WASTEWATER CHARACTERISATION STUDY FOR HALAL ABATTOIR

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN SIBURAN SARAWAK

ANNE MARIAN ANAK JOSEPH

Wastewater Characterisation Study For Halal Abattoir Wastewater Treatment Plant In Siburan

Sarawak

Anne Marian Anak Joseph

A thesis submitted

In fulfilment of the requirements for the

Sluse-M-Master Of Environmental Science (Land Use And Water Resource Management)

Faculty of Resource Science and Technology

UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK
2022

2
 UNIMAS/30.25

UNIMAS Graduate School

FINAL SUBMISSION OF THESIS
________________________________________________________________________________

This form is to be filled and submitted on final submission of the thesis upon
correction (as advised by the Faculty) for hardcover binding together with a copy of
CD to the UNIMAS Graduate School.

Name and ID of
Candidate

Degree Master* PhD*

Programme

Title of Thesis

Faculty/Institute/Centre
*Please tick ( ) accordingly

I hereby submit a total of copies of the corrected version of my thesis for the
final hardcover binding together with a copy of CD for the following distribution:-
(i) Centre for Academic Information Services (CAIS) (MUST submitted
together with a copy of CD)
(ii) Dean/ Director of Faculty/ Institute/ Centre
(iii) Personal
(iv) Supervisor
Date
Signature of the Candidate

Acknowledgment of receipt of the Date

Above for UNIMAS Graduate School

Signature & Official Stamp

Number of copies received

* Please attached together a form of “Declaration of Original Work” when submitted to

UNIMAS Graduate School.
 UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA SARAWAK

Grade: _____________

Please tick ( )
Final Year Project Report
Masters
PhD

DECLARATION OF ORIGINAL WORK

This declaration is made on the ……………..day of……………..(year).

Student’s Declaration:

I ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------
(PLEASE INDICATE STUDENT’S NAME, MATRIC NO. AND FACULTY) hereby declare that the
work entitled, ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- is my original
work. I have not copied from any other students’ work or from any other sources except where due
reference or acknowledgement is made explicitly in the text, nor has any part been written for me by
another person.

____________________ ________________________
Date submitted Name of the student (Matric No.)

Supervisor’s Declaration:

I-------------------------------------------------------------- (SUPERVISOR’S NAME) hereby certifies that the

work entitled, --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(TITLE) was prepared by the above named student, and was submitted to the “FACULTY” as a *
partial/full fulfillment for the conferment of -------------------------------------------------------------------------
(PLEASE INDICATE THE DEGREE), and the aforementioned work, to the best of my knowledge, is
the said student’s work

Received for examination by: _____________________ Date:____________________

(Name of the supervisor)
I declare this Project/Thesis is classified as (Please tick (√)):

CONFIDENTIAL (Contains confidential information under the Official Secret Act 1972)*
RESTRICTED (Contains restricted information as specified by the organisation where
research was done)*
OPEN ACCESS

Validation of Project/Thesis

I therefore duly affirmed with free consent and willingness declared that this said Project/Thesis
shall be placed officially in the Centre for Academic Information Services with the abide interest and
rights as follows:

This Project/Thesis is the sole legal property of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
The Centre for Academic Information Services has the lawful right to make copies for the
purpose of academic and research only and not for other purpose.
The Centre for Academic Information Services has the lawful right to digitise the content
to for the Local Content Database.
The Centre for Academic Information Services has the lawful right to make copies of the
Project/Thesis for academic exchange between Higher Learning Institute.
No dispute or any claim shall arise from the student itself neither third party on this
Project/Thesis once it becomes sole property of UNIMAS.
This Project/Thesis or any material, data and information related to it shall not be
distributed, published or disclosed to any party by the student except with UNIMAS
permission.

Student’s signature ________________________ Supervisor’s signature: ________________

(Date) (Date)

Current Address:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Notes: * If the Project/Thesis is CONFIDENTIAL or RESTRICTED, please attach together as

annexure a letter from the organisation with the period and reasons of confidentiality and
restriction.

[The instrument was duly prepared by The Centre for Academic Information Services]
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This thesis has finally come to fruition with the help and support I have received throughout the

execution of this research project. There are a few individuals that I wanted to thank personally

below.

First of all, I thank God for all the wisdom, strength and good health that have been

granted to me in the time of need. My deepest gratitude goes to my supervisor, Associate

Professor Dr. Dayang Salwani bt Awang Adeni for her continuous guidance and insights, my

intellectual debts are to them for their relentless sharing of knowledge and advice.

Next, I am highly indebted to my family: my dad Joseph Anak Liaw, my mum Malini Anak Ebot

and my siblings Elder, Carlson, Aina, Audrey and Christine for their selfless prayers and

financial support. As well as my friends, Joan, Genevie, Jia Yin, Adelina and Joen who have

been my emotional support throughout my whole postgraduate endeavours, I am forever

indebted to you who brought me up when I was at my lowest.

