Efficient Treatment of POME Wastewater

Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) is a major byproduct of palm oil production, and in many countries, industries rely on it for biogas generation, irrigation, and other secondary applications. However, without proper treatment, POME poses serious environmental risks due to its high organic load and pollutant levels.

As nations dependent on palm oil integrate it into primary and secondary industries, adopting better wastewater treatment practices is crucial for reducing environmental impact, improving resource recovery, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Sustainable POME management not only protects ecosystems but also enhances industrial efficiency and long-term viability.

Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) is primarily treated using conventional anaerobic ponding systems, which require large land areas and extended retention times to achieve partial breakdown of organic matter. These systems are inefficient and difficult to control, often relying on high volumes of chemicals such as coagulants and flocculants to manage solids and aid settling. In addition to being land- and resource-intensive, these methods generate significant secondary waste and contribute to methane emissions and odour. Even after treatment, residual COD, nutrients, and the dark color of POME—caused by the decomposition of lignocellulosic materials—often persist. These color-causing compounds and other organic byproducts are resistant to conventional biological and physicochemical treatments, limiting the effectiveness of existing methods in meeting discharge standards and environmental requirements.

Hydroleap is a provider of innovative electrochemical solutions that are unmatched in the market when it comes to treating palm oil wastewater. Our technology stands out from conventional solutions as it offers more profitable options for POME management. Our electrochemical based advanced oxidation treatment transforms non-biodegradable pollutants in the POME into nontoxic biodegradable substances by oxidizing a broad range of organic pollutants quickly and non-selectively through the generation of very reactive species such as hydroxyl radicals.

Our treatment technology helps in overall organic COD reduction, destruction of a specific pollutant, increase of bioavailability of recalcitrant organics, colour and odour removal. Additionally, it has numerous benefits such as not requiring chemicals, being easy to operate, and producing no sludge formation. We provide a POME treatment solution that meets relevant environmental standards without the need for traditional ponding or biological processes. Our flexible solutions can be easily integrated into new mill designs or retrofitted into existing installations, making it a viable choice for various industries.

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