Palm Oil Mill Research Articles

Assessing the Environmental Impact of Empty Fruit Bunches for Electricity Generation in Malaysia: A Life Cycle Perspective

Abstract Empty fruit bunches (EFB) constitute a significant residual byproduct of the palm oil mill industry in Malaysia, representing approximately 22% of the weight of every fresh fruit bunch. This study aims to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with electricity generation utilizing EFB as a primary fuel through a cradle – to – grave life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. The system boundary encompasses the power plant construction, fuel preparation, electricity generation and all transportation activities throughout its life cycle. The EFBs are sourced from seven palm mills situated within a 50-kilometer radius of the plant. SimaPro 9.4.02 software integrated with Ecoinvent 3.8 database was employed to quantify the magnitudes of significant environmental indicators, such as global warming potential (GWP), ozone depletion potential (ODP), acidification potential (AP), eutrophication potential (EP), and photochemical oxidant creation potential (POCP), based on a functional unit of 1 kWh of electricity produced. The emission rate for the biomass plant stands at – 5.31 kgCO2eq/kWh, signifying a net carbon sink. The electricity generation process accounts for a substantial 96.48% of the total CO2eq/kWh emissions, thus bearing the greatest environmental burden. The construction phase of the biomass plant contributes approximately 3.06% of the total emissions, while the EFB transportation to the power plant represents a minor 0.19% of the overall emissions. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the plant’s efficiency across fiscal years 2018 to 2021 and its corresponding global warming impacts. In 2021, the plant’s operations resulted in the most significant carbon avoidance, given the combustion of a high volume of EFB (188 kilotons) to produce 49.3GWh of electricity. The findings from this study serve as a valuable benchmark for evaluating emissions in the context of the empty fruit bunch-based plant in Peninsular Malaysia, hence offering profound insights into the environmental sustainability of the palm oil industry.

Biochar and syngas from wet torrefaction of oil palm empty fruit bunches and palm oil mill effluent: A renewable energy approach

Abstract Palm oil mill effluent (POME) and oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) constitute the highest waste generated in the mill. This study investigates thermochemical approaches, specifically wet torrefaction and gasification, aiming to transform these wastes into higher-value products such as biochar. Wet torrefaction was initially applied to EFB and POME at 200 °C, with a heating rate of 5 °C/min for 30-min residence time under nitrogen-inert conditions, resulting in a solid yield of 82%. This process led to a notable increase in the heating value of raw EFB by 30.6%, from 17.3 to 22.6 MJ/kg. Subsequently, the product underwent gasification at various temperatures ranging from 600 to 800 °C, with a constant heating rate of 10 °C/min, gas flow rate of 20 ml/min, and a retention time of 30 min. The gasification reaction improved the solid yield and resulted in the generation of liquid products and syngas. The results indicated that 45-59% of biochar, 12-17% of bio-oil, and 30-39% of syngas were produced. The syngas composition, determined using gas chromatography, revealed the presence of CO2, H2, CH4, and CO. The solid product, characterised by a higher heating value, is a viable alternative for solid fuel. The findings suggested that both wet torrefaction and the gasification process have the potential to address the abundance of palm mill waste issues and offer an alternative approach for utilising and generating energy within the mill.

Study of wet torrefaction and anaerobic digestion of empty fruit bunches for bioenergy production

Abstract In Malaysia, the palm oil industry generates vast amounts of solid and liquid waste, including empty fruit bunches (EFB) and palm oil mill effluent (POME). Finding efficient and environmentally friendly ways to manage and utilise this waste is crucial for sustainability. The research explores the utilisation of wet torrefaction in water for EFB, examining its impact on anaerobic digestion, specifically the dark fermentation (DF) process. The liquid product of torrefied EFB was further investigated as a substrate for biohydrogen production, employing innovative pre-treatment methods such as heat and acid on POME as the inoculum. This study focused on exploring the impact of temperature and holding time on the wet torrefaction of EFB prior to the dark fermentation process. Wet torrefaction was conducted at temperatures between 180 – 210°C and EFB: water ratio of 1:20 for 10 – 30 min, resulting in a mass yield of 52 – 54% and a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 19.7 – 25.4 g/L COD. The chosen conditions (210°C for 30 min) demonstrated the lowest COD, validating the potential of torrefied liquid EFB for biohydrogen production. Dark fermentation was carried out at 37°C for 5 days, exploring various inoculum pretreatment parameters, including heat (80°C for 1 hr) and acid treatment (HCL pH 2-4). Liquid torrefied EFB with heat treatment inoculum exhibited the highest biohydrogen yield of 5.8 Nml, a notable 18% increase compared to the control. Through optimisation of parameters and effective waste management strategies, wet torrefaction and dark fermentation of EFB and POME emerge as promising approaches for sustainable biomass utilisation and renewable energy generation.

