Desenvolvimento de soluções alternativas para conservação de água na Estação Antártica Comandante Ferraz

Abstract

Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station (EACF) is haracterized for being the most important Brazilian construction in the Antarctic continent. Its privileged location allows it to be supplied by two thaw lakes. The usually abundant lakes went through a period of total freezing. This attracted attention to the water problem and led to carrying out a consumption qualification study to indicate alternative solutions to the hydrosanitary technology used, aiming at restricting consumption and increasing its environmental effectiveness. Thus, a review of EACF s previous data regarding water use and Antarctic specificities was carried out. Besides gathering data, sectorized consumption monitoring (water meter reading) and on location measurements were performed; questionnaires administered; and technical aspects observed. The main results obtained were: a detailed diagnosis of water consumption; characterization of users consumption profile, as well as their perception concerning water restriction; simulation of an estimated scenario based on current consumption, and the reduction achieved through saving measures; EACF s water supply capacity; and also the assessment of EACF s consumption in comparison to other correlated situations. The implantation of water-saving equipment, as verified in the simulated scenarios, allows a 40% economy for consumption per capita. When adopting treated graywater reuse for non- drinking purposes, along with water-saving equipment, a decrease of 45% in the water consumption. Although this alternative results in a significant change in the EACF s hydrosanitary system, it should be considered especially because of the reduction in wastewater generation. However, aspects such as need of investments, environmental adequacy actions, and users education concerning eliminating water waste and adequately using the systems installed should also be taken into account. Lastly, possible ways to develop the study are presented so as to allow its continuity