Cost-effective technology for treating olive oil wastewater
Olive oil production in southern Europe is a very prominent activity not only because of its economic significance, but also due to its influence on regional societies. This mainly happens during collection and processing of the harvest, when regional employment significantly increases. However, olive mill wastewater generates environmental problems especially in the Mediterranean region, where it is laid in open basins. The potential toxicity of the phenolic compounds included in olive oil wastewater, may adversely affect ecological systems. Addressing this issue, this project focused on developing inexpensive and cost-effective solutions for the processing of olive oil wastewater. More specifically, researchers studied biological aerobic treatment technologies such as reed beds and Epuvalisation at a test plant. In addition, they experimented with anaerobic treatment techniques for waste valorisation for its further exploitation in biogas production. The performance evaluation of both aerobic and anaerobic treatment processes included pH-regulation, microbiological degradation of olive oil wastewater, and irrigation influence. Moreover, project partners were able to resolve problems relating to various parameters including EC, COD, K, Na, phenols and their degradation. Most importantly, a pilot wastewater treatment plant was built for olive oil processing where apart from the biogas production other reuse options were investigated. As such, these involved plant production coming from Epuvalisation treatment, water reuse in agriculture and brick production in a nearby brickyard.
