Poor Management of Processing Wastes

As with the wastes from animal production, the processing of animal products results in waste products that are potentially damaging to the environment. Again the majority of processes, and the management of wastes involve the use and disposal of water. | Discharge of Soluble and Insoluble Organic and Inorganic Compounds in Wastewater Disposal of Solid Wastes Discharge of Toxic Wastes Environmental Assessment: Pressure State Response Indicators Policy Pressures and Policy Options

The main polluting component is therefore waste water, and as such there are many overlaps with the environmental problems associated with the disposal of wastes from industrial animal production systems. However, there are enough differences in the composition of processing wastes to require separate consideration. The main problem associated with the disposal of animal manure is the high nutrient load, resulting in excessive nutrient build-up on land and in aquatic systems.

The three main polluting agents from animal products processing are:

- High organic matter concentrations, particularly fasts, oils, proteins, and carbohydrates - leading to a high biological oxygen demand (BOD) for the breakdown of these compounds in aquatic systems;
- High insoluble organic and inorganic particle content - a high suspended solid load; and
- From tanneries - release of toxic compounds.

Discharge of Soluble and Insoluble Organic and Inorganic Compounds in Wastewater

Slaughterhouses use large volumes of hot water and steam for cleaning and sterilising carcasses. The waste from this process is often discharged untreated into municipal waste systems, or in many cases direct into open drains or streams.

Waste water is also discharged direct onto agricultural land, with the intention of disposing of the waste while irrigating and fertilising the soils.

Disposal of Solid Wastes

As an alternative solid waste is sometimes disposed of in land fill or incinerated. The end result is generally the same, as organic compounds leach into water systems.

Discharge of Toxic Wastes

The problem of toxic wastes is particularly significant for tanneries. The process of tanning involves the use of chromium tannin, which is highly toxic to fish and other aquatic life. Salt and hydrogen sulphide are also present in high concentrations.

Mineral tannery waste is often disposed of on land, which may reduce the immediate impact on aquatic systems, but has led to poisoning of soils. In the end the compounds still end up in aquatic systems through leaching. The impacts can extend to human health problems through the pollution of drinking water.

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