UTILITY OF EFFECTIVE MICROORGANISM (EM)

INTRODUCTION:
EM stands for "Effective Microorganisms" and was coined by Professor Dr. Teruo Higa, who developed EM. EM consists of a wide variety of effective, beneficial and non-pathogenic microorganisms produced through a natural process and not chemically synthesized or genetically engineered. It comes in a liquid form. EM has a broad application. EM has no adverse effects on and is beneficial to plants, animals, and humans. Very simply put, EM lives off our waste while we live off "their waste". Their waste simply translates to a healthy environment for us in which EM becomes inactivated; therefore, a mutual existence can be had. EM only creates the condition for best results, that is, the users should nurture the condition and provide the resources for EM to perform optimally. Microorganisms exist naturally throughout the environment from rock crevices to our internal organs. In our present day environment, putrefactive microorganisms, those types responsible for the rotting of organic matter to maladies in organisms, dominate much of the sphere of the microorganisms. EM has the potential, given the conditions, to suppress the putrefactive microorganisms and dominate this sphere and creates re-animated surroundings, that is, organics are transformed through the process of fermentation as opposed to putrefaction, and living organisms, as well as, inorganic materials are enabled with the means to impede deterioration. Deterioration is here meant the activity of active oxygen or free-radicals through which organisms degenerate and inorganic materials corrode, as in iron rusting. EM can thus, also, be considered as an antioxidant.

ABSTRACT:
Effective Microorganism is a proprietary blend of 3 or more types of predominantly anaerobic organisms. "EM Technology" uses a laboratory cultured mixture of microorganisms consisting mainly of lactic acid bacteria, purple bacteria, and yeast which coexist for the benefit of whichever environment they are introduced, as has been claimed by the various em-like culture purveyors. It is reported to include: Utility of Effective Microorganism 01

y Lactic acid bacteria: Lactobacillus casei y Photosynthetic bacteria: Rhodopseudomonas palustris y Yeast: Saccharomyces cerevisiae y Others: Beneficial Microorganisms that exist naturally in the environment survive in the mixture of EM.

ORIGIN:
The concept of Friendly Microorganisms was developed by Professor Teruo Higa, from the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan. He reported in the 1980s that a combination of approximately 80 different microorganisms is capable of positively influencing decomposing organic matter such that it reverts into a life promoting process. Higa invokes a dominance principle to explain the effects of his Effective Microorganisms. He claims that three groups of microorganisms exist: positive microorganisms (regeneration), negative microorganisms (decomposition, degeneration), and opportunist microorganisms. In every medium (soil, water, air, the human intestine), the ratio of positive and negative microorganisms is critical, since the opportunist microorganisms follow the trend to regeneration or degeneration. Therefore, Higa believes that it is possible to positively influence the given media by supplementing with positive microorganisms.

APPLICATION:
EM Technology is supposed to maintain sustainable practices such as farming and sustainable living, and also claims to support human health and hygiene, animal husbandry, compost and waste management, disaster clean-up (The Southeast Tsunami of 2004, the Kobe Earthquake, and Hurricane Katrina remediation projects), and generally used to promote functions in natural communities. EM has been employed in many agricultural applications, but is also used in the production of several health products in South Africa and the USA. (Fuel additive products are no longer available). A High School in Malaysia, Sekolah Menegah Kebangsaan Dato' Onn Butterworth, Penang, are using EM to treat Greywater, minimize odor from Septic Tank & remove sludge from drains. Utility of Effective Microorganism 02

SOME UTILITIES OF EFFECTIVE MICROORG ANISM

1) Utility of EM on Wastewater Treatment Plants:

