Emerging Technologies Sustainability Assessment (ETSA) is a new technology assessment tool that was developed in order to compare emerging processes or technologies to existing alternatives. It utilizes infoIDlation modules, with the minimum use of resources such as time and money, in order to deteIDline if the process under development is comparatively favourable and should be developed beyond the early conceptual phase. The preliminary ETSA is vital in order to identify the gaps in the existing information and the specific methodologies to be used for data capture and analysis. The use of experimental design tools, such as Design-Expert, can facilitate rapid and efficient collection of necessary data and fits in well with the rationale for the ETSA. Wine distillery effluent (vinasse) is the residue left after alcohol has been distilled from fennented grape juice. It is an acidic, darkly coloured effluent, with a high COD and polyphenol content. The most popular method of disposal of this effluent, land application, is no longer viable due to stricter legislation and pressure on the industry to better manage its wastes. Although the ability of whiterot fungi to degrade a number of pollutants is well-known, fungal treatment of wine distillery effluent is still in the conceptual phase. The perfoIDlance of the fungal remediation system was assessed experimentally in terms of COD removal and laccase production using Design-Expert. Although Pycnoporus sanguine us was found to be most efficient at COD removal (85%) from 30% vinasse, laccase production was low (0.021 U/I). The optimum design for economically viable fungal treatment used Trametespubescens. This fungus was able to remove over 50% of the COD from undiluted vinasse while producing almost 800U/l of the valuable laccase enzyme within three days. Since the effluent from the fungal system did not meet the legal limits for wastewater disposal, a two-stage aerobicanaerobic system is suggested to improve the quality of the effluent prior to disposal. The ETSA was used to assess the fungal technology in relation to the two current methods of vinasse treatment and disposal, namely land application and anaerobic digestion. Based on the ETSA, which considered environmental, social and economic impacts, the fungal system proved to be potentially competitive and further development of the technology is suggested.

Thesis (Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2018. / Renewable energy security for the future and better use of natural resources are key challenges that can be concurrently managed by a practical anaerobic co-digestion approach in the production of methane. For this study, co-digestion of cassava and winery waste was investigated for the production of biogas. Cassava biomass is a good substrate for biogas production due to its high carbohydrate yield per hectare (4.742 kg/carb) than most plants. Winery wastes constitute a lot of challenge in South Africa due to high amounts currently being dumped at landfills. Due to the chemical properties of the two substrates, it is envisaged that their co-digestion will produce more biogas than use of a single substrate. Biomethane potential (BMP) tests were carried out in a batch, mesophilic (37 °C±0.5) reactor using cassava and winery waste singly and in combination at a ratio of 1:1 and ran for 30 days. Biogas optimization was also evaluated. The optimal conditions for methane production from anaerobic co-digestion of cassava biomass and winery solid waste using response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of temperature, pH and co-substrate ratios on the methane yield were explored. A central composite design technique was used to set-up the anaerobic co-digestion experiment was determined. Once the optimized values were established, biogas production from co-digestion of cassava biomass with winery waste was investigated using a single-stage 5 L mesophilic batch digester and the microbial dynamics inside the digester during co-digestion of cassava and winery waste in the single-stage 5 L mesophilic batch digester. The samples were collected on days 1, 15 and 30 of the anaerobic digestion period and DNA extracted from them while 16sRNA bacterial sequencing was performed. The results for the BMP tests showed that cumulative methane yield for cassava, winery waste and in combination were 42, 21 and 38 mLCH4 respectively. It was concluded that biogas production from anaerobic digestion was dependent on many factors such as pH, substrate properties and the ratio of different feedstocks used during co-digestion. The results from the optimization study were pH 7, temperature of 35 °C±0.5 and co-digestion ratio of 70:30 cassava to winery waste. The maximum methane yield of 346.28 mLCH4/gVSadded was predicted by the quadratic model at the optimal temperature of 35 oC±0.5, pH of 7 and 70:30 ratio of cassava biomass to winery solid waste. Experimental results showed a close fit but higher methane yield (396 mLCH4/gVSadded) than predicted values as indicated by the coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.9521. The response surface model proved successful in the optimization process of methane yield. The single-stage 5L mesophilic batch digester with a co-substrate ratio of 70:30 cassava to winery waste produced a total of 819.54 mL/gVS biogas with a 62 % methane content. The study of microbial community dynamics showed the presence of the bacteria that is responsible for each stage of anaerobic digestion. The study concluded that both winery waste and cassava substrates were favourable for biogas production and most underprivileged people in the rural areas with no access to electricity can produce & utilise it.

