Palm Oil Industry Research Articles

Biomass to biofuel: Palm kernel shells as catalyst supports for enhanced biodiesel production

AbstractThe use of agricultural biomass fibers, specifically palm kernel shell (PKS), has significant potential to enhance biodiesel production. This approach overcomes economic barriers and contributes to sustainability by repurposing agricultural biomass. This study explores the effectiveness of PKS as a cost‐effective and sustainable catalyst support. Palm kernel shell was chosen due to its high carbon content, low ash presence, and abundance as a byproduct in the palm oil industry, making it an economically viable and environmentally friendly option. In this study, an optimized activated carbon from PKS biomass was fabricated as catalyst support to enhance biodiesel production efficiency. Using response surface methodology (RSM), the PKS was impregnated with phosphoric acid and synthesized at various acid concentrations, impregnation times, and activation times to enhance porosity for catalytic support capabilities. The experimental design included a central composite design (CCD) to vary these factors systematically and determine their optimal levels. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis revealed significant development of porosity, affirming the efficient activation process. Energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis confirmed phosphorus incorporation during activation, indicating the formation of an intricate pore structure. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy highlighted the presence of functional groups pertinent to the biodiesel reaction process. The transesterification process employing PKS as a catalyst with different biobased feedstocks, such as waste frying oils from corn, palm, and sunflower, led to biodiesel yields of varying efficiencies. Notably, corn oil had the highest yield at 94.92%. This study highlights the potential of PKS as a biobased catalyst support and contributes to the broader biorefinery concept by integrating biomass utilization into renewable fuel production.

Performance of combined organic precipitation, electrocoagulation, and electrooxidation in treating anaerobically treated palm oil mill effluents

Palm oil mill effluent (POME), wastewater generated from palm oil production, is known for its extremely high chemical oxygen demand and brownish color. Anaerobic digestion is the primary treatment method for POME in the palm oil industry; however, anaerobically treated POME has high concentrations of residual contaminants and color intensity. This study proposes an approach to treat anaerobically-treated POME in recycled water for industrial applications by integrating preliminary organic precipitation, electrocoagulation, and electrooxidation (EO). The EO process was optimized in terms of the current density, electrolysis time, electrode arrangement, and feed flow rate. At a current density of 60 mA/cm2 and an electrolysis time of 9 min, the EO process with a graphite anode and stainless-steel cathode in the monopolar electrode configuration reduced the phenolic concentration and color in the preliminary-treated POME from 8.95 mg/L and 317.19 ADMI to 0.25 mg/L and 26.10 ADMI, respectively. Additionally, the EO process exhibited a 92.26% efficiency in lowering the ammonium-nitrogen content.

Analisis Islamic Green Economy dalam Penanganan Limbah PKS dengan Pendekatan Pentahelix

Handling efforts by reusing palm oil industry waste in accordance with the green economy concept are considered capable of minimizing the negative effects of industrial activities. The aim of this research is to explore green economy opportunities in overcoming the negative impacts of the industry. Data collected through field observations, interviews and questionnaires, was tested using EFAS and IFAS techniques and then formulated using the SOAR matrix. The results of analysis found that the S-A strategy in green industrial activities uses power to achieve aspirations so that companies can use it as an excuse to continue implementing and developing sustainable concepts. With efforts to reuse waste and with assistance and monitoring of the five elements of the pentahelix in efforts to handle waste, it is found that the negative influence of palm oil industry activities can be minimized.

Navigating Challenges in the Palm Oil Industry: Sime Darby Plantation’s Strategic Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

This paper explores the impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic on Sime Darby Plantation Berhad (SDP), the world's largest producer of certified sustainable palm oil (CSPO). With a significant reliance on foreign labor, SDP faced substantial challenges due to border closures and movement restrictions imposed during the pandemic. The analysis focuses on the labor shortage, decreased production, and fluctuating global demand for palm oil. It also examines the measures SDP implemented to mitigate these challenges, including enhanced safety protocols, recruitment of local workers, and efforts to reduce dependency on manual labor through increased automation and mechanization. The evaluation of these strategies highlights their short-term effectiveness and potential long-term sustainability. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of technological innovation in overcoming labor shortages and ensuring SDP's continued growth and leadership in the palm oil industry.

