Background

A multinational brewery near Port Elizabeth was facing a persistent challenge: excessively high ammonia concentrations in its anaerobic digester effluent—exceeding 28 mg NH₃-N/L. These levels rendered the effluent unsuitable for reuse or safe discharge, violating regulatory thresholds and limiting sustainability efforts.

The Challenge

The site required a solution that could:

• Reduce ammonia/ammonium levels to meet regulatory limits

• Enable safe water reuse within operations and for agriculture

• Support circular economy goals by converting waste into usable resources

• Lower operational water demand and disposal costs

The Solution

In partnership with AR Africa, Waboost installed the Gea 10 ultrafine bubble aeration system in June 2022. Designed to enhance dissolved oxygen in wastewater, the system accelerated biological oxidation of ammonia and ammonium into nitrate and nitrite, completing the brewery’s treatment cycle.

Results & Impact

1. Ammonia Reduction to Compliant Levels

• Before: > 28 mg NH₃-N/L

• After Wacognis GEA 10: < 0.2 mg NH₃-N/L

• Outcome: Fully compliant effluent, suitable for discharge and reuse.

2. Effluent Reuse via Constructed Wetland

• Treated water irrigated adjacent crops with excellent results.

• Healthy, vibrant crop yield validated the safety and effectiveness of reuse.

• Demonstrated closed-loop water recycling on-site.

3. Significant Water Savings

• Daily reduction in water demand: Up to 175,000 liters

• Effluent recycling decreased dependence on municipal and external water sources.

• Lowered operating costs and improved drought resilience.

Conclusion

The deployment of the Waboost Gea 10 transformed the brewery's wastewater liability into a valuable asset. The system enabled:

• Regulatory-compliant effluent quality

• On-site agricultural reuse

• Major water savings and environmental benefits

This project stands as a benchmark for sustainable industrial water management, proving that ultrafine oxygen bubble technology can unlock circular economy benefits, drive cost-efficiency, and enhance environmental stewardship—even in complex, high-volume industrial contexts.