Dirasat, Engineering Sciences, Volume 35, No.

2, 2008

Characterization and Assessment of Treatability of Wastewater

Generated in Amman Slaughterhouse

Ameen Sarairah and Ahmad Jamrah*

ABSTRACT
Slaughterhouse industry can result in serious environmental pollution. Amman slaughterhouse is considered the
largest one in the country and consumes more than 400m3/day. This study aims to characterize slaughterhouse
wastewater generated in Amman, and assessing various suitability of biological treatment and economic
feasibility of wastewater reuse. Composite wastewater samples were collected and analyzed from Amman
slaughterhouse in the period of December 2006 to July 2007. Results of the study indicated the presence of
diurnal differences between the characteristics of the wastewater between summer and winter. Amman
slaughterhouse wastewater is classified as strong wastewater in terms of its content of COD and BOD5. The ratio
of COD/BOD5 indicates applicability of biological treatment. The study also concluded that the organic and
nitrogen contents of the slaughterhouse wastewater are associated significantly with suspended solids indicating
that anaerobic biological treatment could be more efficient for the treatment of this type of wastewater. The
study also showed that direct reuse of slaughterhouse wastewater is acceptable in terms of most of its inorganic
content while direct reuse is not acceptable in terms of its organic content. Finally, yearly cost-benefit analysis
related to the treatment and reuse of Amman slaughterhouse wastewater shows net earning resulting from proper
management of this wastewater.

Keywords: Slaughterhouse, Wastewater, Characterization, Treatability, Reuse, Feasibility.

1. INTRODUCTION Approximately 80% of the country is desert and receives

Arid and semi-arid countries like Jordan must
employ innovative techniques so that they can arrive at
sound and sustainable management of water resources.
This is mainly due to the fact that water is extremely
essential for socioeconomic development (Al-Kloub et
al., 1998). The reuse of treated wastewater constitutes a
viable alternative in many cases; as wastewater
generation rates can be as high as 80% of the total water
consumption (Metcalf and Eddy, 2003). Jordan water
resources are characterized by vulnerability and
variability (Bakir, 1999). Due to the variable
topographic features of Jordan, the distribution of
rainfall varies considerably with location resulting in
chronic imbalance in the population-water resources
equation (Shatanawi and AL-Jayyousi, 1995).
* Department of Civil Engineering, University of Jordan.
Received on 28/1/2008 and Accepted for Publication on
9/6/2008.
a precipitation of less than 50 mm annually. Increased
population coupled with higher living standards have
resulted in higher water consumption in most
communities. Consequently, this resulted in increased
discharge of untreated wastewater.
To address water scarcity, the government of Jordan
considers treated wastewater as a strategic resource that
should be managed and used to lower the stress on fresh
water resources (WAJ 1997). As a result, Jordan is
reusing more than 70% of the treated wastewater effluents
generated (Surani, 2003). Reuse of treated wastewater
should not be limited to domestic discharges. In some
cases, industrial wastewater discharges are of significant
quantities and, when treated, should be considered part of
the wastewater reuse. One of the most industrial sectors
that produce large quantities of wastewater is the
slaughterhouse sector which often contains high
concentration of biodegradable organic matter.
Wastewater discharges generated from
slaughterhouses typically contain high concentrations of
organics, fat, and proteins (Al-Mutairi et al., 2003).

- 71 - © 2008 DAR Publishers/University of Jordan. All Rights Reserved.

