# From Waste to Resource: Extraction and Characterization of Polyphenols from Dalmatian Olive Mill Wastewater

## TL;DR

This study explores extracting valuable polyphenols from olive mill wastewater in Dalmatia, showing they have high antioxidant properties for potential use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

## Contribution

The study provides a detailed characterization of polyphenol content and antioxidant activity in Dalmatian olive mill wastewater across multiple seasons.

## Key findings

- Polyphenol concentrations in OMW ranged from 111.8 to 6717.2 mg GAe L−1.
- Hydroxytyrosol was the most prevalent phenolic compound in most samples.
- The samples exhibited high antioxidant activity across multiple assays.

## Abstract

Background: Olive cultivation and olive oil production are key agricultural sectors in the Dalmatia region, where numerous oil mills operate. Analyses have shown that extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) produced in this area contain respectable amounts of polyphenols, which contribute to superior oil quality due to their antioxidant properties. During processing, hydrophilic phenolic compounds predominantly transfer into olive mill wastewater (OMW), making it a concentrated source of valuable bioactive molecules. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective effects of these polyphenols are highly relevant for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use. Methods: A total of 186 OMW samples were collected from oil mills in the Split-Dalmatia County across three production seasons (2023–2025). Total polyphenol content (TPC) was measured spectrophotometrically, while polyphenol composition was determined by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Antioxidant activity was evaluated using hydrogen atom transfer (HAT; 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) (DPPH), electron transfer (ET; ferric reducing antioxidant power) (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay (ORAC). Results: The obtained results indicated high total polyphenols concentrations, with values ranging from 111.8 to 6717.2 mg of gallic acid equivalents per L of OMW (mg GAe L−1). In the vast majority of analyzed samples, hydroxytyrosol was the predominant phenol compound. The antioxidant activity of the samples was high.