Physicochemical characterization of the honey waters generated in a coffee farm in the municipality of Pital (department of Huila)

Abstract

In coffee processing, a considerable amount of honey water (AM) is generated, obtained by pulping and washing the grains, which causes contamination with a high environmental impact and effects on the different ecosystems, when they are not adequately treated. . With the objective of evaluating the physicochemical characteristics of the honey waters and their possible use, analyzes of ammonium, alkalinity, calcium, pH, conductivity and color were carried out on the waters produced in a coffee farm in the municipality of Pital. The results obtained show a pH of 4.05, a conductivity of 95μs/cm, color of 5.05, alkalinity of 48 mg/L, ammonium of 3 ppm and calcium of 2.7 ppm. These parameters were evaluated at a temperature of 28.6°C. According to the results, it is evident that the process of obtaining coffee affects the quality of wastewater and a pretreatment is recommended to protect the surrounding ecosystems.