preferred to
perform the delivery, and the treatment of the water from a boat. During the treat-
ment the products are mixed with the lake’s water, and the formed suspension is
sprayed-pumped onto the water surface. A part of the product in the suspension is
in silicate carrier-bound form, and after sinking down starts to work in the sediment,
while the other part remains in the aqueous phase. Due to the presence of the carrier
our technology can be used also in slow-flowing rivers or channels, without having
the fear of washout.
Unlike the previously mentioned risky water treatment technologies, bioremedia-
tion has a significant advantage: this kind of water treatment does not affect other
activities, like fishing or other water sports that take place at the same time. However,
in case of using chemicals or excavators, these activities become almost impossible.

Processes taking place in the water body

due to our treatment:
1., Biodegradation of organic substances and pollutants
Mechanism of action:
Organic substances -------› Carbon dioxide + water + living cell material

As a result of the generally high organic matter content of the bottom sediment,
the anoxic (Oxygen-free, Nitrate rich) conditions on its surface, and the anaerobic
(Oxygen-free, Nitrate poor) conditions inside, organic pollutants result a continuous
load. Due to anaerobic decomposition, organic compounds, as well as the bound
Phosphate, constantly biochemically dissolve into the water column.
The latter can be explained with the anaerobic conditions of the water-sediment
interface, because redox potential of the sludge’s surface becomes negative, initiat-
ing the reactions above.
The bacteria strains used for bioremediation utilize the dead organic material as
a food source. From this Carbon source, partly cellular material is formed, partly
energy is released to cover the microorganism’s own energy needs, in which case
Carbon dioxide and water are the final products. Naturally, the reduction of the bot-
tom sediment’s organic content begins on the sediment’s surface, the degradation
happens gradually, layer-by-layer. For effective sludge level reduction, anaerobic
conditions of the sediment-water interface have to cease, and dissolved Oxygen
must be present. It is provided by the first phase of bioremediation itself.

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 Naturally, a part of the microorganisms put into the sediment zone is facultative
aerobic/anaerobic, which means that they are viable in both the presence and ab-
sence of dissolved Oxygen. So, the process takes place also in the latter case, but
much more slowly (this may occur in case of deep lakes).
Degradation of dissolved and suspended organic matter in the water column
happens relatively quickly, which can be detected well through the improvement in
water transparency and light conditions.

2., Biodegradation of organic Phosphorous

Mechanism of action:
Phosphorous bound in organic compounds -------› Carbon dioxide + water
+ Phosphate
The process is actually very similar to the organic breakdown, the main difference is
that, as the substrate contains some forms of Phosphorous, so one of the end prod-
ucts of the decomposition is Phosphate.

3., Immobilization of dissolved Phosphorous

Mechanism of action:
Dissolved Phosphate -------› Bound Phosphate
The worst enemy of freshwater bodies worldwide is dissolved Phosphate, the dif-
ficulty of removing it from the water cycle makes it the worst enemy. In case of
Nitrogen it is much easier, taking place even under natural conditions. Both aquatic
plants and Algae utilize Phosphate, as a nutrient during their lives, but after their
decay it gets released from the sediment to the water column again. As a result
of processes in the sludge layer, a slow mineralization begins, and the Phosphate
becomes inaccessible for aquatic vegetation, but these processes are rarely able to
keep up with the contamination / load rate.
A part of the bioremediation process is the immobilization of dissolved Phos-
phorous. The essence of the process is the same as the mineralization, which takes
place naturally in the sludge. During their metabolism some of our microbe species
form so-called biopolymers as by-products, which are able to bind Phosphate in a
way that it will not be able to get released again by acidic anaerobic processes
within the sludge layer and thus the biopolymer-bound Phosphate is removed from
the water cycle.
The microorganisms themselves utilize a smaller percentage of the Phosphate
molecules. Phosphate is an essential nutrient for all living creatures, as it is involved
in several energy cycles of the living organisms as a component of the energy stor-

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age molecule ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), and besides it is an essential compo-
nent of cell membrane and genetic material as well.

4., Removal of Nitrogen forms

Mechanism of action:
Ammonium -------› Nitrite -------› Nitrate -------› Nitrogen gas
The processes of the so-called “nitrification” (oxidation of Ammonium into Nitrite,
then Nitrate) and denitrification (Nitrate reduction into Nitrogen gas) mechanisms
occur at a different rate in each water body. Microorganisms are responsible for
these processes as well. During our bioremediation procedure, different microbe
species introduced into the water join the nitrification-denitrification processes at dif-
ferent points, significantly accelerating them. At each step some part of the Nitrogen
is built in as cell material, as different Nitrogen forms are serving as important nutri-
ents for living organisms as well as the microbes performing bioremediation.