Characterization and Assessment…
From the environmental engineering point of view, this
indicates that their treatment might be more demanding
than domestic wastewaters. However, these wastewaters
may be quiet useful when it comes to wastewater reuse
for agriculture. As has been reported (Al–Mutairi et al.,
2004; Al–Mutairi et al., 2003; Quinn and Farlane 1989;
Sangodoyin and Agbawhe, 1992), slaughterhouse
wastewater is very harmful to the environment. Effluent
discharges from slaughterhouses can result in the
depletion of oxygen from water bodies, and the
contamination of groundwater. These effluents contain
high levels of organic matter, which generally arise from
paunch, fecal, fat and lard, undigested food, blood,
suspended material, urine, loose meat, soluble proteins,
excrement, and particles. The pollution potential of
meat-processing and slaughterhouse plants has been
estimated at over 1 million population equivalent in the
Netherlands (Sayed 1987), and 3 million in France
(Festino and Aubart 1986). Blood, one of the major
dissolved pollutants in slaughterhouse wastewater, has a
chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 375,000 mg/L (Tritt
and Schuchardt 1992). Slaughterhouse wastewater also
contains high concentrations of suspended solids (SS),
including pieces of fat, grease, hair, feathers, flesh,
manure, grit, and undigested food (Bull et al. 1982). These
insoluble and slowly biodegradable SS represented 50%
of the pollution load in screened (1 mm) slaughterhouse
wastewater, while another 25% originated from colloidal
solids (Sayed and Zeeuw, 1988).
The number of slaughterhouse plants in Jordan is
estimated at 32 plants. Among these, 8 are owned by the
private sector and the rest are owned by municipalities
(MOA, 2006). While fresh water consumption reported
by the private sector stands at 1670 m3 per day, no data
is available regarding fresh water consumption by the
municipalities. The wastewater generated by the private
sector is usually treated using activated sludge biological
treatment, and the resulting treated effluent is reused for
agricultural purposes. The wastewater generated by
municipal slaughterhouse plants is usually discharged
either to municipal sewer system or transferred by
tankers to a final liquid disposal site overseen by the
Ministry of Water and Irrigation.
The slaughterhouse in the city of Amman is one of
the largest in the country, and was established in the year
1972, with a surface area of about 20000 m2. The
slaughterhouse serves about 80% of the city’s population
which is estimated at more than two million people. The
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Ameen Sarairah and Ahmad Jamrah
activities in the slaughterhouse include cattle, sheep and
poultry slaughtering. The Amman slaughterhouse
consists of two plants: the cattle and sheep plant and the
poultry plant. These two plants consume 45% and 55%
of the total fresh water; respectively. The total amount of
fresh water consumed is estimated at more than 400 m3
per day (MOGA, 2006). The operations conducted
throughout the slaughterhouse activities include blood
capturing. This operation results in capturing a daily
average of 15 m3 of pure blood, which is generally
collected and transferred to a nearby biogas plant. This
blood capturing process leads to a reduction in the total
COD and BOD5 of the waste.
Very few studies dealt with the characterization of
slaughterhouse wastewater. Masse and Masse (2000b)
characterized wastewater from hog slaughterhouses in
eastern Canada, and reported that raw wastewater has a
total COD in the range of 2333 to 8627 mg/L, and SS
concentration in the range of 736 and 2099 mg/L. Al–
Mutairi and co-workers (2003) characterized and
investigated the possibility of using contact stabilization
activated sludge process to treat slaughterhouse
wastewater generated in Kuwait city. Their results
indicated that the employed process effectively reduce
pollution potential of slaughterhouse wastewater. The
COD of slaughterhouse wastewater ranged from 3335 to
7580 mg/L, of which approximately 30% was in the
form of SS. Reported removal efficiency was 77% for
soluble COD and 82% for insoluble COD when the
applied volumetric loading rate was 1.8 kg COD/m3.day.
Many researchers investigated the treatment of
slaughterhouses wastewater (Masse and Masse 2000a,
Borja et al., 1995, Pozo et al., 2003, Merzouki et al.,
2005, Caixeta et al., 2002, Pozo et al., 2006, Manjunath
et al., 2000, Flugaur 2003, Pozo and Diez 2003, Fuchs et
al., 2003, Amuda and Alade 2006, Reginatto et al., 2005,
Ruiz et al., 1997, Pozo et al., 2000, Al-Mutairi et al.,
2004, Borja et al., 1998). They employed treatment
techniques ranging from anaerobic sequencing batch
reactor (ASBR), anaerobic fluidized-bed system,
anaerobic–anoxic sequencing batch reactor coupled with
fixed-bed nitrification reactor, a three-phase separation
system in a UASB reactor, anaerobic fixed-film reactor
(AFFR), upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB)
process, integrated anaerobic-aerobic fixed-film reactor,
anaerobic treatment using a stirred tank reactor coupled
with membrane filtration unit, coagulation/flocculation
process, anaerobic ammonium oxidation, and an upflow
Dirasat, Engineering Sciences, Volume 35, No. 2, 2008

anaerobic sludge blanket reactor followed by anaerobic
filter.
On the national level, no significant studies have
been carried out to characterize or investigate the
wastewater generated from slaughterhouse industry. As
a result, the objectives of this study include: (1)
evaluating the physical, chemical, and biological
characterization of the wastewater generated in the
Amman slaughterhouse, (2) investigating the diurnal
changes in the characteristics of the wastewater
generated, and (3) assessing various slaughterhouse
wastewater management options, including the
suitability of biological treatment and economic
feasibility of wastewater reuse.
2. METHODOLOGY
Composite wastewater samples were collected from
Amman slaughterhouse in the period of December 2006
to July 2007. This period was chosen to ensure that
diurnal changes are reflected by the samples. All
samples were collected in duplicates, at a point before
the wastewater is discharged directly to the sewer
system. The samples were collected bi-weekly during
the morning time, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Samples were
collected from the sewer of each of the two plants (cattle
and sheep plant and poultry plant). Two liters were
collected every hour, over a period of five hours to
ensure that representative composite samples were
obtained. An overall representative sample was then
obtained by mixing 45% of the first plant and 55% of the
second plant.
Parameters selected for analysis during this
investigation were determined based on previous studies
in this field. Table (1) shows an overview of selected
parameters analyzed during characterization of
slaughterhouse wastewater as reported in the literature.
The table also shows the parameters selected for this
study. Prior to analysis, samples were screened using 1-
mm sieve. Samples were then analyzed in duplicates
according to the Standard Methods for the Examination
of Water and Wastewater (APHA, 2005).

Table 1. An overview of selected parameters analyzed during characterization of slaughterhouse

