Olive oil wastewater could be useful for value-added compound production

June 9, 2019 |

In Argentina, researchers are looking at olive oil wastewater in a whole new light from its current status as something to be discarded and a harmful agro-industrial effluent to something that is full of carbohydrates, organic acids and mineral nutrients, as well as elevated contents of phenolics and other natural antioxidants compounds, that make it a potential source of high value-added natural products.

Their research highlights how olive mill wastewater can be exploited as feedstock for production of high value-added commodities, an overview on potential uses of OMWW and related valorization strategies, how a multifaceted approach integrating sustainable management and biorefinery concept is needed, and how the valorization of various waste streams including OMWW is the main challenge faced by olive oil industry.

The research article summarizes the state-of-the-art in relation to the exploitation possibilities and the use of OMWW to generate added-value compounds of great significance for the biofuel, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical, food, and agriculture industries. Valorization of this significant waste steam in particular through a biorefinery platform could substantially enhance the environmental sustainability aspects of the whole industry while simultaneously contributing to the improvement of its economic viability.

Category: Research

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