Bacteria in commercial grease interceptors can turn captured oils and grease into fatty acids, potentially making downstream deposits stickier—but a 2016 laboratory study does not show that properly operating grease traps routinely cause fatbergs. Most of the fatty acids generated in the study stayed in the reactors; the greater concern is that a disturbed interceptor could release its contents into the sewer.
What the study found
Xia He and Tao Yan examined microbial activity in laboratory grease interceptors, also called grease traps. These devices sit between commercial kitchen wastewater and sewer pipes, capturing fat, oil and grease before it enters the sewer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The researchers reported that bacterial enzymes can hydrolyse oils and grease into long-chain fatty acids. Fatty-acid concentrations rose in the interceptors and in water leaving them. The fatty acids generated by microorganisms were mainly unsaturated; the report links these compounds to deposits that can be stickier and harder to dislodge.
The paper, “Impact of microbial activities and hydraulic retention time on the production and profile of long chain fatty acids in grease interceptors: a laboratory study,” was published in Environmental Science: Water Research & Technology in 2016. See the paper’s publisher page.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How could this contribute to a fatberg?
A grease interceptor is intended to hold fats, oils and grease rather than let them flow straight into the sewer. Microbial breakdown inside the device changes some of that captured material into fatty acids. If fatty-acid-rich contents leave the interceptor, they could contribute to deposits farther downstream. The study’s concern is therefore about material formed in the interceptor reaching the sewer, not bacteria acting independently in a sewer pipe.
Does this mean grease traps make sewers worse?
No. The study was conducted in laboratory reactors, and its report says most generated fatty acids remained in them under normal operating conditions. It proposes a greater deposit risk if an interceptor is disturbed and discharges material. That is a conditional risk, not evidence that every functioning interceptor increases sewer blockages.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Raffaella Villa, a waste-management expert at the Cranfield Water Sciences Institute, said: “Although the results could be very helpful in designing separation processes … grease interceptors, if well designed and regularly maintained, are a very effective way of reducing the total deposit load in sewers.”
Recommended Free Tools
What should commercial kitchen operators take from it?
The findings reinforce the importance of design and regular maintenance, but the paper does not establish a maintenance schedule or quantify how much a particular practice reduces fatberg risk. Operators should follow the requirements and servicing guidance that apply to their interceptor rather than treating the laboratory findings as a universal operating rule.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Keep the interceptor functioning as designed. The study does not show that a properly operating trap inevitably sends fatty acids into the sewer.
- Maintain it regularly. The expert quoted in the report identifies regular maintenance, alongside good design, as important to reducing sewer deposit loads.
- Avoid treating the findings as a product comparison. The study does not compare commercial interceptors, cleaning methods or service providers.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
