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Assessing global drinking water potential from electricity-free solar water evaporation device

Author

Listed:
  • Wei Zhang

    (Tsinghua University
    Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yongzhe Chen

    (The University of Hong Kong)

  • Qinghua Ji

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Yuying Fan

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Northeast Normal University)

  • Gong Zhang

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Xi Lu

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Chengzhi Hu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Huijuan Liu

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Jiuhui Qu

    (Tsinghua University
    Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

Universal and equitable access to affordable safely managed drinking water (SMDW) is a significant challenge and is highlighted by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals-6.1. However, SMDW coverage by 2030 is estimated to reach only 81% of the global population. Solar water evaporation (SWE) represents one potential method to ensure decentralized water purification, but its potential for addressing the global SMDW challenge remains unclear. We use a condensation-enhanced strategy and develop a physics-guided machine learning model for assessing the global potential of SWE technology to meet SMDW demand for unserved populations without external electricity input. We find that a condensation-enhanced SWE device (1 m2) can supply enough drinking water (2.5 L day−1) to 95.8% of the population lacking SMDW. SWE can help fulfill universal SMDW coverage by 2030 with an annual cost of 10.4 billion U.S. dollars, saving 66.7% of the current investment and fulfilling the SDG-6.1 goal.

Suggested Citation

  • Wei Zhang & Yongzhe Chen & Qinghua Ji & Yuying Fan & Gong Zhang & Xi Lu & Chengzhi Hu & Huijuan Liu & Jiuhui Qu, 2024. "Assessing global drinking water potential from electricity-free solar water evaporation device," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-51115-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51115-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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