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Industrial and domestic wastewater treatment often faces major challenges in managing nitrogen content, especially in the form of ammonia (NH₄⁺), nitrite (NO₂⁻), and nitrate (NO₃⁻). These substances, if not treated effectively, can pollute water bodies, trigger eutrophication, reduce the quality of aquatic ecosystems, and endanger human and animal health.

The biological processes of nitrification and denitrification are key to overcoming nitrogen pollutants in wastewater treatment systems. Nitrification functions to convert ammonia into nitrate, while denitrification converts nitrate into nitrogen gas (N₂) which is released into the atmosphere. These two processes ideally work sequentially and efficiently in wastewater treatment systems.

However, in reality, many wastewater treatment facilities experience an imbalance in this process, either due to low microorganism activity, non-ideal reactor environmental conditions, or less supportive system design. As a result, the nitrogen content that should be eliminated is still carried into the receiving water body.

Consequences of Inefficient Nitrification and Denitrification Processes

Inefficiencies in the nitrification and denitrification processes can cause serious problems, both technically and regulatory.

1. Failure to Meet Wastewater Quality Standards

The Indonesian government, through the Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry, has set a nitrogen threshold in industrial wastewater. If this threshold is exceeded, companies can be subject to administrative sanctions, even criminal sanctions.

Read Also: How to Overcome Fat and Oil Accumulation in Wastewater Treatment Plants?

2. Increased Operational Burden

Unstable biological processes cause fluctuations in water quality parameters. This encourages operators to continuously adjust chemical doses or operate aeration systems more intensively, which ultimately increases energy consumption and operational costs.

3. Damage to Ecosystems and Corporate Image

Discharge of wastewater with high nitrogen content can pollute rivers, lakes, and other water bodies. In addition to having a negative impact on the environment, this can also damage the company’s reputation and create pressure from the surrounding community and environmental NGOs.

These issues emphasize the importance of optimal nitrogen management through reliable, measurable and efficient nitrification and denitrification processes.

Nitrification and Denitrification Optimization Strategy

Optimizing the nitrification and denitrification process is not only about improving biological performance, but also creating a sustainable and cost-effective wastewater treatment system. Here are some approaches that can be applied by industry players and WWTP managers.

1. Proper System Design and Operation

The nitrification process requires aerobic conditions, while denitrification requires anoxic conditions. Therefore, the system design must separate these zones clearly. The use of systems such as Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) or Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) allows for more precise control of microbial environmental conditions.

In addition, parameters such as hydraulic residence time (HRT), sludge residence time (SRT), pH, temperature, and C/N ratio must be continuously monitored to suit the needs of the microorganisms that play a role in this biological process.

2. Selection and Management of Proper Microbiology

Nitrifying microorganisms, such as Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter, are very sensitive to environmental changes. Likewise, denitrifying bacteria require an organic carbon source as an electron donor. Ensure that the growth conditions of microorganisms support their survival and biological activity, by controlling pH, temperature, and nutrient availability.

If necessary, bioaugmentation—the addition of special bacteria from outside—can be done to accelerate system recovery or increase efficiency when waste loads increase.

3. Monitoring and Automation

One of the keys to the success of a biological process is real-time monitoring of parameters, such as DO (dissolved oxygen), ORP (oxidation-reduction potential), and nitrate/nitrite concentrations. A SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system can help operators monitor conditions automatically and make process adjustments more quickly.

4. Addition of External Carbon Sources

In the denitrification process, if the COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) level in the waste is too low, the efficiency of converting nitrate to nitrogen gas will decrease. Therefore, the addition of external carbon sources, such as methanol, acetic acid, or organic carbon from other processes, can significantly increase denitrification efficiency.

Read Also: How to Overcome High COD and BOD in Wastewater?

5. Periodic Process Evaluation and Audit

Periodic audits of WWTP performance allow companies to evaluate critical points in the process and take corrective action before problems escalate. This evaluation includes laboratory testing of nitrification/denitrification efficiency, sludge analysis, and checking other process parameters.

Lautan Air Indonesia: Your Partner in Optimal Nitrogen Treatment

Lautan Air Indonesia is here as a trusted partner for industries in overcoming wastewater treatment challenges, especially in controlling nitrogen compounds.

