Page 106 - #51 English

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Coffee wastewater

a promising source of energy

Results of pilot project show that coffee wastewater can generate energy instead of emitting methane
and polluting water resources.

Central America and Mexico produce 20% of our beloved
Arabica coffee worldwide. However, its production has a nega-
tive impact on the environment. And that morning cup of coffee
upon which we rely for a fresh start to the day interrelates
intrinsically with energy generation and healthy rivers.
Wastewater generated from coffee wet mill processing -
which requires significant amounts of water to remove the fruit
of the seed - is rich in organic matter which can be used to
generate energy. However, coffee wastewater is often dis-
charged untreated into the environment; thereby not only wast-
ing its energy potential but also polluting ground water, basins
and soils. This affects rural communities who depend on local
basins to access drinking water. And it impacts fauna and flora
locally and often downstream where coastal areas and marine
life can be harmed. Untreated coffee wastewater also gene-
rates considerable amounts of greenhouse gases, particularly
methane.
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