One ton of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) composed of 230-250 kg of empty fruit bunch (EFB), 130-150 kg of fibers, 60-65 kg of shell and 55-60 kg of kernels and 160-200 kg of crude oil. EFB are bulk solid residues. The use of EFB as a fuel for boiler is constrained by its high moisture content and low heating value (dry EFB <10 MJ/kg). Utilization of the EFB as substrate for mushroom cultivation and for the production of particleboard should be given first priority. In addition EFB could be used as organic fertilizer and mulching material. Palm fibers are used mainly as fuel for boilers (heating value of dry fibers <5 MJ/kg). Other applications of palm fibers include its use as substrate for enzymatic saccharification as animal feed. Although, palm shell can be used as boiler fuel with heating value of 17 MJ/kg, it causes the black smoke. Alternative use for the production of activated carbon is preferable. Decanter cake can be used as a fertilizer or soil conditioner. 

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) composed of high polluted effluent (from sterilizer and oil room) and low polluted effluent (steam condensate, cooling water, boiler discharge and sanitary effluent). To minimize overall treatment costs, the different wastewater streams should be collected and treated separately. The oil separation from the wastewater stream by gravity type oil separators is recommended which will contribute to improve production yield and minimize the organic loading for the subsequent biological treatment system. The most appropriate secondary treatment for POME is biological digestion in which the combination of anaerobic and aerobic ponds is used presently. Closed anaerobic system should be used for energy conservation. Application of biologically treated POME for irrigation has been carried out by some palm oil mills having their own plantation nearby. The POME dosage should be based on the fertilizer requirement of plants. Spillage of POME into ground water or into surface water must be avoided. If these wastes are properly managed as described above, the palm oil mill will become an environmental friendly industry. 

Academic Background: 1972 B.Sc. Food Science and Technology, Kasetsart University; 1975 M.Sc. Microbiology, Kasetsart University; 1984 Ph.D. Biotechnology, University of New South Wales
Experience: 1978 UNESCO student in Applied Microbiology, Japan;  Research Fellow under the JSPS program in Biotechnology for many times; 1998 Certificate for Lead Accessor Course in ISO14000
Research Interest: Enzyme and Fermentation Technology; Application of Cleaner Technology for Agro-Industry
Present Research Activity: Monoglycerides and Fatty Acid Production from Palm Oil by Immobilized Lipase;  Application of Cleaner Technology for Seafood, Rubber Latex and Palm Oil Mill Factories in Southern Thailand