Services We Offer:

• Technical Audit of Wastewater Treatment Plants: We offer a complete audit service to assess the nitrification and denitrification efficiency at your facility, and provide data-based improvement recommendations.
• Design and Optimization of WWTP Systems: With over 41 years of experience, we design efficient treatment systems for the chemical, food & beverage, petrochemical, and other industries.
• Bioaugmentation and Biological Products: We provide specialized microbiology solutions to help accelerate the nitrification and denitrification processes, even under high load conditions or less than ideal environments.
• Supporting Chemicals: We also provide external carbon sources for denitrification, as well as other chemicals such as nutrient boosters and pH controllers needed to maintain process stability.
• Monitoring and Automation: We are able to integrate automatic monitoring systems (DO, ORP, nitrate sensors) connected to SCADA, so your operators can monitor system performance in real-time.

Let’s Realize Efficient and Environmentally Friendly Wastewater Treatment

Optimally managing nitrogen in wastewater not only meets regulations but is also part of the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and business sustainability.

If you are facing challenges in the nitrification and denitrification process, or want to improve the efficiency of your existing wastewater treatment plant, Lautan Air Indonesia is ready to be your strategic partner.

Contact our team today for consultation and integrated solutions in reliable and sustainable wastewater treatment.

In the industrial wastewater treatment process, one of the biggest challenges often faced is the accumulation of fats and oils (Fats, Oils, and Grease—FOG) in the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) system. This problem not only causes operational disruptions, but also has the potential to cause environmental pollution if not handled properly.

In this article, we will discuss in more depth the serious impacts of fat and oil accumulation, as well as professional solutions that can be applied to overcome it, including services from Lautan Air Indonesia which are ready to help you realize an optimal and sustainable WWTP system.

Fat and Oil Accumulation in WWTP

Liquid waste from various industrial sectors, such as food and beverages, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and agricultural processing, generally contains high levels of fat and oil. These components tend to float, are difficult to decompose naturally, and can cause disruption to the wastewater treatment system if not addressed from the early stages.

Some common consequences of FOG buildup in the wastewater treatment plant system include:

• Clogging of piping and distribution channels
• Disruption of mechanical equipment such as pumps and aerators
• Reduced efficiency of biological processes due to impaired oxygen transfer
• Emergence of unpleasant odors due to decomposition of organic compounds
• Failure to meet regulatory wastewater quality standards

Operational Risks and Environmental Compliance

If FOG issues are not addressed properly and systematically, various long-term impacts can occur—not only disrupting daily operations, but also bringing legal and reputational consequences for the company.

1. Disruption of Treatment System Performance

Fat and oil form a layer on the surface of wastewater and inhibit the aeration process in the biological unit. This reduces the activity of decomposing microorganisms which ultimately reduces treatment efficiency and worsens effluent quality.

2. Equipment Damage

FOG accumulation causes blockage and corrosion in pumps, pipes, and other mechanical components. The impact is increased maintenance needs and the risk of downtime that disrupts operational continuity.

Read Also: How to Overcome Increased Hardness in Cooling Systems?

3. Failure to Meet Quality Standards

High FOG content contributes to increased BOD, COD, and TSS values ​​in wastewater. Non-compliance with these quality standard parameters can result in administrative sanctions from authorized agencies, including fines or termination of operations.

4. Environmental Pollution

Untreated wastewater has the potential to pollute surrounding water bodies and soil, trigger complaints from the public, and reduce the company’s image as an environmentally responsible entity.

In other words, FOG management is not an additional option, but rather an urgent need that must be part of a sustainable industrial wastewater management strategy.

How to Overcome Fat and Oil Accumulation in WWTP

Effectively managing fat and oil content requires a comprehensive technical approach, from upstream prevention to final processing. The following strategies are practices that have been proven effective in various industrial sectors:

1. Use of a Grease Trap

The application of a grease trap or fat separator system at the initial stage of the waste stream helps prevent FOG from entering the main processing unit. This system can be designed according to the capacity needs and waste characteristics of each industry.

2. Application of FOG Decomposing Microorganisms

The addition of special microorganisms that are able to degrade FOG into compounds that are more easily biodegraded has become an increasingly used solution. This technique supports the natural processing process and minimizes the accumulation of FOG in the system.

3. Optimization of the WWTP System

A thorough evaluation of the WWTP design and performance can open up opportunities for efficiency improvements, such as through the addition of a DAF (Dissolved Air Flotation) unit, improvement of waste load distribution, or integration of an automation-based control system.