5., Suppression of pathogenic (infection-causing) microorganisms

The absence of dissolved Oxygen and processes of rotting make favorable condi-
tions for the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. The essence of our bioremedia-
tion is to create a more livable environment for a healthier, and colorful aquatic
life. The stabilization of Oxygen balance in the water suppresses these pathogenic
organisms by inhibiting their reproduction, as their living conditions deteriorate. In
addition, the injected natural and beneficial microbes are competitors of the patho-
genic organisms for food source, so the suppression of pathogenic microorganisms
happens in several different pathways. The result is a significant decrease in patho-
genic count, which makes our freshwater bioremediation procedure a solution for
the prevention and handling of fish kills due to pathogenic infection, as well as a
solution for local governments and companies who operate a lake as a recreational
area for swimming and other water sports, and the problem with pathogenic abun-
dance occurs.

6., Improving the life conditions of higher aquatic life forms

Due to the rising dissolved Oxygen concentration, degradation of organic com-
pounds released into water, decreasing sediment level, and consequently the forma-
tion of a stable sediment suitable for living space of benthic animals, the increasing
aquatic life space, more favorable living conditions are made for the higher aquatic
consumers as well (like fish). Besides, some of the bacterial species used for our
bioremediation specifically optimize the metabolic processes of aquatic organisms,
and strengthen their immune system in a natural way.

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Stabilization of dissolved Oxygen balance
in water bodies by bioremediation
For some customers with a higher knowledge of limnology may find it impossible
that we put a significant amount of aerobic microorganisms that consume Oxygen
during their metabolism in the water, in a few weeks instead of decreasing, dissolved
Oxygen concentrations begin to increase in each level of the water column. But that
is the case, and unraveling this mystery is here:
The answer is complex, our bacteria as heterotrophic microorganisms, on one
hand, really do consume dissolved Oxygen, but on the other hand:

⊲ they decompose the dead organic materials in the water, which are largely re-
sponsible for low dissolved Oxygen concentrations 

⊲ they are food competitors of many aerobic, neutral or harmful microbes present
in the water, so the life space and metabolic processes of those microorganisms
will also be limited
⊲ and most importantly: many of the introduced microbes are food competitors of
algae, and thus, algae activity becomes very limited at night, when they become
Oxygen consumers. Due to the lower number of algae and decreasing algal
activity, Oxygen consumption of algae at night radically decreases, but at the
same time, the daytime Oxygen production, ideally, still can increase Oxygen
saturation above 100%.

Simply summarizing, by the beneficial activity of our microorganisms, more Oxygen

is taken into the water column and prevented from consumption than being con-
sumed by our microbes.

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Stopping fish kills by bioremediation treatment
Fish kills due to the lack of Oxygen are stopped by the relatively rapid stabilization
of Oxygen balance, and fish kills caused by infections are stopped by the reduction
of pathogenic bacteria.

Results of Malatech Water Freshwater

Bioremediation:
⊲ Making Orthophosphate inaccessible for algae by immobilization.
⊲ Preventing algae and aquatic plant proliferation by nutrient limitation.
⊲ Providing algae control, and preventing algae and aquatic weed proliferation by
direct food competition.
⊲ Reducing sludge level by the breakdown of dead organic matter in the water.
⊲ Improving transparency and dissolved Oxygen balance in the whole water col-
umn, and thus preventing fish kills due to the lack of Oxygen by breaking down
the organic pollutants in the sediment, or dissolved / suspended in the water.
⊲ Inhibiting the formation of the toxic Hydrogen Sulfide, Methane, or Ammonia by
creating oxidative conditions in the sludge zone.
⊲ Reducing Coli, Aeromonas, Clostridium, Vibrio and other pathogen numbers.
⊲ Strengthening the immune system of the fish by probiotic effect.

Worldwide our bioremediation activity can be applied on fishing lakes, backwa-

ters, canals, slow-flowing rivers and other places used for recreational ac-
tivities (e. g. golf course lakes, bathing lakes, ponds), but the use of microbial
products is also highly effective in case of other water bodies like larger potable
water and rainwater reservoirs or cooling ponds.
Our results are documented by laboratory test results, by the improving appear-
ance of freshwater bodies, by the reduction of fish mortality, aquatic plant prolifera-
tion and sediment accumulation.

“Preserving the natural heritage of the past

is an interest of all people on Earth”

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Malatech Water Trading & Service, Ltd.
Address: 14. Orion Str, 1214 Budapest, Hungary
Telefon: +36-1-278-0850
Fax: +36-1-276-5670
E-mail: info@malatechwater.com
Web: www.malatechwater.com

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