Project 3: Development of efficient technologies for sustainable treatment of high strength wastewater in eastern Africa

This project aims to generating new tools, knowledge, technologies, and products (bioprocesses) that will enhance the performance of current wastewater agro-industry management practices in the region thereby contributing to environmental sustainability, sustainable economic development and improved livelihoods of millions of eastern Africans susceptible to water born diseases.

It will concentrate on development of more efficient technologies for the treatment of high-strength wastewater with slaughterhouse and tannery effluents as model wastewater types. The expected outcome under this project is the adoption of the technology by at least four industries/ municipalities by 2011.

Implementing Institutions

• Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Addis Ababa University

• Institute of Environment and Natural Resources, Makerere University

• Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University

• College of Engineering & Technology, University of Dar es Salaam

• Department of Biotechnology, Royal Institute of Technology (KTH)

Implementation Status

Water quality indices (WQI) for determining the pollution load from slaughterhouse and tannery wastewaters into the receiving environment has been established. The index is useful as a baseline in designing appropriate treatment bioprocesses for wastewaters, subsequent performance monitoring and can be adopted by the environmental regulatory agencies to monitor the environmental performance of abattoirs and other meat and hides/skins processing industries.

The city abattoir in Kampala and Modjo tannery in Ethiopia have realized the urgent need for efficient management of wastewater prior to discharge into the environment and are collaborating with BIO-EARN Programme in implementing pilot studies.

With the minimal capability to effectively manage slaughterhouse and tannery wastewater built in the institutions and enthusiasm generated in the private sector industry, municipalities and regulatory agencies, uptake of the technology will greatly contribute to enhanced environmental sustainability in the EA region.