Researchers in Chile’s Atacama Desert have uncovered a groundbreaking method to harvest fog, offering a sustainable water solution in areas with severe water shortages. This revolutionary approach could significantly improve living conditions in one of the world’s most arid regions.
In a stark landscape where annual rainfall barely registers, scientists have pioneered a method that could transform water accessibility for tens of thousands living in arid regions. The study, published in Frontiers in Environmental Science, has demonstrated the effectiveness of “fog harvesting” as a viable water source in Chile’s Atacama Desert — one of the most parched places on Earth, with less than 1 mm of rain per year.
This innovative approach leverages simple technology to gather moisture from fog layers, an untapped resource that could alleviate acute water shortages.
“This research represents a notable shift in the perception of fog water use — from a rural, rather small-scale solution to a practical water resource for cities,” first co-author Virginia Carter Gamberini, an assistant professor at Universidad Mayor, said in a news release. “Our findings demonstrate that fog can serve as a complementary urban water supply in drylands where climate change exacerbates water shortages.”
Capturing the Invisible
Fog harvesting employs mesh panels stretched between poles to trap tiny water droplets from fog. These droplets accumulate on the mesh and drip into collection channels that lead to storage tanks.
Remarkably, this passive system demands no external power, making it eco-friendly and cost-effective.
The researchers conducted a year-long field study in Alto Hospicio, a fast-growing city amidst the Atacama Desert. Currently, about 10,000 residents in informal settlements lack direct access to water networks.
“The collection and use of water, especially from non-conventional sources such as fog water, represents a key opportunity to improve the quality of life of inhabitants,” Carter added.
Promising Results and Broader Implications
The team discovered that fog harvesting could yield between 0.2 and 5 liters of water per square meter daily in a 100 square kilometer area around Alto Hospicio. In the peak fog season, August and September 2024, the collection potential soared to 10 liters per square meter per day.
“By showcasing its potential in Alto Hospicio, one of Chile’s most stigmatized yet rapidly urbanizing cities, this study lays the groundwork for broader adoption in other water-scarce urban areas,” co-author Nathalie Verbrugghe, a researcher at Université libre de Bruxelles, said in the news release.
Despite its promise, fog harvesting is not a standalone solution but part of a holistic urban water strategy.
The researchers indicated that fog density, wind patterns and suitable elevated landforms are crucial for the system’s effectiveness. They also stressed the importance of infrastructure, such as storage systems and piping networks, to distribute the collected water.
Practical Applications
The harvested water offers multiple uses: it can quench thirst, irrigate green spaces and even support soilless agriculture.
The researchers estimated that using 17,000 square meters of mesh could yield enough water to meet the weekly needs (300,000 liters) of urban slums. A smaller 110 square meter setup could cover the yearly irrigation demand (100,000 liters) for the city’s green spaces.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, further research is essential to scale this solution to larger urban centers.
“Key prerequisites include fog density, suitable wind patterns and well-oriented elevated landforms. Additionally, since fog is seasonal in many regions, this variability should be considered,” added Verbrugghe.
Silencing any doubts about fog harvesting’s feasibility, the data from Alto Hospicio stands as a testament to its potential.
Carter concluded, “We hope to encourage policymakers to integrate this renewable source into national water strategies. This could enhance urban resilience to climate change and rapid urbanization while improving access to clean water.”
This study not only provides a solution to water shortages but also symbolizes hope in the face of escalating climate challenges, paving the way for more sustainable living in some of Earth’s most desolate places.