IWA 22nd International Conference on Diffuse Pollution & Eutrophication

November 18 – 21, 2025

Huanchaca Ruins Museum, Antofagasta, Chile

About

IWA DIPCON 2025

The International Conference on Diffuse Pollution and Eutrophication (DIPCON) has, since its inception, been a The International Conference on Diffuse Pollution, eutrophication, and sustainable water management.

With more than 20 editions held in various regions around the world, DIPCON has strengthened international cooperation among researchers, policymakers, water sector professionals, and representatives from both academia and industry. Its most recent edition, DIPCON 2024, was held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, under the theme “Navigating Diffuse Pollution: Pathways to Carbon Neutrality,” where the links between diffuse pollution and climate change were explored.

The 2025 edition will mark a milestone as it will be held Chile for the first time. The event will take place in Antofagasta, a region of global significance due to its mining activity, particularly in the production of copper and lithium. This area is also characterized by extreme water scarcity and the development of agricultural practices in the desert, posing major challenges for water resource management and the control of diffuse pollution. This unique context offers a valuable opportunity to explore the complex interactions between water availability, land use, and environmental sustainability.

Jaime Chacana Olivares, PhD. Chair of the Local Organizing Committee of DIPCON 2025

Topic Areas

Water Resource Management:

Sustainable Solutions for Water Sourcing, Conservation, and Ecosystem Protection
• Sustainable water sourcing and equitable allocation to address competing demands.

• Strategies for water conservation and efficient use in agricultural, industrial, and urban settings.

• Approaches to managing water scarcity and drought, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.

• Protection and restoration of aquatic/salt-flat ecosystems affected by pollution and over-extraction.

• Analysis of pollution in the context of desert agriculture, its differences and challenges.

• Integration of sustainable water management practices aligned with global challenges such as climate change and growing population pressures.

Diffuse Pollution and Eutrophication Control:

Innovative Approaches to Monitoring, Prevention, and Policy Implementation
• Identification and analysis of diffuse pollution and eutrophication sources, including agriculture, urban runoff, and industrial discharges.

• Development and application of innovative technologies for monitoring, detecting, and tracking diffuse pollution and eutrophication.

• Best practices for preventing and remediating diffuse pollution and eutrophication impacts on water resources and ecosystems.

• Exploration of policies and regulatory frameworks designed to combat diffuse pollution and eutrophication at local, regional, and global levels.

• Integration of sustainable management practices to reduce diffuse pollution and eutrophication while balancing industrial, agricultural, and urban development needs.

Innovation and Technology:

Advancements in Wastewater Treatment, Smart Systems, and Sustainable Infrastructure
• Cutting-edge advancements in wastewater treatment technologies for improved nutrient removal (N and P).

• Implementation of smart water systems for real-time monitoring, management, and optimization of water resources.

• Application of data analytics, machine learning, and AI for predictive modeling and enhancing water quality management.

• Development of carbon-neutral and sustainable innovations in water and wastewater infrastructure to mitigate environmental impacts.

• Integration of emerging technologies to address global challenges such as water scarcity and pollution.

Sustainable Practices in Mining and Agriculture

Innovations for Water Management and Pollution Reduction
• Exploration of sustainable water management practices in mining and agriculture to minimize resource depletion and environmental impact.

• Implementation of innovative technologies for effective monitoring and treatment of wastewater from mining and agricultural activities.

• Development of best practices for reducing nutrient runoff and controlling diffuse pollution from agricultural operations.

• Integration of smart systems for real-time monitoring of water quality and usage in mining and agricultural sectors.

• Promotion of policies and frameworks that encourage sustainable practices and protect aquatic ecosystems affected by industrial and agricultural activities.

• Evaluation, development, and implementation of remediation technologies to mitigate the contamination of soil and groundwater caused by mining and/or agricultural waste.

Policy and Community Engagement for Pollution Control:

Holistic Approaches to Sustainable Water Management
• Cross-sectoral policy approaches designed to address pollution and promote sustainable water management.

• Case studies of successful policy implementation at regional and global levels.

• Exploration of inclusive governance models that foster effective solutions to pollution challenges.

• Emphasis on empowering local communities through public participation in water and pollution management.

• Examination of policies that bridge industrial, agricultural, and community sectors to achieve sustainable environmental outcomes.

Evaluation of Sustainability in Pollution Control:

Technical, Economic, Environmental, and Social Dimensions
• Comprehensive assessment of the impacts of diffuse pollution and eutrophication on ecosystems and communities.

• Evaluation of control and remediation technologies for their effectiveness and sustainability.

• Analysis of the economic and social feasibility of pollution mitigation practices, ensuring both short- and long-term viability.

• Case studies highlighting the long-term environmental and socio-economic sustainability of implemented pollution control solutions.

