The (potential) impact of seasonality and climate change on the physicochemical and microbial properties of dairy waste and its management

Abstract

Background: The dairy industry is one of the most polluting sectors globally, producing waste identified by the high content of biological and chemical oxygen demand, organic and inorganic matter. The continuous disposal of dairy waste into the environment negatively impacts ecosystems. Seasonality has been shown to affect the physicochemical composition of milk and, consequently, dairy waste. However, the impact of climate change on the dairy sector remains unexplored. Therefore, it is important to understand its impact on dairy waste in relation to environmental safety and the increased risks due to microbial multiplication. Scope and Approach: This review summarises the available data and outlines the characteristics of dairy waste and current waste management strategies. The effect of seasonality on dairy waste, its microbial population and waste management strategies have been elaborated. Finally, the effect of the seasonality of dairy waste has been used as an estimator to predict the impact of climate change. This review aims to provide the latest source of information on the impact of climate change on dairy waste. Key findings and conclusions: Real-time monitoring of environmental changes must be taken into account to determine their environmental impact on dairy waste physicochemical and microbial properties. Seasonal variations provide key insights into the impact of climate change on dairy waste. Further analysis is required to assess microbial behavior under environmental stress in dairy waste and elucidate adaptive mechanisms used by microbes to mitigate stress. New waste management decision tools and legislation will be critical to a sustainable dairy industry resilient to climate change.