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Title: Determination of inorganic and organic priority pollutants in biosolids from meat processing industry

Journal Article · · Waste Management
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  1. Laboratory of Energy and the Environment, Department of Chemical Engineering and Food Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Trindade, Florianopolis-SC 88040-970 (Brazil)
  2. Institute of Environmental Engineering (ISA), Environmental Analytical Laboratory, RWTH Aachen University, Templergraben 55, D-52056 Aachen (Germany)

The biosolids (BS) generated in the wastewater treatment process of a meat processing plant were monitored and the priority pollutant content was characterized. The trace metal and organic pollutant content - polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDF) - were determined quantitatively and compared to guideline limits established by the US EPA and EU. PCBs were not detected in the solid samples, while trace metals, PAHs and PCDD/PCDF were detected in concentrations below the limits established by international standards. Toxic equivalent factors were evaluated for the biosolids, and the results proved that these wastes can be safely deposited on land or used in combustion/incineration plants. Since no previous data were found for meat processing waste, comparisons were made using municipal sewage sludge data reported in the literature. Since, this report monitored part of the priority pollutants established by the US EPA for meat and poultry processing wastewater and sludge, the results verified that low pollution loads are generated by the meat processing plant located in the southern part of Brazil. However, the BS generated in the treatment processes are in accordance with the limits established for waste disposal and even for soil fertilizer.

OSTI ID:
21269368
Journal Information:
Waste Management, Vol. 29, Issue 9; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2009.05.002; PII: S0956-053X(09)00174-3; Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0956-053X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English