REDUCTION OF CONTAMINANT LOADS IN EFFLUENTS FROM FISH FLOUR FACTORIES IN THE PORT OF MAR DEL PLATA

Sandra González, José Farías, Jorge Froilán González & Silvia Elena Murialdo

Abstract

Based on environmental studies conducted by Obras Sanitarias Sociedad de Estado (OSSE), the plants of fish flour and fish oil installed in Mar del Plata Port, showed a considerable percentage of solid waste and fat which contaminated the body receiver. This showed technical defects in processing equipments, insufficient capacity in relation to the volumes of waste generated, or non-operability industries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a joint work with Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP), OSSE and the Consortium of Mar del Plata Regional Port (CPRMDP) to reduce the concentration of fat in the discharge, improving work habits, operation, quality and care of equipments, carried by the health and safety rules and taking into account not only the environmental impact but also socio-economic factors in every activity of the industries. This work was being accomplished through ongoing monitoring, sanctions applied by the competent authority, and ongoing advice to businesses and their employees to improve the discharge and the operation quality. It was established a parallel study comparing the fishmeal industries of Argentina and its environmental impact, with countries with socio-economically and geographically similar characteristics.