Olive mill wastewater bioremediation: evolution of a composting process and agronomic value of the end product.

OMW were composted with wheat straw in a forced aereation static pile. This paper discusses the bioremediation process from the standpoint of ligninolysis, humification, phenol degradation, phytotoxicity and agronomic value. Pot and fields experiments performed on maize, rye grass and horticultural plants indicated that bioremediated OMW are able to support partially or totally the nutritional needs of cultures, at the same time improving soil properties.