EVALUATION OF THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SUGER INDUSTRY EFLUENTS IN MOZAMBIQUE.

The article focuses on evaluating the physicochemical properties of wastewater effluents from the Mozambique Sugar Mill to inform effective treatment strategies. The study found that most effluent parameters significantly exceed Mozambique’s regulatory standards (Decree 18/2004), though the chemical oxygen demand to biological oxygen demand (COD/BOD) ratio indicates high biodegradability. Based on the large effluent volumes and pollutant loads, the authors recommend aerobic lagoon treatment with extended hydraulic retention times to reduce contaminants. The research emphasizes the importance of biological treatment processes, guided by key indicators such as the BOD: nitrogen ratio, to manage pollution in sugar industry wastewater sustainably.