Use of Remote Laboratories to Reduce Environmental Impact. The Case of an Acid Base Titration Experiment

This paper presents the findings of an investigation into the environmental benefits of using the Remote Laboratory of Acid-Base Titration compared to traditional hands-on laboratories within selected Chemistry courses at the Universidad Estatal a Distancia in Costa Rica. The methodology includes an assessment matrix of environmental impacts applied to six experts in experimentation and environmental management, three for the hands-on laboratory and three in remote experimentation. The instrument contemplated the following processes: transportation of chemical products, start-up of the activity, and waste generation. The results showed that, in contrast to handson experimental activity, the activity mediated by the Remote Laboratory has a low significance of environmental impact, although it was estimated that the data stored in the cloud can generate a significant impact. In conclusion, it was possible to estimate that in the particular case of hands-on experimental activity, the impact on the environment has a medium significance, with the execution of this experience and the generation of waste being the processes that cause the greatest impact. Finally, remote experimentation has low impact significance in all the aspects evaluated.