Díaz Boyle, Pablo J.

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    Modifications of energy-efficient water vapor condensation technologies for reforestation and human consumption in arid regions and tropical islands
    (2025-02-11) Díaz Boyle, Pablo J.; Díaz Boyle, Pablo J.; Snyder Sevits, Victor A.; College of Agricultural Sciences; Abelleira Martínez, Oscar J.; Harmsen, Eric; Department of Agro-Environmental Sciences; Acuña Guzmán, Salvador F.
    Solar earth-water distillation technology is a suitable and cost-effective method for extracting water from arid lands. This water can be used for irrigation and human consumption, with modifications. Experiments were carried out in two locations in Puerto Rico with objectives of evaluating three different types of solar earth-water stills: trench type, box type and a commercially available still the Irripan. The trench-type stills evaluated were the traditional design of 1x1m, and elongated modifications with width to length ratios of 1/2 x 2 m and 1/4 x 4 m. The elongated trenches produced at least twice as much vapor condensate as the traditional trenches. Orientation of trenches in a north-south direction tended to produce slightly more condensate than in an east-west direction, yet with no significant differences. Box-type stills placed over bare ground were compared to stills placed over grass covered ground, with no statistical difference observed in the amount of water collected between grass and bare earth. Irripan water and dew collectors were modified to quantify dew collection and evaluate soil moisture retention capacity. Box stills over vegetation versus over bare earth were different if vegetation withstood high temperatures within stills leading to higher soil moisture and, under low rainfall, providing higher water collection capacity. Both stills, if used in multiple repetitions, can provide sufficient water for drinking, though water in box-type stills is of better quality yet less quantity than trench-type stills. Trench stills could suffice for reforestation and box stills could be used as well, if multiple stills are used. Irripans could provide sufficient water for reforestation. All technologies could prove useful for water collection in arid lands for reforestation. Further studies should be conducted to better understand and modify these systems in the future.