Bottom ash as a solid waste of the palm oil industry turned into a high-value cement replacement for sustainable cement-based materials

Bottom ash as a solid waste of the palm oil industry turned into a high-value cement replacement for sustainable cement-based materials

Using palm oil residue for food nutrition and quality: from palm fatty acid distillate to vitamin E toward sustainability.

Increasing global palm oil production yields a valuable palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) - a rich vitamin E (Vit-E) source and multifunctional ingredient in the food agro-industry - that can be utilized to achieve sustainability. This article reviews trends in the use and role of PFAD and its Vit-E in the food sector and proposes an integrated agro-industrial concept toward sustainability. Vit-E can be separated from PFAD with diverse and impactful pharmaceutical activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and anti-ultraviolet effects. Based on in vivo experimental tests, PFAD and Vit-E supplementation can enhance the productivity and quality of livestock-based food products. PFAD is a plasticizer and antistatic packaging material in food packaging systems, and its derivatives can be used as food additives. Meanwhile, the Vit-E molecule in packaging can extend food shelf life by maintaining color stability, reducing lipid oxidation and rancidity, adding antimicrobial properties, and influencing changes in packaging properties such as water vapor, tensile strength, melting point and other physical properties. Toward sustainability, an integrated agro-industrial design has been proposed to implement clean production, increase the added value of palm oil industry residues, minimize environmental risks and increase profits to achieve long-term social welfare. In conclusion, PFAD residues and their Vit-E content have shown broad benefits in the food sector and prospects toward sustainability. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pengukuran Kinerja Industri Kelapa Sawit Menggunakan Metode Balanced Scorecard dan Proses Hirarki Analitis

<p><strong>Palm oil plantations are one of the agricultural commodities in Indonesia that play a crucial role in food availability and the economy. This research employs the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) model as an integrated performance measurement system. The BSC measures company performance from both financial and non-financial perspectives. The study aims to measure the performance of the palm oil industry at PT. KMP Masamba, and covers four perspectives</strong><strong> </strong><strong>namely</strong><strong> financial, customer, internal business, and learning and growth. The weighting of performance measurement elements is done using the analytical hierarchy process with the assistance of Expert Choice software. The results are expected to assist PT. KMP Masamba in determining necessary improvement priorities. The performance measurements from each perspective, ranked from highest to lowest, are as follows: customer perspective (0.148), internal business perspective (0.048), learning and growth perspective (0.047), and financial perspective (0.030). The overall company performance score is 0.543, indicating satisfactory performance and approaching high targets. Based on these conclusions, recommendations for this research include periodic performance measurement by the company to assess its comprehensive condition and improve functional activities with low performance, to improve their performance indicators.</strong></p><p><strong><em>Keywords</em></strong> - <em>Analytical Hierarchy Process, Balance Scorecard,</em> <em>The Performance Measurements. </em><em></em></p>

STUDI KELAYAKAN USAHA INDUSTRI PEMINDANGAN IKAN DI LINGKUNGAN MAPAK BELATUNG KELURAHAN JEMPONG BARU KECAMATAN SEKARBELA KOTA MATARAM

The potential of fish in Indonesian waters has two seasons, the first is the fishing season which usually occurs between April and November, the lean season occurs between December and March. During the fishing season, fishermen can get catches that exceed the catch capacity for each time they go sailing. The Mapak Belatung Community is a coastal community where most of the population depends on marine products and aquatic animal cultivation, one of which is fish. This is what finally gave birth to fish smoking activities. Unsold fresh fish are processed into pindang fish by fisherwomen in a simple way and then marketed in traditional markets around Mataram City. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of developing a fish smoking industry in the Mapak Belatung Environment, Sekar Bela District, Mataram City when viewed from the investment criteria of Net Present Value (NPV), Net Benefit Cost Ratio (Net B / C), Gross Benefit Cost Ratio (Gross B / C), Profitability Ratio (PR) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR). Based on the calculation of Net Present Value, it shows that the total NPV is Rp. 5,722,264, this means that the palm oil industry business at the research location is feasible to continue because the NPV result is positive (+). The calculation of Net B/C shows that the result is greater than 1 or 1.75, this means that the benefit obtained is 1.75 times the cost or expenses incurred. Based on the calculation of Gross Benefit Cost Ratio, it has a value greater than 1 (> 1), which is 1.233, meaning that the palm oil industry business at the research location is feasible to run, likewise the calculation result of Profitability ratio has a value greater than 1 (> 1), which is 1.97, meaning that the palm oil industry business at the research location is feasible to run. The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of the palm oil industry at the research location has a value of 17.8 percent or greater than the applicable interest rate

