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The effluent of palm oil plants is often described as just hazardous waste that can cause environmental pollution. But in fact, it has great potential to transform into highly economically valuable products if processed in innovative and professional ways.
Professor Yanto Santosa, from the Faculty of Forestry at Bogor Agricultural University (IPB University), said during a public debate in Jakarta on Monday (10/02/2025):
“Palm Oil Plant Effluent (LCPKS) is not hazardous waste and has the potential to provide multiple benefits. Several studies have shown that this waste can bring environmental, agricultural and economic benefits.”
He pointed out that there is a need to change the concept of workers in this sector in order to maximize the use of LCPKS and turn it into a useful resource.
He added: “To avoid thinking that palm waste is dangerous, even though it does not contain toxic or smelly substances, it is necessary to replace the term LCPKS from 'liquid waste' to 'industrial wastewater. '”
Santosa explained that the effluent of palm oil plants has significant benefits for the economy and the environment. If managed professionally, it can contribute to achieving the 8% economic growth target as planned by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
He pointed out that this waste contains organic nutrients that can be used as fertilizer for palm trees through technology Ground Application (LA), which includes the transfer of liquid waste through canal systems to farms.
He added: “According to an analysis of data from 15 palm oil production plants, 80% of farms where LA technology was applied experienced an increase in the production of fresh fruit salad (FFB), compared to farms that did not use this technique, while 20% showed no significant increase.”
He also explained that this waste consists of carbon compounds that can be used as a renewable source of fuel for vehicles and power plants. In addition, the use of technology Methane capture (MC) or regulations Biodigestion (Biodigester) It can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Santosa said: “Although methane capture technology and biodigestion require significant initial investments, returns from replacing fuel in boilers and selling palm kernel shells provide significant economic value.”
technology Methane capture (MC) It is used to extract methane gas resulting from the burning of palm oil waste, while Biodigestion (Biodigester) To convert organic waste into biogas.
Therefore, land application can lead to significant economic savings. Fertilizer cost savings are estimated at around 3.56 million US dollars per year per palm oil plant, reflecting great potential for reducing production costs through sustainable management of liquid waste.
coupled Ground Application (LA) undMethane capture (MC), there are other alternatives to using liquid waste, such as Natural treatment using black soldier fly (BSF), which in the long term can lead to the production of bioplastics.
Santosa also noted the need for more studies on Palm fatty acid oil (PAO), a derivative of LCPKS, which has multiple benefits.
However, there are still technical challenges in the treatment of liquid waste, most notably the lack of understanding about the multiple benefits of LCPKS, despite its huge potential in terms of agricultural, economic and environmental benefits.
source: Jawapos
