Recent Developments in Biological Processing Technology for Palm Oil Mill Effluent Treatment—A Review

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Palm oil mill effluent (POME) requires treatment prior to discharge to the environment. Biological processing technology is highly preferable due to its advantages of environmentally friendliness, cost effectiveness, and practicality. These methods utilized various designs and modifications of bioreactors fostering effective fermentation technology in the presence of fungi, bacteria, microalgae, and a consortium of microorganisms. This review highlights the recent biological processing technology for POME treatment as a resource utilization. ABSTRACT: POME is the most voluminous waste generated from palm oil milling activities. The discharge of POME into the environment without any treatment processing could inflict an undesirable hazard to humans and the environment due to its high amount of toxins, organic, and inorganic materials. The treatment of POME prior to discharge into the environment is utmost required to protect the liability for human health and the environment. Biological treatments are preferable due to eco-friendly attributes that are technically and economically feasible. The goal of this review article is to highlight the current state of development in the biological processing technologies for POME treatment. These biological processing technologies are conducted in the presence of fungi, bacteria, microalgae, and a consortium of microorganisms. Numerous microbes are listed to identify the most efficient strain by monitoring the BOD, COD, working volume of the reactor, and treatment time. The most effective processing technology for POME treatment uses an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor with the COD value of 99%, hydraulic retention time of 7.2 days, and a working volume of 4.7 litres. Biological processing technologies are mooted as an efficient and sustainable management practice of POME waste.