Membrane Separation Processes Applied to Whey: A Review

ABSTRACT

Whey is a residue of the dairy industry and its polluting potential can surpass that of domestic sewage due to its high chemical and biochemical oxygen demands, COD and BOD, respectively. This is attributed to its composition, being rich in proteins, lactose, minerals, and vitamins, and presents a challenge in terms of its disposal. In this regard, membrane separation processes have received much attention in recent years, especially to recover the whey protein. The aim of this review is to disseminate previously studied alternatives for the recovery of the main whey components, adding value, and minimizing the environmental impact.

KEYWORDS:

• Environmental impact
• membrane separation processes
• whey protein
• integrated process
• waste management

Acknowledgments

This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001

Author contributions

Argenta researched articles, compiled the tables and wrote the manuscript. Scheer with his experience in the area of membranes provided support, organized and revised the manuscript.