Feasibility and sustainability of fog harvesting

Abstract

Abstract Knowing that the fog harvesting is a non-conventional method for the production of freshwater, the sustainability of a fog collection project is studied. Sustainability and feasibility of fog harvesting collection projects is the focus of this Paper. A sustainable operation of fog harvesting projects which provides numerous sites worldwide with sufficient amounts of fresh water worldwide is presented. The key characteristics of fog harvesting system are considered including the physical process; the fog collectors; and the mesh types. Sustainability aspects of fog collection projects are investigated including fog water quantity and quality. The feasibility of fog harvesting collection projects is evaluated, compared with other sources for freshwater supply including the corresponding infrastructure; the cost of water; the operational costs; and the amortization periods for expenses. The vision of implementing a fog collection project including the decision-making criteria is presented as a logical process. The community involvement analysis and the social impact are analyzed in the light of the existing freshwater resources and needs. The most important environmental factors that affect the volume and the frequency of water are evaluated. The Paper concludes that prior to implementing a fog water harvesting program; a pilot-scale assessment of the collection system should be executed.