IJEMS (Indonesian Journal of Environmental Management and Sustainability)
Vol. 10 No. 1 (2026): March

Synergistic Valorization of Palm Oil Mill Effluent and Boiler Ash into a Nutrient-Rich Liquid Organic Fertilizer

Taslapratama, Irwan (Unknown)
Hati, Intan Permata (Unknown)
Rahmadani, Elfi (Unknown)
Aryanti, Ervina (Unknown)
Hamid, Fauziah Shahul (Unknown)
Pranggono, Bernardi (Unknown)
Mishbahuddin (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Feb 2026

Abstract

Industrial symbiosis presents a transformative pathway for the sustainable management of palm oil byproducts. This study investigates a novel integrated valorization approach using boiler ash as a multifunctional ameliorant in the anaerobic fermentation of palm oil mill effluent (POME). By leveraging the synergistic physicochemical properties of acidic POME and alkaline boiler ash, we developed a self-buffering system to produce high-value liquid organic fertilizer. Varying boiler ash concentrations (0, 45, 50, and 55 g/L) were evaluated to determine the optimal nutrient recovery and stabilization parameters. Results demonstrate that a dosage of 55 g/L is statistically superior, effectively neutralizing the system to a stable pH of 7.5 without synthetic additives. This treatment yielded a nutrient-dense product containing 3.93% total NPK and 12.42% organic carbon, surpassing the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture Regulation No. 261/2019 standards. Safety analysis revealed a Pb concentration of 12.28 ppm, which is significantly below the maximum allowable threshold, confirming the product’s environmental compatibility. This research provides a scientifically grounded method for converting industrial waste into a fortified agricultural input, advancing circular economy principles and supporting national sustainability frameworks like the Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Energy Environmental Science Public Health

Description

This journal aimed to be a platform for academics, regulators, practitioners, and also policy makers to share and discuss how to manage their surrounding environment in order to build and develop a sustainable environment. The scope of this journal includes all issues of fundamental environmental ...