PHOSPHORUS REMOVAL TECHNIQUES IN POULTRY WASTEWATER

All poultry processing plants generate raw wastewater with relatively high phosphorus levels. Phosphorus reaches the wastewater stream as a result of:Release from the meat being processedUse of trisodium phosphate for bird washingUse of phosphorus containing marinatesUse of phosphate based sanitation chemicalsThe techniques used for the removal of phosphorus from poultry processing wastewater cover the full range of typical techniques used throughout the wastewater industry. These include:Source reduction through the use of alternative chemicals and marinatesChemical coagulation during pretreatmentBiological nutrient removal during biological treatmentChemical coagulation during final clarification and polishingCurrently, few plants have permits with phosphorus limitations. There is no particular technique that dominates the facilities that are required to remove phosphorus. This is due to the fact that each facility has to be evaluated based on the specific situation that exists as relates to:Existing facility capabilitiesTreatment requirementsSludge handling capabilitiesOther site specific considerations