ABSTRACT

Abattoir wastewater comprises diluted blood, protein, fat, and suspended particulates, resulting

in varying quantities of organic substances in the effluent. If left untreated, the residues were

partially soluble, posing a considerable danger of contaminating riverbeds and other water

sources. The purpose of this study was to determine the organic pollutant concentrations at the

Halal Abattoir Complex, which is located on Lot 1641, Block 5, Sentah-Segu Land District,

Siburan, Kuching, Sarawak. At the discharge stations, wastewater samples were taken. Using the

procedure described in the APHA (2005) Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and

Wastewater, physical and chemical characteristics of the wastewater were determined by

measuring pH, total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical

oxygen demand (BOD), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), and oil and grease (O&G). The average

value of pH (6.83) of discharged wastewater is within the allowed range, but the samples have

higher chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand content of 193 mg/L without

dilution and 156 mg/L with dilution, total suspended solids (TSS) of 252 mg/L without dilution

and 248 mg/L with dilution, Total Coliform count of 92 000 MPN/100 mL without dilution and

16 000 MPN/100 mL with dilution., ammoniacal nitrogen of 50.00 mg/L without dilution and

36.40 mg/L with dilution, and finally of Total Faecal Coliform of 54 000 MPN/100 mL without

dilution and 3 500 MPN/100 mL with dilution.

Keywords: Water quality analysis, BOD, COD

3
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

DESCRIPTION PAGE

Abstract 3

Table of contents 4-5

List of Tables 6

List of Abbreviations 7

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTIONS

1.1 Background 8

1.2 Problem Statement 9

1.3 Objectives 9

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Background Research 10 - 11

2.2 Characteristics of Slaughterhouse wastewater 11

2.3 Environmental impact and health effects of slaughterhouse 11 - 12

wastewater

2.4 Physical and chemical parameters of abattoir wastewater samples 12

were determined

2.5 In-Situ Water Quality 13

2.6 Ex-situ Water Quality 13 - 14

2.7 Water Quality Indexes 14 - 16

2.8 Characterisation of Microflora from Halal Abattoir 17

2.9 Impact of wastewater on the environment 18 - 20

CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Study site 21

3.2 Sampling methods 21

3.3 Secondary Data 21

4
CHAPTER 4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Biophysical Parameters: Ex-situ 22 - 24

4.2 Condition of the water sampling point 25

4.3 Impacts of Wastewater Effluents 25 - 26

CONCLUSION 27

REFERENCES 28 - 31

5
LIST OF TABLES

1. Table 1: Consumption of fresh water in specific processes in different slaughterhouses

6
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

pH potential of hydrogen

TSS Total suspended solids

BOD Biochemical oxygen demand

COD Chemical oxygen demand

NH3-N Ammoniacal nitrogen

O&G Oil and grease

SVI Sludge volume index

SWW Slaughterhouse wastewater

TOC Total nitrogen

TP Total phosphorus

DO Dissolved oxygen

ppt Parts per trillion

7
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Over the last century, wastewater treatment has successfully enhanced recipient water

quality, reduced water pathogenicity, and improved human health. Since this quality of water and

sludge prior to disposal is the primary concern, the focus has been on removal techniques and

unit operations. In arid locations, a scarcity of freshwater prompted study and development of

technology for repurposing treated waste water. Energy and nutrient recovery have gradually

become integrated with treatment, and enhanced recovery and energy efficiency have received

more attention in recent decades. Waste water has recently been recognised as a valuable

resource for bio-based production in the context of circular waste management.

Although abattoir wastewater comprises diluted blood, protein, fat, and suspended

particulates, it contains a wide range of organic substances. If left untreated, the residues were

partially soluble, posing a considerable danger of contaminating riverbeds and other water

sources. The purpose of this study was to investigate the organic pollutant concentrations at the

PPES Ternak Halal Abattoir and their compliance with the Environment Quality Act of 1974,

amended 2009 ( please refer to the new regulation). There have been no studies carried out on

the characteristics of the wastewater for halal abattoir in Malaysia.

8
1.2 Problem Statement

In this study, is to determine the selected physical and chemical characteristics of the wastewater

from halal abattoir. This project is a collaboration between Perunding Najna Sdn Bhd

(Environmental Consultant).

1.3 Objectives

In this study, aimed:

1. To determine the number of cows slaughtered per day and in the holding yard (to

correlate the analysis obtained-for discussion)-statistic of the cows in holding yard, and

the cow slaughter per day

2. Carry out the Sludge Volume Index (SVI) measurement at the aeration tank and also

collect the sample at the aeration tank for Total Suspended Solid (TSS) Analysis

9
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Background Research

An abattoir is a place where animals are slaughtered and dressed for human consumption

that has been approved and registered by the competent authority (Codex, 1993). In general, an

abattoir's operation entails efficient processes and procedures for the storage and preservation of

meat products in accordance with particular human consumption criteria (Alonge, 1991). There

are various halal abattoirs in Malaysia that are used for the killing of cattle (Tamrin et al., 2016).

