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This study developed a sustainable system to treat and reuse nejayote, the potentially polluting wastewater from maize nixtamalization—a key step in making tortillas, a staple food and cultural icon in Mexico. Using a mechanical sedimentation process that requires no electricity, solids are separated and the liquid is clarified within 90 minutes, allowing water to be reused up to three times and reducing overall consumption. The recovered solids can be reincorporated into the dough, enhancing tortilla quality. An environmental label is also proposed to identify sustainable producers. Experimentally validated, the system is technically, economically, and environmentally viable. Aligned with the 2030 Agenda, this replicable model promotes circular practices, supports resource recovery, and offers environmental and economic benefits at both local and global levels.
This is how I came up with the idea for this project:Tortillas, a staple of Mexican cuisine, are made via nixtamalization, which produces nejayote, a polluting byproduct. This project addresses the lack of sustainable treatment technologies by designing a device to reduce nejayote's impact, enabling water reuse and reintegrating solids into dough, fostering environmental sustainability and promoting a circular economy model.

Documentation
NixtaFlow: Sustainable Water Use in Tortilla Production This project presents an innovative and low-cost solution to treat and reuse nejayote, the wastewater generated during maize nixtamalization—a traditional process essential to tortilla production and deeply rooted in Mexican culture. Through a gravity-based sedimentation system that operates without electricity, solids are separated and water is clarified in 90 minutes, enabling its reuse up to three times and significantly reducing water consumption. The recovered solids can be reintegrated into the dough, improving its nutritional and functional properties. An environmental label is proposed to promote responsible tortilla production. Validated through experimentation, this sustainable model aligns with the 2030 Agenda and offers a replicable strategy for circular resource use with environmental, social, and economic benefits at both local and global scales.