wastewater as reported in the literature.
Reference Parameters investigated
Masse and Masse TCOD, SCOD, TS, VS, SS, VFA, TKN, NH3-N, protein, P, K, Ca, Na, Mg, S, Fe,
(2000b) Mn, pH, and Alkalinity.
Borja et al. (1995) COD, BOD, TSS, VSS, VFA, pH, Alkalinity, P, NH3-N, TKN, and Protein.
TCOD, SCOD, TBOD, SBOD, TSS, VSS, TKN-N, NH3-N, Total P, Cl, Grease and
Pozo et al. (2003)
Oil, and pH.
Merzouki et al. (2005) TCOD, SCOD, TOC, pH, VFA, NH4-N, TKN, P, and TSS.
Density, pH, Acidity, COD, BOD, Oil and Grease, Turbidity, TSS, VSS, FSS, Org.
Caixeta et al. (2002)
nitrogen, NH3-N, and Total P.
Pozo et al. (2006) COD, TKN, NHx-N, TSS, Total Alkalinity, and pH.
Manjunath et al. (2000) SS, pH, BOD5, Fat, TKN, P, and COD.
Flugaur (2003) BOD5, TSS, TKN, Total P, and Fecal coliform bacteria.
TCOD, SCOD, TBOD5, SBOD5, TKN, C/N, Partial Alkalinity, TSS, and Oil and
Pozo and Diez (2005)
Grease.
Al-Mutairi et al. (2003) TCOD, SCOD, SBOD5, SS, VSS, P, TKN, FOG, and pH.
Fuchs et al. (2003) COD, BOD, SS, pH, VFA, NH4-N, and TKN.
Amuda and Alade (2006) TSS, TDS, TP, BOD5, COD, TKN, FOG, Turbidity, and pH.
Reginatto et al. (2005) NH4-N, NO3⎯-N, NO2⎯-N, COD, and pH.
Ruiz et al. (1997) TCOD, TSS, COD insoluble%, Protein, Fats, P, NH3-N, and pH.
Pozo et al. (2000) BOD5, COD, TSS, TKN, TP, and Grease.
Al-Mutairi et al. (2004) Filterable COD, SS, Turbidity, pH, and TDS.
Borja et al. (1998) pH, COD, BOD5, TOC, TS, VS, Non-volatile solids, P, TKN, and Alkalinity.
TCOD, SCOD, BOD5, TS, TVS, TSS, VSS, VFA, TN, protein, P, K, Ca, Na, Mg,
This study
Mn, S, Fe, EC, HCO3-, NO2-, NO3-, NH4+, NH3, pH, and Alkalinity.

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Characterization and Assessment…
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Wastewater Treatability
As mentioned previously, the slaughterhouse
wastewater stream typically contains high levels of
organic matters which generally arise from paunch, fecal
matter, fat, lard, undigested food, suspended materials,
urine, and loose meat. These contents tend to form a
mixture of suspended solution at the end. As a result, the
collected samples in this study were screened at 1-mm
sieve. The statistical analyses of the results of the study
were carried out for the winter (wet) season, summer
(dry) season, and for the whole year. Results are
presented in Table (2).
The water authority of Jordan (WAJ), who is
responsible for monitoring and discharge of this
wastewater, carried out a monitoring program of raw
wastewater for the years 2004 to 2006. Unscreened
samples were collected and analyzed for the TCOD,
BOD5, TS, TSS, TDS, and pH. Results of these analyses
are shown in Table (3). It should be noted that results
presented in Table (3) do not include the outlying values
such as those of the COD data that were obtained prior
to installation of the blood capturing system.
The characterization of slaughterhouse wastewater is
divided generally into physical, chemical, and biological
properties. The interrelation within these properties
could contribute to selection of the treatment method
that will be applied. Seasonal measurements were
conducted in order to emphasize the effect of
temperature on these properties and its subsequent effect
on the chemical reactions taking place via the activity of
bacteria that is responsible for stabilization of organic
content of wastewater. It has been observed, as shown in
Table (2), that the screened samples have slightly low
TCOD content in the summer season compared to the
winter season.
The summer TCOD content of the wastewater ranges
from 1260 to 2390 mg/l with an average of 1866.57
mg/l, while the winter TCOD content ranges from 1390
to 3300 mg/l with an average of 2421.42 mg/l. Similar
trend is presented in Table (3) for the TCOD content of
raw wastewater samples obtained from WAJ. The
observed winter TCOD for the raw samples ranges from
2186 to 17968 mg/l with an average of 7644.57 mg/l
while the summer TCOD ranges from 807 to 6518 mg/l
with an average of 3664.14 mg/l.
The COD/BOD5 ratios recorded over the year time
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Ameen Sarairah and Ahmad Jamrah
for the screened and raw samples ranged from 1.25 to
2.5 and from 1.6 to 2.5; respectively. These numbers are
comparable to those presented by Metcalf and Eddy
(2003) and Jamrah (1999a). Those researchers stated that
the typical COD/BOD5 ratio of domestic wastewater is
usually in the range 1.25 to 2.5, and indicated that the
proportion of the biodegradable contents is higher than
the nonbiodegradable contents. This indicates that the
biological treatment is applicable in case of Amman
slaughterhouse wastewater treatment.
In addition to the organic content, the pH is of
concern when chemical properties of wastewater are
being investigated. In the case of biological waste
treatment the well-being of treatment microorganisms is
of concern. Low pH value may inhibit the growth of
microorganisms. The reported pH values of the screened
and raw wastewater samples of Amman slaughterhouse
are shown in Tables (2 and 3), and are within the range
favored by the bacteria.
The TDS content of the screened wastewater samples
ranged from 320 to 2560 mg/l with an average of
1826.42 mg/l, while the TDS of the raw samples ranges
from 846 to 5444 mg/l with an average of 2401.14 mg/l.
It can also be observed from Tables (2 and 3) that TSS
content of the wastewater recorded over the year time
for the screened and raw samples range from 600 to
1190 mg/l with an average of 863.57 mg/l and from 342
to 3850 mg/l with an average of 1424.21 mg/l;
respectively. These numbers are extremely significant
because suspended solids can lead to the development of
sludge deposits and anaerobic conditions when untreated
wastewater is discharged in the aquatic environment.
The measured TCOD, TDS and TSS results indicate
that the wastewater being studied is classified as strong,
since reported values for wastewater that is classified as
strong (Metcalf and Eddy, 2003) show values that are
lower than those measured.
Previous studies on slaughter wastewater as listed in
the text showed most of the researchers conducted their
works on the treatment rather than characterization. Few
researchers carried out research on slaughterhouse
wastewater characterization. Those researchers include
Masse and Masse (2000b) and Al–Mutairi and co-
workers (2003). Their findings are reported in Table (4),
which also compares those findings to the results of this
study. The table shows that the findings of this study are
very well comparable to those reported in the literature.
The slight difference between the numbers reported in
Dirasat, Engineering Sciences, Volume 35, No. 2, 2008

