ArcticSewlutions: Sewage management in cold and sparsely populated regions: solutions for the Arctic in view of a changing climate and emerging contaminants (2024-2027)

This project focuses on wastewater management in arctic communities with the aim to decrease the impacts of wastewater-related pollutant discharges to the arctic environment.

Purpose, goal and approach

Variable wastewater (WW) management approaches are used in Arctic countries. They differ by the type of systems used and the level of environmental and health protection they provide. Several factors, such as regional climate and geology or the history and culture of a region, can affect the suitability of management solutions. The project aims to compile and create information on the type, efficiency, and properties of treatment options in cold and sparsely populated regions. The project also fills the information gap on the occurrence of WW-related emerging contaminants in receiving waters near Arctic settlements. The goal is to promote the exchange of knowledge and practical experiences on WW management solutions providing regional and local stakeholders with the information needed to assess and change practices if needed. The project aims for enhanced WW management in changing climate and variable geographic conditions for the resilience and health of communities.

Luleå University of Technology’s specific activity in ArcticSewlutions is the investigation of a pilot-scale constructed wetland for wastewater treatment in a cold climate. In close collaboration with Lumire, we are looking into alternatives for wastewater treatment in Northern rural Sweden.

• Project website External link, opens in new window.