Abstract:
Although the coffee wastewater emanating from the traditional coffee processing plants in Jimma zone is a
valuable resource, it is disposed off to the nearby water course without any treatment. As a result, it becomes a severe threat to
the aquatic ecosystem and downstream users. To tackle this problem, understanding the nature of the coffee processing
wastewater is fundamental for the design and operation of appropriate and effective treatment technologies. Thus, the main
objective of this study was to assess the effect of coffee processing plant effluent on the physicochemical properties of
receiving water bodies of Jimma zone Ethiopia. Based on the results of the physicochemical parameters, it was proved that the
coffee effluent has a remarkable polluting potential during the wet coffee-processing season. The concentrations of the
physicochemical parameters were significantly (p<0.05) increased following effluent discharge except TSS and temperature,
when downstream or impacted (L) compared with upstream or non-impacted (U) sites. If business-as-usual scenario is
followed, the economic gains accrued as a result of coffee export will be worthless due to the alarming water quality
degradation and aquatic ecosystem disturbance. Therefore, urgent intervention in the area of coffee factory for effluent
management options should be dealt with top priority to avoid further needless damage to the environment.
