Optimizing Algae Production in Aquaculture

RESEARCH PORTFOLIO
ASSIGNMENTS FEBRUARY 2014 – JULY 2014
DA – APPLIED RESEARCH CENTRE
DECEMBER 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS
DELTA APPLIED RESEARCH CENTRE

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RESEARCH GROUP AQUACULTURE IN DELTA AREAS

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Optimization of algae production in a natural pond
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Algal quality in relation to shellfish production
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Heterotrophic algae as feed for shellfish
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The use of heterotrophic algae in live feed production
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Influencing algal quality by means of cultivation parameters
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Feeding trials oysters
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Cultivating Red Mosquito larvae
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Effects of dead shell material between mussel seed as protection against dislodgement
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Mussel survival, condition and spatial organization at different starting densities under equal and
unequal per capita food levels
9
Case study of productivity factors of a longline mussel culture in the Eastern Scheldt estuary
9
Assessing the food availability for shellfish, using deployable fluorometers
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Shellfish production model: literature study
10
Shellfish production parameters in off-bottom and in-bottom cultures in the Dutch delta
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A comparison of oyster quality between oysters from different production methods and origin 12
Environmental effects of off-bottom oyster production
12
Novel non-destructive technological techniques to measure shellfish biometrics and performance
indices
13
In situ removal of epibionts and starfish from mussel ropes in longline systems and spat mussel
collectors
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RESEARCH GROUP BUILDING WITH NATURE

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Research: get the picture!
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Survey of the salt marsh adjacing the inlet to Rammegors polder
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Colonization and regrowth of the salt marsh vegetation
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Deterioration of vegetation
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Spatial distribution of benthos communities
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Sediment dynamics in the Eastern part of the Eastern Scheldt Oesterdam
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Diamonds and lines – Concrete Stuctures in dykes
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Are rocks more nature friendly? Currently, dikes and foreshores are designed for flood protection,
safety and sustainability. The Building for Nature approach aims at innovating the design of these
safety structures, thereby adding nature values. Dikes with this type of additional structures are
called rich dikes, or rich revetments. The addition of structures make these dikes more of interest
for other use, such as diving, fishing, aquaculture production. In a first exploratory research, a
number of biodiversity assessments of dikes at the Eastern Scheldt were analysed for the effect of
vertical position, roughness and water retention on biodiversity. In this research you will compare
different types of natural materials with a concrete block and different positions in the dyke to
assess which one perform better and why. You will be responsible for the whole set-up and the
analysis of the results.
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Building for Nature information management
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researchportfolios1_2013_2014

Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre

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February – July 2014

The use of GIS for bio-geographic information on the Eastern Scheldt
Analysis of target groups within Rijkswaterstaat
Governance and the implementation of Building with Nature solutions
Formulating a thesaurus for Building with Nature
RESEARCH GROUP WATER TECHNOLOGY

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Removal or reduction of highly concentrated pesticides from greenhouse wastewater
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Enhancing the biodegradability of cooling tower blowdown using advanced oxidation processes 21
Ultrasonic disruption of algae and analysis of released compounds
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Inventory of nutrient availability for recycling
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Operational characteristics of ultrafiltration processes
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Pilot plant Harnaschpolder ( Delft, The Hague), Evides & Veolia & Rossmark
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Determining the optimum process conditions for pretreatment and NF for mild desalination (Dow,
Evides, Terneuzen)
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Dow Terneuzen BV
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Wetsus
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Shell Ned Chemie BV
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RESEARCH GROUP SAFETY & SPATIAL PLANNING

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Resilient Deltas project 2013-2014 (Raak project)
Waterpoort 2014 (Centre of Expertise project)

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DELTA APPLIED RESEARCH CENTRE
De Delta Academy, haar onderwijs en haar onderzoek richten zich primair op hbo en hbo+ niveau.
Hierbinnen bestaat het Delta Academy Applied Research Centre (DA-ARC). Hier werken meer dan 30
docent/onderzoekers aan heel verschillend onderzoek in vier onderzoekgroepen op het gebied van
Watertechnologie, Veiligheid en Gebiedsinrichting, Aquacultuur in Deltagebieden en Bouwen met
Natuur.
Het type onderzoek dat in de Delta Academy wordt uitgevoerd is praktijkgericht onderzoek. Daaronder
wordt onderzoek verstaan dat uitgevoerd wordt voor en samen met bedrijven, overheden en
kennisinstituten in de regio en daarbuiten. Het onderzoek vindt plaats door het genereren van nieuwe
kennis en inzichten, maar ook door het leveren van praktisch toepasbare producten en concrete
oplossingen voor praktijkproblemen. Het onderzoek kent een nauwe relatie met het onderwijs via de
bijdrage aan onderwijsactiviteiten, via cursussen, veldwerk en laboratorium onderzoek. Veel studenten
zijn via de onderzoekgroepen bij bedrijven aan de slag in stages, minoren en afstudeerprojecten.
Het onderzoek in de Delta Academy maakt bijvoorbeeld door universiteiten ontwikkelde kennis
toepasbaar maken voor bedrijven. Veel ontwikkelde kennis is niet zomaar geschikt voor directe
toepassing in de praktijk; door het toegepaste onderzoek van de hogescholen komt de kennis ter
beschikking van bedrijven in de vorm van bijvoorbeeld producten en ontwerpen. De Delta Academy sluit
aan bij de ambitie en de beleidsmatige ruimte van de Provincie Zeeland om het deltagebied ook als
laboratorium te benutten.