Water used to clean slain farm animals such as cattle, goats, and sheep, as well as the floor of

slaughtering halls, slaughtering workers, and slaughtering equipment, is known as abattoir

wastewater (Coker, 2001). Water has always been an important part of the meat processing

industry's routines, mostly for general processing and cleaning (Mekonnen and Hoekstra, 2012).

Due to the two-fold growth in worldwide meat production in recent decades, the number

of slaughterhouses has increased, resulting in a bigger volume of liquid and solid residues from

slaughterhouses being emitted (Bustillo-Lecompte and Mehrvar, 2017). The livestock industry's

expansion in Malaysia has likewise expanded and accelerated year after year (Ngo, 2004). In

wastewater discharge, abattoir solid and liquid leftovers were frequently grouped together as

"flow materials" (Tritt & Schuchardt, 1991). Wastewater effluent is usually categorised into four

kinds, according to Irshad et al. (2015). (as shown in Table 1).

Because of the high oxygen demand of its organic composition, slaughterhouse effluent is

classified as non-toxic and polluting, making it less damaging than industrial and industrial

chemical effluents. Still, according to Masse and Masse (2000), slaughterhouse wastewater is

extremely damaging to the ecosystem. Organic waste from blood, manure, fat, meat tissue, and

10
urine is discharged into the wastewater stream during abattoir processing, contributing to surface

and groundwater contamination (Bello and Odeyemi, 2009).

According to Irshad et al., wastewater discharge is commonly divided into four types

(2015). Slaughterhouse effluent is regarded as non-toxic and polluting because of the high

oxygen requirement of its organic makeup, making it less harmful than industrial and industrial

chemical effluents. Nonetheless, slaughterhouse wastewater, according to Masse and Masse

(2000), is particularly harmful to the ecosystem. During abattoir processing, organic waste such

as blood, manure, fat, meat tissue, and urine is discharged into the wastewater stream,

contributing to surface and groundwater contamination (Bello and Odeyemi, 2009).

2.2 Characteristics of Slaughterhouse wastewater

Due to the sheer SWW complex composition of lipids, proteins, fibres, high organic content,

microorganisms, and medications for veterinary purposes, meat processing effluents are deemed

toxic worldwide. Due to the general wide variety of SWW and pollutant loading, slaughterhouse

effluents are often assessed using bulk metrics. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical

oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP),

and total suspended solids (TSS) are all abundant in SWW (TSS).

2.3 Environmental impact and health effects of slaughterhouse wastewater

The commercialisation of animal products for human use results in a considerable amount of

SWW being produced. Although natural degrading processes in the environment can handle a

certain amount of pollutants, when the SWW concentration rises, these mechanisms become

overworked, resulting in contamination concerns. The discharge of raw SWW into water bodies

11
has an impact on water quality, notably since it reduces dissolved oxygen (DO), which can lead

to aquatic life mortality. Furthermore, macronutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus have the

potential to produce eutrophication. The release of these nutrients causes an overabundance of

algae growth and, as a result, deterioration. As a result of the decrease in DO levels caused by

algal mineralization, aquatic life may suffer. Finally, SWW may contain substances that are

directly hazardous to aquatic life, such as chromium and unionised ammonia.

Water is a valuable national asset, a major natural resource, and a basic human need

(Harish babu et al., 2004). It is necessary in many aspects of life and health, including food

production, industrial activity, energy generation, environmental preservation, and development

(Tiwari, 2000). Domestic waste or raw sewage effluent is often brownish brown and odorous.

Total suspended particles, biochemical oxygen demand, nutrient-nitrogen, and phosphorus are

some of the main constituents of residential and raw sewage wastewaters that are targeted for

removal during treatment (Girisha et al., 2006). Eutrophication effects could be exacerbated by

high nitrate levels in waste effluents, especially in freshwater (Fried, 1991; OECD, 1982).

2.4 Physical and chemical parameters of abattoir wastewater samples were determined

A pH metre was used to measure the pH of the abattoir wastewater in real time (Mettler Toledo).

The chemical properties of abattoir wastewater were determined in the laboratory by measuring

the concentrations of TSS, COD, BOD5, NH3-N, and O&G using established procedures for

water and wastewater analysis (APHA, 2005). To boost the accuracy of the reading, each of the

abattoir effluent samples was tested three times. The findings of the laboratory analyses were

then documented and compared to the EQA's compliance criteria.

12
2.5 In-Situ Water Quality

Due to its impact on the organisms living in a body of water, dissolved oxygen refers to

the amount of oxygen dissolved in an aqueous solution or in water bodies, as well as key water

quality indices (Shmeis, 2018). Temperature affects the amount of dissolved oxygen in water.

The amount of substance that can be dissolved in pure water is inversely related to the water's

temperature. As a result of the lower amount of dissolved oxygen in water, the water will get

warmer.

