SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS TO WATER CHALLENGES: MICRO WATER TREATMENT STATION AND FOG HARVESTING IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Abstract

The increasing pressure on water resources, intensified by climate change, environmental pollution, and unequal access to potable water, highlights the need for sustainable solutions that integrate technology, education, and socio-environmental responsibility. In this context, low-cost strategies with educational potential become particularly relevant, especially those aimed at fostering critical awareness regarding water use and preservation. This study presents two complementary approaches: the development of a micro Water Treatment Station (mWTS) prototype and the analysis of the fog harvesting technique as a sustainable alternative for water capture. The mWTS prototype was designed using recycled and easily accessible materials, enabling the simulation of the main stages of conventional water treatment—coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection—through the use of reagents commonly applied in water supply systems. The proposal adopted an applied and pedagogical approach, allowing direct observation of the physicochemical processes involved and visual comparison between raw and treated water. The results demonstrated perceptible improvements in water quality, such as reduced turbidity and suspended particles, supporting discussions on potability standards and public health. Additionally, the fog harvesting technique was examined as a social technology focused on capturing water from atmospheric moisture, particularly relevant in arid and coastal regions. Its simplicity, low environmental impact, and replication potential reinforce its importance in discussions on alternative solutions to water scarcity. The integration of the mWTS prototype and the fog harvesting technique highlights their educational and environmental relevance by combining science, sustainability, and technological innovation. It is concluded that initiatives of this nature contribute to a broader understanding of contemporary water challenges and promote more responsible and sustainable water-use practices.