Impacto ambiental e social da utilização da casca da castanha-do-Brasil (Bertholletia excelsa) por uma usina de beneficiamento do estado do Amazonas

Abstract

The Amaturá plant is responsible for processing Brazil nuts and distributing this food product. The logistics process of the plant's operation was analyzed through photos and acquired information. The methodology is based on gathering information on the logistics process from the study area to the final destination of the Brazil nut shell ash. The demand for Brazil nut shell residues comes from Indigenous and riverside communities, with the transportation and collection carried out by middlemen or the extractivists themselves, who deliver the material to the plant. The boiler is a piece of equipment designed to transfer heat from a high-temperature source to a working fluid, with the goal of generating steam with specific characteristics. In this way, the burning of the shells in the boiler generates energy for the plant itself. To improve energy efficiency, it is important that the moisture content of the shells is low, since high moisture in the residue results in a lower calorific value, as part of the energy is consumed during evaporation in combustion. The results were beneficial in terms of income generation for the involved communities, even though the earnings are still low. Additionally, the use of shells as an energy source has a positive impact on cost reduction and climate change mitigation. However, the lack of government support and the poor condition of the equipment reduce the quality of the process and the service provided by the community. This work aimed to investigate the environmental and social impact of using Brazil nut shell residues as an energy source in the municipality of Amaturá and to observe the advantages and disadvantages related to the operational process and equipment quality. The goal is to promote the Brazil nut species as a historical and cultural heritage, while emphasizing the use of its residues as biomass and their application in various agro-industrial sectors and product manufacturing. This approach plays a role in the circular economy and highlights the standing Brazil nut tree, contributing to social inclusion and the possibility of better conditions for rural workers and Indigenous communities directly involved in Brazil nut management.