Emerging Technologies

Emerging technologies can be defined as the cutting-edge innovations that are still being
developed or adopted but have the potential to have a big impact on many different industries
and areas.

Below are some few examples for such technologies,

Water Desalination Technologies

Technologies for water desalination are essential for supplying freshwater in locations with poor
access to clean water sources or during water shortages. They clean brackish or seawater to get
rid of salt and contaminants, giving us freshwater for drinking, farming, and other uses.
Desalination is especially important where there are few clean water sources because it enables
residents to meet their fundamental needs, cultivate food, and maintain their way of life.
Depending on the particular desalination process and project scope, the cost per user for water
desalination varies. Operation efficiency depends on trained personnel and maintenance
challenges.
Water desalination has a number of benefits, including supplying clean, useable water to large
populations, managing water scarcity, assisting with agriculture and food production, minimising
the effects of drought, reducing water diversion, and producing extra energy through
cogeneration applications. However, it also has drawbacks, including costly infrastructure and
energy needs, brine disposal's effects on the environment, and chemical use. Desalination
technologies continue to be an essential tool for sustainable water management despite these
obstacles.
References,

• Miller, K. (2019). 21 Advantages and Disadvantages of Desalination. [online]

FutureofWorking.com. Available at: https://futureofworking.com/6-advantages-and-
disadvantages-of-desalination/.
• Ackerman, A. (2018). Advantages & Disadvantages of Desalination Plants. [online]
Sciencing. Available at: https://sciencing.com/advantages-disadvantages-desalination-
plants-8580206.html.
Smart Water Grids

Smart water grids are sophisticated systems that use technology to monitor, regulate, and
distribute water. For real-time monitoring, water-saving techniques, and leak detection, these
systems make use of sensors, networking protocols, and cloud platforms. Real-time monitoring
provides effective management of water resources and assists in identifying possible problems.
Depending on the size and complexity of the grid, implementing a smart water grid system will
require money for the installation of sensors, networking equipment, and software. For the
system to operate correctly, maintenance is essential. This includes calibrating the system, fixing
problems, and testing sensor functionality.

To operate a smart water grid system effectively, trained personnel are needed. These staff
members keep an eye on sensor data, examine information, and base choices on the information
gathered. The smart water grid is operated properly and can manage any operational difficulties
by trained employees. In general, smart water grids provide efficient management and
monitoring of water supply, distribution, and use, allowing for real-time monitoring, water-
saving techniques, and leak detection.

