Rivendell Technologies, Carleton University, and AGP Dynamic Solutions Launch Collaborative Research Partnership to Advance Microwave-Assisted Thermal Treatment and GAC Regeneration

Ottawa, ON — January 22, 2026  — Rivendell Technologies, in collaboration with Carleton University’s Environmental Sustainability & Water Laboratory (ESWL) and AGP Dynamic Solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of a new Mitacs-supported research initiative aimed at advancing microwave-assisted thermal treatment for water purification applications.

The project investigates the feasibility of using high-power microwave energy to enable simultaneous degradation of organic contaminants and regeneration of spent granular activated carbon (GAC) commonly used in municipal and industrial water treatment systems.

The research centers on a key question: Can microwave-driven thermal processes remove retained pollutants while preserving the GAC structure and extending its service life?

If successful, this approach would offer a more sustainable, energy-efficient, and scalable alternative to conventional high-temperature or chemical regeneration methods.

“Microwave-enabled regeneration has the potential to fundamentally change how water treatment systems manage spent carbon,” said Casey Barber, CEO of Rivendell Technologies. “Partnering with Carleton University and AGP Dynamic Solutions through the Mitacs program allows us to validate a promising pathway for reducing waste and operating costs across the sector.”

Supported through a Mitacs Accelerate Grant, the project enables MASc researcher Navneet Kallapalli, supervised by Professor Onita Basu, to conduct controlled laboratory studies on: 

• Microwave-assisted thermal desorption

• Organic contaminant degradation

• GAC structural and chemical integrity

• Post-treatment adsorption performance

  
  

“This collaboration brings together complementary expertise from industry and academia,” said Professor Onita Basu. “Microwave thermal treatment is an exciting area of research, and we’re looking forward to exploring how it can improve the sustainability of carbon-based treatment processes.”

AGP Dynamic Solutions, serving as an industry partner in the Mitacs program, will support engineering alignment between laboratory results and future commercialization pathways. 

Rivendell Technologies will supply its proprietary high-power microwave system to support experimental work conducted at Carleton’s ESWL facilities. Analytical verification will be performed using ESWL characterization tools including TOC analysis, FTIR, IC, SEM, and adsorption studies.

About Rivendell Technologies

Rivendell Technologies develops advanced high-power microwave systems for environmental, industrial, and materials applications, providing scalable solutions for thermal processing, sustainability, and clean technology innovation.

About Carleton University – ESWL

The Environmental Sustainability and Water Laboratory (ESWL) specializes in water treatment, adsorption science, and thermal/chemical process evaluation, supporting collaborative research with government and industry partners.

About AGP Dynamic Solutions

AGP Dynamic Solutions provides engineering design, process development, and technical deployment services for cleantech and advanced manufacturing companies.

About Mitacs

Mitacs is a national, not-for-profit research organization that empowers Canadian innovation through collaborations between academia and industry.

Media Contact

Rivendell Technologies:info@rivtechrf.com Carleton University: OnitaBasu@cunet.carleton.ca> AGP Dynamic Solutions: geoffpaul@agpdynamic.com