Batch electrodialysis of lactic acid obtained from LAB fermentation

The aim of this work was to develop the method of lactic acid (LA) separation from fermented whey. CMI-7000 Cation Exchange Membrane and AMI-7001 Anion Exchange Membrane were employed in electrodialysis process. Experiments showed that the selected membranes separated organic acids effectively (including LA) from other organic ingredients present in medium. Selecting an appropriate volume of a receiving chamber could lead to LA concentration. Moreover, membrane fouling during separation was investigated. This phenomenon is negligible which is the main advantage of this process. As it was shown during batch processes, with the voltage increase, the rate of electrodialysis increases as well. It prompts to a reduction of residence time in electrodialyzer during a continuous separation.