Reuse alternatives for effluents from the fish processing industry through multi-criteria analysis

The fish processing industry is characterized by the high volume of water used in the production stages and consequently the generation of substantial amounts of effluents. As a way to promote a more sustainable model, reuse is a promising approach to reducing the consumption of this natural resource as well as the operating costs. However, a reuse system requires an appropriate treatment technology, taking into account the characteristics of the effluents generated and the relevant normative requirements. In this study, potential treatment systems for effluent generated by fish processing plants were evaluated with regard to meeting technical, environmental and economic criteria, in order to comply with industrial reuse regulations. Multi-criteria analysis (MCA) was used, together with the PROMETHEE tool, to weight the quantitative and qualitative aspects that influence decision-making. The results show that grouping the effluents with similar characteristics allowed the reuse alternatives to be increased and the adaptation of the costs and the complexity of the system according to the needs of each industrial plant. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.