Short answer

Designers and engineers should proactively address FOG generation by specifying and integrating effective FOG management systems at the source, rather than relying solely on downstream treatment.

Field: Resource Management
Source: International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology (2025)
Method: Literature Review
Evidence: Strong effect

Effective management of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) in wastewater is crucial for preventing sewer blockages, reducing maintenance costs, and ensuring the efficient operation of wastewater treatment plants. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2025 study published in International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology. Using Literature review, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers and engineers should proactively address FOG generation by specifying and integrating effective FOG management systems at the source, rather than relying solely on downstream treatment.

Study

Resource ManagementNew This WeekStrong effect

FOG Management in Wastewater: A Critical Review for Sustainable Urban Infrastructure

International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology · 2025

Key Findings

01FOG is a major cause of sewer blockages, leading to increased maintenance expenses.
02Food service establishments are a primary source of FOG in wastewater.
03Effective FOG control relies on understanding its properties, pretreatment methods, and deposition mechanisms.
04Various physical, chemical, and biological methods exist for FOG removal.

Application

Design takeaway

Designers and engineers should proactively address FOG generation by specifying and integrating effective FOG management systems at the source, rather than relying solely on downstream treatment.

How to apply

When designing facilities that produce FOG waste (e.g., restaurants, food processing plants), specify and install appropriate grease traps or interceptors that meet regulatory requirements and are sized correctly for the expected FOG load.

Project actions

01When designing a product or system that might create FOG waste, research local regulations for FOG discharge.
02Consider the lifecycle of materials used in FOG management systems to ensure they are sustainable.

Method & Evidence

AimTo provide a comprehensive overview of FOG in wastewater, including its sources, deposition mechanisms, and various removal strategies, to inform future waste management practices.

MethodLiterature Review

ProcedureThe review critically discusses the components and characteristics of FOGs, their potential sources, effects on sewage systems and wastewater treatment plants, deposition mechanisms, and control techniques. It evaluates physical, chemical, and biological removal procedures.

ContextUrban wastewater management, food service establishments, industrial wastewater

Variables

IV["Type of FOG control/removal strategy implemented (e.g., grease interceptor type, chemical treatment, biological treatment)"]

DV["Percentage of FOG removed from wastewater","Frequency of sewer blockages","Maintenance costs associated with wastewater systems"]

CV["Volume of wastewater","Concentration of FOG in wastewater","Temperature of wastewater","Flow rate of wastewater"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Comprehensive overview of FOG issues and solutions.
+Critically evaluates various removal techniques.

Limitations

The effectiveness of FOG removal strategies can be highly dependent on local wastewater characteristics and climate.

Reliability & validity

The reliability of findings from a literature review depends on the quality and consistency of the studies included. Validity is enhanced by the broad scope of sources and critical analysis of existing research.

Think critically

How can design innovation in FOG capture technology contribute to a more circular economy within urban water systems?

Design Principles

"Source control and effective separation of FOG from wastewater streams are paramount for efficient and cost-effective urban water management."

FOG accumulation is a significant operational and financial burden on urban water management systems. Designers and engineers must consider FOG generation points and implement appropriate control and removal strategies to mitigate these issues and promote more sustainable urban environments.

What This Means for Your Design

Fats, oils, and grease from kitchens and industries clog up sewer pipes, costing a lot to fix. We need to catch them before they go into the sewers using special traps and treatments.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this review when discussing the environmental impact of a design or the need for specific waste management solutions.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) pose a significant challenge to urban wastewater infrastructure, contributing to approximately 30-40% of sewer blockages and leading to substantial maintenance costs. As highlighted by Ahmed et al. (2025), effective FOG management requires understanding its sources, mechanisms of deposition, and implementing appropriate control and removal strategies at the point of generation, such as through grease interceptors, to prevent environmental and economic repercussions.

Source

International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology

Fats, oil, and grease (FOG) in wastewater: sources, mechanisms, control, and removal strategies

journal · 2025

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about fog management in wastewater: a critical review for sustainable urban infrastructure?: Designers and engineers should proactively address FOG generation by specifying and integrating effective FOG management systems at the source, rather than relying solely on downstream treatment. Evidence: International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology (2025).
Why does "FOG Management in Wastewater: A Critical Review for Sustainable Urban Infrastructure" matter for design?: FOG accumulation is a significant operational and financial burden on urban water management systems. Designers and engineers must consider FOG generation points and implement appropriate control and removal strategies to mitigate these issues and promote more sustainable urban environments.
How can designers apply this research?: Designers and engineers should proactively address FOG generation by specifying and integrating effective FOG management systems at the source, rather than relying solely on downstream treatment.
What were the main findings?: FOG is a major cause of sewer blockages, leading to increased maintenance expenses.. Food service establishments are a primary source of FOG in wastewater.. Effective FOG control relies on understanding its properties, pretreatment methods, and deposition mechanisms.. Various physical, chemical, and biological methods exist for FOG removal.
What research method was used?: Literature Review.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2025 journal from International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing facilities that produce FOG waste (e.g., restaurants, food processing plants), specify and install appropriate grease traps or interceptors that meet regulatory requirements and are sized correctly for the expected FOG load.
What are the limitations?: The review focuses on existing literature and does not present new experimental data. Specific performance metrics for different removal technologies may vary based on local conditions.