Thesis (MSc Food Sc)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa is a developing country that relies on its agricultural sector as a main source of overall economic welfare. Development does not only give rise to new technology and new products but also results in increased amounts of liquid and solid waste. Generally, the production of wine is considered an environmentally friendly process, but significant amounts of natural resources and organic amendments are necessary, while generating large amounts of liquid and solid wastes. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an attractive and proven treatment option for both liquid and solid wastes as valuable products and depollution can be obtained. AD of liquid waste results in an effluent and biogas, while anaerobic composting of solid waste results in an organic amendment, leachate and biogas. The overall objective of this study was to investigate the operational feasibility of the cotreatment of leachate produced during the anaerobic composting (AnC) of grape skins in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor while treating winery wastewater. This first aim of this study was to investigate the efficiency of the anaerobic composting of grape skins. Laboratoryscaled digesters (1L) were utilised as anaerobic composting units. The most important operational parameters were identified (pH, moisture content and inoculum (size, ratio, composition)) in order to produce a pH stable, odour free compost in 21 days. Experimental studies highlighted the importance of shredding waste as well as the addition of calcium oxide and green waste to increase the initial pH of the composting mixture. After optimising a 50% (m.m-1) cow manure inoculum, lower inoculum concentrations (10, 15 and 25% (m.m-1)) were investigated to make the process more economically viable. A 10% (m.m-1) anaerobic compost (AC) inoculum was found to produce the most favourable results in terms of pH stabilisation and leachate generation. A 50% (m.m-1) moisture level performed the best by attaining a pH > 6.5 on day 6 and having the highest end pH (7.65) on day 21, while white and red grape skins in an equal ratio were found to generate a higher end pH. With all these optimum parameters in place (shredded waste, green waste, CaO, inoculum, moisture, grape skins), a compost with a final pH (7.09), moisture (58%), nitrogen (2.25%), phosphorous (0.22%) and potassium content (1.7%) was obtained. The optimised parameters were scaled-up (1:10) by using polyvinyl chloride anaerobic digesters (20 L) to suit the operational requirements of the AnC process and also produced a stable compost within 21 days. The second aim of this study was to investigate the combined anaerobic digestion of winery wastewater (WWW) and leachate obtained from the anaerobic composting of grape skins in an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB). This involved the operation of a 2.3 L laboratory-scale UASB reactor for 205 days. The reactor successfully co-treated WWW and leachate at ca. 8.5 kgCOD.m-3d-1 with a final chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction of over 90%, a stable reactor effluent pH (7.61) and alkalinity (3 281 CaCO3 mg.L-1). This study showed the feasibility for the combined treatment of liquid and solid waste from the winemaking process. Although the legal limits for reactor effluent disposal onto land was not met, significant reduction in COD concentrations were achieved, whilst producing a soil amendment that could potentially result in cost savings for chemical fertilisers. The benefits related to using anaerobic bioconversion as a treatment option for liquid and solid waste could possibly be advantageous to the wine industry as an environmental control technology, by converting liquid and solid waste into valuable resources. