A team of scientists from the Federal Technological University of Paraná in Brazil has discovered a new use for spent coffee grounds: removing the herbicide bentazone from water. By activating the carbon in coffee grounds with zinc chloride, the researchers achieved a 70 percent efficiency in purifying liquid samples contaminated with bentazone. The process prevented cytogenotoxicity to onion root meristems, which are crucial for plant growth. This innovation addresses the dual environmental issues of coffee waste and the harmful effects of agricultural herbicides on wildlife and the natural environment. Although still in the preliminary stages, this research offers a promising solution and contributes to the ongoing efforts to repurpose spent coffee grounds in environmentally beneficial ways.
You can also read the Lux Cafe Club's article on 'Coffee Grounds for Plants: A Gardener's Secret Weapon' here.
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