The primary use of filtration systems in developed areas is purification of wastewater to produce clean, usable water. The same treatment machines hold promising functionality for rural areas where agriculture production involves heavy dependence on recycled materials. Livestock manure is rich in nutrients and filtering animal waste to be used as fertilizer creates healthy soil without artificial enhancements to produce truly organic crops. Livestock wastewater is also recyclable, once treated by filtration, as an alternate source of irrigation, which often reduces a farm's monthly water bill.
Corn, wheat and other grain products cannot be separated by traditional means of filtration that separate liquid and solid components; however, modern filtration processes utilize high-pressure air and vacuum environments to separate usable grain products from the other plant components, including chaff and stalks. Specific machines are required to separate corn and wheat starch, which are capable of releasing starch from corn with the minimum possible fat content and without damaging the germ so that all edible parts of the corn are usable. Enzymes may be employed in separation techniques to improve gluten filtration during corn starch production since many consumers suffer from allergies to gluten.
Although many fruits and vegetables contain irregularities such as lumps, dents or discolorations that make them unappealing to customers in supermarket produce aisles, these food items are safe for consumption and offer many health benefits. Separating ruffage, core and skin elements and extracting liquid content through filtration enables these produce items to be sold as juice rather than discarded. Filter presses were used for many years in juice extraction; however, filtration systems replaced this method because they are more energy-efficient, cost-effective, and better capable of preserving natural color.
Isolating soy proteins and producing protein concentrate through filtration are two common agricultural production separation techniques. Protein separations using membrane filtration fractionize whey protein at a rate capable of meeting widescale commercial demand in food and therapeutic industries. Isolates are ideal for lactose-intolerant consumers or individual seeking fat-free and cholesterol-free protein products. Creating concentrates involves the same process involved in isolate production; however, additional separation and filtration steps purify the liquid and solid components in order to create protein concentrates that are used in nutrition bars, replenishing shakes for athletes, and meal supplements.