This research paper focuses on the
characterization of molasses spent wash collected from the
local distillery in Baramati. Molasses spent wash is a by-
product of the alcohol production process, and it is known
to contain high levels of organic matter and nutrients.
However, the improper disposal of this waste can lead to
environmental pollution and health hazards. The study
involved the collection of samples from a local distillery in
Baramati, District Pune, India. The samples were analyzed
for physicochemical parameters such as pH, electrical
conductivity, total solids, total dissolved solids, total
suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand, and
biochemical oxygen demand. The nutrient content of the
samples was also analyzed for total nitrogen, total
phosphorus, and potassium. The results indicated that the
pH of the samples ranged from 4.5 to 5.5, and the electrical
conductivity ranged from 1.2 to 2.5 dS/m. The total
dissolved solids and total suspended solids were high in all
the samples, with values ranging from 12,600 to 14,700
mg/L, and 2,100 to 6,500 mg/L, respectively. The chemical
oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand values
were also found to be high, indicating the presence of high
organic matter content in the samples. The nutrient
content of the samples was found to be high, with total
nitrogen, total phosphorus, and potassium levels ranging
from 4,500 to 7,700 mg/L, 660 to 1,400 mg/L, and 9,500 to
18,600 mg/L, respectively.
The results of this study provide important insights
into the physicochemical and nutrient composition of
molasses spent wash collected from an alcohol distillery in
India. The high organic matter and nutrient content of the
waste can be harnessed for beneficial uses such as the
production of biogas and organic fertilizers. However,
proper treatment and disposal measures need to be
implemented to prevent environmental pollution and
health hazards.
Keywords : Spent Wash, Physicochemical, Distillery, Environmental Pollution, BOD.