© Dr. Virginia Carter Gamberini.Panoramic view of Alto Hospicio, located in Chile's Atacama desert, one of the driest places in the world.
Now, local researchers have assessed if "fog harvesting," a method where fog water is collected and saved, is a feasible way to provide the residents of informal settlements with much needed water.
"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," said Dr. Virginia Carter Gamberini, an assistant professor at Universidad Mayor and first co-author of the Frontiers in Environmental Science study.
"Our findings demonstrate that fog can serve as a complementary urban water supply in drylands where climate change exacerbates water shortages."
Catching moisture
Fog collectors typically consist of a mesh suspended between two posts. The mesh serves as an interception surface to catch moisture. Droplets collate on the mesh and fall into a gutter leading to water storage tanks. It's a passive system that requires no external energy.
© CopyrightAnother fog harvesting project tests different types of mesh in at Mt. Boutzmezguida, Moracco
"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 said.
The researchers found that in a 100 square kilometer area surrounding Alto Hospicio, between 0.2 and 5 liters of fog water could be harvested per square meter each day. This potential, however, is confined to the higher lying altitudes outside of the city's limits.
During the study's peak season, in August and September of 2024, collection potential reached up to 10 liters per square meter and 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," said Nathalie Verbrugghe, a researcher at Université libre de Bruxelles and first co-author of the article.
Fog harvesting, however, should not be seen as the sole solution to water scarcity but as part of a broader urban water management strategy, the researchers said.
Easing water shortages in urban areas
The collected water could be used for drinking, irrigation of green spaces, and local food production. However, large storage systems, piping infrastructure, and ways of distribution would be necessary, the researchers said.
Standard fog collectors (SFC) at high SR (left) and low SR (right) in Alto Hospicio, Chile, one of the driest places in the world.
For the same to work in other places, the geographic and atmospheric conditions need to be just right.
"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," said Verbrugghe.
Future research will also need to evaluate the feasibility of fog harvesting in larger settlements.
"We hope to encourage policymakers to integrate this renewable source into national water strategies," concluded Carter. "This could enhance urban resilience to climate change and rapid urbanization while improving access to clean water."
More information: Unlocking the fog: Assessing fog collection potential and need as a complementary water resource in arid urban lands -The Alto Hospicio, Chile Case, Frontiers in Environmental Science (2025). DOI: 10.3389/fenvs.2025.1537058
No doubt PhysOrg are meeting their target set by the NWO propaganda unit. Perhaps they get a bung every time they feed the propaganda buzz words into serious articles.