Optimisation of electrocoagulation process in the treatment of poultry slaughterhouse wastewater

The primary goal of this research was to look into the feasibility of biological pre-treatment using ecoflush in combination with the electrocoagulation technique to reduce pollutants in poultry slaughterhouse wastewater. The feasibility of the electrocoagulation technique in removing chemical oxygen demand (COD) and fats, oils and grease (FOG) was studied using iron electrodes. The biological pre-treatment of PSW was carried out in a 25 L polypropylene container at ambient temperature (24 degrees celcius). A volume of 100 ml Eco-flush (Mavu Biotechnologies Pty Ltd., SA) was added to 20 L of raw PSW. The mixture was aerated for 24 h using a Resun Ac 9906 six-outlet air pump (Hydroponic, SA) to sparge air into the pre-treatment tank using silicone tubes connected to two diffusers that provided sufficient micro-bubble formation into the system. The micro-bubble formation ensured a steady, adequate supply of dissolved air for optimal aerobic bacteria proliferation. The aerated mixture settled for a further 24 h. This allowed sufficient time for the Eco-Flush to digest the FOG and protein found in the PSW. The pre-treated wastewater was fed into the electrocoagulation reactor.