What is the primary reason for treating dairy waste?

The primary reason for treating dairy waste is to remove high Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). Dairy waste is rich in organic materials that can significantly elevate BOD levels in water. High BOD indicates that a large amount of oxygen is needed by microorganisms to decompose the organic matter present in the waste. If untreated, these elevated BOD levels can lead to oxygen depletion in receiving water bodies, harming aquatic life and disrupting ecosystems.

By treating dairy waste, facilities aim to effectively reduce BOD, which is critical for meeting regulatory standards and protecting water quality. This process helps ensure that the organic matter is broken down in a controlled manner, thus preventing environmental pollution and promoting sustainable wastewater discharge practices.