Mediterranean Cooperation in the Treatment and Valorisation of Olive Mill Wastewater (OMW)
The Mediterranean region accounts for 97% of the world’s olive production. About 11 million tons of olives are produced each year out of which nearly 2 million tons of olive oil is extracted. The estimated waste generated annually by olive oil processing is 9 million tons: this can potentially cause serious environmental harm if not disposed properly. MEDOLICO specifically targets the issue of olive oil mill wastewater (OMW), which is highly resistant to biodegradation. Provided that the treatment of OMW has only been partially addressed through isolated studies, there is a need for an harmonized and basinwide effort that significantly reduces the environmental impact of wastewater generated by olive mills.