Chapter 9 - Dairy wastewater treatment using composite membranes

The increased demand for milk and milk products has led to the rapid development of the dairy sector and its related process residues and wastes. The main effluent streams, which are generated in the production chain, include byproducts, such as whey, buttermilk, and their derivatives, and wastewater deriving from processing, cleaning, and sanitary purposes. If not properly managed, discharge from this industry can cause serious environmental problems. In the last 40 years, membrane technologies have been widely implemented throughout the dairy processing chain, but only recently have applications of membrane-based processes for the valorization and purification of wastewater and cheese whey gained attention. Coupling membrane-based technologies with biological treatments, especially anaerobic digestion, is a cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable approach to enable water reuse and material and energy recovery. This chapter provides a critical review focusing on applications of membrane-based technologies for innovative management of wastes produced by the dairy sector.