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Detoxification of olive mill wastewaters by Moroccan yeast isolates

A Ben Sassi1, N Ouazzani, G M Walker

  • 1Equipe de Recherche de Génie des Bioprocédés, Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, B.P. 549, Gueliz, Marrakech 40000, Morocco.

Biodegradation
|November 24, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Indigenous yeasts from Moroccan olive oil production plants can detoxify olive mill wastewaters (OMW). Certain yeast strains effectively reduce organic pollutants and OMW phytotoxicity, yielding useful biomass and irrigation fluid.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Microbiology
  • Biotechnology
  • Agricultural Science

Background:

  • Olive oil production generates significant wastewater (OMW) posing environmental challenges.
  • OMW contains high levels of organic pollutants and phytotoxins, limiting its reuse.
  • Microbial detoxification offers a sustainable solution for OMW treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and evaluate indigenous yeast strains for OMW detoxification.
  • To assess the efficacy of selected yeasts in reducing organic pollutants and phytotoxicity.
  • To determine the potential of yeast biomass and treated OMW as valuable byproducts.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and screening of 105 yeast strains from Moroccan olive oil production plants.
  • Evaluation of yeast growth in OMW and their ability to reduce total phenols and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD).
  • Phytotoxicity assessment using barley seed germination tests and analysis of key parameters like pH and organic nitrogen.

Main Results:

  • Nine yeast isolates showed promising growth in OMW; four demonstrated significant detoxification capabilities.
  • Selected yeast strains reduced total phenols by 44% and COD by 63%.
  • Candida holstii achieved an 80% barley germination rate in undiluted OMW, increasing pH from 4.76 to 6.75.

Conclusions:

  • Indigenous yeast strains possess significant potential for the biological treatment of olive mill wastewaters.
  • Yeast-mediated OMW detoxification improves effluent quality, reduces phytotoxicity, and generates valuable biomass.
  • This approach offers a sustainable and eco-friendly method for managing OMW, promoting resource recovery.

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