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Suid-Afrika is 'n ontwikkelende land wat staatmaak op sy landbousektor as 'n hoofbron van algehele ekonomiese welstand. Ontwikkeling gee nie net aanleiding tot nuwe tegnologie en nuwe produkte nie, maar lei ook tot die verhoogde bydrae van vloeistof sowel as vaste afval. Oor die algemeen, word die produksie van wyn beskou as 'n omgewingsvriendelike proses, maar aansienlike hoeveelhede natuurlike hulpbronne en organiese kunsbemesting word benodig, terwyl groot hoeveelhede vloeistof en vaste afval gegenereer word. Anaërobiese vertering (AV) is 'n aantreklike en bewese behandelingsopsie vir beide vloeistof en vaste afval aangesien waardevolle produkte en suiwering verkry kan word. AV van vloeistowwe lewer uitvloeisel sowel as biogas, terwyl anaërobiese kompostering van vaste afval 'n organiese kunsbemesting, loog en biogas lewer. Die oorhoofse doel van hierdie studie was om die operasionele doeltreffendheid van die mede-behandeling van loog wat gegenereer word tydens die anaërobiese kompostering (AnK) van druiwe doppe in 'n opvloei-anaërobiese-slykkombers (OAS) reaktor terwyl kelderafvalwater behandel word, te ondersoek. Die eerste mikpunt van hierdie studie was om die doeltreffendheid van die anaërobiese komposteringsproses van druiwe doppe te ondersoek. Laboratorium-skaal verteerders (1L) is gebruik as anaërobiese komposteringseenhede. Die belangrikste operasionele parameters is geïdentifiseer (pH, voginhoud en inokulum (grootte, verhouding, samestelling)) om ‘n 'n pH-stabiele, reukvrye kompos te produseer in 21 dae. Die belangrikheid van gesnipperde afval asook die byvoeging van kalsiumoksied en groen afval om die aanvanklike pH van die komposmengsel te verhoog, is deur eksperimentele studies beklemtoom. Na die optimering van 'n 50% (m.m-1) koeimis inokulum, is laer inokulum konsentrasies (10, 15 en 25% (m.m-1)) geondersoek om die proses meer ekonomies uitvoerbaar te maak. Daar is gevind dat ‘n 10% (m.m-1) anaërobiese kompos (AK) inokulum die mees gunstige resultate lewer in terme van pH stabilisering en loog generering. ‘n 50% (m.m-1) vloeistof vlak het die beste presteer deur 'n pH> 6.5 te bereik teen Dag 6 asook die hoogste eind pH (7.65) teen Dag 21, terwyl wit en rooi druiwe doppe in dieselfde verhouding gevind is om ‘n hoër eind pH te genereer. Met al hierdie optimum parameters in plek (gesnipperde afval, groen afval, kalsiumoksied, inokulum, vog, druiwe doppe) is 'n kompos met 'n finale pH (7.09), vog (58%), stikstof (2.25%), fosfor (0.22%) en kalium inhoud (1.7%) verkry. Die optimale parameters is opgeskaal (1:10) deur gebruik te maak van polivinielchloried anaërobiese verteerders (20 L) om aan die operasionele vereistes van die AnK proses te voldoen en ook om 'n stabiele kompos binne 21 dae te produseer. Die tweede mikpunt van hierdie studie was om die gekombineerde anaërobiese vertering van kelderafvalwater en loog, verkry vanaf die anaërobiese kompos van druiwe doppe in 'n OAS reaktor, te ondersoek. Dit het die bedryf van 'n 2.3 L laboratorium-skaal OAS reaktor vir 205 dae ingesluit. Die reaktor het kelderafwater en loog suksesvol behandel by ongeveer 8.5 kgCSV.m-3d-1 met 'n finale chemiese suurstof vereiste (CSV) vermindering van meer as 90%, 'n stabiele reaktor uitvloeisel pH (7.61) en alkaliniteit (3 281 CaCO3mg.L-1). Hierdie studie het die uitvoerbaarheid van die gekombineerde behandeling van vloeistof en vaste afval van die wynmaakproses getoon. Alhoewel die wetlike vereistes van die reaktor uitvloeisel vir storting op grond nie bereik is nie, is ‘n beduidende vermindering in CSV konsentrasies bereik, asook die vervaardiging van kunsbemesting wat die potensiële aankoopkoste van chemiese kunsmis kan verminder. Die voordele verbonde aan die gebruik van anaërobiese bio-omskakeling as 'n behandelingsopsie vir vloeistof en vaste afval kan moontlik voordelig wees vir die wynbedryf as 'n omgewingsbeheerende tegnologie deur om vloeistof en vaste afval om te skakel na waardevolle bronne.