The pH parameter is a measurement of the relative amount of free hydrogen and hydroxyl group

ions in the water. Acidic water has a lot of free hydrogen ions, whereas basic water contains a lot

of free hydroxyl ions. pH is a crucial indicator of chemically active water because pH is typically

full of chemicals in the water. For optimal growth and survival, aquatic species prefer the pH of

their water body to be in a specific range (Kelly, 2004). The indication of all salts dissolved in

water is salinity. The salts in surface and groundwater streams are very soluble and may be

changed by water flow. Element per thousand is a unit of measurement for salt (ppt). The

maximum salinity allowed in rivers and lakes is 0.5 ppt (500 mg/l) (Mishra et al, 2021).

2.6 Ex-situ Water Quality

Total suspended solids (TSS) are solid materials suspended in water, such as organic and

inorganic compounds. When it reaches a high quantity in water, it can degrade water quality by

absorbing light. It will reduce water's ability to hold oxygen, which is necessary for aquatic life,

and it will make the water warmer than before. Because water plants will also receive less light,

this will eventually influence photosynthesis, resulting in a decrease in oxygen generation.

13
 BOD, also known as biological gas demand, is the amount of dissolved oxygen required

(i.e., requested) by aerobic biological organisms to break down organic matter contained in a

given water sample at a particular temperature over a certain time period (Li and Liu, 2019). The

BOD can be used as a rough estimate of how much biochemically degradable organic matter is

present in a sample. The BOD value is generally given in milligrammes of oxygen used per litre

of sample over a 5-day incubation period at 20°C, and it is frequently used as a surrogate for the

degree of organic pollution in water (Kumar, 2005).

Chemical oxygen demand (COD) is widely utilised as a proxy for carbon bioavailability

in addition to biological oxygen demand (BOD). Unlike the BOD test, which takes days, the

COD test is designed to produce results in a fraction of the time (within hours). Strong oxidants

are used in the COD test to oxidise organic materials that bacteria may only partially or not at all

oxidise (Z.Hu and D.Grasso, 2005).

2.7 Water Quality Indexes

Most countries use the Water Quality Index (WQI) technique, which is comparable to the

existing DOE index (DOE, 1994), which combines measurements of selected physical, chemical,

biological, and radiative characteristics to express water quality in a single number (Cude et al.,

1997). WQI is a non-unitless number that ranges from 0 to 100. A higher index number indicates

that the water is of good quality. As a result, in the assessment of water quality, a numerical

index is utilised as a management tool (Avvannavar and Shrihari, 2007).

WQI is a mathematical instrument that converts a large amount of data on water quality

into a single digit, cumulatively derived numerical expression that indicates the level of water

quality. This is necessary for evaluating the water quality of various sources and observing

14
variations in the water quality of a given source over time and in the presence of other

influencing variables (Sarkar and Abbasi, 2006). The Water Quality Index (WQI) was created to

evaluate the quality of water for a range of purposes. Water quality in lakes, streams, rivers, and

reservoirs is measured by this index. The Water Quality Index (WQI) is based on a comparison

of a water quality parameter to regulatory norms (Khan et al., 2003).

The water quality index is a composite of various essential water quality metrics that

provides an overall index of water quality for a given application. The formulation of an index

necessitates the inclusion of several contaminants and elements. The most basic WQIs are based

on dissolved oxygen, total suspended solids, pH, and maybe some nutrients. Each of these

criteria is measured and compared to a categorization table to determine if the water is excellent,

good, fair, poor, or extremely poor (Davis and McCuen, 2005). Several water quality indexes

have been developed to assist water quality divisions in several United States states, Canada, and

Malaysia. Most of these indices, however, are based on the WQI created by the National

Sanitation Foundation (NSF) in the United States (Said et al., 2004). The current method for

calculating the WQI in Malaysia is based on opinion polls (Khuan et al., 2002).

Although the WQI approach has the potential to simplify complicated scientific

information on water quality for evaluation, communication, and reporting, there are benefits and

drawbacks to employing it (UNEP GEMS, 2005).

Advantages of indexes are:

● WQIs can be used to highlight both regional and temporal variations in water quality.

● Provide a way for presenting the relevance of routinely generated laboratory data that is

clear, concise, and valid.

15
 ● Assist in the evaluation of water quality for general consumption;

● Allow consumers to quickly analyse data in terms of specific parameters;

● Based on specified criteria, it is possible to determine water quality trends and problem

locations.

● Create a screening tool for further assessment.

● Increase public awareness of water quality via improving communication with the public.

● Assist in the establishment of management priorities.

Disadvantages of indexes are:

● Only give a high-level overview of the parameters that you've chosen.

● Unable to provide comprehensive information on water quality

● Impossible to assess all water quality risks

● Can be subjective and biassed

● Due to varying temperatures and situations

● Are founded on non-universally applicable conceptual generalisations

● Requirement that groups/sets of indicators be required in their formulation

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) of the United States produced the most widely used

water quality index, and the Malaysian WQI is briefly addressed in the next section. Said et al.,

2004; Rocchini and Swain, 2001; Cude, 2001; Sarkar and Abbasi, 2005; CCME, 2001; and

Boyacioglu, 2007 provide literature on the other WQI.

