Advances in POME treatment methods: potentials of phycoremediation, with a focus on South East Asia

Abstract

The discharge of palm oil mill effluent (POME) without effective treatment is highly toxic to the environment and receiving waters due to its high chemical oxygen demand , biochemical oxygen demand and increased levels of suspended solids. The ponding system is regarded as a conventional method for the treatment of POME but requires long retention time and extensive treatment areas. Other processes, such as physicochemical treatment, have also been applied as tertiary steps to ensure lower toxicity of the POME discharge. More recently, phycoremediation, a new biological treatment method using microalgae, has been reported as having great potential in being a highly efficient method of reducing the environmental impact of POME. This paper discusses the feasibility of the above treatment methods of POME, including the potential of phycoremediation, with a focus on their application in South East Asia.

Agro-Industrial Wastewaters for Algal Biomass Production, Bio-Based Products, and Biofuels in a Circular Bioeconomy

“…POME usually contains high amounts of suspended solids that can adversely affect microalgae cultivation because of low light penetration. Particulate matter can also reduce nutrient availability to the cells due to the adsorption or absorption of nutrients [83,84].…”

“…Similarly to other wastewaters, POME may contain inhibitors, such as excessive amounts of residual oil, which can lead to microalgae sedimentation and, consequently, a reduction in treatment efficiency due to biomass losses [85]. For those reasons, pretreatments such as anaerobic digestion of POME may be critical before microalgae cultivation [83], with AD eventually followed by centrifugation for solids [86]. To improve light access during cultivation, processes such as coagulation or absorption may be considered.…”