In this study white-rot fungi were investigated for their efficiency at distillery wastewater remediation and the production of laccase as a valuable by-product. Distillery wastewaters are high in organic load and low in pH. The presence of phenolic compounds can lead to extremely colour-rich wastewaters and can be toxic to microorganisms. The presence of the inorganic ions may also affect biological treatment. White-rot fungi are unique among eukaryotic or prokaryotic microbes in possessing powerful oxidative enzyme systems that can degrade lignin to carbon dioxide. These ligninolytic enzymes, such as lignin peroxidase, manganese peroxidase and laccase, are capable of degrading a vast range of toxic, recalcitrant environmental pollutants and this makes the white-rot fungi strong candidates for the bioremediation of polluted soils and waters. The laccase enzyme alone has shown remediation potential in wastewaters such as beer production effluent, olive mill wastewater, alcohol distillery wastes, dye-containing wastewaters from the textile industry as well as wastewaters from the paper and pulp industry. It has been shown to be capable of remediating soils and waters polluted with chlorinated phenolic compounds, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, nitrosubstituted compounds and fungicides, herbicides and insecticides.

Experiences in treating wine distillery wastewaters (WDWs) contribute to the field of oenology as many oenologists are concerned with the selection, efficiency and economy of their wastewaters. Wine distillery wastewaters are strongly acidic, have high chemical oxygen demand (COD), high polyphenol content and are highly variable. Primary attention was focussed on sustainable biological treatment of raw wine distillery wastewater (RWDW) and fungally pre-treated wine distillery wastewater (FTWDW) by energy-efficient high rate anaerobic digestion (AD). This study also explored the development of a novel dual-stage anaerobic digestion ultrafiltration (ADUF) process, using a ceramic submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) in the treatment of both RWDW and FTWDW. The first stage was for the selection of microorganisms that were able to treat the toxic pollutants from WDWs. It was operated at a high feed-to-microorganism ratio. The second stage, a secondary digester, was operated like a typical membrane bioreactor at a low feed-to-microorganism ratio to sustain a stable efficient population for a long period. The characteristics of RWDW were as follows: pH 3.83, 15 000 mg/l soluble COD (CODs) and 5229 mg/l of phenols. After pre-treatment of RWDW with Trametes pubescens, starting parameters for FTWDW were as follows: pH 6.7, 7000 mg/l soluble COD (CODS) and 1440 mg/l of phenols. During operation of a high rate anaerobic digester for RWDW treatment, K2HPO4 was required for buffering the digester. Volatile fatty acid concentrations were <300 mg/l throughout the study, indicating degradation of organic acids present. Mean CODS removal efficiency for the 130 day study was 87 %, while the mean polyphenol removal efficiency was 85 %. Addition of 50 mg/l Fe3+ increased the removal efficiencies of CODS to 97 % and of polyphenols to 99 %. High removal efficiencies of CODS and polyphenols were attributed to the addition of macronutrients and micronutrients that caused pH stability and stimulated microbial activity. The CODS removal efficiency of high rate anaerobic digestion of FTWDW reached 99.5%. During FTWDW digestion, pH buffering was achieved using K2HPO4. A combination of a SMBR and a secondary digester was tested for the treatment of RWDW and FTWDW during a 30 day study. Results for RWDW showed that pH buffering was achieved by dosing the feed stream with CaCO3 and K2HPO4. Buffering proved to be significant for optimum performance of the system in removal of soluble CODS, and volatile fatty acids (VFAs). Different batches of RWDW used for feeding the reactor had variable compositions with respect to concentrations of nitrates, ammonium and total phenolic compounds. Ammonium accumulated in the secondary digester after 14 days of system operation, indicated the time required for the establishment of anaerobic conditions in the system. Dosing of the SMBR treating FTWDW with CaCO3 and K2HPO4 buffered the pH; iii this proved significant for optimum performance of the system in removal of CODS. The system eliminated an average of 86 (± 4) % of CODS present in the FTWDW. The residual CODS levels in the effluent were approximately 400 