16
2.8 Characterisation of Microflora from Halal Abattoir

Abattoirs utilise a lot of water in their processing activities (slaughtering and cleaning) for

sanitary reasons, which results in a lot of effluent. Furthermore, higher water consumption in

slaughterhouse facilities has resulted from the increased use of automated machinery to process

corpses, as well as the incorporation of cleaning at every level. Water from slaughterhouses is a

good substrate for anaerobic digestion because of its high fat and protein content, as well as the

projected high methane production. The anaerobic breakdown of slaughterhouse waste involves

a variety of microbes, each of which may be rate-limiting depending on the waste being treated

as well as the procedure. The hydrolytic bacteria are the first group, which decompose complex

substances (protein, carbs, and fat) into simpler chemicals like organic acids, alcohols, CO2, and

hydrogen. The hydrogen-producing acetogenic bacteria, on the other hand, make acetate and

hydrogen from organic acids and alcohols. Homoacetogenic bacteria, on the other hand, can only

produce acetate from hydrogen, CO2, organic acids, alcohols, and carbohydrates. Methanogens,

the fourth group, produce methane from acetate, CO2, and hydrogen.

Microorganisms that are hydrolytic, acetogenic, and methanogenic all play a part in

anaerobic digestion and methane generation. The interaction of numerous bacteria is required for

optimal methane production3, therefore biodegradation of compounds in wastewater is

dependent on the activity of all microbial groups involved. Lactobacillus, Eubacterium,

Clostridium, Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, Leuconostoc, and Klebsiella are all

common fermentative bacteria. Acetobacterium, Clostridium, and Desulfovibrio are examples of

acetogenic bacteria. 2 Methane-producing organisms belong to the Archaea domain and the

Euryarchaeota phylum.

17
2.9 Impact of wastewater on the environment

Wastewater is a complicated resource with both benefits and drawbacks to its use.

Wastewater and its nutritional content can be used to grow crops, resulting in enormous

advantages for farming communities and society as a whole. However, wastewater utilisation can

have detrimental consequences for populations and ecosystems. The widespread use of

wastewater containing toxic wastes, as well as a lack of enough funding for treatment, are

expected to result in an increase in the incidence of wastewater-borne diseases and a faster

degradation of the ecosystem. Although the negative impacts of using contaminated wastewater

effluents can be postponed for several years by using intense and heavy irrigation, it has a

negative impact on groundwater quality as nutrients drain down the soil (Mahmood and

Maqbool, 2006).

The reduction of dissolved oxygen is aided by eutrophication, which is caused by a

surplus of nutrients. It's worth noting that other elements of wastewater effluents play a role in

the depletion of DO as well. The bacterial decomposition of organic materials in wastewater, as

well as the oxidation of chemicals in it, can deplete dissolved oxygen in receiving water bodies

(Borchardt and Statzner, 1990). As a result of the building of oxygen-consuming particles in the

bottom sediments, these impacts may be immediate and short-term, or they may last months or

years (Environmental Canada, 1999).

Low dissolved oxygen levels have an influence on fish survival by increasing their

susceptibility to illnesses, causing growth retardation, hindered swimming ability, changes in

eating and migratory, and, in severe cases, quick mortality. Changes in species composition can

occur when dissolved oxygen concentrations are reduced over time (Welch, 1992; Chambers and

Mills, 1996; Environmental Canada, 1997). Physical changes in receiving water bodies can also

18
be caused by poorly treated wastewater discharge. Temperature preferences and tolerance

limitations are common among aquatic living forms. Any increase in a water body's average

temperature can have ecological consequences. Municipal wastewater effluents are a source of

thermal enhancement since they are warmer than receiving water bodies (Welch, 1992; Horner et

al., 1994).

Furthermore, the release of suspended solids into receiving waters can have a variety of

direct and indirect environmental consequences, such as lower sunlight penetration (reduced

photosynthesis), physical injury to fish, and toxic effects from pollutants linked to suspended

particles (Horner et al., 1994). The phenomenon of bioaccumulation and biomagnification of

pollutants is another environmental impact of untreated wastewater discharge, which has been

connected to health in some cases. Certain compounds that are found in low concentrations or

scarcely detectable in water can sometimes be found in huge concentrations in the tissues of

plants and animals due to the phenomena of bioaccumulation. These compounds are usually

stable, have a long chemical life, and are difficult to break down by digestive processes

(Environmental Canada, 1997; 1999).

The concentrations of some contaminants may be considerably enhanced in some

situations due to the process of biomagnification, which occurs when contaminants transit

through a food chain that is prey to predators (Chambers and Mills, 1996). Very low

concentrations of certain compounds in wastewater are a source of worry due to bioaccumulation

and biomagnification processes. Organo-chlorine insecticides, mercury, and heavy metals are

examples of such chemicals. Although there are other sources of persistent bioaccumulative

(such as harmful compounds in the environment), such as industrial discharges and pollutant

19
deposition in the atmosphere, municipal wastewater remains one of the most prominent

(Environmental Canada, 1997).

