A Short Review: Photocatalysis As An Alternative Method for POME Treatment

The liquid waste produced due to palm oil processing is called palm oil mill effluent (POME). It is challenging to manage because of its high production and inadequate treatment. The discharge of raw POME into the environment will result in multiple detrimental effects and environmental pollution. This short review compares the conventional treatment methods in Malaysia, which are the ponding system for the treatment of POME and the open or closed digesting tank. These systems are unable to achieve the standards set by the Department of Environment (DOE) of Malaysia. Photocatalysts, which are well-known as catalysts in the decomposition of organic contaminants, are suggested as an alternative method for POME treatment. The viability of using photocatalytic technology to remediate POME waste is discussed in this short review. The advancement and improvement of the nanoparticle system for POME treatment are identified based on past studies. It is aimed at providing readers with a clear comparison of conventional POME treatment methods and information on photocatalysis as an alternative POME treatment method.