Researchers in Chile are launching a fog harvesting project in Alto Hospicio to combat water scarcity in one of the world’s driest regions. The initiative aims to provide a sustainable urban water source for a rapidly growing population currently reliant on trucked water supplies. Fog collectors could potentially yield significant amounts of water, improving access for thousands of residents.
In a bid to tackle water scarcity in one of the world’s driest regions, researchers in Chile are initiating a fog harvesting project around Alto Hospicio. Fog collectors will be employed to assess their potential in providing water to the growing population, which now exceeds 110,000 people. With 98.4% of residents lacking direct access to water infrastructure, the initiative seeks to offer a sustainable solution to water shortages.
The Atacama Desert receives minimal rainfall, averaging less than five millimeters annually. However, fog occurs from May to October as warm, moist air from the Pacific cools over cold ocean waters, creating condensation that presents a crucial water source. The climate conditions in Alto Hospicio make it ideal for fog collection, which is currently underutilized.
Fog harvesting uses fine mesh nets to capture moisture from fog, which flows into troughs without requiring external energy, facilitating a passive water collection process. Researchers have found that this method can produce several liters of water per square meter daily, representing a viable drinking water source for even the driest urban areas.
Dr. Virginia Carter Gamberini of Universidad Mayor is spearheading the research. She states, “Collecting water from unconventional sources like fog offers a valuable way to improve quality of life.” Gamberini acknowledges that while fog nets are not a comprehensive solution for water access, they provide an essential starting point for augmented urban water supplies.
Based on calculations of an average yield of 2.5 liters per square meter per day, the researchers conclude that an area of 17,000 square meters of fog nets could provide 300,000 liters of water weekly, reducing reliance on water trucking for local slum residents. This initiative promises improved access to clean water for thousands in Alto Hospicio.
To ensure effective fog harvesting, certain geographic and atmospheric conditions are vital, such as fog density and suitable wind patterns. Additionally, building large storage facilities and an efficient piping system is crucial for transporting collected fog water to where it is needed most urgently.
The team emphasizes that fog harvesting should not be seen as a standalone solution but rather as a part of a broader water strategy to enhance resilience to climate challenges. This approach could play a significant role in improving water access and urban sustainability in the face of rapid urbanization.
Apart from supplying drinking water, the harvested fog water could also support irrigation efforts and local food production, including hydroponic agriculture, potentially yielding significant amounts of vegetables monthly. This would not only enhance food security but also elevate the overall quality of life for residents in Alto Hospicio.
While fog harvesting is not a new concept, its application in urban settings is relatively innovative. Previous implementations in rural areas of South America and Africa were small-scale. Gamberini’s research, however, aims to transform the perception of fog as an urban water resource, demonstrating its wider applicability.
In conjunction with the fog harvesting project, researchers are developing a “fog water harvesting map” to identify potential sites across Chile that could benefit from this technology. This map, set to be released in May, will be available for private and governmental entities to facilitate water access improvements.
The issues faced by Alto Hospicio mirror larger challenges in arid regions globally, where climate change worsens water scarcity. Many Chilean cities depend on ancient aquifers that are now depleting due to heightened demand from urbanization and industrial use, highlighted by decreasing groundwater levels following thousands of years without replenishment.
Fog harvesting in Alto Hospicio presents a promising method for addressing water scarcity in an area suffering from critical shortages. By utilizing fog as a water source, this innovative project could significantly improve quality of life for many residents relying on inconsistent water deliveries. However, it is crucial to integrate this solution within a broader water management framework to enhance urban resilience and sustainability.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
