Proximate and elemental composition of tea effluents obtained from various tea processing factories in Kenya

Tea undergoes intricate processing in factories, generating substantial effluents that pose significant environmental challenges. This study explored the proximate and elemental composition of tea effluents obtained from various factories to determine their potential benefits, especially in agriculture and health. The proximate composition analysis revealed significant (P<0.05) variations in ash, crude fiber, carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids across samples from different factories. Notably, ash content in fluff samples from Mudete and Ogembo, and fly-off from Kionyo factories, is statistically comparable (P>0.05) but significantly higher than other samples (P<0.05). The cyclone fluff from the Kinoro factory exhibited significantly lower ash content than all other samples (P<0.05). The study further examined microelement minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus) in tea samples, showcasing significant variations. The fluff sample from the Ogembo factory showed significantly higher calcium levels than others (P<0.05), while the cyclone sample from Mogogosiek displays significantly lower calcium concentrations than other samples (P<0.05). Regarding micronutrient/trace mineral elements, the fluff sample from the Gitambo factory has significantly higher Boron concentrations than other tea samples (P<0.05). Significant differences were observed in Cobalt concentrations, with cyclone fluff samples from Chelal and Momul factories showing significantly higher levels than others (P<0.05). The concentration of heavy metals (Aluminium, Chromium, Lead) in tea effluents varies significantly among samples from different factories (P<0.05). The cyclone fluff samples from Boito and Chelal factories and fluff samples Mogogosiek factory showed significantly higher Aluminium concentrations than others (P<0.05). The cyclone fluff sample from the Kinoro factory exhibited significantly lower Aluminium levels than others (P<0.05). Therefore, future research should delve into specific processes contributing to these variations, enabling tailored strategies for sustainable waste management in the tea industry. Moreover, adopting environmentally conscious approaches, informed by a nuanced understanding of metal concentrations in tea effluents, is imperative for ensuring the long-term viability of the tea industry and safeguarding environmental health. Key words: Tea waste, micronutrients, macronutrients; heavy metals, nutritive value