What is a major characteristic of waste produced during dairy product production?

The waste produced during dairy product production is known for being high in dissolved organic matter. This characteristic arises due to the various processes involved in dairy production, including the handling of milk and the creation of products like cheese, yogurt, and butter. These processes generate a significant amount of organic material, including proteins and sugars, which contribute to the dissolved organic matter in the wastewater.

High levels of dissolved organic matter are significant because they can indicate the potential for biological activity, as microorganisms will utilize this organic material as a food source. This characteristic also leads to higher Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels, which is crucial when assessing the wastewater's impact on treatment systems and receiving environments. Understanding this aspect helps wastewater treatment facilities design appropriate systems to effectively manage and treat dairy-related waste, ensuring environmental protection and compliance with regulations.

Other characteristics, like having low BOD, being rich in heavy metals, or being poor in nutrients, do not accurately describe the nature of wastewater produced in dairy processing.