Application of Ultrafiltration Membranes in the Tertiary Treatment of Poultry Slaughterhouse Wastewater for Reuse

Campeol E, Bruel GM, Oldoni BT, Boff A, Steffens C, Dallago RM and Steffens J

Published on: 2025-07-08

Abstract

The poultry industry, particularly slaughterhouses, is known for its high water consumption, generating large volumes of wastewater with substantial organic and microbiological loads, thereby requiring efficient treatment before disposal or reuse. In this context, membrane technologies have emerged as promising alternatives to improve treated wastewater quality. This study evaluated the application of Ultrafiltration (UF) as a complementary step in the treatment of poultry slaughterhouse wastewater collected after stabilization ponds, aiming at its reuse. Experiments were carried out using a 50 kDa polysulfone membrane at operating pressures of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 bar. Permeate fluxes were monitored, and physicochemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed. UF significantly reduced turbidity (up to 83.46%), chemical oxygen demand (COD, up to 76.02%), hardness (up to 65.52%), alkalinity (up to 64.75%), and total organic carbon (TOC, up to 80.17%), along with the complete removal of total coliforms and Escherichia coli. The operating pressure of 1.0 bar demonstrated the best performance and operational stability. However, increases in chloride concentration and residual color were observed, indicating limitations of UF in removing low-molecular-weight dissolved compounds. The results showed that the permeates complied with the microbiological and physicochemical standards established by Ordinance GM/MS No. 888/2021 for non-potable uses. However, achieving potable water reuse would require additional treatment steps, such as Nano filtration or reverse osmosis.