Document Type

Article

Author ORCID Identifier

Catherine J. Pettinger https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4510-9929

Tanya Soule https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2032-6422

Erica L.-W. Majumder https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3444-3881

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Applied Microbiology

Volume

5

Issue

4

Publisher

MDPI AG

Publication Date

10-24-2025

Journal Article Version

Version of Record

First Page

1

Last Page

20

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Abstract

Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) deposits are hardened, sticky, insoluble solids that accumulate in sewage systems globally. These deposits contribute to pipe blockages and sanitary sewer overflows, releasing pathogens and pollutants into the environment, posing significant environmental and public health risks. Current removal methods are labor-intensive and costly, emphasizing the need for alternatives. While biological strategies offer a viable alternative, the microbial breakdown of FOG is poorly understood. In this study, we evaluated the potential of individual microbial strains and synthetic microbial communities to biodegrade wastewater-derived FOG deposit samples. These biological agents were applied to a range of FOG samples, and biodegradation was assessed through visual observations such as color change or gas bubbles, particle size, cell counts, pH, weight loss, and changes in fatty acid profile. Results demonstrate that microbial augmentation can enhance FOG degradation, offering an alternative or complementary approach for reducing maintenance burdens and preventing sewer blockages.

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