the table can be attributed to waste type, processing, wastewater shows better correlation compared to
measurements technique, efficiency of blood capturing screened wastewater, indicating association of TCOD
system, amount of consumed water, and other with suspended solids, and to larger extent with solids
slaughterhouse activities. greater than 1-mm in size. Similar observation can be
An attempt at investigating the different inter- made regarding TS and TSS for raw and screened
relationships prevailing among the different wastewater samples. However, the relationship between
characteristics of Amman slaughterhouse wastewater is BOD and TSS for screened wastewater shows better
shown in Table (5). The table shows regression correlation compared to raw wastewater, indicating
relationships obtained between the different parameters association of BOD with suspended solids, and to a lesser
of concern and the TSS content in screened and raw extent with solids greater than 1-mm in size. Additionally,
slaughterhouse wastewater samples. Selected the table clearly shows that some of the organic (including
relationships from this table are also shown in Figures (1 BOD) and nitrogen content of slaughterhouse wastewater
thru 6). The table and figures show positively correlated is associated with suspended solids. The fact that the
relationships between the parameters as indicated by the organic and nitrogen contents of the slaughterhouse
positive coefficients of determination (R2) and wastewater are associated significantly with suspended
correlation coefficients (r). One can conclude important solids indicates that anaerobic biological treatment could
facts about characteristics of slaughterhouse wastewater. be more efficient for the treatment of this type of
The relationship between TCOD and TSS for raw wastewater (Metcalf and Eddy, 2003).
Table 2. Summary of statistical analyses of Amman slaughterhouse wastewater characteristics screened at 1 mm
during winter, summer, and year time. (All units are in mg/1 except pH, and SAR which are dimensionless).
Winter time Summer time Year time
Parameter
Ave. Stdev. Max. Min. Ave. Stdev. Max. Min. Ave. Stdev. Max. Min.
Total COD 2421.42 683.01 3300 1390 1866.57 425.74 2390 1260 2144 617.94 3300.00 1260.0
Soluble COD 1707.14 594.13 2560 690 1547.85 390.31 2040.0 1118 1627.50 489.96 2560.00 690.00
BOD5 1080.42 247.01 1453 729 1389.57 310.90 1798.0 1006 1235 313.85 1798.00 729.00
TS 2677.14 568.46 3200 1510 2702.85 371.97 3210.0 2340 2690 461.72 3210.00 1510.0
TSS 1098.57 418.50 1990 780 742.85 129.09 895 600.0 863.57 191.58 1190.00 600.00
TDS 1692.85 689.26 2420 320 1960 410.36 2560 1460 1826.42 562.32 2560 320
TVS 2067.14 563.66 2550 1060 1823.85 237.46 2025 1340 1945.50 434.28 2550.00 1060.0
TVSS 657.14 274.99 980 300 649.85 62.71 780.0 580 653.50 191.65 980.00 300.00
PH 6.74 .17 7.0 6.5 6.64 .13 6.80 6.40 6.69 .159 7.00 6.40
EC(dS/m) 1.47 .16 1.63 1.14 1.60 .11 1.79 1.48 1.53 .15 1.79 1.41
P as( PO4-3 ) 90.67 47.50 157.9 31.1 98.94 18.40 136.50 78 94.80 34.87 157.90 31.10
Fe .60 .12 .84 .43 .82 .18 1.10 .56 .71 .18 1.10 .43
Mn .20 .03 .28 .17 .20 .06 .31 .10 .20 .05 .31 .10
Ca 43.94 7.12 56.31 35.27 59.27 14.40 78.55 45.3 51.60 13.50 78.55 35.27
Mg 46.85 2.50 50.79 42.53 42.86 8.86 58.33 34.39 44.85 6.58 58.33 34.39
Na 210.29 27.48 243.69 177.08 209.03 14.69 232.81 192.65 209.66 21.18 243.69 177.08
K 66.35 17.51 98.92 44.18 62.60 18.25 85.60 38.00 64.47 17.29 98.92 38.00
Cl 207.0 33.62 252.58 159.53 212.30 42.12 265.89 160.12 209.65 36.72 265.89 159.53
HCO3- 636.11 21.01 671 610.0 512.67 186.56 762.62 253.20 574.39 142.72 762.62 253.20
HCO3-
521.41 17.22 550 500 420.21 152.94 625.10 207.50 470.81 117 625.10 207.50
(as CaCO3)
SO4-2 40.05 45.98 137.6 6.40 153.87 118.19 315.00 24.34 96.96 104.45 315.00 6.40
Total cation 367.44 41.15 422.84 316.9 373.77 17.89 394.26 346.60 370.61 30.66 422.84 316.90
SAR 5.25 .54 5.84 4.67 4.96 .56 6.11 4.45 5.10 .55 6.11 4.45
Alkalinity as 521.42 17.25 550 500 424 156.07 625.00 207.50 472.71 118.04 625.00 207.50

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Characterization and Assessment… Ameen Sarairah and Ahmad Jamrah

