Effluent generation by the dairy industry: Preventive attitudes and opportunities

Abstract

Work aimed to identify the effluent is generating areas in a dairy company for the purpose of changing the concept of pollution prevention. The methodology consisted in measuring volumes and collecting samples of effluents in the production sectors. The analysis was conducted by sector, in order to identify those which generated excessive amounts of effluents. The results show that the dry products (powdered milk and powdered whey) are the greatest generators of BOD, nitrogen and phosphorus, while the products in fluid form (UHT milk, formulated UHT, pasteurized milk, pasteurized cream) and butter produced large quantities of oils and grease. Milk solids recovery, waste segregation and the water reuse can be applied with saving potential of as much R$ 28,000 ($ 11,200) per month only as in raw materials and also environmental gains in pollution prevention.