Possible
Solutions
Currently, Brazil faces a severe lack of basic sanitation for its most vulnerable and marginalized populations—a problem directly linked to insufficient public investment in the infrastructure necessary for a decent quality of life. In addition, the improper disposal of waste and inadequate drainage have become major factors leading to incidents such as flooding in large cities and peripheral regions, which are closely interconnected with water treatment issues.
Through research, we have identified that it would be possible to prevent such problems using a variety of existing technologies. Among these are the use of common digesters capable of sustainably processing human waste, as well as drainage systems designed to redirect heavy rainwater flows to rivers, thus preventing floods. Furthermore, “bio media” have been developed to promote the growth of microorganisms on organic materials, contributing to the implementation of improved sanitation systems. Another innovation is the use of “constructed wetlands,” which employ plants to reduce the rate of urban flooding.
Therefore, there is significant potential for the development of ideas driven by social entrepreneurship that can positively contribute to these areas. In this context, eliminating the improper management of sewage flow—which often overflows during rainfall and floods community areas—was the main focus of the sources analyzed.
Research Findings
The Climate
With the intensification of climate change on a global scale, there has been an increase of 1.5°C in the average global temperature (IPCC, 2022). As a result, severe disruptions to rainfall patterns are expected, which will negatively affect the water supply in the city of São Paulo—already a limited resource. It is estimated that in the state capital, around 800,000 people lack access to potable water, victims of the State’s absence in peripheral regions.
Given this context, it is essential to implement measures to provide clean water to low-income communities through the treatment of nearby rivers and the collection of rainwater, using plants capable of removing microorganisms, such as Lemnaceae and/or Moringa (Pott, V. J.; Pott, A., 2002), by developing localized micro water-treatment stations.
This technology is considered incremental, as the use of these species has already been implemented by the Government of Mato Grosso do Sul (Agraer, 2018). However, the system was not regionalized—an adaptation that would reduce water losses during distribution, which can reach up to 30% (Farley, Malcolm; Trow, Stuart, 2007). Therefore, the project aims to construct chamber systems near rivers, combining conventional technologies with the use of these plants and sustainable materials, to provide water to communities in a localized and efficient manner, minimizing resource loss.
Prototype
With the intensification of climate change on a global scale, there has been an increase of 1.5°C in the average global temperature (IPCC, 2022). As a result, severe disruptions to rainfall patterns are expected, which will negatively affect the water supply in the city of São Paulo—already a limited resource. It is estimated that in the state capital, around 800,000 people lack access to potable water, victims of the State’s absence in peripheral regions.
Given this context, it is essential to implement measures to provide clean water to low-income communities through the treatment of nearby rivers and the collection of rainwater, using plants capable of removing microorganisms, such as Lemnaceae and/or Moringa (Pott, V. J.; Pott, A., 2002), by developing localized micro water-treatment stations.
This technology is considered incremental, as the use of these species has already been implemented by the Government of Mato Grosso do Sul (Agraer, 2018). However, the system was not regionalized—an adaptation that would reduce water losses during distribution, which can reach up to 30% (Farley, Malcolm; Trow, Stuart, 2007). Therefore, the project aims to construct chamber systems near rivers, combining conventional technologies with the use of these plants and sustainable materials, to provide water to communities in a localized and efficient manner, minimizing resource loss.