Winter time Summer time Year time

Parameter
Ave. Stdev. Max. Min. Ave. Stdev. Max. Min. Ave. Stdev. Max. Min.
CaCO3
NO-2-N 1.19 0.56 2.28 0.75 1.45 0.87 3.06 0.6 1.32 0.72 3.06 0.6
NO-3-N 7.08 0.65 8.13 6.22 7.15 0.65 8.4 6.28 7.12 0.62 8.40 6.22
NH3-N 0.20 0.17 0.51 0.05 0.11 0.04 0.18 0.06 0.16 0.12 0.51 0.05
NH4+-N 63.03 38.49 117 11 53.93 16.93 70 22.36 58.48 28.95 117 11
TKN 156.14 20.81 181 131.5 134.86 26.41 185.46 101 145.50 25.37 185.46 101
Organic-N 92.91 54.73 160.45 15.49 80.91 28.45 119.52 37.83 86.91 42.36 160.45 15.49
TN 164.42 20.59 189 140 143.58 26.30 193.70 110 154 25.14 193.70 110
Protein 581.94 341.07 1003.1 100 505.76 177.77 748.12 237.50 543.85 264.27 1003.12 100
VFA (as acetic
162.16 57.62 248.51 88.54 140.36 47.58 188.51 50.26 151.26 52.01 248.51 50.26
acids)

Table 3. Summary of statistical analyses of Amman slaughterhouse raw wastewater characteristics reported by
water authority of Jordan for the years 2004 to 2006. (All units are in mg/1 except pH).
Winter time Summer time Year time
Parameter
Ave. Stdev. Max. Min. Ave. Stdev. Max. Min. Ave. Stdev. Max. Min.
Total COD 7644.57 6024.39 17968 2186 3664.14 2060.82 6518 807 5654.35 4793.38 17968 807
BOD5 1813.14 1178.56 3828 751 1266.42 502.61 1978 463 1539.78 915.50 3828 463
TDS 2723.85 1596.38 5444 846 2078.42 1228.67 3820 965 2401.14 1408.94 5444 846
TSS 1668.14 1105.97 3850 612 1180.28 635.67 2080 342 1424.21 902.84 3850 342
TS 4392 2147.84 6976 1542 3258.71 1575.28 5373 1396 3825.35 1902.70 6976 1396
PH 6.86 1.22 7.8 4.59 7.04 .49 7.89 6.44 6.95 .90 7.89 4.59

Table 4. A comparison of slaughterhouse wastewater characteristics obtained in this study with those reported by
other researchers (All units are in mg/1 except pH which is dimensionless).

Parameter Masse and Masse (2000b) Al–Mutairi et al. (2003) This study
TCOD 3417 27,000 2144
SCOD 1250 1100 1627
TSS 1431 1500 863
VSS 1149 1650 653
TKN 158 170 145
P (as PO4-3) 80 27 94
pH 6.5 6.8 6.69

Table 5. The regression relationships obtained between the different parameters of concern and the
TSS content in screened and raw slaughterhouse wastewater samples.
Regression formulas R2 r
TCOD (screened)= -66.19*TSS (screened) + 2640.5 0.2008 0.448107
BOD5 (screened)=0.3031*TSS (screened) + 874.16 0.4312 0.656658
TS (screened)= -0.9033*TSS (screened) + 3470.1 0.1405 0.374833
TN (screened)=0.078*TSS (screened) + 86.649 0.3533 0.594390
Organic-N (screened)=0.0822*TSS (screened) + 15.884 0.1383 0.371887
TKN (screened)=0.0783*TSS (screened) + 77.902 0.3493 0.591016
TCOD (raw)=2.3014*TSS (raw) + 1183.2 0.4285 0.654599
BOD5 (raw)=0.6314*TSS (raw) + 640.52 0.3877 0.622655
TS (raw)=1.503*TSS (raw) + 1684.7 0.5086 0.713161

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Dirasat, Engineering Sciences, Volume 35, No. 2, 2008

1400
1200
1000
BOD 5(mg/l)
800
600
400
200
0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
TSS(mg/l)

Figure 1. A plot of TSS versus BOD5 contents of screened slaughterhouse wastewater samples.

250

200
TN(mg/l)

150

100

50

0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
TSS(mg/l)

Figure 2. A plot of TSS versus TN contents of screened slaughterhouse wastewater samples.

200

150
TKN(mg/l)

100

50

0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400
TSS(mg/l)

Figure 3. A plot of TSS versus TKN contents of screened slaughterhouse wastewater samples.

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Characterization and Assessment… Ameen Sarairah and Ahmad Jamrah

8000
7000
6000
TCOD(mg/l) 5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
TSS(mg/l)

Figure 4. A plot of TSS versus TCOD contents of raw slaughterhouse wastewater samples.

4500
4000
3500
BOD 5(mg/l)

3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500
TSS(mg/l)

Figure 5. A plot of TSS versus BOD5 contents of raw slaughterhouse wastewater samples.

8000
7000
6000
5000
TS(mg/l)

4000
3000
2000
1000
0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500
TSS(mg/l)

Figure 6. A plot of TSS versus TS contents of raw slaughterhouse wastewater samples.

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Dirasat, Engineering Sciences, Volume 35, No. 2, 2008

Wastewater Reuse used for agricultural purposes, had define the maximum
Wastewater reuse is an important management option allowable concentrations limits required for this purposes
in Jordan due to the limited renewable fresh water (JS 202:2004). Table (6) shows the average values of
resources. Jordan is indirectly reusing most of the treated physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the
wastewater for agricultural purposes. Jordan institute of slaughterhouse wastewater samples and their
standards and metrology (JISM), that is responsible for acceptability for reuse according to the Jordanian
the application of the standards for reclaimed wastewater standards.