The use of effective microorganisms (EM) for reducing volumes of sewage sludge has often been suggested as feasible in either wastewater treatment plants or on-site wastewater treatment systems such as septic tanks. The organisms are supposed to eliminate the volumes of sludge produced, with the benefits of reduced sludge handling, and consequently lower costs and decreased impacts upon the environment. This project aimed to test the hypothesis that EM is beneficial in reducing sludge volumes. Two areas of experimentation were undertaken, one at a controlled experiment at the Coffs Harbour Wastewater Treatment Plant (CHWTP) and a second on five domestic septic tanks in the Armidale-Dumaresq area (northern NSW).Results from CHWTP showed a significant decrease in pH levels with increased EM dose, improved settlement of the sludge, but a significant increase in BOD . There was a 5 significantly higher level of solids in the treated tanks compared to the control. The lack of consistency between the tank treatments with respect to quality and quantity of sludge remained an issue. The septic tanks indicated a pattern of similar conditions following a final application, suggesting domination by a particular type of microorganism. However, there was no reduction in suspended solids content in the effluent. It is concluded that there were not sufficient changes to sludge volume (CHWTP) or suspended solids (septic tanks) to indicate a clear benefit from the use of EM in wastewater.

2) Utility of EM on Water Purification:

Microorganisms have much to do with the process of water purification in nature. Even in the latest water purification technology such as the activated sludge process, microorganisms play a major role. Self-purification power of water works well under the indigenous ecosystems functioning properly with a rich aquatic ecosystem pyramid .In polluted water with sludge accumulating at the bottom and foul odors, selfUtility of Effective Microorganism 03

purification power decrease as the result of the dominance by putrefactive microorganisms. This leads to decrease of nutrition necessary for ecosystems to function and keep their purification. Applied to polluted and putrefactive water, EM holds a dominant position in the layer of microorganisms and help ecosystems revive and reduce sludge and foul odors. The purpose of EM application is not to create apparently-clear water by chemical means but to revive the native function of aquatic ecosystem. In this sense, Depending on the overload of drainage and the volume of water, the amount and the frequency of Application of EM should be various.

A study evaluated the usefulness of Effective Microorganisms (EM) in treating food wastes by fermentation, and the benefits of this compost in crop production. The fermentation was carried out in plastic buckets which were designed as garbage bins with a leachate removal system at the base. The fermentation process was monitored for microbial populations, pH, and salinity, while the effect of the leachate on crop growth was measured. The use of EM reduced the offensive odor of fermenting garbage within 4 days. The development of esters and alcohol in the process of fermentation was evident in two days. The development of Lactic acid bacteria observed, along with the increase in acidity of the leachate. These parameters were used as indicators of fermentation. The leachate removed approximately 35% of the salt content of the waste food. However, this leachate enhanced germination of crop seeds, with no adverse effect on seedling growth. The addition of the compost increased soil properties which could promote crop growth. The potential of EM in fermenting food wastes and its use in crop production presented.

3) Utility of EM on Soil/Plant:
From his study of beneficial microorganisms, Professor Higa concluded that the introduction of mixed cultures of microorganisms to soils and plants would likely be more effective, and for a longer period of time, than pure cultures. In due course, he developed three such mixed cultures of beneficial microorganisms that he found to be particularly effective. A mixed solution culture of photosynthetic bacteria, ray fungi, yeasts, and fungi, consisting of 10 genera and 80 different species he called EM 2. A mixed culture of photosynthetic bacteria is called Utility of Effective Microorganism 04

EM 3. A mixed culture of Lactobacillus, and other microorganisms producing lactic acid, is called EM 4. Experiments with the EM cultures have shown that both soil and foliar applications of EM can increase the yield and quality of various horticultural crops. For example, EM was found to significantly increase the content of vitamin C and sugar in fruit over that of the control. Today, EM is distributed under a registered trademark, and widely used on agricultural and horticultural crops in Japan including mango, tomato, spinach, brassica, allium, green pea, rice, cucumber, melon, and strawberry.

4) Utility of EM on Crop:
The intended purpose of agriculture is to consistently supply food that is safe for consumption. The ideal form of agriculture, as stated by Dr. Higa, is to achieve not only food production but also to protect the environment, resources and human health while being economically successful. Therefore, farming with the use of EM has the following goals: 1. To produce food to maintain and improve human health 2. To create a situation that is both economically and physically beneficial to both producers and consumers 3. Can be implemented by anyone and has durability 4. To respect nature and be responsible for preserving the surrounding environment 5. To be flexible in accommodating the needs of food production according to population growth When EM is applied properly, we know with over 20 years of experience that EM Technology can specifically make the following possible:
y Decomposition of organic matter (including organic wastes and residues) and the

improvement of fertilizer effects

y Recycling and increasing availability of plant nutrients y Fixation of atmospheric nitrogen y Suppression of soil-borne pathogens y Solubilization of insoluble nutrient sources

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y Production of polysaccharides and overall rich microflora to improve soil aggregation

Overall, the use of EM is an economical way to promote a sustainable, resource-recycling agriculture that is environmentally friendly.