Equilibrium modelling of steam gasification of PKS system and CO2 sorption using CaO: A digitalized parametric and techno-economic analysis

The conversion of palm oil waste into energy can complement the energy mix with renewable energy and bring economic benefits to the palm oil industry. A process simulation model for palm kernel shell (PKS) steam gasification for H2-enriched syngas with the integration of CO2 capturing using CaO has been investigated using Aspen Plus V10®. Techno-economic and energy analyses have also been conducted to identify energy-saving opportunities for commercialization. The effect of process variables, including reactor temperature (600–800 °C), Steam/PKS ratio (0.5–2 wt/wt), and CaO/PKS ratio (0–1.5 wt/wt), have been determined, with the predicted results compared to the reported experimental data. H2 concentration has been increased with 76–78 vol% with the temperature elevation from 650 to 750 °C. Additionally, a substantial increase in H2 content from 68 to 72vol% was observed when the steam flow rate was increased from 0.5 to 1.5. Conversely, the CO2 concentration decreased from 25 to 8vol% as the adsorbent ratio was raised from 0.5 to 1.5. The techno-economic analysis showed that the capital investment is $4.11 million, and the operating cost is $3.89 million per year, which is also very high due to the high raw material costs. In the case of energy, saving that 3.03 and 1.513 Gcal/hr can be saved in terms of utilities and gas cooling that economized the process which shows that utilization of these in heat exchange networks can significantly reduce costs, with up to 78 % savings in heat exchanger capital and 35 % in total energy consumption. The energy potential could be harnessed through the digitalization of the process.

Enhancing sustainability in palm oil industry: reinforcement learning for renewable energy management considered climatic variability

Energy sources are critical in the industrial sector, particularly as population growth intensifies the pressure on industries to scale up production to meet increasing demands. Integrating renewable energy sources such as biomass, biogas, and photovoltaic systems in the palm oil production process can be considered a pivotal strategy for mitigating carbon emissions. However, load fluctuations due to mill size and insufficient supply of biogas and photovoltaic are significant challenges in energy management for the palm oil industry. Adopting renewable energy solutions is hindered by process disturbances and climatic variability caused by weather, ambient temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation. These factors pose constraints on the implementation of renewable energy solutions. Therefore, this study aims to fill the gap in terms of renewable energy management within the palm oil industry by applying reinforcement learning to achieve effective energy management and reduce carbon emissions under five climatic scenarios. The result shows that reinforcement learning effectively combines renewable energy sources to generate electricity and steam while efficiently managing energy storage without exceeding predefined levels. Additionally, deploying a photovoltaic system contributes to energy savings from biomass and biogas of 2.9% and reduces average daily carbon dioxide emissions by 3137 kg. The proposed method has proved beneficial across all climate scenarios for energy savings and emission reduction.

Study Evaluasi Pemasangan Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Surya Sistem Hybrid pada PT. Makmur Indah Selaras Internasional Kabupaten Muaro Jambi Provinsi Jambi

PT. Makmur Indah Selaras is an oil palm industry company operating in Muaro Jambi Regency, Jambi Province. For the industrial sector, electrical energy is needed for lighting as well as electric machines and motors. At PT. Makmur Indah Selaras Internasional this has led to an increase in the need for electrical energy. Solutions for the development of electrical energy needs at PT. Makmur Indah Selaras Internasional is by replacing the roof with solar panels with the use of new renewable energy (NRE) New renewable energy which is provided in the form of solar power plants. Roof to maximize the use of solar roofs as land in the application of solar panels. Calculating the power produced by PLTS HYBRID PT. Makmur Indah Selaras International. Calculating the number of materials and components used in PLTS HYBRID PT. prosperous Indah Selaras International. Electrical energy is produced during the day more than in the morning or evening. The average energy produced during the day is 379 -389 Volts.

