The meat packing industry typically generates what kind of waste?

The correct answer highlights the characteristics of the waste generated by the meat packing industry, which is known for producing high levels of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and suspended solids.

High BOD indicates that the wastewater contains a significant amount of organic material that bacteria will decompose. This decomposition process requires oxygen, hence the term biochemical oxygen demand. The high BOD in meat packing waste is primarily due to blood, fat, and tissues that remain after meat processing, which are rich in organic materials.

Suspended solids are another significant component of the wastewater from this industry. These solids can include meat particles, bone fragments, and other solid debris generated during the butchering and processing of meat. High suspended solids concentrations can lead to problems in wastewater treatment, requiring specific processes to effectively remove them before the water can be safely discharged back into the environment.

Together, the high levels of BOD and suspended solids from the meat packing industry create challenges for wastewater treatment facilities, necessitating appropriate treatment methods to protect the environment and comply with regulatory standards.