• Integration of technical, environmental, and socio-economic factors into cohesive pollution management strategies for holistic and sustainable outcomes.

Key dates

  • Abstract (two page) submission deadline: August 1, 2025
  • Notification of acceptance: August 18, 2025
  • Full paper submission deadline (optional): October 15, 2025
  • Early bird registration and payment deadline: October 16, 2025
  • Regular registration and payment period: October 17 to November 16, 2025
  • On-site registration: November 18–19, 2025
  • Conference (presentation and posters): November 18–19, 2025
  • Technical visit to San Pedro: November 20–21, 2025

Registration
prices

Includes: access to the opening ceremony and welcome cocktail (November 18); access to all keynote talks and academic poster sessions; conference information pack; daily coffee breaks; and lunches (November 18 and 19).

  • Non IWA 450 USD
  • IWA 350 USD
  • YWP (Student) 200 USD
  • Acompaning delegate 80 USD
  •  
  • Non IWA 300 USD
  • IWA 250 USD
  • YWP (Student) 80 USD
  • Acompaning delegate 80 USD
  • Non IWA 525 USD
  • IWA 425 USD
  • YWP (Student) 225 USD
  • Acompaning delegate 80 USD
  • Non IWA 350 USD
  • IWA 300 USD
  • YWP (Student) 90 USD
  • Acompaning delegate 80 USD

Technical visit to San Pedro de Atacama

San Pedro de Atacama is a town located in the Antofagasta Region, in northern Chile, at 2,450 meters above sea level. Known for its natural, cultural, and archaeological richness, it is set in the heart of the Atacama Desert and stands out as a gateway to unique landscapes such as salt flats, geysers, high-altitude lagoons, and formations shaped by erosion.

 

The technical visit includes tours to Laguna Chaxa, located within the Los Flamencos National Reserve, a saline ecosystem of high ecological value home to numerous high-Andean bird species; and the Valle de Jerez, an area known for its Andean scenery, with rocky formations, native vegetation, and an ideal setting for appreciating the desert’s natural landscape.

 

Participation in the technical visits in San Pedro de Atacama has an additional cost of USD 150 (limited seating) and will take place on November 20, with return to Antofagasta on November 21.

About the Venue

The 22nd edition of the International Conference on Diffuse Pollution and Eutrophication (DIPCON 2025) will take place in Antofagasta, a city with a strong track record in the mining and water sectors. Its location in the world’s driest desert makes it an ideal setting to address challenges related to sustainability and water management.

 

Among its main attractions are La Portada, an impressive natural arch facing the ocean, and La Mano del Desierto, an iconic sculpture rising from the desert that has become a symbol of the region. These landscapes offer a unique environment for international participants.

Organizing Committee

Chair: Jaime Chacana Olivares, PhD.

(Universidad Católica del Norte)

Co-Chair: Paula Guerra, PhD.

(Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María)

Secretariat: Victor Flores, PhD.

(Universidad Católica del Norte)

Camila Mery, PhD.

(Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María)

Adrián Ortiz, PhD.

(Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María)

Elizabeth Lam

(Universidad Católica del Norte)

Francisco Remonsellez

(Universidad Católica del Norte)

Bárbara Fuentes

(Universidad Católica del Norte)

Rodrigo Poblete

(Universidad Católica del Norte)

Leonardo Romero

(Universidad Católica del Norte)

Javier Quispe

(Universidad Católica del Norte)

Sebastián Herrera

(Universidad Católica del Norte, Universidad de O’Higgins)

Dámare Araya

Constanza Cruz

(Universidad Católica del Norte)

International Program Committee

Chair: Prof. Eakalak Khan

University of Nevada, Las Vegas USA

Vice chair: Prof. Fumiyuki Nakajima

University of Tokyo Japan

Prof. Lee-Hyung Kim

Kongju National University South Korea

Prof. Cevza Melek Kazezyilmaz Alhan

Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Turquía

Dr. Markus Venohr

Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries Germany

Prof. Ashantha Goonetilleke

Queensland University of Technology, Australia

Prof. Jejal Reddy Bathi

University of Alabama USA

Prof. Sungwoo Bae

National University of Singapore Singapore

Prof. Marla Redillas

De La Salle University-Manila Philippines

Prof Ferdinand Hellweger

Technical University of Berlin Germany

Prof. Xiaoyan Wang

Fudan University, Shanghai China

Prof. Ottavia Zoboli

TU Wien Austria

Prof. Sheeraz Ahmed Memon

Mehran University of Engineering & Technology Pakistan

Prof. Jingjun Su

Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences China

Dr. Ralf Kunkel

Institute of Bio- and Geosciences (IBG) Germany

Prof. Margaret Graham

The University of Edinburgh United Kingdom

Prof. Jungsu Park

Sogang University Seoul South Korea

Prof. PUANGRAT KAEWLOM

Chiang Mai University Thailand.