Biomimetics and circular economy in the Brazil semi-arid: application of functional principles of xerophilous plants

Abstract

The proposal of this project refers to the development of a mobile technology to capture and store rainwater as a source of drinking water for the rural population of dry areas of the Brazilian semi-arid region. The conceptual elaboration of the system will be based on the application of physiological characteristics of xerophilous plants of the Brazilian semi-arid region, cacti highly adapted to the extreme climatic conditions of the region. The research will use data that has already been validated in laboratories. In a study that allowed the identification of the visual patterns of the internal structures of cacti (mandacaru, forage palm, and crown of friar). The characteristics of these plants will be applied, by analogy, to the development of a prototype water harvesting and storage system, following scientific assumptions of biomimetics and using artificial intelligence. Based on the functional principles of cacti from the semi-arid region, it is intended to create a simple system that can meet the demands for water in the region and become a new paradigm of social water technology, focused on the capture and storage of water in different locations, due to its characteristic mobility. By not requiring roofs or other structures for rainwater collection, the concept of the mobile cistern presents itself as a technology that can contribute to the health of the population of the semi-arid region, as it ensures greater hygiene and quality of stored water.