With the amount of rainwater less than 0.04 inches each year, the city in the desert atacama, the arid of Chile – Eon of the most wonderful place in the world – collecting water from ancient groundwater. Now, researchers have specified another simple way that can help deal with water shortages.
International researchers in Chile have tested the lifestyle of water collection methods that can be done. Straight or happiness: Harvesting fog Technology also brought Star Wars Meaning Moisture farmers Or tattoos, practices may lead to significant relief to those who live in an unofficial settings without having access to a stable water source. studyPublished today in the journal Environmental science border–
“Collecting and using water, especially from non -formal sources such as water, fog, being a representative is an important opportunity to improve the quality of life of residents.” Virginia Carter, a sustainable development expert at the University and First writer Or the study said that in border statement– Carter and her colleagues have studied in the rapidly growing alto municipality, with approximately 10,000 people living in an unofficial settlement, which is not 1.6 percent, which Connect to the water distribution network
The team uses a simple fog collector: very good nets or the heroes of the hero higher than two columns. The moisture in the air is condensed into water droplets on the material, which will flow into the gutter and into the water tank. Although their methods are not as innovative as the mind, the sci -fi mind that recourse, urin arts into the drinking water (It seems that it is currently reserved for space exploration.) The fog collector is a passive system that does not need electricity or other energy to work.
“With the exhibition of the potential in Altohozio, one of Chile's fastest hit city. Joint author of education
Carter, complaining and their colleagues revealed that 38.61 miles (100 square kilometers) can be provided between 0.05 to 1.32 gallons (0.2 and five liters) of the fog per 10.76 square feet (one square meter) per day. August and September are the months with the fog water collection with 2.64 gallons (10 liters) per 10.76 square feet (one square meter) per day.
“This research is a representative of the outstanding change in the perception of fog water-from solving rural problems and quite small to the real use of water sources for the city,” Carter explains.
The researchers predict that the relatively small mesh area can be compiled enough to irrigate the green area of Alto Hospicio. Adjusting the system size with large fog collectors may be enough to meet the weekly needs of settlements. The official city They also suggest that fog water can be used for soil -free farming, which may produce up to 44 pounds (20 kilograms) or green leafy vegetables each month.
The researchers pointed out that some defects about their analysis. Their trend comes from a higher level of fog collectors outside the boundary of the city. Therefore, their normal use must use important distribution infrastructure other than large storage systems. ” There are other important important, such as the density of the fog, the right wind style and the geologic. In addition, because the fog is according to the season in many regions, this variation should be considered, “said Burge. In fact, Carter emphasized that” the fog can act as water supply in the city “and not a solution. Problems that cover water shortages
However, the team still hopes that “Will encourage the policy makers to include this renewable energy source with the national water strategy,” Carter concluded. “This can increase the elasticity of the city to climate change and quickly become a city while improving cleaning water.”
While the harvesting of fog alone will not solve the problem of water shortages. Finally, it shows the method of gathering innovative and sustainable water, which one day may become an important tool for water management of the desert community.