References,

• Bharani Baanu, B. and Jinesh Babu, K.S. (2021). Smart water grid: a review and a
suggestion for water quality monitoring. Water Supply.
doi:https://doi.org/10.2166/ws.2021.342.
Systems for collecting rainwater
Rainwater harvesting is a technology that gathers and stores rainwater for purposes other than
drinking such as irrigation in order to preserve water and lower water costs. It acts as an
alternative water supply and aids to preserve freshwater resources. Rainwater harvesting systems
can be as basic as barrels or as complicated as pumps, tanks, and purifying systems. They are
often used for gardening, toilet flushing, vehicle cleaning, laundry, and water purification for
human use. Rainwater harvesting systems are beneficial in areas where there is an abundance of
water, pollution, or seasonal water supply.
Catchment areas, gutters, filtration systems, storage tanks, and distribution systems are the
essential components of a rainwater collecting system. Rainwater collected may be utilized for
landscape irrigation, cleaning, and toilet flushing, as well as being filtered for
drinking. Rainwater harvesting is a complementary water technology that can reduce freshwater
use while likewise offering long-term water sources for government installations. Further
treatment may be required to guarantee that collected rainwater is acceptable for residential
usage. When selecting proper storage systems, consider factors like tank type, mosquito breeding
prevention, and rain gardens.
References
• Vartan, S. (2022). A Beginner’s Guide to Rainwater Harvesting. [online] Treehugger.
Available at: https://www.treehugger.com/beginners-guide-to-rainwater-harvesting-
5089884.
• Swati Ogale (2019). rainwater harvesting system | Description, Uses, Quality, &
Configurations. In: Encyclopædia Britannica. [online] Available at:
https://www.britannica.com/technology/rainwater-harvesting-system.
• Energy.gov. (n.d.). Water-Efficient Technology Opportunity: Rainwater Harvesting
Systems. [online] Available at: https://www.energy.gov/femp/water-efficient-technology-
opportunity-rainwater-harvesting-systems.
• www.rainbrothers.com. (2021). Rainwater Harvesting: Best Way to Store Rainwater.
[online] Available at: https://www.rainbrothers.com/blog/rainwater-harvesting-best-way-
to-store-rainwater
• Unl.edu. (2012). Available at:
https://extensionpublications.unl.edu/assets/html/g2148/build/g2148.htm.
Solar Water Pumps - Technology to power water pumps for irrigation or water delivery.
Solar-powered water pumps are an economical and long-lasting alternative for isolated water
sources, that effectively move water from wells, storage tanks, ponds, and other water sources.
They may be used for a wide range of purposes, including irrigation, cattle watering, bird baths,
and off-grid settings. The asking price of solar-powered water pumps varies according to
parameters such as solar panel size, pump capacity, and installation requirements. A basic
system, that consists of the pump, solar panels, controller, solar wiring, splice kit, and hose barb
connections, costs somewhere around $2,000 on average. Solar panel cleaning is essential for
maximum energy output and efficiency while maintaining solar-powered water pumps. Basic
system and solar panel maintenance knowledge is required to efficiently run a solar-powered
water pump.
References
• Bob Vila. (2022). The Best Solar-Powered Water Pumps of 2023. [online] Available at:
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-solar-powered-water-pumps/.
• David (2022). How much does a solar water pump cost? [online] RPS Solar Pumps |
America’s #1 Solar Well Pumps. Available at: https://www.rpssolarpumps.com/solar-
pump-faq/how-much-does-a-solar-water-pump-cost/.
• World Bank. (2017). Solar Water Pumping for Sustainable Water Supply. [online]
Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/water/brief/solar-pumping.
AMI
The technology known as Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) transforms conventional
utility meters into smart meters that can gather data in real time and be monitored. Accurate
billing, demand management, and leak detection in water or energy distribution networks are
made possible by AMI. AMI enables utilities to gather regular and exact data on energy or water
usage, which results in more accurate billing .Demand Management: Utilities can study
consumption trends and manage demand more skillfully using real-time monitoring .
AMI makes it possible to quickly identify high water use, which may be an indication of leaks,
allowing utilities to take immediate action. The price of implementing AMI is determined by the
quantity of upgraded infrastructure and meters needed. Smart meters and data systems need to be
maintained frequently to perform properly. Firmware updates, meter calibration, network
problems, and hardware inspections are a few examples of maintenance tasks. The data gathered
from the AMI system must be managed and analyzed by trained staff.Utilities may hire experts
who can handle the data management chores and gain insightful knowledge from the gathered
data.
References,

• Anon, (2023). The Power Of AMI: Insights For Utilities And Energy Consumers |
Solartechadvisor. [online]
• Available at: https://solartechadvisor.com/advanced-metering-infrastructure
• www.sciencedirect.com. (n.d.). Advanced Metering Infrastructure - an overview |
ScienceDirect Topics. [online]
• Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/advanced-metering-
infrastructure
VR (Virtual reality):
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), which provide immersive learning experiences
through simulations, have emerged as useful tools in education. By giving students environments
that are engaging and interactive, these technologies improve educational experiences. Virtual
field trips, practical training, and subject-specific simulations are all made possible with the help
of VR and AR. They accommodate various learning styles and can aid students in understanding
abstract ideas through hands-on activities and visualizations. The costs involved in implementing
VR and AR vary according to the equipment, software, and content creation needed. Updates,
hardware upkeep, and content management are all necessary regular maintenance tasks to
guarantee peak performance. To use VR and AR devices in educational contexts, teachers and
students must have a fundamental understanding of them. These technologies have been put to
use. STEM education, medical simulations, the arts and humanities, and historical reenactments
are just a few areas where these technologies have found use. By funding research, giving
teachers tools and training, and facilitating more access to devices and information, policymakers
can promote the use of VR and AR in education. The immersive and interactive elements of VR
and AR have enormous potential to change current teaching methods and better prepare students
for the digital age.