5) Utility of EM on Efficient Utilization and Recycling of Energy:

Agricultural production begins with the process of photosynthesis by green plants which require solar energy, water, and carbon dioxide. It occurs through the plants ability to utilize solar energy in "fixing" atmospheric carbon into carbohydrates. The energy obtained is used for further biosynthesis in the plant, including essential amino acids and proteins. The materials used for agricultural production are abundantly available with little initial cost. However, when it is observed as an economic activity, the fixation of carbon by photosynthesis has an extremely low efficiency mainly because of the low utilization rate of solar energy by green plants. Therefore, an integrated approach is needed to increase the level of solar energy utilization by plants so that greater amounts of atmospheric carbon can be converted into useful substrates (Higa and Wididana, 1991a). Although the potential utilization rate of solar energy by plants has been estimated theoretically at between 10 and 20%, the actual utilization rate is less than 1%. Even the utilization rate of C4 plants, such as sugar cane whose photosynthetic efficiency is very high, barely exceeds 6 or 7% during the maximum growth period. The utilization rate is normally less than 3% even for optimum crop yields. Past studies have shown that photosynthetic efficiency of the chloroplasts of host crop plants cannot be increased much further; this means that their biomass production has reached a maximum level. Therefore, the best opportunity for increasing biomass production is to somehow utilize the visible light, which chloroplasts cannot presently use, and the infrared radiation; together, these comprise about 80% of the total solar energy. Also, we must explore ways of recycling organic energy contained in plant and animal residues through direct utilization of organic molecules by plants (Higa and Wididana, 1991a). Thus, it is difficult to exceed the existing limits of crop production unless the efficiency of utilizing solar energy is increased, and the energy contained in existing organic molecules (amino acids, peptides and carbohydrates) is utilized either directly or indirectly by the plant. This approach could help to solve the problems of environmental pollution and degradation caused by the Utility of Effective Microorganism 06

misuse and excessive application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to soils. Therefore, new technologies that can enhance the economic-viability of farming systems with little or no use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides are urgently needed and should be a high priority of agricultural research both now and in the immediate future (National Academy of Sciences, 1989; 1993).

6) Utility of EM on Cleaning Sector:

y The Grease trap: Extending the time between cleanouts of the trap and drains will save the restaurants several hundred dollars per cleanout. EM will digest the majority of the grease and stabilize proteins (something no other product on the market can currently claim.) This will control odors and keep the trap from backing up. Regular applications of Effective Microorganisms brand products (EM) will keep the restaurant pest and grease free, leaving the restaurant owner with a secure feeling, knowing there will be no grease trap overflows or health department problems.

y The Hood, Behind, and Underneath The line: There are a couple of easy ways to apply a solution of EM to these areas during breakdown. One is to use a pump sprayer and spray in a fine mist each time you breakdown or cleaning. Another way is to use a spray bottle and spray the solution directly on the surface at the end of each shift. Within a short time, the grease will be eaten off the wall and you will only need to polish the surface. A Great Time Saver!

y General Cleaning During Breakdown: To increase the benefits of the EM applications, it is recommended to use Effective Microorganisms (EM) in place of any synthetic soaps, de-greasers, and cleaners. We also now have Earth Shine All-Purpose Cleaner: Commercial Concentrate for all-purpose cleaning throughout the restaurant. You can combine the two for added grease digestion. Simply mix them in your wash bucket during cleaning in equal amounts.

