Student Research Reports
Improving Greywater Quality and Tomato Plant Growth Using Coffee Waste and Eggshell Powder
Organization(s):Oman
Country:
Student(s):Basma Jahad Al-Zadjali
Grade Level:Middle School (grades 6-8, ages 11-14)
GLOBE Member(s):Zakiya Abdullah Al Harrasi
Contributors:
Report Type(s):Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Water Temperature, pH, Soil pH, Soil Temperature
Presentation Poster:
View Document
Language(s):English
Date Submitted:2026-01-30
This study investigates the effect
of a natural powder made from dried coffee waste and crushed
eggshells on greywater quality and tomato plant growth.
The research aims to reduce water pollution and reuse household
waste in an environmentally friendly way. Two water
samples were tested: greywater with the added powder
and greywater without any treatment. Water temperature, pH
, and electrical conductivity were measured before and after
adding the powder. Two tomato plants were irrigated using the two
water types to observe plant growth and soil water retention
. The results showed that adding the powder slightly reduced water
temperature, stabilized pH, and decreased electrical conductivity
, indicating lower salinity.
The tomato plant irrigated with treated greywater showed
stronger growth, greener and thicker leaves, and better soil
water retention. These findings suggest that coffee waste and eggshell
powder can improve greywater quality, reduce salinity stress
, enhance soil moisture retention, and support healthie
plant growth. This project demonstrates a simple,
low-cost, and sustainable method that
benefits agriculture, water reuse, and the environment.