Table 6. The average values of physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the slaughterhouse wastewater
samples (sieved at 1 mm sieve) and their acceptability for reuse according to the Jordanian standards. All units are
in mg/l except EC (in dS/m), pH and SAR (unitless).
Average screened Max. allowable limits
Parameter Acceptability
samples results required by (JISM)
TCOD 2144 500 No
BOD5 1235 300 No
TSS 863.57 150 No
TDS 1826.42 2000 Yes
pH 6.69 6-9 Yes
EC 1.53 3 Yes
P 94.80 30 No
Fe .71 5 Yes
Mn .2 .2 Yes
Ca 51.60 230 Yes
Mg 44.85 100 Yes
Na 209.66 230 Yes
-
Cl 209.65 400 Yes
HCO-3 574.39 400 No
-2
SO 4 96.96 500 Yes
SAR 5.1 9 Yes
NO-3 as (N) 7.1 45 Yes
TN 154 70 No

Conditions that adversely affect irrigation water
quality include elevated levels of dissolved solids,
presence of toxic compounds, and salt water (Metcalf and
Eddy, 2003). Salinity is important in determining the
suitability of water for irrigation, and irrigated crops
accordingly. As has been stated by other investigators
(Metcalf and Eddy, 2003, Jamrah, 1999b), the presence
of salts can have osmotic effects on plant growth, along
with ion toxicity and soil dispersion. This ultimately can
affect crop water availability.
Analyzing the contents of table (6) indicates that the
numbers related to EC and TDS of Amman
slaughterhouse wastewater effluents screened using 1-
mm sieve are well within the limits allowing their reuse
in agriculture. Chloride and sodium are among the ions
that are of concern in terms of specific ion toxicity.
Sucoff et al. (1975) reported that chloride and sodium can
accumulate in the plant needle (leaves). The influence of
sodium, measured as sodium-adsorption ratio (SAR), can
be explained by high and low SAR levels that can be
translated into deterioration of the physical condition of
soil and reduction of infiltration rate (Ayers and Westcot,
1985). Investigation of Table (6) indicates that the
numbers related to chloride, sodium, magnesium,
calcium, SAR, and pH are acceptable for irrigation based
on specific ion toxicity. Similar conclusion can be
reached for other nutrients which include sulpher,
potassium, and nitrate. The organic content reported in
this study as TCOD, BOD5, and TN as shown in Table
(6) indicates that the concentrations of these parameters
generally exceed the limits required by JISM. This
emphasizes the need for proper biological treatment to

- 79 -
Characterization and Assessment…
reduce this organic content so that these requirements are
adhered to. Similar conclusion can be reached when the
bicarbonate and phosphorus concentrations are
considered.
Economical Feasibility of Treatment and Reuse
Any applied treatment technology should be
applicable, cost effective, and environmentally sounds.
Tankers belonging to MOGA have transported more than
80,000 m3 of fresh water in the year 2006 for agricultural
purposes. This water constitutes a small portion of all
fresh water consumed by MOGA to irrigate parks and
gardens throughout the city. The estimated cost of tanker
water stands at 1.0 JD (US $1.4) per cubic meter
(MOGA, 2006).
As stated earlier, the blood capturing system handles
about 15 m3 of blood per day, with a COD concentration
of 375,000 mg/l. Management of the captured blood by
anaerobic digestion costs MOGA 20 JD (US $28) per m3,
and results in generation of biogas and electricity with a
payback of 50 JD (US $70) (JBO, 2007).
Table 7. Annual cost-benefit analysis related to the treatment and reuse of
Amman slaughterhouse wastewater.
Item Quantity (m3)
Fresh water 120,000
Wastewater 90,000
Blood capturing 4,500
Total
4. CONCLUSIONS
The study concluded that the Amman slaughterhouse
wastewater effluents are biologically treatable,
preferentially by using anaerobic biological treatment.
The TSS concentration contributes significantly to the
organic composition of the raw samples compared to
screened samples. The concentration of (TCOD, BOD5,
TSS, P, HCO-3, and TN) parameters of the screened
samples exceed the maximum allowable limits based on
NOMENCLATURE
MOGA: Municipality of Greater Amman
JISM: Jordan Institute of Standards and Meteorology
WAJ” Water Authority of Jordan
BOD5: 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (mg/l)
EC: electric conductivity (dS/m)
- 80 -
Ameen Sarairah and Ahmad Jamrah
Additionally, the treatment of the 300 m3/day
(constituting 75% of fresh water consumption (Viessman
et al., 2005)) of slaughterhouse wastewater generated in
Amman can be estimated at 60 JD (US $90) per day
(HAL, 2007), including capital, operational and
maintenance costs during a 15 years of the project life
cycle. Furthermore, the WAJ imposes a treatment charge
to the Amman slaughterhouse based on the following
surcharge equation (WAJ, 2007):
× (COD − 1500)
Q
Surcharege Fee ( J .D) = 0.05 ×
1000
Where, Q refers to amount of fresh water
consumption. Accordingly, based on 300 working days
per year, 400 m3 of daily water consumption, and an
average yearly COD concentration of raw wastewater of
5,654 mg/l, it can be estimated that a total of cost of
140,000 J.D (US $200,000) should be incurred for the
disposal of wastewater. A summary of the yearly cost-
benefit analysis related to the treatment and reuse of
Amman slaughterhouse wastewater shows a net earning
of 87,000 J.D. (US $138,000), as presented in Table (7).
Cost (J.D.) Earning (J.D.)
120,000 --------------
18,000 90,000
90,000 225,000
228,000 315,000
(JISM) requirements related to the reuse of reclaimed
wastewater for the agricultural purposes, while the
concentration of (TDS, pH, EC, Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg, Na, Cl-,
SO-24, SAR, and NO-3 as N) parameters are acceptable.
Screening the effluent for solid removal proved to be
significant in reducing the biological loads. The captured
blood and suspended solids are feasible enough to be
treated by anaerobic biological treatment. The treatment
and reuse of Amman slaughterhouse for agricultural
purposes are adequate.
Dirasat, Engineering Sciences, Volume 35, No. 2, 2008

NH3-N: ammonia as nitrogen (mg/l)

