New Mexico Geological Society Annual Spring Meeting — Abstracts

The objective of this study is to determine the impacts of seasonal meteorology on the quantity and quality of water extracted through atmospheric water harvesting. Atmospheric water harvesting is an emerging technology that separates water vapor from the air as a newly untapped reservoir. However, seasonal transitions, i.e., spring-summer and summer-fall, can influence water quantity and quality as meteorologic and climate conditions evolve. Condenser-based dehumidifiers were deployed at two locations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, representing urban and industrial characteristics from April to November 2024. Primary air pollutants (NOx, Ozone, CO, PM2.5, PM10, SOx) and meteorological variables (temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, etc.) were monitored simultaneously during atmospheric water collection. Water samples were analyzed for physical and chemical parameters (metals, nutrients, turbidity, pH, etc.) Our study found that the impact of relative humidity, temperature, and dew point were critical in predicting water quantity, but a dilution effect also influences the reported water quality. The implications of our results might influence treatment strategies and help predict ideal harvesting conditions that maximize water quantity and quality. The broader impacts of these results will set the groundwork for normalizing the atmosphere as a safe and viable reservoir for many facing water shortages and lack of access during emergency scenarios.