Enhancing soil fertility, inorganic fertilizer efficiency, and oil palm productivity through bio-compost application in oxium biodegradable sacks on former mining land-podzols: Insights from a field study in Indonesia

Sandy podzolic soils, prevalent on former mining lands, present significant agricultural challenges due to their coarse texture, depth, acidity, and low fertility. This study evaluated the impact of bio-compost fertilizer, delivered in biodegradable oxium sacks, on soil quality and oil palm productivity in these soils. Conducted over 12 months in a 4-year-old oil palm plantation in East Belitung Regency, Indonesia, the research compared various combinations of bio-compost and inorganic fertilizers with a control group. The findings revealed that the integration of bio-compost with reduced doses of inorganic fertilizers markedly improved soil quality and decreased dependence on chemical inputs. Specifically, applying 50 kg or 75 kg of bio-compost per palm along with 50 % or 75 % of the standard inorganic fertilizer dose was particularly effective. This approach increased oil palm productivity to 14.50–15.87 tons per hectare per year. The method provides a sustainable solution for the palm oil industry and small farmers, improving soil fertility and productivity in degraded podzolic soils. The use of oxium biodegradable sacks allowed for a gradual release of nutrients. Future research should further explore the potential of bio-compost as a soil conditioner and its long-term environmental impacts across various soil types.

Lightweight cellulosic insulation panels made from oil palm trunk fibers

Biobased thermal insulation is of relevance as a sustainable substitute for current fossil-based materials. In this regard, oil palm trunk (OPT), which arises in substantial quantities as a by-product of the palm oil industry, is a suitable raw material due to its relatively high content in cellulosic fibers and low cost. The present study focuses on the inner part of OPT, which is light and low in mechanical performance and therefore lacks suitable applications other than fuel wood. OPT was grinded, chemically pre-treated to reduce the content of non-cellulosic constituents and fibrillated. With the partial aid of additives, the fiber suspensions where then mechanically foamed and dried. The light-weight panels produced by this method showed low densities of roughly 50 – 100 kg m−3 and thermal conductivity of 40 – 45 mW m−1 K−1. With these values, OPT foam panels are well within reach of current non-bio-based insulation materials and perform equally well or even better than other bio-based thermal insulation materials.

Palm Oil Business Partnership Sustainability through the Role of Social Capital and Local Wisdom: Evidence from Palm Oil Plantations in Indonesia

Sustainable development can only be achieved when jointly considering social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Social capital and local wisdom offer important contributions to the development process and the capabilities of individuals and groups as development actors. This study analyzes the role of social capital and local wisdom in managing business partnerships between farmers and palm oil plantation companies in North Konawe, Indonesia. This research was conducted in a palm oil plantation area by involving landowner farmers, palm oil companies, and other stakeholders such as the local government, NGOs, and academics. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and focus group discussions (FGDs), totaling 320 respondents, and analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. The selection of informants for the in-depth interviews was determined by considering their involvement in and understanding of the partnership between farmers and companies in oil palm plantations; field observations were carried out to determine the field conditions of these plantations, while FGDs were held to obtain stakeholder information regarding problems and solutions in implementing farmer and company partnerships with the aim of having a positive impact on economic, social, and environmental welfare. The results underscore the importance of social capital and local wisdom in organizing institutional programs for strengthening palm oil business partnerships. Trust, social networks, and participation negatively affected the sustainability of these partnerships, whilst local wisdom and social solidarity positively influenced institutional strengthening. Company inconsistency and lack of openness can lead to a trust crisis that can threaten the sustainable operations of palm oil companies, while building good cooperative commitment and maintaining collaboration play key roles in enhancing community welfare and increasing company profits. The social capital and local wisdom of farmer institutions in villages are expected to significantly contribute to the establishment of sustainable palm oil business partnerships.