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Using EM during the nightly wash down (breakdown) on the line and the firewall behind is great for fire preventive. The EM eats the grease on the walls, the stoves, and the hood and gets rid of the fire hazard by eating the grease. y Moping The Floor (Tile, Stone, and Wood):

Add a combination of water and EM to the mop bucket. You won't need any soap, bleach, or grease cutter any more. The floor will not have that haze of grease. This will be great because it will prevent the slick slipping hazard that is almost impossible to get rid of with normal cleaners. Use a sprayer and spray a solution of water and EM onto the carpet after each dining time. Since carpets harbor odors, this will help to stop the odor, build up of grease, and stop matting of the carpet fibers. This will leave the room smelling and looking fresh every day. When steam cleaning the carpets, add a cup of EM for each full reservoir of water. Odor (Smoke, Food, Grease, etc): Regular use of EM inside the restaurant will stop odors in the sewer or septic lines that hover around the manholes that your walk by on their way into your restaurant. Spraying the dining area (the front of the house) with a mixture of Effective Microorganisms(EM) and water will keep grease down on the carpeted areas and eat any odors from dirt, spilled alcohol, and smoke. All the mats should be hosed down with a solution of EM during normal cleaning as well. This will not only keep odors from coming out of the mats, but will also eat the grease on the makes, keeping them from being so slippery. EM can be put into an evaporative cooler or in Smoke-Eater filters to get rid of the smells in the air. EM in air conditioner and "swamp cooler" keeps the components and filters clean and running efficiently. This can be done by using a simple siphon unit connected to a container of EM. Cleaning the bathrooms with an Effective Microorganisms (EM) solution will get rid of all smells of urine and drain back gassin Utility of Effective Microorganism 08

7) Utility of EM on weeds, Pests and disease Control:

Spraying the shed areas, mats, and in the fry-o-lator drums will prevent odor, which attracts flies. Similarly, EM will prevent putrefaction, which, in turn, eliminates the food source for ants, roaches, rats, and mice. These pests leave scent trails through access points (crawl spaces, utility access both overhead and below and through walls) to return upon and for other pests to follow. Periodically cleaning these areas with EM will eliminate the insect's scent trails. Reduction in insect and rodent populations will also decrease problems from birds and other predators in dumpsters. EM is not a pesticide and contains no inorganic chemicals. EM is a microbial inoculant that works as a bio-control measure in suppressing and/or controlling pests through the introduction of beneficial microorganisms to soils and plants. Pests and pathogens are suppressed or controlled through natural processes by enhancing the competitive and antagonistic activities of the microorganisms in the EM inoculants.

Conclusion:
Dr. Higas aim was to create a versatile culture that could be used for in a wide range of applications. He succeeded. Today, EM is used in over 100 countries and on every continent in a variety of ways. In addition to its role in fermenting food waste, it is being used to grow everything from grapes, pecans and peppers to flowers. EM was used after the Kobe Earthquake in Japan; after the 2004 Tsunami by the Thai Government, Thai Red Cross and Thai Military; and after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to reduce odors and the spread of disease. EM helped clean water and break down toxic chemicals where flooding had resulted in waste water rising to the surface. It has also been used as a cleaner in zoos (it simultaneously helps keep the equipment clean and corrosion- and odor-free), in landscaping operations, at veterinary clinics and for building maintenance; many users also drink a version of the product as a Probiotic (called Pro EM1 Probiotic). So it is very much clear that EM is very useful to us in many different ways of life.

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References: 1) T. Higa and G. N. Wididana University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, Japan The Concept and Theories of Effective Microorganisms 2) Wikipedia-The free Encyclopedia 3) http://www.greenearthalaska.com 4) http://www.emrojapan.com 5) http://www.ccc.govt.nz/waste

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Assignment No. 01 On UTILITY OF EFFECTIVE MICROORGANISM (EM)

Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology

Coarse Title Course No

: Municipal and Rural Sanitation : CE 6221

Submitted to:
Dr. Abdullah AL-MUYEED Assistant Professor Civil Engineering Department AUST Dhaka

Submitted by:
Fahim Chowdhury Roll No: 11.01.71.009 M.Sc. in Civil Engineering Civil Engineering Department AUST Dhaka Email: fahim045@hotmail.com Date of Submission: 27th June, 2011 Utility of Effective Microorganism 011