References,

• Fade, L. (n.d.). Council Post: How VR And AR Are Impacting Immersive Learning.
[online] Forbes. Available at:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/03/05/how-vr-and-ar-are-
impacting-immersive-learning
• Marr, B. (n.d.). 10 Best Examples Of VR And AR In Education. [online] Forbes. Available
at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2021/07/23/10-best-examples-of-vr-and-ar-
in-education/.
Blockchain for water management
The application of blockchain technology to safeguard and manage water-related data,
transactions, and governance is known as blockchain for water management. Blockchain is a
digital ledger that is decentralized and assures transparency, immutability, and security. It has
various advantages for water management, including the potential to create tamper-proof data
records, improve accountability, enable efficient water commerce, and allow decentralized
governance models.
The cost of deploying blockchain technology in water management varies according on network
size, number of parties involved, and integration needs. Infrastructure development, system
integration, training, and continuing maintenance can all incur costs.
Maintaining a blockchain system for water management, on the other hand, might be difficult.
Regular updates, security measures, vulnerability monitoring, and scalability are all maintenance
concerns. To safeguard data from cyber threats, strong security techniques such as encryption and
access limitations are required.
Using a blockchain water management system necessitates understanding of blockchain
technology as well as data management experience. It is critical to understand consensus
mechanisms, cryptography protocols, and data validation procedures. It is also beneficial to be
familiar with water management methods, legislation, and regulations.
In conclusion, blockchain technology has considerable benefits for water management;
nevertheless, its adoption and maintenance necessitate knowledge in blockchain and water
management practices.
References,
• Digitizing water management: Toward the innovative use of blockchain technologies to
address sustainability -
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23311916.2020.1769366
• Zhu, X., & Wang, M. (2022). A Framework of Blockchain Technology in Intelligent
Water Management - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2022.909606/full
• Sundaresan, S., Prabhakar, M., Prabhu, S., & Prasad, V. (2023). Blockchain architecture
for intelligent water management system in smart cities. -
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128244463000065
Technology: Telemedicine
Telemedicine is a medical consultation and remote healthcare service delivery technology that
uses telecommunications. It enables people to communicate with healthcare specialists for medical
advice, diagnosis, and treatment via video calls, phone conversations, or messaging platforms. The
technology is especially useful for increasing access to healthcare in rural locations and during
emergencies. Patients in rural or underserved areas can benefit from medical consultations without
having to travel long distances. Telemedicine also improves access to specialized treatment by
linking patients with specialists in other locations. It is commonly used for continuing chronic
illness monitoring, mental health counselling, follow-up consultations, and prescription refills.
Telemedicine service costs vary depending on criteria such as the platform used, service providers,
and consultation fees. Some services require subscription or membership fees, while others charge
a flat cost per consultation. Insurance coverage and reimbursement policies can also have an
impact on prices.
The necessity for a reliable internet connection and regular software upgrades are among the
maintenance concerns for telemedicine. Healthcare organizations must maintain consistent
connectivity, particularly in rural places. They must also manage and upgrade telemedicine
platforms for security, performance, and device compatibility. To secure patient information, data
privacy and security precautions are critical.
While telemedicine systems strive towards user-friendliness, healthcare professionals with
technical skills are often necessary to use them efficiently. They must be trained in telemedicine
software, how to conduct remote consultations, and how to adapt clinical practices to the
telemedicine context. To access and use telemedicine services, patients must have basic
technology literacy.
References,
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/telehealth/art-
20044878
• https://telehealth.hhs.gov/patients/understanding-telehealth
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/telemedicine
Precision Agriculture
Precision Agriculture is a cutting-edge technology that optimizes farming practices through
sensors, IoT devices, and data analytics. It aims to enhance crop yields, reduce resource wastage,
and improve agricultural efficiency. By collecting real-time data on factors like soil moisture,
temperature, and nutrient levels, farmers can make informed decisions on irrigation, fertilization,
and pest management. Implementation costs vary based on the technology used, but the potential
return on investment is significant. Regular maintenance and data security are crucial for
accurate data collection and protection. Operating precision agriculture systems requires
expertise in data interpretation and staying updated with advancements. In summary, Precision
Agriculture maximizes productivity and sustainability by utilizing technology for data-driven
decision-making in farming, leading to higher yields, resource optimization, and improved
efficiency

Internet of Things (IoT) Technology for Emergency Services

The application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in emergency services is revolutionizing
the way we handle crises. By deploying IoT devices and sensors, we can greatly enhance
emergency response and improve disaster management. These devices enable real-time
monitoring, early warning systems, and facilitate rapid response coordination, enabling
authorities to take swift action. The cost of implementing IoT devices and sensors can vary
depending on the scale and specific requirements of the system, but the benefits they provide are
substantial. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the ongoing maintenance challenges
associated with IoT. Regular device maintenance, ensuring connectivity, and effectively
managing the collected data are vital for optimal performance. Moreover, the operation and
interpretation of data from IoT devices necessitate trained personnel who can harness the
information effectively for emergency response purposes. In summary, IoT technology holds
immense potential for enhancing emergency services, but careful consideration and investment
in maintenance and skilled personnel are essential for its successful implementation