  2001 AACC Annual Meeting Charlotte, North Carolina October 14-18, 2001 Charlotte Convention Center  |
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The routing of nutrients in the corn wet milling process and opportunities for recovery and recycling from waste streams using environmental biotechnology. R. M. Agbisit (1), R. Daugherty (2), K. D. RAUSCH (1), L. RASKIN (2), R. L. Belyea (4), T. Clevenger (5), and M. E. Tumbleson (3). (1) Agric. Engineering; (2) Civil and Environmental Engineering; (3) Veterinary Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801; (4) Animal Sciences; and (5) Civil Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211.
Separation of starch, protein, fiber and oil using corn wet milling has been well documented for commercial coproducts, such corn gluten meal and corn gluten feed. Separation of each nutrient, and potential for improved coproduct value, is not well documented and is often controversial since some of these nutrients are subject to environmental regulations. However, quality of these streams directly impacts coproduct quality and value. The objective of this research program is to develop sustainable processes for nutrient recovery. Nutrient balances for wet milling were determined by sampling commercial wet milling plants and evaluating nutrients contained in intermediate process streams. Several nutrients were identified that can be potentially recovered and sold as higher valued coproducts rather than form conventional coproducts or sent to a waste treatment facility. These data indicated that, using new wastewater treatment technologies, there are opportunities to recycle and reuse nutrients within the milling process. Recovery and reuse of nutrients in wet milling could improve quality of coproducts, add value and reduce environmental concerns.
Copyright 2001
The American Association of Cereal Chemists