Sludge palm oil (SPO) is a low-grade oil recovered as a main residue from the upper layer of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME).
Here's a more detailed explanation:
- Source: SPO is separated from POME, specifically during the initial stages of POME discharge. POME itself is a wastewater product of palm oil processing.
- Classification: SPO is considered a low-grade oil primarily because of its high free fatty acid (FFA) content. Typically, SPO contains around 20% FFA.
- Why it Matters: Understanding SPO is important for several reasons:
- Waste Management: Properly managing and potentially utilizing SPO reduces the environmental impact of palm oil production.
- Economic Potential: While low-grade, SPO can be further processed and refined for various applications, recovering value from what would otherwise be waste.
In summary, SPO represents an opportunity to improve the sustainability and economics of palm oil production by effectively managing and valorizing a byproduct stream.
