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Contamination from microorganisms is one of the gravest types of water pollution. In 2022, there were 842,000 new cases of gastrointestinal diseases worldwide. The aim of this study was to size, construct, and evaluate a Raceway reactor (28 L total capacity) as a laboratory-scale solar disinfection system for the inactivation of Escherichia coli and total coliforms in water, using Zero Valent Iron (ZVI). For this purpose, a sample of E. coli contaminated potable water was treated with steel wool as a source of ZVI and solar irradiation. Using a 23 factorial design with four central points and a total of 12 trials, the following was investigated: the effect of the Fe0 dose (0.6–1.8 g L−1); it should be noted that both the natural and drinking waters of the study area have iron concentrations of less than 0.1 mg L−1. Depth tests of the treated water in the reactor were carried out at different levels (5, 7 and 9 cm) and with a duration of four to six hours. Therefore, it is concluded that the reactor/ZVI is effective for the disinfection of E. coli and total coliforms at concentrations >2419.6 MPN/100 mL, reaching 99.96% disinfection for both cases; it is also a cost-effective treatment due to its inexpensive inputs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural potential of Chile—solar energy and 8 km of coastline—make the implementation of small-scale reverse osmosis desalination plants (RODPs) in coastal areas energetically supported with photovoltaic systems (PVs) feasible. This work considers a survey of the plants in Chile. As a demonstration of a RODP, a technical/economic evaluation is carried out, analyzing four possible cases in which different energy configurations are proposed: electric grid, diesel generator, and photovoltaic systems, without or with batteries. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of these plants are presented. The results obtained indicate that there are 39 plants in operation, which produce an average permeate water flow of Qp 1715 m3d−1. Solar Explorer, and Homer Pro software are used for a plant that generates 8 m3day−1 of permeate water, resulting in the conclusion that Case 3 is the most economically viable, as it has a useful life of 20 years and will have an annual solar contribution of more than 65%. The levelized cost of water production is 0.56 USDm−3 (RODP/PV) and 0.02 USDkW−1h−1 was obtained for the LCOE. Finally, this case contributes to the mitigation of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chile has set itself to achieve Greenhouse Gas emission neutrality, with at least 70% of electricity coming from renewable energy sources by 2050. To this end, institutional and regulatory frameworks have been improved, resulting in significant progress in medium and large-scale projects. However, solar energy production at residential level and its surplus injection to all distribution networks has been very limited. This paper analyzes the evolution of the regulatory energy policies in Chile in order to contrast it with an economic evaluation of residential projects. The analysis focuses on the city of Arica, one of the highest potential regions in terms of solar energy within the country. There, a particularly low penetration of residential solar energy usage has been observed. Based on the current situation, projections are made for Arica in 2050, through the identification of barriers and opportunities on a residential scale development. According to some recommendations, there is the need to design policies that take into account the particular characteristics of each region within the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the cultivation of river shrimp was implemented through intensive use of solar radiation for the sustainable development of the Camarones, a village in Chile. An aquaculture production plant was built under water recirculation to produce 8000 k of river shrimp and rainbow trout per year, in a 25:75 ratio, respectively. This was developed taking into account (1) the concept of how to help resilient communities, considering the principles of the circular economy; (2) that the cultivation of these species will use solar water treatment technology to reduce arsenic content present in the natural waters of the Camarones River; and (3) how to add value to the residues obtained from the production plant for better agriculture and to have water to preserve the ecosystem. In addition, this initiative will rely on solar energy and radiation to produce electrical energy and a photochemical reaction to remove arsenic from the water. This work complies with 10 of the 11 principles of the Circular Economy, making it a potential alternative for all areas of the world that have similar characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]