Microbial and Chemical Characterization of Grease Interceptors for Removing Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) in Sewer Lines

Grease interceptors (GIs) as the first “line of defense” against fats, oils and grease (FOG) buildup in sewer lines have been largely ignored by the research community. In this study, the microbial community structure and chemical performance of two full-scale GIs were assessed over two years. In addition, the effects of bioaugmentation on grease interceptor microbial communities were determined using Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism. Two full-scale GIs were monitored, and the performance during untreated cycles and treated cycles of the same GI were compared. Statistically significant differences between treated and untreated cycles were detected for several chemical and physical parameters. Differences in the microbial community structure between treated and untreated cycles were determined by using Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP).