Evaluation of the Adsorption Efficiency of Activated Carbon Derived from Mauritia flexuosa Seeds in Coffee Wastewater

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of activated carbon derived from Mauritia flexuosa seeds on the adsorption of phenolic compounds (tannins and lignins) present in honey waters generated during the processing of Coffea arabica. This research seeks to contribute to reducing the environmental impacts associated with the discharge of these effluents into natural water bodies. The variables evaluated included the activated carbon produced from Mauritia flexuosa seeds and the adsorption capacity for phenolic compounds. Adsorption efficiency was determined by applying different concentrations of the activated carbon, prepared using two chemical activating agents, to wastewater samples. The data were analyzed under varying operational conditions, in which adsorbent dosage, mixing speed, and contact time influenced removal performance. The results showed that the activated carbon produced with phosphoric acid exhibited higher adsorption efficiency than the carbon activated with sodium hydroxide, demonstrating its potential for application in the treatment of coffee-processing wastewater in agricultural regions.