Evaluación de la Eficiencia de un Prototipo de Atrapanieblas Ubicado en el Parque Ecológico Entrenubes Como Método Alternativo de Abastecimiento de Agua en Zonas con Déficit Hídrico

Abstract

The present study aims to determine the efficiency of a fog catcher prototype made from an 85% Raschel mesh, with dimensions of 50 cm x 50 cm, located in the Entrenubes Ecological Park for four weeks, for subsequent purification as an alternative water supply in areas with water scarcity. To measure the meteorological variables of the area, a portable weather station was used to determine the relationship between these conditions and the efficiency of the fog catcher prototype. For this purpose, simple and multiple linear regressions, as well as logarithmic regression, were performed. The following physicochemical parameters were measured in the collected water: pH, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, turbidity, and salinity. Additionally, the concentration of total and calcium hardness, alkalinity, acidity, and chlorides were determined, along with a microbiological analysis using Colilert tests and MacConkey agar cultivation. Based on the quality of the analyzed water, a purification route consisting of filtration and disinfection was implemented to ensure that the treated water meets the maximum acceptable values set by resolution 2115 of 2007, deeming it suitable for human consumption. The fog catcher prototype collected approximately 3.23 liters of water over four weeks. Based on this, the efficiency of a fog catcher projected to 5 meters x 5 meters was determined, resulting in 8.075 liters weekly. Under optimal conditions, a 50 cm x 50 cm fog catcher would capture 4.89 liters weekly, and a 5 meters x 5 meters fog catcher would capture 48.9 liters weeklyKey words: Fog catcher, water deficit, meteorological variables, physicochemical parameters, potabilization.