4. Selection of the Right Chemicals

The use of chemicals such as coagulants and flocculants that are specifically formulated to handle fatty waste can accelerate the separation and sedimentation process. The selection of materials needs to be based on laboratory tests and jar test results.

5. Periodic Maintenance and Monitoring

Periodic maintenance of the WWTP system—including cleaning of channels, tanks, and mechanical equipment—is an important step in preventing long-term FOG buildup. In addition, operator training and monitoring of wastewater parameters must be carried out routinely.

Read Also: Why Demineralized Water Still Contains Silica

Support Your WWTP Performance with the Right Approach

Managing fat and oil content in a wastewater treatment system is not just a matter of maintaining regulatory compliance, but also part of an effort to maintain the sustainability of industrial operations as a whole. The selection of the right technology, strategy, and technical assistance will have a real impact on WWTP efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Lautan Air Indonesia, with extensive experience in industrial water and wastewater treatment, provides technical support, chemical formulations, and system solutions that can be tailored to your specific industry needs. If your company is facing similar challenges or requires the development of a more reliable wastewater treatment system, our team is ready to discuss further and provide the technical insights needed.

Please contact us for more information or to schedule a technical consultation.

Cooling systems are crucial components in various industries, from manufacturing, petrochemicals, to food processing. This system is designed to maintain temperature stability in equipment or production processes, so that it can increase efficiency and extend the operational life of the machine. However, one of the major challenges in managing it is the increased hardness in cooling systems.

This problem not only affects cooling efficiency, but can also cause long-term damage that is expensive to repair. This article will discuss in depth the causes, impacts, and effective solutions to overcome increased hardness in cooling systems.

Increased Hardness in Cooling Systems

The water used in cooling systems often comes from raw water sources such as groundwater, surface water, or tap water. These sources generally contain minerals such as calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium (Mg²⁺) which are the main causes of hardness in water.

When water hardness increases and is not managed properly, the cooling system will experience scaling on the surface of the heat exchanger and pipes. This hinders the heat transfer process and causes a decrease in overall efficiency.

Some common indicators of increasing hardness in a cooling system include:

• A gradual decrease in cooling efficiency.
• A rise in system temperature due to impaired heat transfer.
• Visible scaling on pipes or metal surfaces.
• More frequent need for system shutdowns due to technical failures.

Read Also: Why is My Cooling Tower Experiencing Biofouling?

Serious Impacts of Uncontrolled Hardness

If increased hardness is not addressed immediately, the short and long-term consequences will be very detrimental to your industrial operations. Some common serious impacts are:

1. Increased Energy Consumption

Scaling that occurs due to hardness will form an insulating layer on the surface of the heat exchanger. This makes heat transfer inefficient, so the system requires more energy to reach the desired temperature.

2. Equipment Damage

Deposited minerals can clog pipes, damage pumps, and even cause overheating. This reduces the technical life of the equipment and increases the frequency of component replacement.

3. Production Downtime

When the cooling system is disrupted, the production process must be stopped for maintenance or repairs. The downtime that occurs can have a direct impact on productivity and potential loss of revenue.

4. Increased Operational Costs

The combination of higher energy use, more frequent maintenance needs, and equipment damage will drive a significant spike in operational costs.

Effective Approach to Overcoming Hardness

Facing the challenge of increasing hardness in cooling systems requires a comprehensive approach, starting from water treatment before entering the system, to regular maintenance and monitoring of water quality.

1. Water Softening System (Ion Exchange Technology)

One of the most effective methods to reduce water hardness is to use ion exchange. This system works by exchanging calcium and magnesium ions in water with sodium ions, thereby preventing scale formation.

Read Also: Resin Fouling: Causes, Impacts, and How to Prevent It in Ion Exchange Systems

2. Dosing Chemical – Scale Inhibitor and Dispersant

In addition to using softeners, we also offer chemical treatments that are specially formulated to prevent scaling and maintain the stability of cooling water. Some of our superior products include:

• Scale Inhibitor: Inhibits the formation of scale from hardness minerals.
• Dispersant: Keeps solid particles dispersed and does not settle.
• Corrosion Inhibitor: Protects metal from corrosion that can occur due to fluctuations in water quality.

All chemical treatment products from Lautan Air Indonesia are formulated based on actual conditions in the field and have been tested for effectiveness in various industrial sectors.

3. Periodic Monitoring & Water Analysis

Knowing the actual condition of the water in the cooling system is very important. Our technical team is ready to conduct periodic water quality analysis, both for hardness, TDS, pH, alkalinity, and other parameters that can affect the performance of the cooling system.

