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Environment and Ecology Research Vol. 13(5), pp. 634 - 642
DOI: 10.13189/eer.2025.130503
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Assessment of Gravel-Based Anaerobic-Aerobic Biofilter Systems with Varied Retention Times for Efficient Treatment of Ruminant and Poultry Abattoir Wastewater: A Study on BOD and COD Reduction

Syarifudin A , Tien Zubaidah ^*, Juanda , Sulaiman Hamzani , M. Irfa'i
Department of Environmental Health, Banjarmasin Polytechnique of Health, Indonesia

ABSTRACT

This study evaluates the performance of a gravel-based anaerobic-aerobic biofilter system with varied retention times for the treatment of wastewater generated by ruminant and poultry abattoirs. Abattoir wastewater is characterized by high levels of organic matter, suspended solids, fats, and proteins, which, if discharged untreated, can severely deteriorate water quality and pose public health risks. The primary objective of this research was to determine the efficiency of an integrated biofilter system in reducing Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD₅) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and to identify the optimal retention time in the aerobic stage for maximum treatment efficiency. The system consisted of sequential coarse screening, sedimentation, anaerobic biofilters, and aerobic biofilters using gravel media. Experimental conditions were tested at different aerobic retention times (0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours) with controlled flow rates. Samples of raw and treated wastewater were analyzed for BOD₅, COD, and pH following Standard Methods. The results demonstrated significant reductions in both BOD₅ and COD. After 24 hours of retention, BOD₅ removal reached 80.4% and COD removal 72%. Statistical analyses (paired t-test, ANOVA, and LSD test) confirmed that longer retention times significantly improved treatment outcomes, particularly at the early (0–4 hours) and final (12–24 hours) stages of aerobic treatment. The study highlights the importance of hydraulic parameters, including flow rate and surface loading, in maintaining stable biofilm activity and optimizing system performance. This research contributes to the growing evidence that hybrid anaerobic-aerobic biofilters are a cost-effective and sustainable alternative for wastewater treatment in developing regions. Practical implications include the potential application of this system in small- to medium-scale abattoirs where resources are limited, thereby enhancing compliance with regulatory standards and reducing environmental pollution. Socially, the implementation of such systems could improve community health by minimizing exposure to contaminated water sources, while future research may explore adaptive designs and multi-kinetic modeling for performance optimization.

KEYWORDS
Anaerobic-Aerobic Biofilter, Abattoir Wastewater, BOD Reduction, COD Reduction, Wastewater Treatment Efficiency

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Syarifudin A , Tien Zubaidah , Juanda , Sulaiman Hamzani , M. Irfa'i , "Assessment of Gravel-Based Anaerobic-Aerobic Biofilter Systems with Varied Retention Times for Efficient Treatment of Ruminant and Poultry Abattoir Wastewater: A Study on BOD and COD Reduction," Environment and Ecology Research, Vol. 13, No. 5, pp. 634 - 642, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2025.130503.

(b). APA Format:
Syarifudin A , Tien Zubaidah , Juanda , Sulaiman Hamzani , M. Irfa'i (2025). Assessment of Gravel-Based Anaerobic-Aerobic Biofilter Systems with Varied Retention Times for Efficient Treatment of Ruminant and Poultry Abattoir Wastewater: A Study on BOD and COD Reduction. Environment and Ecology Research, 13(5), 634 - 642. DOI: 10.13189/eer.2025.130503.