ANALISIS PERCEPATAN DEGRADASI POME (Palm Oil Mill Effluent) MENGGUNAKAN NITROGEN DAN PHOSPATE DENGAN INTERVAL WAKTU 10 DAN 20 HARI

Indonesia is one of the palm oil producing countries, The waste produced by palm oil is Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME). POME is the residual waste water from palm oil waste in the form of a brownish viscous liquid containing water (95-96%), oil (0.6-0.7) and 4-5% total solids. Each production of 1 ton of TBS be formed. about 0.6 to 1 m3 POME. The purpose of this study was to measure the acceleration of POME biodegradation after the administration of various doses of Phosphate and Sampling technique using "times series Nitrogen by measuring the COD value against the length of incubation time. Sampling technique using "times series’. There was a decrease in the accelerated biodegradation of COD content at the highest dose ratio at N5:P3 with a value of 33.60%:19.20% after the addition of various nitrogen and phosphate dosage variants to the blank for 10 days. There was a decrease in the accelerated biodegradation of COD content at the highest dose ratio in N2:P4 with a value of 33.60%: 28.80% after the addition of various nitrogen and phosphate doses to the blank for 20 days. For other researchers, they can add various dose comparisons to continue the research that has been done previously to make it even better.

Karakterisasi Komposit Polimer dengan Matriks Polistirena dan Bahan Pengisi dari Berbagai Limbah Pabrik Kelapa Sawit

The first stage of this research was to make polystyrene grafted with maleic anhydride for making the couping agent with other filling compound. In the second stage, the polystyrene matrix grafted with maleic anhydride was combined with filler material derived from palm oil mill waste using the dry mixing method with an internal mixer. Among several variables tested, the optimum composition of the polymer composite was found to be Polystyrene grafted with maleic anhydride: sludge: boiler ash in a ratio of 60:25:15. This composition exhibited a Young's modulus of 856.752 MPa, a tensile strength of 6.057 MPa, and an elongation at break of 0.775%. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) testing revealed a glass transition temperature of 403.22°C, a crystallization temperature of 426.39°C, and a cross-linking indication temperature of 478.64°C. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) tests showed an even distribution of the material. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy indicated a decrease in absorption peaks at 3024.94 cm⁻¹ and 3025.15 cm⁻¹, while the polystyrene characteristics at the wave number 1600.57 cm⁻¹ appeared sharper. The sound absorption test results met the ISO 11654:1997 standard for the rating level of sound absorption coefficient in materials, achieving Class D and C sound absorption with an αₙₓ value ranging from 0.328 to 0.793.

Evaluation of the Potential of Boiler Ash from Palm Oil Mill as an Alternative Material for the Improvement of Acid Coal Main Drainage

The study aimed to evaluate the potential of boiler ash from palm oil mills to improve the quality of acid mine drainage (AMD). The experiment was conducted using boiler ash with five doses of 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 mg. Quicklime was used as a comparison material with doses of 0, 0.02, 0.03, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.3 mg. Boiler ash and quicklime were added to each 500 mL AMD. The parameters of the AMD quality measured were pH, dissolved iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), and the precipitates of Fe and Mn. The results showed that the addition of boiler ash and quicklime into AMD increased the pH and decreased the concentration of dissolved Fe and Mn and increased the precipitate of Fe and Mn. The pH value of AMD increased with increasing doses of boiler ash and quicklime. An increase in the pH value was followed by a decrease in the dissolved Fe and Mn and anincrease in the Fe and Mn precipitate. The highest pH values, Fe and Mn precipitates, and the lowest dissolved Fe and Mn were obtained by the treatment of 15 mg/L boiler ash and 0.3 mg/L quicklime. The boiler ash showed promising potential as an alternative neutralizing reagent to improve AMD even though the amount of boiler ash needed to repair AMD was more than quicklime.