Furthermore, harmful compounds released from wastewater into receiving water bodies

have direct deleterious effects on land plants and animals. The harmful effects can be immediate

or build up over time. Large levels of ammonia and chlorine, high loads of oxygen-demanding

compounds, or hazardous quantities of heavy metals and organic pollutants are the most common

causes of acute consequences from wastewater effluents. Cumulative effects result from the

gradual accumulation of pollutants in receiving water, which only become apparent when a

particular threshold is crossed (Welch, 1992; Chambers et al., 1997).

20
CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Study Site

The study area chosen is the Halal Abattoir Complex on Lot 1641, Block 5, Sentah-Segu Land

District, Siburan, Kuching, Sarawak.

3.2 Sampling Methods

STP sewage water samples were collected in sterile 250ml conical flasks. In an icebox, they

were transferred to the laboratory. Microbiological, biochemical, and physiological tests were

performed on them.

3.3 Secondary Data obtained for reference

Secondary data was used for this project from Slaughterhouse water consumption and

wastewater characteristics in the meat processing industry in Serbia, written by Natalija Aleksić,

Aleksandar Nešović, Vanja Šušteršič, Dušan Gordić, Dobrica Milovanović.

21
CHAPTER 4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Biophysical Parameters: Ex-situ

Without With Equipment and

Parameter Unit
dilution dilution Standard

pH metre APHA
pH (25℃ - off site) 6.83 6.61
4500 H*B

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (5 DO metre APHA

mg/L 193 156
days - 20℃) 5210 B

Spectrophotometer
Chemical Oxygen Demand mg/L 960 778
APHA 5220 D

Gravimetric APHA
Total Suspended Solids mg/L 252 248
2540 D

Ammoniacal Nitrogen mg/L 50.00 36.40 HACH 8038

Gravimetric APHA
Oil and Grease mg/L N.D (<1) N.D (<1)
5520 B

MPN/100
Total Coliform Count 92 000 16 000 Culture APHA 9221
mL

MPN/100 Culture APHA 9221

Total Faecal Coliform 54 000 3 500
mL B&E

The majority of studies/research in the meat business (slaughterhouses and meat processing

plants) focuses on:

1. reducing water use and wastewater creation, and

2. using advanced (combination) wastewater treatment techniques

A great majority of studies and research projects begin by identifying the locations and features

of wastewater generation. Water consumption centres in slaughterhouses and meat processing

industries must be identified in order to identify wastewater generating sites.

22
Given the vast range of variables that can be expected when establishing where freshwater is

utilised in slaughterhouses, examining the specific processes in which freshwater is used is more

efficient. Table 1 displays the percentage of freshwater used in different slaughterhouse

procedures. After determining where freshwater is used, the characteristics of effluent from

slaughterhouses and meat processing factories must be determined. pH, chemical oxygen

demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), total suspended solids (TSS), fat, oil, and

greases (FOG), and other characteristics vary greatly in slaughterhouse wastewater (SWW). Due

to the presence of blood, fat, and mucosa, they also contain large levels of organic material,

resulting in high BOD and COD readings. TSS, as well as nitrogen (from blood) and phosphorus,

may be present in meat industry effluent. Due to the presence of blood, fat, and mucosa, they

also contain large levels of organic material, resulting in high BOD and COD readings. TSS, as

well as nitrogen (from blood) and phosphorus, may be present in meat industry effluent. To

recap, slaughterhouses and meat processing factories are part of a broad global sector whose

effluent composition is influenced by various slaughtering procedures. As a result, for a safe and

long-term release to the environment, SWW requires extensive treatment.

23
Table 1: Consumption of fresh water in specific processes in different slaughterhouses

Slaughterhouse [%]

Area of usage SI. 1 SI. 2 SI. 3 SI. 4 SI. 5 SI. 6

Vehicle wash - - - 7 5 5

Stockyards 25 7 - 24 7 - 22 6 5 3

Slaughter, bleeding, evisceration 10 49 - 79 44 - 60 10 5 - 10 31

Cutting, deboning - 5 -10 - 5 5 -10 -

Scald tank - - - 13 3 7

Rind treatment - - - - 10 - 15 -

Casing - - 9 - 20 - 20 -

Paunch, gut and offal washing 20 7 - 38 7 - 38 - - -

Rendering 2 2-8 2-8 - - -

Sterilisers, wash stations 10 - - - 10 - 15 5

Amenities 7 2-5 2-5 - - -

Plant cleaning 22 - - 46 15 - 20 33

Chillers 2 2 2 1 5 -

Cooling - - - 12 - 6

Boiler losses 2 1-4 1-4 - 2 -

Personal hygiene - - - - - 10
Secondary data from: Slaughterhouse water consumption and wastewater characteristics in

the meat processing industry in Serbia.

24
4.2 Condition of the water sampling point

Water samples were taken when the treatment plant was not functioning and the water is

stagnant. This is due to the plant not operating during the time and the cleaning process was

being done whilst the samples were taken. The significance of conducting the water quality

analysis at these sampling points, these data could be used as benchmark or future reference to

compare the changes of water quality if the ecotourism activities take place.

