Agua limpia y saneamiento

FICT-ESPOL and Rey Juan Carlos University strengthened their academic cooperation through a technical meeting held from May 26 to 28, 2026. The agenda included a visit to the “Water Sowing, Harvesting, and Reuse for Sustainability (Phase II)” project in Manglaralto, where equipment valued at approximately 10,000 euros was donated. In addition, both institutions reviewed research topics and scientific articles to be developed jointly. Looking ahead, they plan to launch a research project and produce two scientific publications in international collaboration over the next 18 months.

Civil engineering students enhanced their knowledge of wastewater treatment through a technical presentation on innovative biological technologies, gaining insight into international research and sustainable solutions for water resource management.

FICT-ESPOL conducted an interdisciplinary field trip to Punta de Piedra, in the Gulf of Guayaquil, to gather hydrological, social, and geophysical data to help understand the subsurface conditions and the community’s water supply needs. Civil engineering and geology students, along with participants from other disciplines, conducted surveys and geophysical tests to estimate water demand and assess groundwater potential. The activity is part of the “Nature-Based Solutions for Integrated Water Management (Phase III)” project and aims to provide technical information for the development of sustainable water resource management alternatives.

FICT-ESPOL held an inter-institutional meeting with representatives from the Ayangue Municipality, the Drinking Water Administrative Board, and various stakeholders from ESPOL to strengthen cooperation and establish a work agenda focused on the sustainable development of the region. Among the priorities identified are drinking water supply, sanitation, drainage, infrastructure, and community empowerment. The initiative includes research, outreach, and community service projects, as well as the use of drones to collect territorial data.

A project led by researchers from FICT-ESPOL will provide scientific evidence to help understand the dynamics and vulnerability of groundwater in the Galápagos, strengthening its sustainable management and contributing to the protection of a vital resource for the island communities.

Researchers from FICT and technicians from EPAMIL have formed a partnership to advance the ECU7010 project, which will apply isotopic techniques to the study of the Chobo aquifer in order to strengthen groundwater monitoring. This collaboration will generate scientific information to support sustainable water resource management and improve decision-making regarding the drinking water supply in Milagro.

An international study analyzed the presence of emerging contaminants in water bodies in Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, and Chile, identifying medications and other everyday compounds as the most common. The study highlights the need to strengthen monitoring, expand research, and develop strategies to protect the region’s water resources and aquatic ecosystems.

A new cohort of the FICT-ESPOL Master’s in Civil Engineering program, consisting of 22 professionals, will strengthen their skills in construction, sanitation, and applied innovation; the program continues to establish itself as a center for advanced training that promotes the development of sustainable solutions for infrastructure and water management in the country.

ESPOL, through the FCV, CIPAT, and FICT, conducts water monitoring activities in communities in Manglaralto and the Bulubulu River basin, enhancing knowledge about water quality and availability. These efforts promote the sustainable management of water resources and strengthen the ties between academia and the community.

ESPOL and the University of Commercial Sciences of Nicaragua held an international mirror class on wastewater treatment using wetlands, strengthening academic cooperation and the exchange of knowledge in environmental sanitation; the activity allowed undergraduate and graduate students to analyze sustainable solutions and simulation tools applied to water resource management.