Whey causes environmental disaster in Haspolat
Prof. Dr. Rana Kıdak, Lecturer in the Environmental Engineering Program of Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Engineering, pointed out that most of the whey from the production of halloumi and other cheeses in North Cyprus is disposed of irrationally into the environment without being properly managed.
Kıdak noted that the dumping of these wastes especially in the Haspolat Region into the lagoons, which are labeled as sensitive natural environment and recommended to be protected, causes a major environmental disaster. Kıdak reminded that this situation not only creates an environmental “massacre” but also that a potential resource with rich content is wasted.
Prof. Dr. Kıdak stated that the lagoons in the Haspolat Region are an important part of the ecosystem as wetlands and shared the information that "In our country, these are the areas where migratory birds such as flamingos stay and play a major role in the protection of biodiversity."
Kıdak said that instead of carefully protecting the Haspolat lagoons, whey containing high organic load (60000-80000 mg/L COD) has been discharged to this region for years, “Considering that approximately 320 tons of waste is transported to this area per day, the magnitude of the danger is seen. While high organic load brings with it anaerobic conditions, odor creates a breeding environment for harmful insects/flies, and substances formed during deterioration adversely affect human health and other living things.”
Kıdak said that it is not possible to treat this water in domestic wastewater treatment plants and added, "These waters damage the system during biological treatment and prevent purification."
Pointing out that there is a limited amount of curd cheese production from whey in the country, Kıdak said, “There is no production of whey powder in our country. Therefore, as is the case elsewhere around the world, biogas production should be considered for the treatment of these wastes as it is the most feasible method.”
Kıdak stated that it is important to urgently plan and commission at least one biogas plant that will be established and operated by competent people in order to both stop the environmental damage and utilize this rich resource, adding that “For North Cyprus, which has problems in energy issues, it is necessary to benefit from sustainable methods as much as possible.”