Palm oil mill effluent

Over the last *0 years, Malaysian palm oil industry has grown and at present it is one of the largest agro-based industries. The country’s palm oil accounted for about *2% of the world palm oil production and the industry has contributed to the export earning of the country in the tune of RM *3 billion. The increase in cultivation of oil palm and production of palm oil is contributing to the growth of the nation’s 

economy, however, the practices has negative impact on the environment. The palm oil mills are large generators of organic wastes, often mismanaged; the disposal of the wastes has posed a major problem which therefore calls for appropriate measures.  The 

palm oil extraction process involves use of water, and a large quantity is required to steam and sterilize the palm fresh fruit bunches (FFB) and as well clarify the extracted oil. It is estimated that for 1 ton crude palm oil (CPO) produced, **7.5 tons of water are required, and more than *0% of the water will end up as palm oil mill effluent (POME).