Development of anaerobic digestion methods for palm oil mill effluent (POME) treatment

Bioresour Technol. 2009 Jan;100(1):1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.biortech.2008.06.022. Epub 2008 Jul 25.

Abstract

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is a highly polluting wastewater that pollutes the environment if discharged directly due to its high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) concentration. Anaerobic digestion has been widely used for POME treatment with large emphasis placed on capturing the methane gas released as a product of this biodegradation treatment method. The anaerobic digestion method is recognized as a clean development mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto protocol. Certified emission reduction (CER) can be obtained by using methane gas as a renewable energy. This review aims to discuss the various anaerobic treatments of POME and factors that influence the operation of anaerobic treatment. The POME treatment at both mesophilic and thermophilic temperature ranges are also analyzed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria, Anaerobic / metabolism*
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Bioreactors / microbiology*
  • Equipment Design
  • Industrial Waste / prevention & control*
  • Methane / metabolism*
  • Palm Oil
  • Plant Oils / metabolism*
  • Refuse Disposal / instrumentation*
  • Refuse Disposal / methods*

Substances

  • Industrial Waste
  • Plant Oils
  • Palm Oil
  • Methane