Sustainable management of açaí seed waste in Breves (PA, Brazil): mapping and proposal for reducing environmental impacts

Abstract

The state of Pará (Brazi), one of the largest consumers of açaí in Brazil, faces the challenge of accumulating waste from this fruit. The improper disposal of this waste, often in public areas, generates environmental impacts and public health risks, particularly due to the production of leachate, which can contaminate groundwater, degrade soil, and negatively affect local fauna and flora. This study aims to map the production and disposal of açaí waste in the municipality of Breves-PA and proposes the production of cementitious panels as an alternative to minimize environmental impacts. Additionally, the research investigates the socioeconomic profile of açaí vendors and their awareness of the environmental consequences of improper waste disposal. The study mapped two hundred açaí processing units, revealing inadequate waste disposal practices and the urgent need for environmental awareness. The transformation of açaí seeds into cementitious material has proven to be a sustainable and promising alternative.