Roslan M.Y., Debbra M. & Tan T.L.
Abattoir wastewater contains diluted blood, protein, fat and suspended solids, resulting in various concentrations of organic compounds in the effluent. The residues were partially soluble, leading to high risks of contaminating riverbeds and other water sources if left untreated. This study was carried out to evaluate the organic pollutant concentrations from the Banting Abattoir and to assess its compliance with Environment Quality Act, 1974. The wastewater samples were collected at the discharge points. Physical and chemical characteristics of the wastewater were determined by measuring the pH, total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) and, oil and grease (O&G) using the procedure described in the APHA (2005) Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. The results showed that the mean values of TSS, BOD5 and COD were 667 mg/L, 449 mg/L and 1,665 mg/L, respectively. It was found that the wastewater of this abattoir contains high levels of pollutants as it exceeded the permissible limits of 100 mg/L for TSS, 50 mg/L BOD5 and 200 mg/L COD according to Standard B by the Department of Environment (DOE) of Malaysia pertaining to regulations of water discharge. Based on these findings, monitoring of the wastewater should be conducted more frequently to prevent environmental pollution and reduce health hazards caused by the activities of the abattoir. The abattoir management was advised to employ an effective wastewater treatment facility in order to comply with effluent discharge requirements of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.