A more efficient water dumping management will help reduce water consumption in fruit packhouses

In the current drought context, initiatives like those carried out by the Aigua.Net project, led by the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA) in collaboration with the Department of Climate Action, Food, and Rural Agenda of the Government of Catalonia, are more necessary than ever. Current water issues in fruit dumping reservoirsFruit packhouses use large volumes of water in the fruit dumping process from fields to packaging lines. To introduce the fruit into the lines where it is calibrated and placed in boxes, the fruits need to be moved from storage containers to another surface. While the dry dumping technique, directly pouring the product onto the packaging line, was predominantly used in the past, the water dumping system has become more widespread in recent years to prevent fruit damage and potential spoilage. With this dumping system, fruit processing centers typically maintain the water in the reservoir for an average of three to seven days, depending on the weight of the dumped fruit. However, the Aigua.Net project has identified that, with efficient management and effective control of contamination risks, the lifespan of this water can be extended up to two months, leading to a significant reduction in water consumption at fruit processing centers. However, suppose the water's contamination level and the accumulation of organic matter are not adequately controlled. In that case, keeping the water in the dumping reservoirs can pose a microbiological risk to the fruit and a food safety risk if the processed fruits end up with chemical residues or rot. These are some risks identified by the team coordinated by researcher Natàlia Alós from the Postharvest program at IRTA. From 2022 to June 2024, the project leaders will work with companies in the sector to demonstrate how water in the dumping reservoirs is contaminated and how to implement sustainable and efficient management practices. A continuous filtering system and more sustainable disinfectionIn the first year of activity, the project has observed various fruit processing centers in Lleida, where researchers have monitored an entire water cycle at each company to study how the existence or absence of continuous filtering and the effects of different disinfection methods can impact fungal and chemical contamination evolution in the water of the dumping reservoirs. The goal is to demonstrate how water in the dumping reservoirs is contaminated and then explain to companies how to manage it to extend its lifespan while ensuring its microbiological quality and the food safety of the fruit. In this initial observation phase, it has already been noted that implementing a continuous filtering system and using environmentally responsible disinfection techniques are some of the measures that help control risks and make water use possible for longer periods. Project Dissemination SessionAs expected for a demonstrative project aiming to transfer knowledge, Aigua.Net will organize a dissemination session to present all the information generated through the project's activities to companies in the sector. The session is scheduled to take place between May and June 2024. After the demonstrative activity concludes, companies in the sector will be aware of the pros and cons of different water management methods. They will have the necessary tools to improve reservoir management, extending the water's lifespan safely, reduce consumption, and promote cost and environmental impact reduction. Project InformationActivity funded through the Technological Transfer Operation 01.02.01 of the Rural Development Program of Catalonia 2014-2022.