Anaerobic bacteria: Refers to bacteria that do not use oxygen to break down waste.
Non-pathogenic bacteria: Non-pathogenic relates to the type of bacteria that have been classified by scientists as NOT posing any threat to human or animal life.
Pathogenic: The opposite of non-pathogenic
BOD & COD Biological Oxygen Demand: BOD and COD are 2 unit of measure used to determine the toxicity of the effluent. (The results are read in PPM Part per Million or ML Millimetres per Litre).
Enzyme: A non-synthetic catalyst made up of complex proteins rather than living organisms, enzymes help the bacteria by breaking down organic waste into smaller compounds on which the bacteria feeds
Amylase: An enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates and starches
Cellulase: An enzyme that breaks down cellulose.
Lipase: An enzyme that breaks down fat, oil and grease.
Protease: An enzyme that breaks down proteins.

Surfactants: Known as detergents, composed of molecules, which have both Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic parts. Surfactants are produced from both natural and synthetic products.
Hydrophobic: Is said of something that hates water.
Hydrophilic: Is said of something that loves water.
Natural surfactant: Naturally accruing detergent, which decomposes easily and quickly.
Synthetic surfactant: Man made substance, which take a very long time to decompose if at all. Commonly found in cleaning products, they are the ones that will create build up in your system. It is widely recognised that synthetic chemicals that persist for a long time cause a range of environmental problems. Hence the reason for the worldwide trend away from synthetics towards biodegradable, natural alternatives.