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The Potential of Zero Liquid Discharge for Sustainable Palm Oil Mill Effluent Management in Malaysia: A Techno-Economic and ESG Perspective

Author

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  • Mohd Usman Mohd Junaidi

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
    Sustainable Process Engineering Center (SPEC), Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia)

  • Aubaid Ullah

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
    Department of Chemical Engineering, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Islamabad 45650, Pakistan)

  • Noor Hafizah Mohd Amin

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia)

  • Mohamad Fairus Rabuni

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
    Sustainable Process Engineering Center (SPEC), Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia)

  • Zulhelmi Amir

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
    Sustainable Process Engineering Center (SPEC), Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia)

  • Faidzul Hakim Adnan

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
    Sustainable Process Engineering Center (SPEC), Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia)

  • Niswah Nafiat

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia)

  • Aiman Hakim Roslan

    (SD Guthrie Research Sdn. Bhd., KM 10, Jalan Banting-Kelanang, Simpang Sungai Arak, P.O. Box 207, Banting 42700, Malaysia)

  • Muhamad Farhan Haqeem Othman

    (SD Guthrie Research Sdn. Bhd., KM 10, Jalan Banting-Kelanang, Simpang Sungai Arak, P.O. Box 207, Banting 42700, Malaysia)

  • Natasha Laily Noor Bakry

    (SD Guthrie Research Sdn. Bhd., KM 10, Jalan Banting-Kelanang, Simpang Sungai Arak, P.O. Box 207, Banting 42700, Malaysia)

Abstract

The Malaysian palm oil industry faces significant environmental challenges from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), a high-strength wastewater. Conventional ponding systems for POME treatment are inefficient, land-intensive, and major sources of methane emissions. Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) presents a transformative solution by eliminating effluent discharge while recovering water, energy, and nutrients, aligning with circular economy principles. This review provides a critical techno-economic and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) assessment of ZLD integration for POME management in Malaysia. A key contribution is the novel framework for categorizing ZLD integration at three strategic points in the treatment process, supported by comparative quantitative data on performance and costs. The review thoroughly examines hybrid technologies and delivers an in-depth analysis of the Social and Governance implications of ZLD integration, alongside its Environmental benefits, demonstrating ZLD’s role in meeting regulatory demands and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The paper concludes by exploring future directions, including digital twin integration and novel financing, positioning ZLD as a strategic imperative for the industry’s long-term viability and global competitiveness.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohd Usman Mohd Junaidi & Aubaid Ullah & Noor Hafizah Mohd Amin & Mohamad Fairus Rabuni & Zulhelmi Amir & Faidzul Hakim Adnan & Niswah Nafiat & Aiman Hakim Roslan & Muhamad Farhan Haqeem Othman & Nata, 2025. "The Potential of Zero Liquid Discharge for Sustainable Palm Oil Mill Effluent Management in Malaysia: A Techno-Economic and ESG Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:23:p:10665-:d:1805200
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