Water generated from atmospheric water vapor in urban areas may be drinkable and may one day end up in our bottles and flasks. This astonishing discovery is the result of research carried out by scientists at the Israeli University of Tel Aviv.

According to research published in the journal Total environmental science, the water produced from the air in an urban area of ​​the city of Tel Aviv met all stringent drinking water standards set by both the State of Israel and the World Organization of health.

After various chemical analyzes, the researchers found that the water extracted from water vapor in the urban atmosphere – often characterized by industry and massive construction – was drinkable in the vast majority of cases, including at different seasons and at different times of the day.

The study was carried out by a team of experts from the hydrochemistry laboratory at the Porter School of Environment and Earth Sciences at Tel Aviv University. For the researchers involved, this discovery could potentially be used as a means of treating and producing drinking water at low cost and in large quantities.

“The Earth’s atmosphere is a vast and renewable source of water, which can be an alternative source of drinking water. Our atmosphere contains billions of tons of water, 98% of which is in the gaseous state. ie water vapor “, according to the study. press release explains.

Although this is only a partial solution, recovering drinking water from urban water vapor could help reduce water access problems globally, scientists argue.

“Water from the air… can be produced anywhere, without the need for expensive transport infrastructure and regardless of the amount of precipitation. From an economic point of view, the higher the temperature and humidity, the more water is produced from the air, ”explain the scientists, who now plan to extend their research to others. regions of Israel, including the Bay of Haifa.

According to UN estimates, more than three billion people live in agricultural areas with high levels of water scarcity and scarcity. – AFP Relaxnews