mg/l, significantly lower than the concentrations observed when treating RWDW, indicating that fungal pre-treatment might have provided additional nutrients for removal of recalcitrant components of the wastewater. The resulting effluent was rich in nitrates and phosphates and might be used as a fertiliser. Alternatively, a membrane process, such as reverse osmosis (RO) or nanofiltration (NF) could be applied to raise the water quality to meet the levels required for reuse. Biomass samples were obtained from the four treatment systems and population shifts characterization using phospholipids fatty acids (PLFA) and 16S rRNA analysis to provide an indication of limitations within the microbial population. The values of the concentrations of the individual PLFAs detected in the samples indicated that ten bacterial species were present, with the GC content of the 16S rRNA increasing from 1 to 10. Analysis of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis DGGE data indicated that the composition of the archeal community changed the consortia used for both RWDW and FTWDW treatment. Changes in band intensities indicated the presence of different components of the archeal communities. The results were not conclusive in terms of species identity as cloning, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were not performed, but they did indicate microbial population shifts and species diversity for high rate anaerobic digestion. The results also confirmed prevalence of relatively few species during operation of SMBRs for treatment of RWDW and FTWDW, which suggested that the microorganisms that survived were either tolerant of toxic components of RWDW and FTWDW or they were able to remove polyphenols.

In South Africa, wastewater disposal in the wine and distilling industry is undergoing a profound transformation as a result of fundamental changes in regulations and license requirements. To deal with this problem conventional Waste Stabilisation Ponding systems have been used by the industry together with irrigation and evaporation disposal practises. Although effective in the evaporation and containment disposal functions, these pond systems are generally not properly designed and/or managed, resulting in overloading and, at times, the generation of seriously offensive odour problems. Preliminary studies on the feasibility of utilising the Advanced Integrated Wastewater Ponding System as a core treatment technology in winery wastewater treatment were conducted. Results indicated that specific problems had to be addressed before successful ponding treatment could be achieved. This research programme undertook an investigation of the performance of a demonstration ponding system treating household sewage, which formed the basis of the research due to limited experience reported on ponds treating wine industry wastewaters. Malfunctions identified were in correlation with the preliminary winery waste ponding survey, which included unstable fermentation pit functions and inadequate nutrient removal. Retrofitting the fermentation pit with a nylon net across the rising water column resulted in improved retention of active anaerobic sludge, especially during periods of system start-up and/or organic overloading. An investigation into nutrient removal utilising algal biomass provided a valuable contribution towards development of an independent nutrient removal system. Harvested algal biomass was passively manipulated to release polysaccharides under anoxic conditions, with subsequent use as a carbon source by denitrifying organisms. Following denitrification, the still viable algal cells were introduced into a High Rate Algal Pond raceway for photosynthetically produced alkalinity. This high pH environment resulted in induced calcium phosphate mineral formation and subsequent precipitation, as well as effective ammonia stripping from the water. Based on the novel positive research outcomes a decision was made to proceed to the construction of a pilot-scale integrated ponding system treating wastewater from a wine lees factory. The system linked the Anaerobic Baffle Reactor, for pre-treatment, with the improved Advanced Integrated Wastewater Ponding System. The potential of this system has shown that a Waste Stabilisation Ponding system can be engineered to treat wine industry wastewaters and thereby effectively reduce the organic and nutrient loads, by using low-cost retrofitted upgrading unit operations. Valuable algal biomass may also be recovered as a by-product of the treatment process.

