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Waste management in the olive oil industry in the Mediterranean region by composting

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Abstract

Consumer-friendly markets fuel the massive food processing industry, which in turn generates vast volumes of waste. Processing of olive oil in the Mediterranean regions are major contributors of pollution in that area. This paper investigates management of wastes generated during processing of olive oil, focusing on olive husks and their disposal. The most effective method of disposal of olive husk waste is composting. Composting is an aerobic process in which microorganisms, under optimum conditions, biodegrade organic content present in the olive waste. Mechanical aeration conducted at optimum temperature during the process of composting is preferred as it produces compost that has reduced levels of phenols and lipids. The resulting compost is used as soil additive in olive plantations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Environment, Griffith University, 28, Gonzales Street, MacGregor, Brisbane, QLD, 4109, Australia

    Manjari Chandra

  2. School of Engineering, Griffith University, 28, Gonzales Street, MacGregor, Brisbane, QLD, 4109, Australia

    Shalini Sathiavelu

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  1. Manjari Chandra
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  2. Shalini Sathiavelu
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Correspondence to Manjari Chandra.

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Chandra, M., Sathiavelu, S. Waste management in the olive oil industry in the Mediterranean region by composting. Clean Techn Environ Policy 11, 293–298 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-008-0196-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-008-0196-x

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