Sequencing Batch Reactor Treating Slaughterhouse Wastewater: Organic Removal and Nutrient Elimination

Abstract

Slaughterhouse wastewater contains high concentrations of organic matter, suspended solids, fats, proteins, nitrogen compounds, and phosphorus, posing serious environmental challenges when discharged without adequate treatment. The present study investigates the performance of a sequencing batch reactor for the treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater with emphasis on organic pollutant removal and nutrient elimination under controlled operating conditions. Experimental analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of hydraulic retention time, aeration period, sludge retention time, and organic loading rate on treatment efficiency and biological process stability. Results demonstrate that the sequencing batch reactor effectively reduces chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, suspended solids, ammonia nitrogen, and phosphate concentrations through integrated biological oxidation, nitrification, denitrification, and nutrient uptake mechanisms. The cyclic operation of the reactor provides improved flexibility for handling variable wastewater composition and flow conditions commonly associated with slaughterhouse operations. The study further reveals that optimized aeration and settling phases significantly enhance microbial activity, sludge settling characteristics, and nutrient removal performance. Comparative assessment with conventional continuous-flow biological treatment systems indicates that sequencing batch reactor technology offers superior operational simplicity, lower footprint requirements, and enhanced treatment efficiency for high-strength industrial wastewater. In addition, stable biomass development and reduced sludge generation contribute to lower operational and maintenance costs.