Model of partnership in sustainable palm oil: efforts to increase partnerships in the palm oil business in Indonesia

Purpose A partnership model is necessary for palm oil plantations’ sustainability. The developed model does not identify the optimal technique for smallholder palm oil because it faces complex challenges. This study aims to determine a partnership model for sustainable palm oil plantation business in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research methods were used, and data analysis was performed using NVivo 12 Plus software, which helps improve the accuracy of qualitative studies and provides implications for evidence-based studies. All respondents, whether through surveys, interviews or focus group discussions, understood their contributions to this research and provided consent. Findings The results indicate that the core–plasma partnership pattern implemented by companies needs to be considered a relevant model for partnerships in the Indonesian palm oil industry. Social networks play a role in implementing this partnership pattern, which is influenced by the diversity of the actors involved. However, complexity arises from the dynamics of power and position among these actors, which demands increased interaction and mutual trust. Therefore, various dimensions must be considered, including plantation management, product marketing, cultivation techniques and sustainable development. Research limitations/implications The research results have limitations, particularly regarding access to information for company policymakers, because there remains complexity related to the position and dominance of power between actors, which influences the achievement of common goals. A more complex analysis is needed to produce complete research. Further studies are required to provide a more comprehensive explanation of the humanist approach in the context of palm plantations. Originality/value This study provides an important theoretical implementation: a more humane approach through a partnership model that adds value and is based on aspects of morality in implementing partnerships in the palm oil plantation sector. It also provides new and substantial insights regarding practical implementation for policymakers and practitioners who want to improve partnership practices in sustainable palm oil businesses by implementing value-added and morality-based partnership models in Indonesia as well as other developing countries.

Influence of the Addition of Palm Kernel Shell and Ash on Concrete Performances: Study of Correlations between Intrinsic Material Properties

Sustainable development objectives in the construction sector is currently hampered by the high cost of materials (cement, aggregates) and the environmental impact of waste in some developing countries. The obtained results in this work on the influence of ash (PKSA) and palm kernel shell (PKS) used as a partial addition of cement and aggregates in concrete composition, enable their valorization as local materials to manufacturing the lightweight concrete with low-cost. This is an interesting contribution to the development of sustainable construction and environmental protection. The used palm kernel shells are produced in the palm oil industry in Republic of Congo. The highest values for density Cd(2348kg/m3), compressive strength Cs(27MPa) and splitting tensile strength Ts(2.4MPa) for concrete using PKSA were obtained at 2.5%. Those for concrete using PKS were obtained at 5 %, i.e. Cd(2165kg/m3), Cs(22MPa) and Ts(1.90MPa). the increase in concrete properties with PKSA compared to PKS is explained by the pozzolanic reaction of the palm kernel ash, which acts as a hydraulic binder. Correlations between fundamental concrete properties reliably describe the influence of PKS and PKSA, with a coefficient of determination R2 (0.9) superior at 0.5; the obtained mathematical models to prediction the concrete properties are a significant contribution for engineers. PKS is a concrete plasticizer, PKSA is a concrete setting and hardening accelerator. The production of low-carbon concrete with PKSA addition is a major step forward for the concrete industry.

Effect of hydraulic retention time and effluent recycle ratio on biogas production from POME using UASB-HCPB fermentor assisted with ultrafiltration membrane at mesophilic condition

