The oil palm industry : From pollution to Zero Waste. - (:unkn) unknown
Pollution in the oil palm industry is controlled both at the plantation and downstream processing levels. Good practices in plantations have drastically reduced pollution caused by smoke, soil erosion and surface runoff. The recycling of biomass and palm oil mill effluent (POME) as nutrient supplements leads to reduced reliance on inorganic fertilizers while ensuring the creation of zero waste. Furthermore, the use of chemicals such as pesticides is comparatively lower in oil palm plantings than in most other agricultural systems. The oil palm industry faced a critical period in 1970s due to the clogging of waterways by POME discharge. The industry was then undergoing an exponential phase of growth but did not have any effective treatment system for effluent. However, with commitment by both the industry and the government, a treatment system was developed to treat POME. It was this development of POME treatment technology that permitted the industry to progress further. Under strict supervision by the government through environmental quality regulations further improvements have been made on the effluent treatment system. Whilst progress has already been achieved to control pollution and to create zero waste, more achievements are expected in the future. The rapid growth of the oleo chemical industry is another step towards pollution abatement through the use of more eco-friendly products. Similarly, the push utilization of oil palm biomass as substitutes for wood-based industries will also help to reduce pollution caused by the cutting down of forests. Commercialization of vitamin E, extracted from the palm fatty acid distillate, is another example of the creating of value added products from the byproducts of the oil palm industry.
Pollution in the oil palm industry is controlled both at the plantation and downstream processing levels. Good practices in plantations have drastically reduced pollution caused by smoke, soil erosion and surface runoff. The recycling of biomass and palm oil mill effluent (POME) as nutrient supplements leads to reduced reliance on inorganic fertilizers while ensuring the creation of zero waste. Furthermore, the use of chemicals such as pesticides is comparatively lower in oil palm plantings than in most other agricultural systems. The oil palm industry faced a critical period in 1970s due to the clogging of waterways by POME discharge. The industry was then undergoing an exponential phase of growth but did not have any effective treatment system for effluent. However, with commitment by both the industry and the government, a treatment system was developed to treat POME. It was this development of POME treatment technology that permitted the industry to progress further. Under strict supervision by the government through environmental quality regulations further improvements have been made on the effluent treatment system. Whilst progress has already been achieved to control pollution and to create zero waste, more achievements are expected in the future. The rapid growth of the oleo chemical industry is another step towards pollution abatement through the use of more eco-friendly products. Similarly, the push utilization of oil palm biomass as substitutes for wood-based industries will also help to reduce pollution caused by the cutting down of forests. Commercialization of vitamin E, extracted from the palm fatty acid distillate, is another example of the creating of value added products from the byproducts of the oil palm industry.
Keywords: Aguas residuales.; Contaminación.; Plantaciones.; Polución.; Subproductos.; Tratamiento de aguas residuales.; Usos.; Palma de aceite