Using coffee grounds to purify water in Oman
Oman is one of the world’s five most water-stressed countries. Over-reliance on groundwater is a key water challenge that the country faces, especially as water demand increases and only occasional rainfall occurs to allow for the recharge of aquifers. High domestic water consumption and the unsustainable use of groundwater in the agriculture sector are additional challenges. In response, reliance on desalination is increasing.
In 2023, 86% of Oman’s drinking water came from desalination, which is projected to continue to meet the majority of potable water demand. However, desalination is costly, energy-consuming, and prone to water loss at estimated rates of 30%, among other challenges. Oman is seeking to reduce the energy consumption of desalination plants, including by adopting more energy-efficient desalination techniques and piloting solar-powered desalination plants. However, alternative water sources are needed to lighten the load and ensure long-term sustainability.
Oman is looking to students and academics with the aim of putting research into action. As part of this effort, the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation’s Upgrade Program transforms top technology-oriented graduation projects into startups.
In 2024, one of the winners of Oman’s Upgrade Program sought to address precisely the issue of decreasing water resources. The group of university student researchers is turning coffee waste into activated carbon for use in water purification. Coffee waste, which is readily available and is generated at a rate of 60 million tons annually globally, is highly conducive to reuse and upcycling, including compost and biofuels. The conversion process takes place through physical and chemical activation and via a thermal reactor. Activated carbon, with its porous surface, is able to attract and thereby remove pollutants from substances, purifying water sustainably and at a low cost. As the initiative scales following its win, it will collect large quantities of coffee waste from local establishments for conversion and use for purification.
As water supplies decline and global climate goals necessitate the reduction of energy emissions, support for innovative and technology-based initiatives that employ readily available resources to fill gaps is critical. Ideas like using coffee grounds for purification have the potential to uncover accessible solutions to the pressing water scarcity challenges faced by many countries.
Oman continues to seek new solutions for pressing environmental issues being developed in its startup ecosystem and provides opportunities for entrepreneurs to find support. Sectoral interests being pursued by the government include CleanTech, digital transformation, and FinTech. Public initiatives like the Omani Promising Startups Program aim to encourage innovative entrepreneurship, particularly focused on advanced technology.
