Aqualunar Challenge Semi-Finalist Lotic Technologies

Alberta based start-up will modify existing innovative EC-AOP technologies to extreme lunar conditions

“With humankind returning to the Moon later this decade, purifying the water that exists in lunar regolith (soil) is critical to enabling more ambitious space missions. Using lunar water-as drinking water, to grow food, to create oxygen and to split into hydrogen and oxygen for rocket fuel- is a key enabler for supporting future deep space exploration.

Data suggests that large quantities of water ice may exist in permanently shadowed regions near the lunar south pole. But this water contains a number of contaminants preventing its use unless it is purified.” --Impact Canada

Lotic Technologies is an environmental technology Company that offers water treatment solutions.

WT reached out to Brett Erickson, Certified Engineering Technologist & CEO of Lotic Technologies

By Suzanne Forcese

WT: Please give us an overview of Lotic Technologies.

Erickson: Lotic Technologies was incorporated in 2015 by a group of individuals with the aim of seeking out and developing innovative environmental technologies, as well as assisting with complex environmental challenges.

After identifying the capabilities of specific EC-AOP technologies, Lotic purchased the patent for our current keystone technology and subsequently successfully developed it into a commercially viable solution through additional technology and process additions. 

It is now currently deployed internationally for various wastewater clarification projects.

 WT: Congratulations on being named one of the 8 semi-finalists in the CSA Aqualunar Challenge that called upon Canadian innovators to design an innovative technology to purify moon water for Deep Space missions!

What has this meant for you?

Erickson: We are proud to be selected as a semi-finalist in this Challenge and are excited that the highly esteemed judging panel has acknowledged the opportunities that our technology can potentially provide.

WT: According to the Government of Canada Website: “Humanity is preparing to establish a long-term presence on the Moon and engage in more ambitious space missions. Water is not only essential to sustain life but is also a critical resource for space exploration. To support the production of food, oxygen, and rocket fuel, we must find ways to remove potential contaminants in water found on the Moon.

The Aqualunar Challenge seeks to develop novel water purification technologies to be used on the lunar surface.

These innovations could help enable space missions and advance existing water purification technologies on our planet.”

As a Canadian Innovator in the water treatment space, what was there about the Challenge that inspired you to move forward?

Erickson: As Lotic is involved with various projects internationally, we have a good relationship with various Federal Trade Commissioners. One of these commissioners brought this Challenge to our attention, and after a careful review of the criteria by our team, it was decided that our EC-AOP was a good fit, and we submitted our proposal accordingly.

 WT: Your entry in the Challenge is Electro-Catalytic Advanced Oxidation Process (EC-AOP) for Lunar Water Purification. Lotic Technologies offers “cutting-edge technologies to deliver expert solutions to existing and emerging problems” according to the Lotic Technologies website.

EC-AOP is offered as a solution by Lotic Technologies. Please describe the technology and its advantages.

Erickson: Our Electro-Catalytic Advanced Oxidation Process is a flow-through reactor-based system that allows clarification of highly loaded wastewaters with high efficiencies. 

With the combination of magnetohydrodynamics, electro-coagulation and Hydroxyl Radical based oxidation, we can effectively bring constituents out of solution and rapidly flocculate out, while simultaneously oxidizing chemical constituents such as hydrocarbons and human-caused chemicals into an elemental state. 

All this is completed without the use of chemicals, with low power utilization, and in a small footprint in comparison with other water treatment systems.

WT: Why do you envision the EC-AOP as a viable design for the Moon? How will it have to be modified for use on lunar surfaces?

Erickson: In the list of expected contamination in the lunar water provided to us, we identified that EC-AOP can be effective in contaminant removal from our previous projects and testing. 

The main challenge is to modify the technology for utilization on the moon in extreme conditions - with low temperatures, pressures, and gravity.

 WT: What is the next step?

Erickson: In the next phase of the challenge, Lotic is tasked with developing, showcasing, and presenting a Proof of Concept of our proposed technology.

In this Stage 2 of the Challenge, semi-finalists will be expected to submit video footage to demonstrate their system or components of their system and will provide a final report that outlines how their technology meets the judging criteria listed.

WT: How do you see this innovative design process upgrading the current Lotic system on Earth?

Erickson: Adaptation to the harsh lunar conditions may further increase its utility in harsh remote environments here.

WATERTODAY wishes the best to all semi-finalists in The Remaining Stages of theChallenge:

• Stage 3- Prototype Scaling: At this stage, selected finalists will have 10 months to integrate the components of their prototypes (minimum TRL 4). Finalists will demonstrate their systems and have their outputs tested and will be competing to be the Grand Prize Winner of the Challenge.
• Canadian Grand Prize Winner for the Aqualunar Challenge will be announced in Spring of 2026.

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