Analisis Penerapan K3 di Pabrik Perkebunan Sawit

. Implementing a culture of safety or safe work in oil palm plantations is very difficult for the workforce, especially those with low education. The palm oil industry faces many risks, including heat exposure, heavy workloads, exposure to hazardous chemicals, fires, and accidents due to heavy equipment. OHS is still seen as a cost and not an investment to prevent work accidents in companies or industries. The purpose of this study was to summarize the journal and find important information about the implementation of OSH in palm oil mills. In writing this journal, a literature review approach was used. The journals used in this study came from journals accessed through Google Schoolar. The results showed that there are several factors that cause To conduct this research, the activities needed to identify risks in the work process, such as fire, fall risk, heat exposure, chemical exposure, and occupational accidents. To conduct this research, the necessary activities to identify risks in the work process at the.

Preliminary evaluation of electricity recovery from palm oil mill effluent by anion exchange microbial fuel cell

This study assessed the viability of an anion-exchange microbial fuel cell (MFC) for extracting electricity from palm oil mill effluent (POME), a major pollutant in palm-oil producing regions due to increasing demand. The MFC incorporated a tubular membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with an air core, featuring a carbon-painted carbon-cloth cathode, an anion exchange membrane (AEM), and a nonwoven graphite fabric (NWGF) anode. An additional carbon brush (CB) anode was placed adjacent to the tubular MEA. The MFC operated under semi-batch conditions with POME replacement every 7 days. Results showed superior performance of the AEM, with the highest power density (Pmax) observed in POME-treated MFCs. Current and power density increased with CB addition; the best chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency reached 73 %, decreasing from 1249 to 332 mg/L with three CBs. The Pmax was 0.18 W/m−2(−|-) with 1000 mg/L COD and three CBs, dropping to 0.0031 W/m−2(−|-) without CB and at 410 mg/L COD. Anode resistance, calculated using organic matter supplementation, COD, and anode surface area, decreased with increased COD or surface area, improving electricity production. AEM and CB compatibility synergistically enhanced MFC performance, offering potential for POME wastewater treatment and energy recovery.

Integrated Struvite Precipitation and Fenton Oxidation for Nutrient Recovery and Refractory Organic Removal in Palm Oil Mill Effluent

Anaerobically treated palm oil mill effluent (AnT-POME), containing a high concentration of ammoniacal-nitrogen (NH4+-N) and soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) was subjected to sequential processes of struvite precipitation to recover NH4+-N and Fenton oxidation for sCOD removal. The optimization of treatment was conducted through response surface methodology (RSM). Under optimized struvite precipitation conditions (Mg2+/NH4+, PO43−/NH4+ molar ratios: 1; pH 8.2 ± 0.1), NH4+-N concentration decreased to 41 ± 7.1 mg L−1 from an initial 298 ± 41 mg L−1 (78.8 ± 1.6 % removal). Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed NH4+-N was recovered as struvite. Subsequent Fenton oxidation under the optimized conditions (H2O2 dosage: 2680 mg L−1; molar ratio of Fe2+/H2O2: 0.8; reaction time: 56 min) reduced sCOD concentration to 308 ± 46 mg L−1 from an initial 1350 ± 336 mg L−1 (76.0 ± 1.0 % removal). The transparent appearance of treated AnT-POME validated the removal of sCOD responsible for the initial brownish appearance. Models derived from RSM demonstrated significance, with high coefficients of determination (R2 = 0.99). Overall, integrated struvite precipitation and Fenton oxidation effectively removed NH4+-N and sCOD from AnT-POME, contributing to nutrient recovery and environmental sustainability.

