Evaluation of Electrocoagulation as a wastewater treatment technology for meat processors

The aim of the project is to review the applicability and effectiveness of electrocoagulation for treating wastewater streams from small to medium sized red meat abattoirs in Australia. Electrocoagulation (EC) appears to be a promising alternative to chemical coagulation/flocculation. EC has a long history as a wastewater treatment technology in industries including meat processing, dairies, tanneries, textiles and others. While EC is relatively uncommon in the Australian Meat Processing sector its small footprint, low chemical consumption and ability to meet stringent wastewater treatment discharge standards has renewed interest in the technology. Furthermore, some recent design developments appear to have addressed previous operational issues such as electrode passivation. The project will include a pilot trial of an Electrocoagulation Wastewater Treatment System provided by the company, Inovin.