Evaluacion de un sistema natural de tratamiento de aguas residuales en una empresa carnica

We evaluated if the wastewater treatment (slow flow treatment system) used by a slaughterhouse was surpassing the capacity of the area were the effluent was evacuated. Effluent, area of pouring, and efficiency of solids elimination were characterized. Crops were identified and their water and nutritional requirements determined, according to an analytical model. The volume of wastewater generated per week was 220 m³, with an average concentration of 530 mg/L of Kjeldhal N. The effluent was mixed with river water (1:18) and then released to three species of perennial grass and to forage corn. The minimum area of land/year necessary to absorb the effluent was 5 ha. Based on the results, it was concluded that the present company, and other similar ones, could dispose of their effluents without adverse effects to the environment if appropriate calculations were used to determine the correct surface areas.