This service includes:

• Direct sampling on site
• Laboratory analysis with modern tools
• Action recommendations based on analysis results
• Complete reports and documentation of test results

4. Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Cooling Water System

Not all industries have the human resources or time to manage cooling systems optimally. Lautan Air Indonesia provides Operation & Maintenance (O&M) services that include:

• Professional cooling system operation
• Preventive and corrective maintenance
• Daily monitoring of water quality and system performance
• Troubleshooting hardness, scaling, and corrosion problems

With our O&M services, you can focus on your core business, while the cooling system maintains its performance.

5. Provision of Automation Tools & Systems

We also provide various instrumentation and automation systems to help control water quality in real-time. Some of the tools we provide include:

• Online hardness meter
• Automatic chemical dosing system
• Flow control & monitoring panel
• IoT-based dashboard for remote monitoring

With this system, you can detect and respond to changes in water quality quickly and accurately.

Conclusion

Increased hardness in a cooling system is not a trivial problem. If left unchecked, it can cause system damage, increase operational costs, and even stop the production process. Therefore, the best step is to take preventive and corrective actions through an integrated approach.

Lautan Air Indonesia is here to provide a comprehensive solution, from providing a softener system, chemical treatment, water quality monitoring, O&M services, to automation of the cooling water system.

Don’t let your cooling system become a source of inefficiency and loss. Contact our team today and find the best solution for your cooling system.

Want your cooling system to remain optimal and free from hardness problems? Contact Lautan Air Indonesia now for a comprehensive consultation and solution for your industrial cooling system.

In many industries, demineralized water is an absolute necessity—both for chemical processes, boiler systems, cooling towers, and high-precision electronic production. The demineralization process aims to remove dissolved ions such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, sulfate, and others, so that the water is not corrosive, does not cause scale, and does not interfere with ongoing chemical reactions.

However, one challenge that often arises even after the process is complete is that demineralized water still contains silica (SiO₂). Not a few industries assume that demineralized water is clean from all contaminants, when in fact silica can still escape the standard demineralization system.

Why is Silica Content a Problem?

Silica is not just an ordinary contaminant. In the industrial context—especially power plants, electronics manufacturing, the chemical industry, and even pharmaceuticals—the presence of silica in process water can cause major losses. Here are some reasons why silica should be a major concern.

1. Scale in Heating Systems

Silica carried in process water can form very hard scales inside boilers, heat exchangers, or high-pressure pipes. Unlike calcium-based scales, silica scales are very difficult to remove, even with strong chemicals.

Read Also: Scaling and Corrosion in Boilers: A Hidden Threat to Face

2. Damage to Turbines and Precision Equipment

In power plants, steam from demineralized water is used to drive turbines. If the water still contains silica, the silica will be carried along with the steam and deposited on the turbine surfaces, causing reduced efficiency or permanent damage.

3. Production Process Contamination

In the semiconductor or pharmaceutical industries, even the slightest presence of silica can cause serious contamination, ruining production batches and potentially causing significant financial losses.

Why Does Silica Remain After Demineralization?

Although cation-anion mixbed demineralization systems are very effective in removing dissolved ions, they are not completely effective in removing silica. Here are some reasons why silica remains after demineralization.

1. Types of Silica Not Filtered by Resin

Silica is present in two main forms in water:

• Dissolved silica, in the form of silicic acid (H₄SiO₄), which is an ionic form and is relatively easy to remove by ion exchange resins.
• Colloidal silica, in the form of suspended microscopic particles, which are uncharged and unaffected by ion exchange resins.

Most demineralization systems are only effective against ionic forms, while colloidal forms are not adsorbed by ion exchange resins and are therefore carried over into the final product.

2. Decreased Efficiency of Ion Exchange Resins

Prolonged use of resins without optimal regeneration will reduce the ion exchange capacity, including for removing silica. Saturated or contaminated resin will cause silica to leak into the product water.

3. Inadequate System Design

Some demineralization systems are not designed to handle raw water with high silica content. Without proper pre-treatment such as ultrafiltration or special coagulation, colloidal silica will remain in the system until the final stage.

4. Unstable Operating Conditions

Variations in pressure, temperature, and water flow in the demineralization system can also affect the effectiveness of the silica reduction process. In addition, changes in pH in the process can also cause changes in the form of silica from dissolved to colloidal.