NH+4-N: ammonium as nitrogen (mg/l)
NO-2-N: nitrite as nitrogen (mg/l)
NO-3-N: nitrate as nitrogen (mg/l)
ON: organic nitrogen (mg/l)
SAR: sodium- adsorption ratio
SCOD: soluble chemical oxygen demand (mg/l)
TCOD: total chemical oxygen demand (mg/l)
TDS: total dissolved solids (mg/l)
TKN: total kjeldahl nitrogen (mg/l)
TS: total solids (mg/l)
TSS: total suspended solids (mg/l)
TVS: total volatile solids (mg/l)
TVSS: total volatile suspended solids (mg/l)
VFA: volatile fatty acids (mg/l)

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‫‪Dirasat, Engineering Sciences, Volume 35, No. 2, 2008‬‬

‫ﺘﺤﺩﻴﺩ ﻤﻜﻭﻨﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﺩﻤﺔ ﺍﻟﻨﺎﺘﺠﺔ ﻋﻥ ﺃﻨﺸﻁﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺎﻟﺦ ﻓﻲ ﻋﻤ‪‬ﺎﻥ‬

‫ﻭﺘﻘﻴﻴﻡ ﻤﺩﻯ ﺇﻤﻜﺎﻨﻴﺔ ﻤﻌﺎﻟﺠﺘﻬﺎ‬

‫ﺃﻤﻴﻥ ﺍﻟﺼﺭﺍﻴﺭﺓ ﻭﺃﺤﻤﺩ ﺠﻤﺭﻩ*‬

‫ﻤﻠﺨـﺹ‬
‫ﺘﻌ ‪‬ﺩ ﺃﻨﺸﻁﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺎﻟﺦ ﻤﻥ ﺃﻜﺜﺭ ﺍﻟﺼﻨﺎﻋﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺘﻲ ﻴﻨﺘﺞ ﻋﻨﻬﺎ ﺍﻟﻜﺜﻴﺭ ﻤﻥ ﺍﻟﺘﻠﻭﺙ ﺍﻟﺒﻴﺌﻲ ﺍﻟﺨﻁﻴﺭ‪ ،‬ﻭﻤﺴﻠﺦ ﺃﻤﺎﻨﺔ ﻋﻤﺎﻥ ﻤﻥ ﺍﻜﺒﺭ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺎﻟﺦ‬
‫ﻓﻲ ﺍﻷﺭﺩﻥ ﻭﻴﺴﺘﻬﻠﻙ ﺃﻜﺜﺭ ﻤﻥ )‪ 400‬ﻡ‪ (3‬ﻴﻭﻤﻴﺎ ﻤﻥ ﺍﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ ﺍﻟﺼﺎﻟﺤﺔ ﻟﻠﺸﺭﺏ‪.‬‬
‫ﺘﻬﺩﻑ ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﺩﺭﺍﺴﺔ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺘﺤﺩﻴﺩ ﻤﻜﻭﻨﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﺩﻤﺔ ﺍﻟﻨﺎﺘﺠﺔ ﻋﻥ ﺃﻨﺸﻁﺔ ﻤﺴﻠﺦ ﺃﻤﺎﻨﺔ ﻋﻤﺎﻥ ﻭﺘﻘﻴﻴﻡ ﻤﺩﻯ ﺇﻤﻜﺎﻨﻴﺔ ﻤﻌﺎﻟﺠﺘﻬﺎ‬
‫ﺒﻴﻭﻟﻭﺠﻴﺎ ﻭﺘﻘﻴﻴﻡ ﺍﻟﺠﺩﻭﻯ ﺍﻻﻗﺘﺼﺎﺩﻴﻪ ﻹﻋﺎﺩﺓ ﺍﺴﺘﻌﻤﺎل ﺍﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺘﺼﻠﺤﺔ ﻓﻲ ﺍﻟﺭﻱ‪.‬‬
‫ﻤﺠﻤﻭﻋﺔ ﻤﻥ ﻋﻴﻨﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﺩﻤﺔ ﺍﻟﻨﺎﺘﺠﺔ ﻤﻥ ﻨﺸﺎﻁ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﻠﺦ ﺘﻡ ﺠﻤﻌﻬﺎ ﺤﺴﺏ ﻁﺭﻴﻘﺔ ﺍﻟﻌﻴﻨﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﺭﻜﺒﺔ ﻭﺫﻟﻙ ﺨﻼل ﺍﻟﻔﺘﺭﺓ ﻤﻥ‬
‫)ﻜﺎﻨﻭﻥ ﺃﻭل( ‪ 2006‬ﺇﻟﻰ )ﺘﻤﻭﺯ( ‪.2007‬‬
‫ﺩﻟﺕ ﻨﺘﺎﺌﺞ ﺍﻟﺩﺭﺍﺴﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻭﺠﻭﺩ ﺘﺒﺎﻴﻥ ﻓﻲ ﻤﺤﺘﻭﻴﺎﺕ ﻫﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﺩﻤﺔ ﺨﻼل ﻓﺼﻠﻲ ﺍﻟﺼﻴﻑ ﻭﺍﻟﺸﺘﺎﺀ‪.‬‬
