Abstract
The objective of this research was to evaluate the performance of the aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia crassipes applied in situ in a slaughter house treatment system, located in the west of the Paraná state, Brazil, regarding the nutrients removal and organic matter. Moreover, it aimed to obtain data from the production, management and composting practices of the biomass generated in the system. During 11 months of macrophytes development, physic and chemical parameters were monitored and plant density was controlled by periodical removal of excess biomass, which was weekly monitored and it is expressed in kg of aquatic plant per m² covered area. The degradation of the macrophytes removed from the treatment system was evaluated at the pilot scale in eight composting piles of 0.60 m³ that underwent four different treatments and two repetitions: T1 - water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes); T2 - water hyacinth and swine excrement (7:1), T3 - water hyacinth, swine excrement and earth (7:1:0,67), and T4 - water hyacinth, swine excrement and cellulosic gut (7:1:0,67), for a period of 90 days. The results indicated maximum removal efficiencies of 77.2% for COD; 77.8% for BOD, 87.9% for total nitrogen, 47.5% for ammonia nitrogen and 38.9% for total phosphorus for a five-day retention time. For biomass stabilization by composting, considering the C:N ratio as an indicator of compost maturity, it was observed that treatment T4 resulted in the shortest stabilization period (60 days). No difference was verified in the biostabilization rates at 5% level by the F test.
Highlights
Agroindustries stand out as large polluters in Brazil, because of the large amounts of waste rich in organic substances, nutrients, solids, oils and greases
It is necessary to use modern or tertiary techniques to provide a more refined treatment. These treatment technologies are currently being replaced by alternative systems involving biological treatment systems with aquatic macrophytes
The physical-chemical parameters monitored on a monthly basis were: organic matter (BOD and COD) and nutrients, which were analyzed according to APHA (1998)
Summary
Agroindustries stand out as large polluters in Brazil, because of the large amounts of waste rich in organic substances, nutrients ( nitrogen and phosphorus), solids, oils and greases. In this category, slaughterhouses and meat processing plants are known for their high polluting potential. Slaughterhouses and meat processing plants are known for their high polluting potential These pollutants can be removed by physical operations and chemical and biochemical processes (GRADY et al, 1999). In slaughterhouse/meat processing plant wastewaters, these processes are not always capable of reducing nutrient and soluble organic matter concentrations to their respective regulatory levels. These treatment technologies are currently being replaced by alternative systems involving biological treatment systems with aquatic macrophytes
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