
479Application of Green Catalysis and Processes
6.4.1.2 Wastewater Generation and Characteristics
The main source of wastewater generation is the distillation step, wherein large volumes of
dark brown efuent (termed as spent wash, stillage, slop or vinasse) are generated in the tem-
perature range of 71–81°C. The characteristics of the spent wash depend on the raw material
used; also, it is estimated that 88% of the molasses constituents end up as waste. MSW has
very high levels of BOD, COD, COD/BOD ratio as well as high potassium, phosphorus and
sulphate content. In addition, cane MSW contains low-molecular weight compounds such
as lactic acid ...