Solutions to Overcome Silica Content in Demineralized Water

The problem of silica in demineralized water does not mean that it cannot be overcome. With a systematic approach, selection of the right technology, and optimal system maintenance, silica content can be reduced to a minimum.

The following is an end-to-end approach that can be applied.

1. Raw Water Analysis and System Audit

An important initial step is to conduct a thorough analysis of the raw water, as well as an audit of the demineralization system that is already running. Lautan Air Indonesia provides comprehensive water quality survey and analysis services to determine whether the silica source is in colloidal or ionic form.

2. Optimization of Pre-Treatment System

For colloidal silica, the role of the pre-treatment system is crucial. Several solutions that can be applied:

• Coagulation and Flocculation: With special chemicals, colloidal silica particles can be combined into large flocs that are easier to filter.
• Ultrafiltration (UF): This membrane system is very effective in removing colloidal silica particles that cannot be handled by resin.

Lautan Air Indonesia has a complete line of coagulant chemicals and UF membrane systems that have been proven effective in various industrial sectors.

3. Selection of Resins Specific to Silica

Not all ion exchange resins are able to handle silica well. Lautan Air Indonesia provides high-performance ion exchange resins that are specifically designed for applications targeting silica removal.

Read Also: Resin Fouling: Causes, Impacts, and How to Prevent It in Ion Exchange Systems

4. Implementation of Mixed Bed or EDI System

For ultra-pure water, such as that required in the electronics and pharmaceutical industries, the Mixed Bed or Electrodeionization (EDI) system can be used to polish the final result of the demineralization system. Both of these systems are very effective in reducing silica content to below 10 ppb.

5. Periodic Monitoring and Maintenance

Control of water quality is not sufficient to be done periodically manually. A real-time monitoring system is needed so that any potential silica leak can be anticipated immediately. Lautan Air Indonesia offers digital monitoring solutions and IoT-based controller systems to monitor water parameters such as TDS, silica, and conductivity automatically.

Conclusion

Although demineralized water is designed to be free from mineral ions, silica can still escape into the system if not handled properly. This can have serious impacts on industrial processes, ranging from scale formation to equipment damage and product contamination.

However, with a structured approach—starting from water analysis, pre-treatment optimization, selecting the right resin, to implementing advanced technologies such as EDI and digital monitoring systems—the silica problem can be overcome effectively.

Lautan Air Indonesia is here as your trusted partner in providing comprehensive industrial water treatment solutions. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help your water system become cleaner, more efficient, and risk-free.

JAKARTA, April 14, 2025 – PT Lautan Air Indonesia (LAI) is strengthening its role in the water treatment industry by acquiring shares in PT Lautan Organo Water (LOW). Through this step, the combined share ownership of LAI and PT Lautan Luas Tbk (LTL) in LOW has now reached 70%, emphasizing LAI’s strategic position in providing integrated water solutions for industry in Indonesia.

This corporate action was carried out by LAI through the purchase of 3,780 shares (equivalent to 21%) from Organo Corporation, a strategic partner from Japan. The transaction value reached IDR 16.23 billion. The signing of the agreement was carried out on Friday, April 11, 2025, by representatives of both parties: Budi Hermanto as Managing Director of PT Lautan Air Indonesia, and Kenji Oikawa from Organo Corporation.

“Lautan Air Indonesia welcomes this step as an effort to strengthen synergy and development of technology and integrated water treatment services,” said Budi Hermanto.

PT Lautan Organo Water itself is the result of a collaboration between PT Lautan Luas Tbk—the parent company of PT Lautan Air Indonesia—and Organo Corporation that has been established since 2013. With extensive experience in water treatment and specialization in engineering, procurement, and fabrication systems, LOW plays an important role in providing process water treatment systems, recycled water, and ultrapure water for various industrial needs.

This year, LAI, previously known as PT Pacinesia Chemical Indonesia, turns 41 years old. This momentum is an important milestone in the company’s journey to prove its seriousness as a provider of the most complete, leading, and trusted water treatment solutions for all industrial sectors in Indonesia.

This step also strengthens the WATERCARE service portfolio—a comprehensive water treatment solution from upstream to downstream—that supports operational efficiency and industrial sustainability. Supported by global technology from Organo and local experience from PT Lautan Luas Tbk, which has been operating for more than 70 years, Lautan Air Indonesia is ready to become a strategic partner for industrial players throughout Indonesia.