PRELIMINAR ENVIRONMENTAL DIAGNOSTIC OF A SUGAR-ALCOHOL CROALCOOLEIRA PLANT OF THE NORTHWEST OF PARANÁ STATE

Abstract

The industrial processing of sugar cane generates hazardous strong environmental impacts, such as: generation of potential polluting wastes, intensive use of water, generation of stillage and filter cake, generation of odours and emissions of particulates. This research presents a preliminary environmental diagnosis of the industrial processing of sugar cane in the northwest region of Paraná State. Through site visits, description of the industrial process and qualitative-quantitative survey, it was identified the generated wastes and the used methods for their final disposal. The results showed that the industrial plant processes approximately 12,000 tonnes of cane/day, achieving average of thirty thousand bags of sugar of 50 kg/day and 29 m3 of hydrated alcohol/day, with estimated consumption of 1,688.8 m3/h of water. The major wastes of the industrial processing are stillage, filter cake, bagasse, sludge and wastes from the agricultural workshop. The final disposal of these wastes is done inadequately when compared to the current environmental legislation. Key words: Sugar Cane. Alcohol. Environmental Diagnostics. Solid Wastes. Stillage. Final Disposal.