Thesis (MTech (Civil Engineering))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2017. / Currently in South Africa, most wastewater from small cellars is pH-adjusted and disposed of via land irrigation. This practice can lead to environmental degradation. There is a need for low cost, low maintenance solutions for the treatment of cellar effluent. Constructed wetlands provide such an option. However, the use of plants is problematic because winery effluent can be phytotoxic. After successful initial laboratory-scale experiments, an in-situ pilot scale biological sand filter (unplanted constructed wetland) system was designed, installed, and used to treat effluent from a small winery in the Western Cape, South Africa. The system is off-grid, totally self-regulating, and uses a modular approach which allows for the addition and subtraction of filter modules within the system to alter treatment capacity, retention time and/or rest filter modules. The system can be easily integrated into existing settling basins and/or retention ponds at small wineries. The biological sand filter was operational for 610 days, and showed promising results. The average chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency was 81% (range: 44-98%) with an average effluent of 324 mg/L, and an average flow rate of 413 L/day after the acclimation (start-up) period. The average hydraulic loading rate after the initial start-up period was 143 L/m3 sand day-1 (range: 67-222/m3 sand day-1), with an organic loading rate of 205 gCOD/m3 of sand day-1 (range: 83-338 gCOD/m3 sand day-1) which resulted in an organic removal rate of 164 gCOD/m3 of sand day-1. There was an average of 67% removal of total phenolics, thereby reducing the potential phytotoxicity of the effluent. In addition, there was a 1.6 times increase in calcium concentration, a 29% decrease in the average sodium adsorption ratio, and complete passive neutralisation of the acidic winery wastewater (final effluent pH range: 6.63 – 8.14. The findings of this study compare well with previous laboratory studies conducted with synthetic and authentic winery effluent. The system can potentially provide a low cost, energy efficient, low maintenance, sustainable means of treating cellar effluent at small wineries. Uptake of this technology may alleviate environmental degradation caused by irrigating land with inadequately treated effluent.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Large volumes of wastewater are generated annually during the grape harvest season from various processing and cleaning operations at wineries, distilleries and other wine-related industries. South African regulatory bodies dictate that wastewater should have a pH of 5.5 to 7.5 and a chemical oxygen demand (COD) lower than 75 mg/L. However, winery wastewater has a typical pH of 4 to 5 and a COD varying between 2 000 and 12 000 mg/L. Urban wineries channel the wastewater to local sewage treatment facilities and are often heavily fined for exceeding governmental requirements. Rural wineries usually have little or no treatment operations for their wastewater and it is often irrigated onto crops, which may result in environmental pollution and contamination of underground water resources. Various criteria are important in choosing a wastewater treatment system, such as an ecofriendly process that is flexible to withstand various concentration loads and characteristics, requiring low capital and operating costs, minimal personal attention and do not require too much land. In this study, a large variation in COD, pH and chemical composition of the winery wastewater was observed that could be related to varying factors such as the harvest load, operational procedures and grape variety. Wastewater from destemming and pressing operations contained higher concentrations of glucose, fructose and malic acid, which originated from the grape berries. The fermentable sugars (glucose and fructose) contributed to almost half of the COD with a smaller contribution from ethanol and acetic acid. The low pH can be ascribed to relative high concentrations of organic acids in the wastewater. The efficacy of biological treatment systems depends strongly on the ability of microorganisms to form biofilm communities that are able to degrade the organic compounds in the wastewater. Preliminary identification of microorganisms that naturally occur in winery wastewater indicated the presence of various bacterial and yeast species that could be effective in the biological treatment of the wastewater. When evaluated as pure cultures under aerobic conditions, some of the yeast isolates effectively reduced the COD of a synthetic wastewater, whereas the bacterial isolates were ineffective. The most effective