A critical review on slaughterhouse wastewater: Treatment methods and reuse possibilities

The large volume of effluents produced by slaughterhouse activities is an alert to environmental and public health issues. The composition of wastewater and its final discharge should be evaluated strictly. Some countries, mainly developing countries, discard their effluents without any criteria, which can lead to waterborne diseases. The initial and final characterization of the effluent is important, because allows inferring whether the technology chosen for the treatment was effective and whether it reached the quality standard required by regulatory agencies. To meet strict standards and obtain quality water for reuse, advanced treatment technologies are required. This review aims to report the technologies applied in the treatment of wastewater from slaughterhouses, to point out the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment stage, in addition to highlighting the possible destinations for the reuse of these effluents when properly treated and with a critical view of the subject. Seeking to elucidate the main limitations and challenges encountered by countries when dealing with the treatment of industrial effluents and what are the objectives of regulatory bodies when defining quality standards.