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Development of Cleaner Production Alternatives in Water Management in a Slaughterhouse in Ecuador: A Case Study

Abstract:

This study included the characterization of the stages involved in the productive process of slaughtering cattle and pigs using a flow diagram, as well as the analysis of the quality of the effluents. The objective of the research is to propose specific strategies focused on improving water resource management processes. For this, a situational diagnosis of the area was carried out to identify critical areas and the impacts were evaluated through a cause-effect matrix to determine the actions that have repercussions on the environmental components generating negative effects. The execution of the monitoring of the quality of the effluents demonstrated the evident deficiency in the treatment systems by the Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The parameters such as BOD5, COD and Nitrogen are the main indicators of water quality that demonstrate the limitations of purification systems. As a result, it was identified that the main stages that cause detrimental impacts on water quality were Bleeding and Evisceration. In addition, as part of the strategies of the cleaner production program, it was decided to implement a recirculation system for wastewater from the scalding phase for cleaning facilities, redesign treatment systems and implementation of regulatory water systems. In this last proposal, water consumption was reduced by 20%.