Atmospheric emissions from emerging technologies used in cocoa bean drying processes

Abstract

Atmospheric emissions derived from emerging technologies used in the cocoa bean drying process, as well as their associated environmental impacts, are evaluated. A bibliographic review was conducted using Web of Science, and a bibliometric analysis was performed with VOSviewer. Five emerging technologies applied in cocoa post-harvest processing were identified: Samoa-type, tunnel or greenhouse type, rotary or drum dryers, vertical or mixed-flow systems, and hybrid systems. Differences were observed in both the type and magnitude of emissions, with the main pollutants being CO, CO2, NOx, SO2, PM, CH4, and N2O. It is highlighted that dryers using biomass combustion release higher concentrations of particulate matter and greenhouse gases compared to hybrid or solar based systems. The most significant environmental impacts are associated with emissions generated along the analyzed production chain. It is concluded that the identification of atmospheric emissions within the transition toward cleaner systems is essential to mitigate environmental effects in the cocoa sector.