Utilization of Fly Ash Palm Oil Mill Waste as an Adsorbent of Methylene Blue in a Fixed Bed Column System by Using Response Surface Methodology

Palm kernel shell combustion waste in boiler units called fly ash (FA) is a low-cost alternative material as an adsorbent. FA contains high levels of silica (SiO2) and aluminium oxide (Al2O3). The content of both compounds is an important component as an adsorbent. FA was used to absorb methylene blue (MB) continuously from synthetic dye wastewater. The study was conducted by continuous system process optimization using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) Box-Behnken design. MB was flowed on a set of fixed-bed adsorption columns with independent variables in this study are X1 (bed height; 8, 12, 16 cm), X2 (contact time; 90, 120, 150 min) and X3 (flow rate; 2, 4, 6L/min). The dependent variables were Y1 (removal efficiency) and Y2 (adsorption capacity) with matrix design by Box-Behnken. Optimisation of MB removal in this study was obtained at X1 = 16 cm, X2 = 150 min and X3 = 2 L/min with removal efficiency of 98.45% and adsorption capacity of 0.115 mg/g. FA pores according to SEM analysis were obtained at 1-2 µm. Likewise, the results of EDX analysis showed that there were N and Cl atoms in FA after the adsorption process. This shows that FA is able to adsorb MB.

Study of Adsorption Kinetics and Degradation of Fatty Oil in Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) Using Activated Bentonite

A study was conducted on the treatment of palm oil liquid waste using activated bentonite through an adsorption method. Four variations of adsorbent treatments were employed: untreated bentonite (UBA), and chemically activated bentonite with 5%, 10%, and 15% H2SO4 (CAB-5, CAB-10, and CAB-15, respectively). The adsorption capacities (qe) for UBA, CAB-5, CAB-10, and CAB-15 were found to be 91.01, 97.01, 94.46, and 93.27 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption kinetics followed a first-order reaction model, with correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.70, 0.93, 0.98, and 0.94 for UBA, CAB-5, CAB-10, and CAB-15, respectively. Additionally, the fatty oil content of the treated waste, when adsorbed for 60 to 100 minutes, met the quality standard threshold, reducing it to below 25 mg/L. This study underscores the importance of addressing the waste produced by the palm oil industry and emphasizes the need for effective effluent treatment to protect the environment and ensure industry sustainability.

Cellulase production by Aspergillus fumigatus A4112 and the potential use of the enzyme in cooperation with surfactant to enhance floating oil recovery and methane production from palm oil mill effluent

This research performed cellulase production by Aspergillus fumigatus A4112 and evaluated its potential use in palm oil mill effluent (POME) hydrolysis to recover oil simultaneously with the generation of fermentable sugar useful for biofuel production under non-sterilized conditions. Empty fruit bunch (EFB) without pretreatment was used as carbon source. The combination of nitrogen sources facilitated CMCase production. The maximum activity (3.27 U/mL) was obtained by 1.0 g/L peptone and 1.5 g/L (NH4)2SO4 and 20 g/L EFB at 40 °C for 7 days. High level of FPase activity (39.51 U/mL) was also obtained. Interestingly, the enzyme retained its cellulase activities more than 60% at ambient temperature over 15 days. In enzymatic hydrolysis, Triton X-100 was an effective surfactant to increase total oil recovery in the floating form. High yield of reducing sugar (50.13 g/L) and 21% (v/v) of floating oil was recoverable at 65 °C for 48 h. Methane content of the raw POME increased from 41.49 to 64.94% by using de-oiled POME hydrolysate which was higher than using the POME hydrolysate (59.82%). The results demonstrate the feasibility of the constructed process for oil recovery coupled with a subsequent step for methane yield enhancement in biogas production process that benefits the palm oil industry.

Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Tanaman Selada (Lactuca sativa L.) yang Diaplikasi Kompos Padat dengan Pupuk Urea

Lettuce is one of the vegetable plants that contain water, energy, protein, and fat; rich in carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, vitamin C, and several other vitamins. Solids are the waste from the by-products of fresh fruit bunch (FFB) processing in palm oil mills. Inorganic fertilizers are fertilizers from chemical, physical, and biological engineering processes resulting from an industry or fertilizer manufacturing plant. The provision of solid compost with urea fertilizer is expected to complement each other's nutrient needs. In contrast, lettuce plants need nitrogen nutrients in the vegetative phase and protein formation in their tissues. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of several doses of solid compost treatment with urea fertilizer and get the best combination of solid compost with urea fertilizer on the growth and production of lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa L.). The research was conducted experimentally using a completely randomized design (CRD) with six fertilizer treatments. The treatments included: 30 ton/ha solid compost + 0 kg/ha urea fertilizer, 30 ton/ha solid compost + 100 kg/ha urea fertilizer, 30 ton/ha solid compost + 200 kg/ha urea fertilizer, 20 ton/ha solid compost + 0 kg/ha urea fertilizer, 20 ton/ha solid compost + 100 kg/ha urea fertilizer, 20 ton/ha solid compost + 200 kg/ha Urea fertilizer. The results were analyzed using variance analysis and continued with Duncan's multiple range test at the 5% level. Applying 20 - 30 tons/ha of solid compost with 200 kg/ha of urea fertilizer gave the best results on the growth and yield of lettuce plants.

Pricing of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) From Oil Palm in Riau Province, Indonesia: Developing A Collaborative Governance Model for Sustainable Agriculture

The Riau provincial government has formed an oil palm Fresh Fruit Bunch (FFB) pricing team to accelerate the implementation of prices and partnerships. However, most independent smallholders do not partner with palm oil mills, resulting in non-compliance with government regulations. The study aims to analyze the roles of actors and collaborative governance dynamics, as well as factors influencing success. The research method combines quantitative and qualitative data collection, with data collected through questionnaires, observations, and in-depth interviews. The collaborative model aims to support stakeholders, including NGOs, academics, and affected communities, with a focus on achieving fair prices and sustainable agriculture.

Investigating fouling deposition during combustion of hydrothermally treated palm empty fruit Bunch: Pilot-Scale study for industrial hydrothermal reactor

Inorganic elements in palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) are problematic in boiler operation, causing slagging and fouling deposits. The first pilot-scale hydrothermal treatment (HTT) system was commenced in a palm oil mill to remove undesirable elements. Fuel properties, combustion behavior, and fouling deposition of HTT-EFB were investigated. Liquid temperatures and treatment times in the HTT system significantly altered EFB-fuel properties. At ≥ 60 °C, potassium removals of at least 78 % were achieved, generating EFB-fuel containing potassium below 0.5 %wt. Later, a series of EFB combustion experiments were conducted in a specially designed fixed-bed reactor to simulate the tube surface of industrial boilers. Fouling deposition from HTT-EFB combustion reduced to below half of untreated EFB at all HTT conditions and combustion temperatures studied. The deposit-to-fuel ratio of HTT-EFB combusted at 1,000 °C was 37.3 % lower than untreated EFB combusted at a typical EFB boiler at 800 °C. Results demonstrated great potential for HTT-EFB in industrial applications.

Application of Appropriate Technology for Making Organic NPK Fertilizer by Utilizing Palm Oil Mill Waste in Bekiung Village

Bekiung is one of the villages in Langkat Regency. Farmers in this village generally cultivate a lot of oil palm plants. The waste is quite large and causes environmental pollution problems. On the other hand, experience problems in the form of scarcity and expensive synthetic fertilizers, subsidized fertilizers that are no longer available, and less fertile soil. This is due to the lack of knowledge and skills of farmers, limited advice and infrastructure in waste processing. The aim of this activity is to increase farmers' knowledge and skills in processing palm oil waste into organic NPK fertilizer, open farmers' insight into the importance of organic fertilizer as a diversification of synthetic fertilizer which is beneficial for soil properties and increase the independence of partners in waste processing. The solution offered to overcome this problem is the introduction of appropriate technology and processing palm oil factory waste into organic NPK fertilizer. The methods used in this activity are socialization and direct practice in the field. The results obtained were the introduction and delivery of technology transfer equipment in the form of a hummer mill, conveyor and simple filter, training and assistance in making organic NPK fertilizer up to packaging. The conclusion of this activity is that it is a beneficial activity for partners because it increases the understanding and independence of partners in processing palm oil mill waste into organic NPK fertilizer which can overcome the problem of the availability of scarce and expensive fertilizer.

