A Method for Preparing a Novel Solid Product from Olive Mill Wastewater: Wastewater Characterization and Product Recovery

Abstract

The problems created in managing olive mill wastewater (OMW) have been extensively investigated during the last few years without finding a solution that is technically feasible, economically viable, and socially acceptable. The prevalent waste management strategy to date has been traditional wastewater treatment processes aimed at reducing pollution loads to legally accepted levels for disposal into environmental media. However, the present trend is towards further utilization of OMW by recovering useful byproducts. In this work, a new method leading to a combined exploitation and depollution of OMW was developed based on its drying using relatively low air temperatures. Different drying experiments were conducted and data for the product collected in the receiving vessel were gathered. Analysis of experimental data yielded correlations between product recovery and the variable operating conditions. In addition, the physical characteristics of the OMW (moisture isotherms, glass transition temperature, and rheological characteristics) related to the drying process were determined.

Keywords:

• Dehumidification
• Isotherms
• Olive mill wastewater
• Product recovery
• Spray dryer
• Stickiness