yeast isolates were identified as Pichia rhodanensis, Kloeckera apiculata, Candida krusei and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Our search for cost-effective biological treatment systems led to the evaluation of a Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) for the treatment of winery wastewater. The RBC was evaluated on a laboratory scale with 10% (v/v) diluted grape juice and inoculated with a mixed microbial community isolated from winery wastewater. The results showed a reduction in the COD that improved with an extended retention time. Evaluation of the RBC on-site at a local winery during the harvest season resulted on average in a 41% decrease in COD and an increase of 0,75 pH units. RFLP analysis of the biofilm communities within the RBC confirmed a population shift in both the bacterial and fungal species during the evaluation period. The most dominant yeast isolates were identified with 18S rDNA sequencing as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida intermedia, Hanseniaspora uvarum and Pichia membranifaciens. All these species are naturally associated with grapes and/or water and with the exception of Hanseniaspora uvarum, they are able to form either simple or elaborate pseudohyphae. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Groot hoeveelhede afloopwater word jaarliks gedurende die druiwe-oestyd deur verskeie prosessering- en skoonmaakoperasies deur wynkelders, distilleer- en ander wynverwante industrieë gegenereer. Suid-Afrikaanse beheerliggame vereis dat afloopwater ‘n pH van 5.5 tot 7.5 en ‘n chemiese suurstofbehoefte (COD) van minder as 75 mg/l moet hê. Kelderafloopwater het egter gewoonlik ‘n pH van 4 tot 5 en ‘n COD van 2 000 tot 12 000 mg/L. Stedelike wynkelders voer die afloopwater na ń plaaslike rioolsuiweringsaanleg wat dikwels tot swaar boetes vir oortreding van die wetlike vereistes lei. Plattelandse wynkelders het gewoonlik min of geen behandelingsprosesse vir hul afloopwater nie en gebruik die water dikwels vir gewasbesproeiing, wat tot omgewingsbesoedeling en kontaminasie van ondergrondse waterbronne kan lei. Verskeie kriteria is belangrik in die keuse van ‘n waterbehandelingstelsel, byvoorbeeld ‘n omgewingsvriendelike proses wat verskillende konsentrasieladings en samestellings kan hanteer, ‘n lae kapitaal- en bedryfskoste en minimale persoonlike aandag vereis en min ruimte benodig. Hierdie studie het getoon dat kelderafloopwater ‘n groot variasie in COD, pH en chemiese samestelling het wat met wisselende faktore soos die oeslading, operasionele prosesse en selfs die druifkultivar verband kan hou. Afloopwater van ontstingeling- en parsoperasies het hoër konsentrasies glukose, fruktose en appelsuur wat van die druiwekorrels afkomstig is. Die fermenteerbare suikers (glukose en fruktose) dra tot amper 50% van die COD by, met ‘n kleiner bydrae deur etanol en asynsuur. Die lae pH kan grootliks aan organiese sure in die afloopwater toegeskryf word. Die effektiwiteit van biologiese behandelingstelsels steun sterk op die vermoë van mikroorganismes om biofilmgemeenskappe te vorm wat die organiese verbindings in die afloopwater kan afbreek. Voorlopige identifikasie van mikro-organismes wat natuurlik in wynafloopwater voorkom, het die teenwoordigheid van verskeie bakteriese en gisspesies aangedui. Evaluering van hierdie isolate onder aërobiese toestande het getoon dat sommige van die gis-isolate die COD van ‘n sintetiese afloopwater effektief kon verlaag, terwyl die bakteriese isolate oneffektief was. Die mees effektiewe gis-isolate is as Pichia rhodanensis, Kloeckera apiculata, Candida krusei en Saccharomyces cerevisiae geïdentifiseer. Ons soektog na ‘n koste-effektiewe biologiese behandelingsisteem het tot die evaluering van ‘n ‘Rotating Biological Contactor’ (RBC) vir die behandeling van afloopwater gelei. Die RBC is op laboratoriumskaal met 10% (v/v) verdunde druiwesap geëvalueer en met ‘n gemengde mikrobiese gemeenskap wat uit afloopwater geïsoleer is, innokuleer. Die resultate het ‘n verlaging in die COD getoon wat met ‘n langer retensietyd verbeter het. Evaluering van die RBC by ‘n plaaslike wynkelder gedurende die oesseisoen het gemiddeld ‘n verlaging van 41% in die COD en ‘n verhoging van 0,75 pH eenhede getoon. RPLP analise van die biofilmgemeenskappe in die RBC het ‘n bevolkingsverskuiwing in beide die bakteriese en swamspesies aangetoon. Die mees dominante gisspesies is met 18S rDNA volgordebepaling as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida intermedia, Hanseniaspora uvarum en Pichia membranifaciens geïdentifiseer. Al hierdie spesies word gewoonlik met druiwe en/of water geassosieer en is, met die uitsondering van Hanseniaspora uvarum, in staat om òf eenvoudige òf komplekse pseudohife te vorm.