‫ﺘﺼﻨﻑ ﺍﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﺩﻤﺔ ﺍﻟﻨﺎﺘﺠﺔ ﻋﻥ ﻤﺴﻠﺦ ﻋﻤﺎﻥ ﺒﺄﻨﻬﺎ ﻗﻭﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﺘﺭﻜﻴﺯ ﻓﻴﻤﺎ ﻴﺘﻌﻠﻕ ﺒﻤﺤﺘﻭﻴﺎﺘﻬﺎ ﻤﻥ ﺍﻟﻁﻠﺏ ﺍﻟﻜﻴﻤﺎﻭﻱ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻷﻜﺴﺠﻴﻥ‬
‫)‪ (COD‬ﻭﺍﻟﻁﻠﺏ ﺍﻟﺤﻴﻭﻱ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻷﻜﺴﺠﻴﻥ )‪.(BOD5‬‬
‫ﺃﻅﻬﺭﺕ ﻨﺘﺎﺌﺞ ﺍﻟﺘﺤﺎﻟﻴل ﺒﺄﻥ ﻨﺴﺒﺔ ﺍﻟﻁﻠﺏ ﺍﻟﻜﻴﻤﺎﻭﻱ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻷﻜﺴﺠﻴﻥ ﺇﻟﻰ ﻨﺴﺒﺔ ﺍﻟﻁﻠﺏ ﺍﻟﺤﻴﻭﻱ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺍﻷﻜﺴﺠﻴﻥ )‪(COD/BOD5‬‬
‫ﻜﺎﻨﺕ ﻋﺎﻟﻴﺔ ﺘﺸﻴﺭ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺇﻤﻜﺎﻨﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺎﻟﺠﺔ ﺃﻟﺒﻴﻭﻟﻭﺠﻴﺔ ﻟﻬﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﺩﻤﺔ‪.‬‬
‫ﺩﻟﺕ ﺍﻟﺩﺭﺍﺴﺔ ﻋﻠﻰ ﻭﺠﻭﺩ ﻨﺴﺏ ﻋﺎﻟﻴﺔ ﻤﻥ ﻤﺤﺘﻭﻴﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﻤﻭﺍﺩ ﺍﻟﻌﻀﻭﻴﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﻨﻴﺘﺭﻭﺠﻴﻨﻴﺔ ﻭﺍﻟﺘﻲ ﺍﺭﺘﺒﻁﺕ ﺒﺸﻜل ﻤﺒﺎﺸﺭ ﺒﺴﺒﺏ ﻭﺠﻭﺩ‬
‫ﺍﻟﻤﻭﺍﺩ ﺍﻟﺼﻠﺒﺔ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﻟﻘﺔ ﻤﻤﺎ ﻴﺸﻴﺭ ﺇﻟﻰ ﺇﻤﻜﺎﻨﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﻌﺎﻟﺠﺔ ﺍﻟﺒﻴﻭﻟﻭﺠﻴﺔ ﺍﻟﻼﻫﻭﺍﺌﻴﺔ ﻟﻬﺫﺍ ﺍﻟﻨﻭﻉ ﻤﻥ ﺍﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﺩﻤﺔ ﻭﺒﻜﻔﺎﺀﺓ ﻋﺎﻟﻴﺔ‪.‬‬
‫ﺃﻅﻬﺭﺕ ﺍﻟﺩﺭﺍﺴﺔ ﺒﺄﻥ ﺍﻻﺴﺘﻌﻤﺎل ﺍﻟﻤﺒﺎﺸﺭ ﻟﻬﺫﻩ ﺍﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﺩﻤﺔ ﻷﻏﺭﺍﺽ ﺍﻟﺭﻱ ﻤﻼﺌﻡ ﻓﻴﻤﺎ ﻴﺘﻌﻠﻕ ﺒﻤﺤﺘﻭﺍﻫﺎ ﻏﻴﺭ ﺍﻟﻌﻀﻭﻱ ﻭﻏﻴﺭ‬
‫ﺍﻟﻤﻼﺌﻡ ﻓﻴﻤﺎ ﻴﺘﻌﻠﻕ ﺒﻤﺤﺘﻭﺍﻫﺎ ﺍﻟﻌﻀﻭﻱ‪.‬‬
‫ﺃﺨﻴﺭﺍ‪ ،‬ﺃﻅﻬﺭﺕ ﺍﻟﺘﺤﺎﻟﻴل ﺒﺄﻥ ﻤﻌﺎﻟﺠﺔ ﻤﻴﺎﻩ ﺍﻟﻤﺴﻠﺦ ﻭﺇﻋﺎﺩﺓ ﺍﺴﺘﻌﻤﺎﻟﻬﺎ ﻷﻏﺭﺍﺽ ﺍﻟﺭﻱ ﻤﺠﺩﻴﺔ ﻤﻥ ﺍﻟﻨﺎﺤﻴﺔ ﺍﻻﻗﺘﺼﺎﺩﻴﺔ ﻋﻨﺩ ﺘﻁﺒﻴﻕ‬
‫ﺍﻹﺩﺍﺭﺓ ﺍﻟﺠﻴﺩﺓ‪.‬‬
‫ﺍﻟﻜﻠﻤـﺎﺕ ﺍﻟﺩﺍﻟـﺔ‪ :‬ﺍﻟﻤﺴﺎﻟﺦ‪ ،‬ﺍﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﺩﻤﺔ‪ ،‬ﻤﻌﺎﻟﺠﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﻴﺎﻩ ﺍﻟﻌﺎﺩﻤﺔ‪.‬‬

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‫* ﻗﺴﻡ ﺍﻟﻬﻨﺩﺴﺔ ﺍﻟﻤﺩﻨﻴ‪‬ﺔ‪ ،‬ﺍﻟﺠﺎﻤﻌﺔ ﺍﻷﺭﺩﻨﻴﺔ‪ .‬ﺘﺎﺭﻴﺦ ﺍﺴﺘﻼﻡ ﺍﻟﺒﺤﺙ ‪ ،2008/1/28‬ﻭﺘﺎﺭﻴﺦ ﻗﺒﻭﻟﻪ ‪.2008/6/9‬‬

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