Wastewater Treatment in the Dairy Industry from Classical Treatment to Promising Technologies: An Overview

Water pollution caused by population growth and human activities is a critical problem exacerbated limited freshwater resources increasing water demands. Various sectors contribute to pollution, with the dairy industry being significant contributor due high concentrations of harmful contaminants in wastewater. Traditional treatment methods have been employed, but they limitations terms effectiveness, cost, environmental impact. In recent years, membrane separation technology (MST) has emerged as promising alternative for treating Membrane processes offer efficient separation, concentration, purification wastewater, benefits such reduced process steps, minimal impact on product quality, operational flexibility, lower energy consumption. However, fouling concentration polarization present major challenges associated this technique. Therefore, strategies implemented mitigate these phenomena, including pre-treatment prior MST, coagulation, adsorption. Recently, 3D printing gained prominence one latest most notable advancements addressing issues. This comprehensive review examines drawbacks conventional employed wastewater explores utilization an approaches. Additionally, technologies or alleviate are discussed.