| An enzyme-based cleaner, Xzyme(TM), was applied to a model cream tank rinse to assess the effects on the components, strength and treatability of the model wastewater stream. Analysis of biological oxygen demand (BOD) was carried out using model cream tank rinse water treated with and without 10% enzyme cleaner. At dilution rates of 1:60,000, 1:80,000, and 1:100,000, the reduction in BOD for the treated cream compared to the untreated sample was not found to be significantly different (p < 0.05). The ability to degrade milk proteins and fats by Xzyme(TM) was observed using sodium-dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and thin layer chromatography (TLC), respectively. The SDS-PAGE gels showed extensive degradation of milk proteins in the sample lanes treated with Xzyme(TM). The higher molecular weight bands representing native milk proteins disappeared accompanied by the appearance of numerous bands representing milk protein fragments. Similar band patterns for the Xzyme(TM)-treated and untreated samples on TLC plates indicated no lipolytic enzyme activity from the enzyme-based cleaner. |
