Characterization of provincially inspected slaughterhouse wastewater in Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Characteristics of slaughterhouse waste-water and its suitability to be land-applied for agricultural use were investigated. A survey was sent to slaughterhouses located in Ontario, Canada, and their methods of disposal were determined. Wastewater samples were taken from randomly selected slaughterhouses and were analyzed for their chemical constituents. The meat type, presence of blood and the commodity type had a highly significant impact on the biological oxygen demand (BOD5), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and total solids (TS). As TKN and BOD5 can be decreased by the reduction of TS in the wastewater, it is important that the slaughterhouses remove as much TS from the wastewater as possible. The presence of blood increased Co and Mo levels in the wastewater. The concentrations of 11 metals present are very low and if the wastewater is land applied properly, the risk to the environment is minimal.