Disinfection of poultry processing wastewater using advanced oxidation processes.
Seth Adesope1, Mark Carlson2, Nikolay Barashkov2
1Department of Poultry Science, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA.
Poultry Science
|May 1, 2026
Summary
Photo-electrochemical (PEC) treatment effectively disinfects poultry processing wastewater, significantly reducing aerobic bacteria and eliminating pathogens like Campylobacter and Salmonella. This sustainable method supports safe water reuse and minimizes environmental impact.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science and Engineering
- Water Treatment Technologies
- Microbiology
Background:
- Poultry processing wastewater contains numerous foodborne pathogens, necessitating effective treatment for safe reuse.
- Existing disinfection methods may not be sufficient or sustainable for the high volumes of poultry wastewater generated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the disinfection efficiency of photo-electrochemical (PEC) treatment on poultry processing wastewater.
- To assess the impact of varying electrochemical (EC) voltages (70 V and 100 V) on microbial inactivation.
- To determine the potential of PEC treatment for safe wastewater reuse.
Main Methods:
- Wastewater from scald and inside-outside bird washer (IOBW) units was treated in 7 L and 30 L PEC reactors.
- Treatments involved electrochemical (EC) at 70 V and 100 V with 1.6% curcumin for photochemical (PC) treatment over 300 minutes.
- Quantification of aerobic bacteria (AC), Enterobacteriaceae (EB), coliforms (CC), E. coli, Campylobacter, and Salmonella using standard microbiological methods.
Main Results:
- PEC treatment significantly reduced aerobic bacteria (AC) from 5.4-6.2 log CFU/mL to 2.0-2.9 log CFU/mL within 300 minutes.
- 100 V treatment reduced AC below the regulatory threshold of 500 CFU/mL for wastewater reuse.
- Enterobacteriaceae (EB), coliforms (CC), E. coli, Campylobacter, and Salmonella were completely inactivated, with Campylobacter and Salmonella eliminated within 150 minutes.
Conclusions:
- Photo-electrochemical (PEC) treatment is a viable and sustainable disinfection strategy for poultry processing wastewater.
- Higher voltage (100 V) demonstrated a trend towards quicker and more effective microbial reduction.
- PEC treatment successfully reduces key pathogens, enabling safe wastewater reuse and mitigating environmental pollution.
Keywords:
Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs)Electrochemical processFoodborne pathogensPhotochemical treatmentPoultry processing wastewaterMore Related Videos
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