Olive vegetation waters (OVWs): characteristics, treatments and environmental problems

Abstract

Abstract The present work aims to analyze the various aspects relating to olive-vegetative waters (OVW) with particular reference to environmental problems. As is known, olive-vegetation waters are one of the most polluting by-products of the oil industry. They are produced in large quantities and have a polluting potential. For this reason, an in-depth and detailed analysis of the production chain is reported up to the correct and lawful disposal of the olive-vegetation waters. The chemical characteristics of vegetation waters are described, with particular reference to polyphenols, which are the most important compounds present in vegetation waters. The treatments, enhancement, perspectives and possible uses in agriculture are reported.