Environmental Engineering in the Arctic

• Explain physical, chemical and biological processes for handling of waste, water, wastewater and contaminated areas in cold climate.
• Describe the conceptual differences on how waste, water, contaminated sites and wastewater are handled in different Arctic areas.
• Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of environmental engineering solutions for Arctic communities in due consideration of local geography, climate and infrastructure.
• Review literature for environmental engineering solutions in the Arctic.
• Recommend investigations to be made prior to introducing changes in the handling of waste/water/contaminated sites and wastewater in Arctic communities.
• Suggest changes in the handling of waste/water/wastewater and contaminated areas in the Arctic for improved environmental and health standards.
• Argue for suggested changes in the handling of waste/water/ wastewater and contaminated areas in the Arctic based on technological and societal considerations.
• Reflect on the practical and environmental impacts of the proposed recommendations for the handling of waste/water/ wastewater and contaminated areas in the Arctic

Core elements:
Wastewater treatment in small societies in cold climate
Surface water treatment for drinking water in cold climate
Distribution/discharge of water and sewage in cold climate.
Waste handling in small societies in cold climate
Mapping and remediation of contaminated sites in cold climate

Topics:
Environmental impacts of waste, wastewater and contamination in the Arctic.
Characteristics of wastewater and waste.
Water and wastewater treatment methods for cold climate
Servicing of unsewered communities: Health impacts and technical solutions.
Sorting, recycling/reuse, incineration and deposition of waste in Arctic communities.
Contaminated sites in Arctic communities: mapping, remediation needs and remediation methods.
Environmental laws regulating the Arctic

30857/41882

Lectures, Video lectures, Excursions, Assignments, Group work

The course takes place in Sisimiut, Greenland.
The course will normal be part of the Arctic Semester package together with 30857, 41882 and 41881 or 12854.
The course can be taken as stand-alone under Open University.

Team of teachers:
Pernille Erland Jensen peej@dtu.dk
Gunvor Marie Kirkelund gunki@dtu.dk
Kristine Bondo Pedersen kristine.pedersen@akvaplan.niva.no

Minimum: 5, Maximum: 30.

Please be aware that this course has a minimum requirement for the number of participants needed, in order for it to be held. If these requirements are not met, then the course will not be held. Furthermore, there is a limited number of seats available. If there are too many applicants, a pool will be created for the remainder of the qualified applicants, and they will be selected at random. You will be informed 8 days before the start of the course, whether you have been allocated a spot.