The objective of this review is to establish the scope
of separation technologies within the context of liquid
animal manures, marking out what can be achieved and
that which requires additional steps, such as biological
or chemical treatment. The principles (rather than
specific equipment) are considered in the light of the various demands on manure management, including the
likely level of success that can be identified in each
application. It was concluded that introducing a separation technology is the right option
if the main purpose is either (a) the improvement of
manure handling, (b) the removal of specific insoluble
components of the effluent, including non-reactive
organic matter and some of the phosphorous, organic
nitrogen, copper and zinc, or (c) the preparation of a
concentrate to produce an organic fertiliser product.
Alone, separation has little effect on pathogens, offensive
odour or soluble components, including ammoniacal
nitrogen.