What is it about?
This study presents an innovative solution for providing clean water in remote, off-grid areas using solar-powered reverse osmosis technology. A low-pressure reverse osmosis system powered by photovoltaic energy (LPRO-PV) was developed and tested in Samalayuca, Chihuahua, Mexico, to assess its performance and social impact. Capable of producing up to 1.8 m³ of fresh water daily from brackish water, the system met the basic needs of a three-person household, even during the COVID-19 lockdown. Beyond its technical success, the project highlighted the importance of community involvement, as residents embraced and committed to maintaining the system. The results demonstrate that this sustainable approach holds considerable promise for enhancing access to safe drinking water in arid and underserved regions.
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Why is it important?
The importance of this study lies in demonstrating a practical, sustainable solution to water scarcity in remote and arid areas where conventional infrastructure is lacking. By combining renewable solar energy with reverse osmosis technology, it provides a reliable, eco-friendly way to produce clean water from brackish sources. It not only proves technical feasibility but also emphasizes the value of community engagement, showing that people will adopt and maintain such systems when they see tangible benefits. This approach helps uphold the human right to safe drinking water and could be scaled to support similar communities worldwide.
Perspectives
This would help understand how adaptable and reliable the system is in the long term. It would also be valuable to look at the overall costs, environmental impact, and how easy it is for local families to keep the system running. Exploring ways to improve it—like adding water storage, using smart monitoring tools, or combining solar with other energy sources—could make it even more practical and sustainable for people who need clean water the most.
Professor Rosenberg J Romero
Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Morelos
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Rural Application of a Low-Pressure Reverse Osmosis Desalination System Powered by Solar–Photovoltaic Energy for Mexican Arid Zones, Sustainability, September 2022, MDPI AG,
DOI: 10.3390/su141710958.
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