Água de condensação proveniente de aparelhos condicionadores de ar: análise da qualidade para fins de reuso não potável

Abstract

The water crisis is an alarming reality worldwide. Consequently, there is a growing need to adopt alternative sources to meet the population’s water demand and reduce pressure on conventional supply systems. Water from air conditioning units presents a strong potential for reuse in activities where potability is not required. Ten studies by different authors were analyzed, selecting 13 parameters regarding the quality of condensation water, and these were compared to the reference values for reuse classes in the Water Conservation and Reuse Manual for Buildings by the Agência Nacional de Águas (ANA). The reuse classes include: class 1, for activities such as toilet flushing; class 2, related to construction activities like aggregate washing; class 3, for irrigation; and class 4, for appliance cooling. The aim of this comparison is to classify which reuse classes the water generated as a byproduct of air conditioning could be suitable for. The results confirmed the potential use of this water primarily for construction activities (class 2) and appliance cooling (class 4). However, for use in toilet flushing and floor washing (class 1) and irrigation (lass 3), additional treatment would be required for full utilization, though usage in these classes is not ruled out. The findings suggest that reuse of water from air conditioners has potential for all classes specified by ANA’s manual, as 8 of the 13 analyzed parameters showed 100% compliance with the relevant classes, with the remaining 5 parameters presenting occasional inconsistencies. This confirms that condensation water from air conditioning units is a viable alternative source that would offer both economic and environmental benefits.