A Review of Waste Management Options in Olive Oil Production

Abstract

In this article, treatment and disposal alternatives of olive oil mill wastes and technical requirements for their management are covered. Waste characteristics, treatment options with regard to the economic feasibility, and challenges of existing waste disposal practices in olive growing countries are mentioned. Attention is drawn to present-day techniques of waste management. The search concerning the environmentally acceptable, economically feasible, and practically applicable methods of disposal of olive oil mill wastes is referred. In the management schemes, compliance with environmental regulations and economic and social benefits of the olive oil production are the goals that must be simultaneously achieved.

Keywords:

• mill wastewaters
• olive oil
• olive wastes
• treatment economy
• waste combustion
• wastewater treatment

Notes

*Lower heating value.

*Details of the treatment schemes 1–9 above are mentioned and corresponding cost data are taken from literature.26 Alternative 10 is applied in Crete, Greece, and corresponding cost data are taken from reference 4. Scheme 11 is a commercial evaporator unit of 288 m³ d⁻¹ capacity, and cost of power is calculated by using the data in the company catalogue and cost of electricity in Turkey in 2000.