Process for the production of purified lactic acid aqueous solutions starting from fermentation broths

A process for the production of purified lactic acid aqueous solutions starting from fermentation broths following steps:

• A) percolation of the fermentation broth, free of cells, through one or more columns of a strongly anionic ion-exchange resin, in the carbonate form;
• B) elution of the lactic acid from the column, or columns, mentioned in (A), by way of an aqueous solution of ammonium carbonate;
• C) removal of the ammonium carbonate from the solution obtained from the elution mentioned in (B) by way of heating;
• D) percolation of the solution obtained in step (C) through one or more columns of a strongly cationic ion-exchange resin, in the hydrogen form.