4.3 Impacts of Wastewater Effluents

The degradation of receiving water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, and streams, is caused by the

quality of wastewater effluents. Polluted wastewater effluents can have a variety of negative

consequences on the quality of receiving water bodies, depending on the volume of discharge

and the chemical and microbiological concentrations/composition of the effluents. It also

depends on the type of discharge, such as the amount of suspended solids or organic matter, as

well as the properties of the receiving waters, as well as dangerous pollutants such as heavy

metals and organochlorines (Owuli, 2003). Eutrophication of water sources may also favour the

growth of toxin-producing cyanobacteria by creating favourable environmental conditions.

In animals, chronic exposure to these organisms' toxins can cause gastroenteritis, liver

damage, nervous system impairment, skin irritation, and liver cancer (EPA, 2000; Eynard et al.,

2000; WHO, 2006). Recreational water users, as well as anyone else who comes into touch with

the infected water, are at risk (Resource Quality Services, 2004). Pollutants from sewage

effluents can have a variety of negative consequences on the coastal environment receiving water

quality, depending on the volume of discharge, chemical composition, and concentrations in the

effluent (Owili, 2003). The most frequent health risks connected with untreated drinking and

25
recreational waters are diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. These contain a wide

range of viruses, bacteria, and protozoa that could end up in drinking water supplies or receiving

bodies of water (Kris, 2007).

26
CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION

Wastewater effluents play a significant role in a range of water contamination issues.

Eutrophication, which can encourage the growth of algae, increased water purification costs,

interference with the recreational value of water, health concerns to humans and cattle, excessive

oxygen loss, and undesired changes in aquatic species are just a few of these issues. Because

enormous amounts of wastewater effluents run through sewage treatment systems on a daily

basis, there is a need to mitigate and mitigate the overall effects of these effluents in receiving

water bodies. Wastewater must be treated before release in order to comply with wastewater

legislation and recommendations. This can be accomplished by employing proper treatment

procedures that will help to reduce threats to public health and the environment. Careful

planning, adequate and appropriate treatment, regular monitoring, and appropriate laws are all

required to achieve unpolluted wastewater discharge into recipient water bodies. This will

improve science-based decision-making and ensure the environment's long-term viability as well

as the health of plants and animals. There is also a requirement to guarantee that regulatory

organisations' effluent criteria and limitations are not violated. Several flaws and inconsistencies

in the available data between slaughterhouses were discovered during the data collection process.

Differences across slaughterhouses stem from the fact that, prior to the establishment of an

integrated permit for environmental effect control, little attention was paid to environmental

impact monitoring in this industry.

27
REFERENCE

Alonge D.O. (1991). Textbook of meat hygiene in the tropics. Ibadan, Nigeria: Farm Coe Press.

A.N. Hassan, B.K. Nelson (2012). Invited review: anaerobic fermentation of dairy food
wastewater J Dairy Sci, 95, pp. 6188-6203.

Avvannavar, S. M., and Shrihari, S. (2007). Evaluation of water quality index for drinking
purposes for river Netravathi, Mangalore, South India. Environmental Monitoring and
Assessment.

Barker, Sabrina & Robarts, Richard & Yamashiki, Yosuke & Takeuchi, Kuniyoshi & Yoshimura,
Chihiro & Muguetti, Ana. (2007). UNEP‐GEMS/Water Programme—water quality data,
GEMStat and open web services—and Japanese cooperation. Hydrological Processes. 21.
1132 - 1141. 10.1002/hyp.6673.

Borchardt D, Statzner B (1990). Ecological impact of urban runoff studied in experimental

flumes: population loss by drift and availability of refugial space. Aquat. Sci. 52:
299-314.

Cude, C., Dunnette, D., Avent, C., Franklin, A., Gross, G., Hartmann, J., Hayteas, D., Jenkins, T.,
Leben, K., Lyngdal, J., Marks, D., Morganti, C., and Quin, T. (1997). Exploring
possibilities for an international water quality index applied to river streams. In Best, G.
A., Bogacka, T., & Niemirycz, E. (Eds). International river water quality. London: E &
FN Spon.

Chambers PA, Allard M, Walker SL, Marsalek J, Lawrence J, Servos M, Busnarda J, Munger
KS, Adare K, Jefferson C, Kent RA, Wong MP (1997). Impacts of municipal effluents on
Canadian waters: a review. Water Qual. Res. J. Can. 32(4): 659-713.

Chambers PA, Mills T (1996). Dissolved Oxygen Conditions and Fish Requirements in the
Athabasca, Peace and Slave Rivers: Assessment of Present Conditions and Future Trends.
Northern River Basins Study Synthesis Report No. 5. Environment Canada/Alberta
Environmental Protection, Edmonton, AB.

Codex A. (1993). Code of Hygiene practice for meat (CAC/RCP 58- 2005). Retrieved from:
http://www.codexalimentarius.net/downlo ad/standard/10196/cxp_058e.

Davis, A. P. & McCuen, R. H. (2005). Stormwater management for smart growth. 1st edition.
Springer Science and Business Media.

