Sustainability analysis and benchmarking of olive mill wastewater treatment methods

Abstract

A large number of publications are available in the literature regarding olive mill wastewater treatment methods. However, none of the proposed methods can be considered as a best available method in terms of its effectiveness, and its environmental and economic impact. Using a literature survey, data were collected and evaluated in order for a sustainability and benchmarking analysis to be developed. Physicochemical, biological and advanced oxidation methods were evaluated and judged in terms of their effectiveness, environmental impact and cost. Effectiveness of each method was estimated in terms of COD and phenolic compounds reduction, environmental impact in terms of CO 2 production, while for the economic impact the operational costs were taken into account. Finally, a procedure is suggested for selection of the most appropriate method based on user preferences (in terms of effectiveness, environmental impact and cost). The present analysis showed that the most effective processes in terms of organics reduction are membrane filtration, electrolysis, supercritical water oxidation and photo-Fenton. Lower environmental impact was found with anaerobic digestion, coagulation and lime processes, while the lowest cost category involves biocomposting and membrane filtration, thanks to the exploitation of byproducts (biocompost and phenolic compounds, respectively).

Advances in membrane operations for water purification and biophenols recovery/valorization from OMWWs

“…Many papers reported a techno-economical study of OMWW treatment showing that the cost of treatment with membrane filtration can be covered by exploitation of the products recovered, leading to possible profit [35,36]. The authors want to underline that hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol are among the most economically relevant components of OMWW phenolic fractions.…”

Parameters and kinetics of olive mill wastewater dephenolization by immobilizedRhodotorula glutiniscells

“…By using methods of initial rates and the linearized form of Equation (4), that is Equation (5), k TP and n constants were calculated as follows:…”

“…[3] In the sustainability analysis of OMW treatment methods, based on their effectiveness, environmental impact and cost, aerobic and anaerobic digestions appeared to be among the promising treatments. [4] Accordingly, the isolation of phenoldegrading microorganisms from industrial effluents and their adaptation to wastewater have importance in bioremediation studies. [5][6][7] Various types of microorganisms have been used in treating OMW.…”

Development of GIS Based Method for Risk Assessment of Olive Mill Waste Water in Crete, Greece

“…The monthly evaporation ranges from 140 mm to more than 310 mm in the peak month which results in a limited availability of the water resources. The growing water demands make the water resources management extremely important for sustainable development in this region (Zagklis et al, 2013;Kapellakis et al, 2015). Thus, ensuring that available surface water is not contaminated is a priority and required by the WFD for integrated River Basin Management Plans (RBMP).…”