Wastewater Treatment & Reuse in Antarctica
Reuse of 50% of the treated wastewater
Project overview
Client: International Polar Foundation
Location: Antartica
Industry: Base Camp - Community
Key results
50% Water Reuse
Half of the treated wastewater is recycled for non-potable uses.
Energy Efficiency
Recycling water uses 3x less energy than melting snow for freshwater.
Waste Reduction
Sludge volume reduced by a factor of 400 through advanced drying.
The challenge
The station’s original water treatment system, designed for 16 occupants, was being pushed beyond its capacity by peak crowds of up to 50 people.
The Princess Elisabeth Antarctica research station serves as a beacon of innovation in one of the world’s most hostile environments. Facing increased occupancy, the station needed to transform its water management to uphold its sustainability ambitions. Aymar de Lichtervelde, co-founder of Revalio, led the design and installation of a cutting-edge system in collaboration with the International Polar Foundation (IPF).
What Revalio delivered
Revalio's expertise was tapped to lead the design and construction of a new, high-performance Water Treatment System (WTS).
The solution included:
Mathematical modeling: Custom system design optimized for limited indoor space and extreme conditions.
Smart automation: Predictive control systems for optimized performance with minimal human intervention.
Remote operational support: Ongoing monitoring and maintenance planning from afar to ensure smooth operations throughout the season.
"We learned how to integrate biological treatment, smart monitoring, automation, and multi-stage filtration into a compact and robust unit that protects the pristine Antarctic environment by purifying water close to drinking water quality, well beyond what is achieved in a regular wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). " - Aymar de Lichtervelde, CTO of Revalio and project lead in Antarctica.
How it works
The system utilizes a multi-stage circular process to turn wastewater into a resource:
Advanced biological treatment employs anaerobic digestion and aeration to break down organic matter in black and grey water.
High-level filtration uses nanofiltration and oxidation methods to remove micropollutants and ensure drinking-grade water quality.
The system is specifically engineered to recycle treated water back into the station for washing and cleaning, making the operation nearly energy-neutral.
Sludge Mineralization is a drying process that drastically reduces the physical footprint of waste.
If we can make it work in Antarctica, we can make it work anywhere.
Whether you are managing a remote industrial site, facing strict environmental compliance, or looking to transform your wastewater into a resource, Revalio provides the engineering expertise to solve your most complex water challenges.