Agua limpia y saneamiento

Field activities are being carried out in the Bulubulu River basin to assess water quality through physical-chemical and microbiological monitoring. This international cooperation project aims to strengthen water management, access to water, and sustainable development in rural communities.

ESPOL, in partnership with AVISID S.A., conducts hydrogeological studies at poultry farms to identify and sustainably manage water resources. The initiative led to successful drilling, well optimization, and the implementation of nature-based solutions, as well as the publication of a high-impact scientific paper.

Civil engineering students from FICT-ESPOL took fourth place in the 3rd Plastigama Wavin Hydraulic Design Competition, standing out among 40 teams nationwide; their project proposed eco-efficient solutions for water management in rural schools, integrating access to drinking water, wastewater treatment, and green infrastructure with social and environmental benefits.

Joselyne Solórzano’s doctoral research focuses on the vulnerability of the Olón coastal aquifer, examining its behavior in response to environmental pressures and human activities. During a workshop at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, progress on the first scientific article was reviewed, with a focus on strengthening methodological approaches, the interpretation of results, and technical criteria. The study contributes to the understanding of vulnerable water systems and to decision-making for sustainable resource management.

On April 13, ESPOL hosted a talk titled “Water for Human Consumption,” an event designed to encourage reflection on the importance of consuming high-quality water. The session covered technical topics such as pH measurement and featured a presentation on the Agua ESPOL project, highlighting its contribution to the campus’s water management. The event strengthened knowledge on health and sustainability issues, promoting collaborative work among faculty, researchers, and administrators.

The Agua ESPOL project transforms the Gustavo Galindo campus into a living laboratory for the study of groundwater resources. Using engineering, geophysical, and hydrogeological tools, the team conducts non-invasive research to identify water potential, generate technical data, and strengthen the sustainable management of this resource. The initiative also integrates Water Harvesting and Storage (SyCA) techniques, consolidating a vision that connects science, the local environment, and evidence-based decision-making.

FICT-ESPOL held an international mirror class in collaboration with the University of Commercial Sciences (UCC) in Nicaragua, promoting academic exchange in civil engineering and the analysis of wastewater treatment systems; the activity strengthened technical skills, fostered dialogue on regional issues, and reinforced internationalization and collaboration between the two institutions.

The Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) is advancing its commitment to sustainability and integrated water resource management through the project “ESPOL Ecohydrology Demonstration Site: Lakes and Albarradas,” an initiative aimed at obtaining official recognition as an Ecohydrology Demonstration Site from UNESCO.

A recent study analyzed groundwater quality in the Ecuadorian Amazon, revealing important information about the presence of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and their potential implications for human health. The research, published in MDPI’s scientific journal Sustainability, evaluated 161 water samples from domestic wells located in the provinces of Sucumbíos and Orellana, areas where a large portion of the population relies on groundwater for daily consumption.

ESPOL and FICT paid an official visit to IGME-CSIC in Spain to strengthen scientific and academic cooperation in areas such as hydroecology, education, and research; the delegation, led by its senior officials, consolidated strategic partnerships and reaffirmed its participation in joint initiatives, paving the way for new opportunities for international collaboration and sustainable development.