Pleurotus ostreatus in the biological treatment of olive oil mill wastes

Abstract

Olive oil mill wastes (OMW) constitute an important environmental problem due to the large amount of phenolic compounds and the high toxicity they present. The aim of this work was to characterize the OMW and to develop a biological treatment that promotes a new approach of OMW management. P. ostreatus cultures performed with OMW showed a fungal biomass enhancement as well as medium clarification. A 50%-74% total phenol reduction was observed.