(205a) Production Marine Diesel Fuels from Olive Mill Wastewater Sludge

Valorization of agro-industrial residue such as olive mill wastewater sludge (OMWS) is very important to Tunisia and Mediterranean olive oil industry. Advanced methods of processing OMWS to convert it into marine diesel fuel and biochar will address both environmental pollution as well as reduce carbon emission. A thermochemical conversion method, such as fluidized bed pyrolysis was conducted at 450 C to produce biocrude oils from OMWS. The pyrolysis process produced large quantities of hydrogen which could be potentially used for hydrotreating the biocrude oil. The biocrude oil was suitable for direct use as marine diesel because of its low oxygen content, high HHV, and easy miscibility with very low sulfur diesel fuel. Hydrotreatment of the biocrude oil improved its fuel properties and could find a wide range of applications as diesel fuel. The biochar had very high carbon content and nutrients and could be potentially used for soil amendment in the olive growing areas. Thus, we have demonstrated that a potential waste material can be converted into very useful materials ensuring complete closure of the carbon circle.