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Performance Analysis of an Integrated Multi-Stage System for Coffee Industry Wastewater Treatment
Angelika Skorupa1, Małgorzata Worwąg1, Mariusz Kowalczyk1
1Faculty of Infrastructure and Environmental, Czestochowa University of Technology, 42-200 Czestochowa, Poland.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2026
Summary
This study introduces an advanced wastewater treatment system for coffee processing, effectively reducing organic load and contaminants. The integrated approach shows high efficiency in treating complex coffee wastewater, paving the way for sustainable practices.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Treatment Technologies
Background:
- Wastewater from roasted coffee processing, including instant coffee production, is under-researched.
- Characterized by high organic load, caffeine, phenolics, and melanoidins, it presents treatment challenges for conventional methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an integrated, multi-stage wastewater treatment system for roasted coffee processing effluent.
- To assess the system's efficiency in removing key contaminants and reducing overall pollution.
Main Methods:
- Developed a treatment sequence: biological treatment, activated carbon sorption, membrane filtration, and ozone/UV disinfection.
- Utilized synthetic wastewater mimicking instant coffee production and equipment cleaning contaminants.
Main Results:
- Achieved high removal rates for total organic carbon (82.4-95.4%) and significant turbidity reduction (96.3-99.8%).
- Demonstrated moderate removal for ammonium nitrogen (0-77.4%) and phosphates (0-39.9%).
- Operated effectively across a pH range of 4.02-7.25.
Conclusions:
- The integrated treatment system is highly effective for complex coffee wastewater.
- Further research is needed to optimize process parameters for enhanced contaminant removal.
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