Sequential Batch Reactor to Purify Wastewater from Olive Oil Mills, Mixed with Municipal Wastewater

Creating wastewater from olive oil mills (OMW) represents a real environmental challenge in food manufacturing. These wastewater effluents contain several complex components. This study investigated the capacity of a sequential batch reactor (SBR) to treat diluted olive oil mill wastewater in conjunction with domestic sewage. The study examined two OMW dilutions. The D1 dilution increased OMW biodegradability and reduced pollution. The efficacy of each reactor in reducing pollution from both dilutions was monitored throughout the experiment. Both systems operated on a continuous 24-h repeating procedure. The SBR D1 showed considerable reductions in COD, polyphenols, nitrates, ammonium, and phosphorus, reaching 68.9%, 67.1%, 75.3%, and 95.3%, respectively. In contrast, 40.2%, 47%, 61.2%, 61.1%, and 94.1% of COD, polyphenols, nitrates, ammonium, and phosphorus, respectively, were removed by SBR D2. The proposed treatment method represents a simple, cost-effective process that could be used in the olive oil sector.