Biogas is renewable energy produced through anaerobic digestion based on palm oil mill effluent. Biogas production is overgrowing and is carried out in various bioreactors, such as the Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket - Hollow Centered Packed Bed fermentor. Even though this process is considered successful in producing biogas, it has not adopted a recycling system. Therefore, the remaining sludge (effluent) after the processing process is generally not reused and is thrown into the environment, which still has the opportunity to produce biogas. The combination of the performance of the the Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket - Hollow Centered Packed Bed fermentor with an ultrafiltration membrane is one of the latest innovations to reduce the volume of effluent wasted through recycling the effluent (retentate) into the feed tank. This research aims to produce biogas from liquid waste from palm oil mills using an Up-flow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket-Hollow Centered Packed Bed fermentor combined with ultrafiltration membranes under mesophilic conditions. In this research examines the effect of hydraulic retention time and the effluent recycling ratio on the pH profile, alkalinity, production, biogas composition, and kinetics of biogas production. The research began with loading up by varying the hydraulic retention time, namely 40, 25, and 10, until reaching the target hydraulic retention time of 6 days in a 5.4 L fermentor with a pH of 7 ± 0.2 under mesophilic conditions. Next, the effect of the recycling ratio was studied by varying the effluent (retentate) recycling ratio, namely 0, 15, and 25 %. The parameters analyzed are pH, M-Alkalinity, total solids, volatile solids, total suspended solids, volatile suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand, volume, and biogas composition. The organic content in the substrate is used as a kinetic parameter for biogas production using the modified Gompertz, Logistic, and Monod kinetic equation. The research results show that in mesophilic conditions, a recycling ratio of 25 % shows better results compared to ratios of 0 and 15 % where biogas production is 20×10-5 L/mgVS.day, with a best composition of methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide each of 88.2; 10.8; and 0.07 % (v/v), with ΔVS decomposition at 15 % and 25 % recycle ratio of 42.50 and 45.83 % (w/v). The equation for the biogas production rate constant as a function of temperature obtained is the biogas production rate constant: M=299.81+exp(14.28299.8(0.39−t)+2) for logistic model, M=27.2xs2.46+s for monod model, M=250.1×exp{−exp[1.85.e250.1(0.42−t)+1]} for Gompertz modified kinetic model. Based on the scanning electron microscope results, it can be seen that the membrane used is an ultrafiltration membrane type, with a characteristic thickness of 7-8 µm and a pore size of 100–300 nm. The scanning electron microscope results also show that effluent contaminants deposition in the inner layer (spinger membrane) and deformation of the spinger structure are driven by forces during the effluent recycling process. The results obtained in this research show that this condition provides a clean, effective, and low-energy biogas production system that can be optimistically applied to the national palm oil industry power generation system.

Development of SADS (Soil and Air Detector System) to Support Palm Oil Industries in Indonesia

The issue of environmental damage due to the expansion of palm oil plantations in Indonesia has become a global issue. It has often hampered the development of the downstream palm oil industries in Indonesia. The European market was once closed to palm oil and derivative products from Indonesia. In fact, this industry has become a source of income and employment for millions of Indonesians. Therefore, palm oil industry must be supported with sustainable efforts. One of them is developing SADS (Soil and Air Detector System) model. Which is a tool for detecting soil and air environmental conditions around palm oil plantations. The parameters are soil PH, CO2 levels, temperature and humidity, and sunlight. The measurement results from this tool can be accessed and displayed in real-time via the internet. This is research aims to build a smart system as a solution to environmental problems around palm oil plantations. This is useful for knowing and observing the condition of palm oil plantations and as a basis for taking mitigation actions if the condition is in a critical state

Investigation of The Connections Between Supply Chain Management Practices and Supply Chain Responsiveness from Competitive Advantage in the Palm Oil Industry

Investigation of The Connections Between Supply Chain Management Practices and Supply Chain Responsiveness from Competitive Advantage in the Palm Oil Industry

Treatment of wastewater from oil palm industry in Malaysia using polyvinylidene fluoride-bentonite hollow fiber membranes via membrane distillation system

Membrane distillation (MD) is gaining increasing recognition within membrane-based processes for palm oil mill effluent (POME) treatment. This study aims to alter the physicochemical characteristics of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes through the incorporation of bentonite (B) at varying weight concentrations (ranging from 0.25 wt% to 1.0 wt%). Characterization was conducted to evaluate changes in morphology, thermal stability, surface characteristics and wetting properties of the resulting membranes. The resulting membranes were also tested using direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) with POME as the feed solution, aiming to generate high-purity water. Results indicated that the PVDF-0.3B and PVDF-0.5B membranes achieved the highest water vapor flux. The finger-like structure and macrovoids present in these membranes aid in minimizing mass resistance during vapor transport and enhancing permeate flux. All membranes demonstrated exceptional performance in removing contaminants, eliminating total dissolved solids (TDS) and achieving over 99% rejection of chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrate nitrogen (NN), color, and turbidity from the feed solution. The permeate water analysis showed that the PVDF-0.3B membrane had superior removal efficiency and met the standards set by the local Department of Environment (DOE). The PVDF-0.3B membrane was chosen as the preferred option because of its consistent flux and high removal efficiency. This study demonstrated that incorporating bentonite into PVDF membranes significantly enhanced their properties and performance for POME treatment.