Extraction of K2CO3 from empty palm fruit bunch ash and properties analysis

Empty oil palm fruit bunches (EPFB) are the largest solid waste generated from palm oil mills. Accounting for 21-23 % of the total fresh fruit bunches. EFB ash contains K (Potassium) which can be recovered as K2CO3 through extraction. This research aims to recover K2CO3 from empty oil palm fruit bunches (EPFB) as a catalyst raw material because it is alkaline using the K2CO3 extraction method from the ash of empty oil palm fruit bunches (EPFB), which begins with a combustion process at a temperature of 700 oC to obtain ash. Ash extraction was carried out in 2 stages using water as a solvent. The K2CO3 yield from empty palm fruit bunch ash reached 57.28 %. The alkalinity test showed that the K2CO3 content in the solid extract reached 85.91 %. The properties of the ash and K2CO3 produced were analyzed using XRF, XRD and FTIR. The results of XRF analysis show that the potassium content in the ash contains the element K (potassium) which is quite large, namely 71.24 % and after extraction the purity of potassium oxide reaches 97.08 %. XRD analysis of the results of the synthesis of potassium carbonate from empty oil palm fruit bunches showed that the intensity of the material beam was obtained in a 2ϴ pattern which was lower than the intensity pattern of pure potassium carbonate. The results of FTIR analysis show that the spectrum of carbonate ions from the EPFB C-O bend is visible at 1359,879 and 700.75 cm-1 and these results are similaire to the pure carbonate ion vibration mode.

Daily and spatial generation of palm oil mill effluent in determining volumetric capacity for bio-methane planning

Daily and spatial generation of palm oil mill effluent in determining volumetric capacity for bio-methane planning

Altered reproductive behaviour in siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) after exposure to different level of turbidity derived from palm oil mill effluent

Increased turbidity due to Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) contamination has been reported in several water bodies. However, the impact of POME-derived turbidity on the reproductive behaviour of fish is still unexplored. Hence, this study was aimed to investigate the alteration in reproductive behavior of siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) after exposure to different levels of turbidity derived from POME. In total, 12 sexually mature pairs of siamese fighting fish were exposed to the different levels of turbidity, namely <1 NTU (control), 20 NTU (Treatment A), 40 NTU (Treatment B), and 60 NTU (Treatment C) with three replicates. Reproductive performance (total released egg, relative weight of released eggs, and nest area) and behaviour parameters (fin spreads, tail beats, chasing, leads, circling, and copulation) were measured. Results showed that an increase in turbidity (>40 NTU) due to POME contamination significantly decreased total released egg but did not have significant impact on relative weight of released eggs and nest area. Decreased total released eggs was occurred due to several alterations in the reproductive behaviour of siamese fighting fish during both the premating and mating stages. Duration of premating and mating stage was significantly decreased at turbidity level of 60 NTU. During premating stage, the number and average time of fin spreads behaviour at turbidity level of 60 NTU were significantly increased. In addition to, the number of chasing behaviour was significantly decreased with increasing turbidity levels. Furthermore, several alterations in reproductive behavior was also observed in mating stage, including increasing number and average time of lead, copulation interval, number of tail beat, average time of lead, and average time of circlings, followed by decreasing number of leads and number of circlings. In addition to, number of copulation and eggs per copulation showed an increasing and decreasing pattern at turbidity level of 40 and 60 NTU, respectively. The study suggests that reproductive behavior of fish might consider as alternative approach to support POME remediation management, mainly for turbidity parameters.

An Integrated SCOR-AHP Framework for Evaluating Sustainable Supply Chain Performance of Palm Oil Mills

An Integrated SCOR-AHP Framework for Evaluating Sustainable Supply Chain Performance of Palm Oil Mills