Produção de carvão vegetal a partir da casca do cupuaçu para tratamento de água de igarapé

Abstract

Water is essential for life and for several activities, such as human supply, agriculture, and energy production. In many small towns, deforestation and improper disposal of solid waste and sewage end up polluting rivers and streams, impairing water quality. A simple and effective alternative to improve this quality is the use of charcoal, which can be produced through the controlled burning of residues such as cupuaçu peel. This material has the ability to retain impurities and make water cleaner. In this study, charcoal was produced from peels donated by a market vendor in the municipality of Itacoatiara, Amazonas, Brazil. After being produced through the pyrolysis of cupuaçu peel, the material was tested in physicochemical analyses and showed potential for use in the purification of stream water. In addition to contributing to environmental preservation, this practice can also generate income for local producers and reduce the waste of agro-industrial residues. Thus, the use of cupuaçu peel in the production of charcoal represents a sustainable alternative that combines environmental care with improved quality of life for Amazonian communities.