Abstract
Molasses based distilleries in India are now classified as ‘Red Category’ because of the pollution caused by vinasse. The stringent norms being enforced by the pollution control authorities have posed many technical challenges and resulted in the development of advanced and cleaner technologies for effective and economical disposal of vinasse. There has been a shift from the end of pipe treatment to an integrated waste management in order to achieve zero liquid discharge. Anaerobic treatment to generate biogas, aerobic surface composting to manufacture bio-compost and reverse osmosis or multiple effect evaporation systems for concentration of vinasse are now well established. Advanced technologies such as concentrated vinasse incineration, and co-processing of vinasse in cement plants are also being investigated. This paper presents an overview of the latest technologies employed for fermentation and distillation, advantages and limitations of the various effluent treatment technologies and prospects for implementation of emerging technologies. The paper also provides recommendations for further improvement in established technologies for vinasse treatment.
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