Innovative transportable laboratories for polar science

Liesbeth H.W Noor,Ronald Van Rossum,Dick A Van Der Kroef,Marck G Smit,Michael Pinnock,David Wattam,Corina P.D Brussaard

doi:10.1017/s0032247418000050

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research and the British Antarctic Survey have built a transportable laboratory facility, named the Dirck Gerritsz Laboratory, to accommodate new scientific research on and from the western Antarctic Peninsula. The design provides a flexible, modular, plug-and-play, innovative and sustainable laboratory setup. The docking station houses four 20-foot ISO standard high-cube containers, each of which contains a different laboratory. Special technological features were used to minimise the environmental impact. The four laboratory containers are flexible and can be installed and used as required, and renewed or removed when necessary. The container laboratories have provided, since opening in 2013, enhanced facilities for global climate change research through studying the community composition of phytoplankton; the ecological impact of virus-induced mortality in different phytoplankton groups; dimethylsulphide and brominated compound fluxes; and CO2 concentrations and trace elements in sea water. Transportable research laboratory facilities provide an effective and efficient approach for undertaking scientific research in challenging environments and might be the start of a new way of undertaking research, including exchanging laboratory modules between research stations in Antarctica.

Highlights

Polar research has many constraints besides the extreme weather conditions
A long-lasting and fruitful relationship between the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) exists that promotes research projects executed from Antarctic research stations
To optimise the joint research programme, the decision was made to invest in this alliance by realising, in a collaborative effort, a specialised transportable laboratory facility at Rothera Research Station that could accommodate new scientific research topics

Summary

Introduction

Polar research has many constraints besides the extreme weather conditions. Researchers from countries without an established research facility in Antarctica depend heavily on the logistical support of partners. The laboratories (1) contain a fully automatic CO2 concentration controlled ventilation system, (2) are equipped with floor heating/cooling, (3) are connected to the internet to monitor and control correct operation (from the Netherlands), (4) are designed according to user requirements with cabinets, worktables, pedestals, fume cupboards, cross-flow cabinets, water taps, purification and scientific gases, and (5) are equipped with emergency equipment (for example, fire alarm, fire extinguisher, blanket and a break-glass hammer).

Results

Conclusion