This project emerges as a response to a critical water issue in the Coquimbo Region, one of the most vulnerable areas to water stress in Chile. Through the integration of a chemical-free water reuse technology, the aim is to significantly reduce freshwater consumption in the almond peeling process, a dominant and highly water-intensive activity in the region. The approach combines water efficiency, climate change adaptation, industrial innovation, and alignment with international sustainability standards.
The project proposes a technological intervention aimed at reducing pressure on freshwater sources through the implementation of a modular water treatment and recirculation system in almond processing facilities. This region, characterized by extreme aridity and chronic overexploitation of aquifers, hosts water-intensive crops such as almonds, creating a context of severe hydrological stress for both ecosystems and the agricultural economy. The implemented technology reuses the water employed in the scalding and peeling of almonds through an integrated system that includes physical separation modules, microfiltration, and advanced oxidation, ensuring water quality that meets industrial hygiene and sanitation standards. The system operates in situ, without residual chemicals, eliminating wastewater discharge and minimizing the facility’s water footprint. The project follows best practices in water stewardship and complies with the principles of additionality, permanence, and traceability as defined by the VWBA 2.0 methodology.
The Coquimbo Region faces a structural hydrological imbalance, worsened by average annual rainfall below 150 mm, high interannual variability, and increasing pressure on aquifers. Prolonged droughts, intensified by climate change, have created a scenario of extreme vulnerability, affecting the availability and stability of water resources. This is compounded by intense agricultural activity, particularly almond cultivation, which demands significant volumes of water both in the field and during industrial processing.
Within this context, the scalding and peeling of almonds in agro-industrial facilities represents a critical point of water use. This stage requires hot water to separate the almond skin, with specific water usage reaching 5 to 6 liters per kilogram of processed almonds. Most of this water, once used, becomes wastewater with high thermal load, organic matter, and potential microbiological contamination. Traditionally, this stream is discarded without treatment or reuse, placing a direct burden on freshwater sources (mainly deep wells) and wasting thermal energy. It also creates environmental management challenges due to the generation of untreated liquid waste that requires disposal or treatment. This represents both a technical and environmental inefficiency that can be corrected through the implementation of specifically designed treatment and recirculation systems for such industrial processes.
The project incorporates a compact, scalable, and continuously operating technological solution, specifically designed to treat and recirculate water used in the almond peeling process. The unit consists of an integrated sequence of physical, chemical, and photonic treatments that synergistically ensure the microbiological and physicochemical quality of the recovered water.
The process begins with assisted sedimentation using optimized flocculation to remove coarse solids and organic particulates from almond skins and natural oils. The water then passes through a high-efficiency tangential microfiltration stage, using 0.1–0.2 micron membranes equipped with an automated cleaning system to prevent clogging and ensure continuous operation.
Subsequently, the system incorporates an advanced oxidation reactor where hydrogen peroxide is dosed and high-intensity ultraviolet radiation (UV-C) is applied. This generates hydroxyl radicals capable of breaking down dissolved organic compounds, eliminating odors, and deactivating resistant pathogens. This stage achieves process water quality suitable for indirect contact with food, without the need for chlorine or other chemical disinfectants that could alter the organoleptic properties of the product.
The entire system operates with automated controls, inline sensors (for flow, turbidity, temperature, ORP, and conductivity), and remote connectivity for data traceability and quality monitoring. Its modular design allows the treatment capacity to be scaled according to the volume processed during peak or low production seasons.
With this intervention, a reduction of over 70% in freshwater withdrawal is projected, with recovery rates between 85% and 90%. In addition, wastewater discharge is virtually eliminated, reducing the burden on external treatment infrastructure and contributing to the closure of the internal water cycle, in line with principles of circular economy and industrial water resilience.
The solution will be installed on an existing processing line within the agro-industrial facility, operating in parallel to the current circuit to minimize disruptions and ensure seamless integration. This configuration enables installation without halting regular operations, avoiding impacts on production. The modular and autonomous design allows the system to scale and be replicated in other processing lines or facilities with similar needs.
The technology is based on a comprehensive water recovery and reuse process, consisting of sequential stages that act on various contaminants and characteristics of the wastewater. Initially, visible solids and coarse organic matter are removed through physical separation. Next, microfiltration is applied to retain fine and colloidal particles affecting turbidity and sanitary quality. Finally, a non-chemical disinfection stage (such as ultraviolet radiation) ensures the microbiological safety of the regenerated water, without introducing hazardous by-products or residues.
The system is fully automated and includes smart sensors that continuously monitor key water quality indicators such as treated flow, turbidity, temperature, and conductivity. This data not only ensures real-time operational control but also integrates with a digital platform, enabling traceability, performance analysis, and third-party validation of the benefits achieved.
Water quality validation is further supported by accredited laboratories conducting physicochemical and microbiological analyses to ensure compliance with standards for indirect food contact. Implementation will be carried out with the technical support of an experienced water reuse provider and validated by an independent entity that ensures transparency. The project also has the backing of local and regional stakeholders involved in water planning and regulation, which facilitates institutional alignment and territorial acceptance.
This project arises from the urgent need to reduce freshwater consumption in the almond agro-industry in Chile’s Coquimbo Region, one of the most water-stressed areas in the country. The objective is to implement an advanced water treatment and recirculation system in the almond peeling process, replacing the linear use of water with a circular model within the same processing plant.
The intervention is located in the Elqui River basin, which has been declared a Restricted Area by the Water Authority (DGA) in several zones due to severe aquifer overexploitation and minimal natural recharge. Rainfall in this region is scarce (less than 150 mm/year), and prolonged drought events are increasingly frequent due to climate change. Simultaneously, the expansion of intensive crops such as almonds has intensified water demand, creating a vicious cycle of pressure on water resources.
The scalding and peeling process uses large volumes of hot water (approximately 5–6 liters per kilogram of almonds), which becomes wastewater after use. This effluent contains skin residues, natural oils, high temperature, and microbial load. Under current conditions, it is discarded without treatment or reuse, creating a dual impact: pressure on water sources and the generation of potentially polluting liquid waste.
To solve this, a reuse system will be installed to treat the effluent directly. The system includes physical solid separation, tangential microfiltration, and an advanced oxidation process (without chlorine), guaranteeing water quality that meets industrial standards. The system is automated, with sensors monitoring turbidity, flow, temperature, and other parameters. All data are uploaded to a digital platform to ensure traceability, quality control, and external validation.
The solution is modular and can be scaled according to production needs. It is installed without interrupting current operations and functions as a bypass. This flexibility allows it to be replicated in other agro-food processing lines.
Thanks to this intervention, more than 70% of freshwater intake is expected to be reduced, with recovery rates of 85–90%, eliminating effluent discharge and closing the water cycle. The project also meets the criteria of additionality (it would not occur without the intervention), permanence (maintained over time with routine maintenance), and traceability (digital monitoring and external validation), as required by the VWBA 2.0 methodology.
This project not only reduces water consumption and improves operational efficiency, but also positions the company as a leader in water sustainability in a critically affected region and strengthens its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in clean water, industrial innovation, circular economy, and climate action.
© 2025 Aquapositive. All rights reserved. Further distribution is not permitted without authorization from Aquapositive.
