Effect of coffee processing plant effluent on the physicochemical properties of receiving water bodies, Jimma zone Ethiopia

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.