| dc.description.abstract | The release of untreated honey water from green coffee processing poses a significant
threat to surface water contamination, directly impacting the livelihoods of downstream
communities. This study aimed to evaluate the contaminating effects of honey water
emissions from coffee processing on surface waters. Specifically, the study sought to
determine the levels of contaminants in honey water from coffee processing, assess the
degree of pollution caused by these emissions, and examine the socio-economic impacts on
affected populations. A mixed-methods research design was employed for this study. The
research site was divided into experimental units, with four blocks (I–IV) and three
treatments (K–M) per block, each containing three sub-samples (1–3). To minimize
variability across tests from the same target area, the study employed a total squares
randomized design with four combined replicates to create a test turnover table, which was
used to determine variability between test objectives (p < 0.05). The study collected a total
of sixteen samples: twelve surface water samples from upstream, midstream, and
downstream locations, and four untreated honey water samples from coffee processing
lagoons. The physicochemical properties of these samples were thoroughly analyzed. In
addition, the study incorporated qualitative data through open and closed-ended
questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze responses from 79 members of
the Othaya Coffee Society Management and 30 nearby households, focusing on their
perceptions of the contaminating effects of honey water on surface waters. The findings
revealed that coffee processing operations by the Othaya Coffee Society had detrimental
effects on the local communities by polluting nearby surface waters with untreated coffee
waste. The physicochemical analysis indicated that the water sources had elevated acidity,
high organic matter content, increased chemical oxygen demand, and elevated
concentrations of nutrients (nitrates, phosphates), as well as suspended solids—all of which
contributed to deteriorating water quality. The analysis further confirmed that the effluents
discharged by the wet coffee processing industry did not meet the World Health
Organization's standards for treated effluent released into surface waters. Based on these
findings, the study recommended that the Othaya Coffee Society and other coffee industries
in the region implement proper wastewater treatment facilities to ensure that only treated
effluent is discharged into water bodies. Furthermore, continuous enforcement of
wastewater discharge regulations by authorities such as the National Environmental
Management Authority is essential. The study also called for further research to examine
the effects of coffee pulp on water contamination and to evaluate the role of urban planning
policies in managing industrial wastewater in areas like Othaya town. | en_US |
