Characterization and treatment procedures for wastewater generated during ethanol production from molasses

The paper briefly describes the process of ethanol production from molasses which directly affects the quantity and composition of generated wastewater. The data on wastewater composition are quoted from available international literature, and include data on the toxic impacts of this wastewater on different test organisms, as well as a literature overview of the most frequently used treatment procedures and their advantages and disadvantages. Wastewater from molasses-based distilleries is characterized by dark colour, low pH value, high conductivity, and has a high load of organic matter with low biodegradability. It is extremely toxic and cannot be discharged into the environment or public wastewater systems without preliminary treatment. Therefore, in order to reduce the risks for nature and environment components, distillery wastewater requires a high level of treatment as a combination of different procedures to render it harmless for the nature and environment and comply with the prescribed legal criteria for discharges into the environment.