28
Department of Environment - DOE (1994). Classification of Malaysian rivers. Final report on
development of water quality criteria and standards for Malaysia (Phase IV – River
Classification). Department of Environment Malaysia, Ministry of science, technology
and the environment.

Environmental Canada (1997). Review of the impacts of municipal wastewater effluents on

Canadian waters and human health. Ecosystem Science Directorate, Environmental
Conservation Service, Environmental Canada, p. 25.

Environmental Canada (1999). State of the Great Lakes. Environmental Canada and the US
Environmental Protection Agency, p. 8.

EPA (2000). Nutrient criteria technical guidance manual-rivers and streams. EPA-822-B-00-002.
Washington DC.

Eynard F, Mez K, Walther JL (2000). Risk of cyanobacterial toxins in Riga waters (LATVIA).
Water Res. 30(11): 2979-2988.

Fried, J.J. (1991). Nitrates and their Control in the EEC Aquatic Environment. pp. 55-63. In I.
Borgadi, and D. Kuselka (ed.), Nitrate Contamination, Exposure, Consequences and
control. NATO ASI Series G30, Ecological Sciences, Springer-Verlag. Berlin.

Harish Babu,K., E.T.Puttaiah, Vijaya kumara, and T.R.Shashi Shekar. 2004. Evolution of
groundwater quality inTarikere Taluk.Indian J.Environmental protection. 24:684-688.

Hu, Z. & Grasso, D. (2005). WATER ANALYSIS | Chemical Oxygen Demand. Encyclopaedia
of Analytical Science (Second Edition), 325-330.

Horner RR, Skupien JJ, Livingstone EH, Shaver HE (1994). Fundamentals of urban runoff
management. Technical and Institutional Issues, Terrene Institute, Washington, DC.

Girisha, S.T., M.Muniyamma, and S.Umesha.2006.Effects of sewage water on soil chemical

composition. J. Ecotoxicol. Environ. Monit. 16:279-284.

Kelly, A., Linda, G., & Elizabeth, H. (2004). pH and Alkalinity. URI Watershed Watch, 1-4.

Kumar, R. & Kumar, A. (2005). WATER ANALYSIS | Biochemical Oxygen Demand.

Encyclopaedia of Analytical Science , 315-324.

29
Khan, F., Husaini, T., and Lumb, A. (2003). Water quality evaluation and trend analysis in
selected watersheds of the Atlantic region of Canada. Environmental Monitoring and
Assessment. 88, 221–242.

Khuan, L. Y., Noraliza Hamzah, and Rozita Jailani. (2002). Prediction of water quality index
(WQI) based on artificial neutral network. Student Conference on Research and
Development Proceedings, Shah Alam, Malaysia.

Kris M (2007). Wastewater pollution in China. Available from http:www.dbc.uci/wsu

stain/suscoasts/krismin.html. Accessed: 16/06/2008.

Mahmood S, Maqbool A (2006). Impacts of Wastewater Irrigation on Water Quality and on the
Health of Local Community in Faisalabad. Pak J. Water Resour. 10(2): 19-22.

Masse D.I. and Masse L. (2000). Characterisation of wastewater from hog slaughterhouses in
Eastern Canada and evaluation of their in-plant wastewater treatment systems. Canadian
Agricultural Engineering, 42(3): 139-146.

Mekonnen M.M. and Hoekstra A.Y. (2012). A global assessment of the water footprint of farm
animal products. Ecosystems, 15(3): 401-415.

Nallathambi, T., M. Easwar, and K. Kuberaraj. (2002). Abundance of indicator and general
heterotrophic bacteria in Port Blair bay,Andaman;s. Indian J Marine Sciences.31:65-68.

Owuli MA (2003). Assessment of impact of sewage effluents on coastal water quality in

Hafnarfjordur, Iceland. The United Nations Fishery Training Program, Final Report.

Said, A., Stevens, D. K., and Sehlke, G. (2004). An innovative index for evaluating water quality
in streams. Environmental Management. 34(3), 406–414.

Sarkar, C., and Abbasi, S. A. (2006). Qualidex – A new software for generating water quality
indice. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. 119, 201–231.

Shmeis, R. M. (2018). Water Chemistry and Microbiology. Comprehensive Analytical

Chemistry, 1-56.

Tamrin S.B.M., Tukur M.A., Nasir M.D.M. and Khairani-Bejo S. (2016). Prevalence of
Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and Enterobacteriaceae on hands of workers in halal cattle
abattoirs in Peninsular Malaysia. Malays. J. Med. Sci., 23(5): 65-71.

30
T.G. Chasteen, D.E. Fuentes, J.C. Tantaleán, C.C. Vásquez (2009). Tellurite: history, oxidative
stress, and molecular mechanisms of resistance. FEMS Microbiol Rev, 33, pp. 820-832.

Welch EB (1992). Ecological effects of wastewater. Applied Limnology and Pollutant Effects,
2nd edition. Chapman and Hall, New York, p.45.

WHO (2006). Guidelines for the Safe Use of Wastewater, Excreta and Greater, vol. 3. World
Health Organisation Press, Geneva, Switzerland.

31