ANAEROBIC FILTER AND DSFF REACTORS IN ANAEROBIC TREATMENT OF TUNA PROCESSING WASTE-WATER

An anaerobic filter (AF) and a downflow stationary fixed film (DSFF) r eactor were used for the treatment of a tuna processing wastewater. St art-up of the anaerobic reactors was improved using lactose as co-subs trate. The AF removed up to 75% of the influent COD concentrations at organic loading rates (OLR) of 11-13 kg COD m(-3) d(-1), whereas the D SFF reactor removed 70% at 3 kg COD m(-3) d(-1). Based on these result s it appears that anaerobic treatment systems are applicable to tuna p rocessing industry wastewaters and that the AF shows a much better per formance, allowing higher organic loadings and COD removal efficiencie s than the DSFF reactor.