Small-scale desalination and atmospheric water provisioning systems in water-scarce vulnerable communities: status and perspectives

Small-scale desalination and atmospheric water provisioning systems can be vital for supplying drinking water in water-scarce areas. However, their potential to support vulnerable communities in such regions has not been fully assessed. Through an in-depth comprehensive review of 111 peer-reviewed publications from 1992 to 2023 and commercial technologies, this study shows significant knowledge gaps on implementing those systems in water-scarce vulnerable communities. To address knowledge gaps, research and implementation should align with local socio-economic, institutional and cultural contexts involving supportive policies, funding mechanisms, risk analysis, human resources, participatory approaches and consideration of community needs.