Leading Lector: Mindert de Vries (mindert.devries@hz.nl)
Zie
http://hz.nl/nl/werkenleren/Kennisdeling%20en%20samenwerking/Applied%20Research%20Center/Pa
ges/Applied-Research-Center.aspx op de HZ website voor verdere informatie over de
onderzoekgroepen.
Zie https://nl-nl.facebook.com/HZDeltaAcademy voor actuele informatie van onderzoek en onderwijs
******* ENGLISH TEXT ****************************************************************
The Delta Academy, her education and research are focused on Bachelor level. The Delta Academy
Applied Research Centre (DA-ARC) is part of the Delta Academy. Within the DA-ARC four research
groups exist, focusing on (1) Water Technology, (2) Aquaculture in Delta Areas, (3) Safety and Spatial
Development and (4) Building with Nature. Within the DA-ARC at least 30 part time researchers are
involved in research. Within the Delta Academy three international bachelor studies are working
together with the research groups.
The research that is executed in the DA-ARC is so called applied research. It means that we carry out
research in intense cooperation with various clients, such as commercial firms (SME) and public
institutes in the Netherlands , sometimes in international consortia. The research produces new
knowledge and insights and delivers practical solutions and products to the clients.
The research is linked to education programs in the Delta Academy through courses, fieldwork and work
in our laboratory facility SEA Lab. Many students that work in our research groups are linked with our
clients through internships, minors and research-assignments.
See
http://hz.nl/nl/werkenleren/Kennisdeling%20en%20samenwerking/Applied%20Research%20Center/Pa


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ges/Applied-Research-Center.aspx for further information on the research groups. See https://nlnl.facebook.com/HZDeltaAcademy for our actual status of our research and education.
Leading Lector of DA-ARC: Mindert de Vries (mindert.devries@hz.nl)



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RESEARCH GROUP AQUACULTURE IN DELTA
AREAS
Research group Aquaculture in Delta Areas of the Delta Academy has its focus on sustainable saline
aquaculture in and outside the region Zeeland. Aquaculture is the controlled production of saline crops,
algae, seaweed, ragworms, shellfish and fish. Cultivation of these organisms can take place in several
(intensive and extensive) ways. The research group Aquaculture has built up an extensive network of
Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), consultancies and knowledge institutes involved in aquaculture in
and outside the Netherlands. The main research topics are; Integrated Multi Trophic Aquaculture
(IMTA), new species to the Dutch situation (such as lobster and abalone), improvement of cultivation
environments, groundwater suitability, quality aspects in shellfish cultivation and algae cultivation.
The research group Aquaculture uses a full-fledged research facility SEA Lab, in which many applied
research (experiments) are carried out.

Minor/ Internship/ final thesis topics

OPTIMIZATION OF ALGAE PRODUCTION IN A NATURAL POND
KMWP in Wilhelminadorp has a pilot pond system to cultivate shellfish. The algae (Skeletonema
costatum) for the shellfish are grown in a natural pond, fed with saline groundwater. The shellfish ponds
are fed with the algae from the natural pond. The last few years, macro algae (seaweed) covered the
substratum of the algae pond, resulting in lower growth of algae due to nutrient competition and flow
retardation. The problem was tackled by mechanically removing the macro algae. To increase algae
production, the pond is currently inoculated with a dense Skeletonema culture grown in a nearby
raceway. Limited amounts of nutrients are added to keep the algae in the pond in the exponential
growth phase, however disappearing of the algae enhances the growth of seaweed. The disappearance
of the alga can be due to many factors that by themselves are unimportant but all together could be the
cause. Examples of causes that have been found to impact the algae production are; low flow through
speed in the pond, low to none vertical water displacement, competition over nutrients, predation by
pests, etc.
Another problem are the lagoon cockles, which have greatly increased in biomass in the pond and filter
the algae out of the water before reaching the shellfish ponds. Recent data show that the pond contains
about 6 tons lagoon cockles. The problems have to be tackled and solutions need to be tested in order
to optimize the natural algae pond. If a constant and continuous algae production can be realized in a
natural algae pond, the profitability and prospect of land based shellfish cultivation increases. Changes
in the pond system can possibly be found in change of algae species, prevention of seaweed and lagoon
cockles (both biologically or mechanically), change in water flow (horizontal versus vertical) and other
parameters.
The research will take place in Wilhelminadorp in close cooperation with the manager of the pond.
Some labwork will take place in the (SEA-)Lab in Vlissingen.
Research type: literature study, practical experiments (Wilhelminadorp)
Research level: minor/internship
Prerequisite: good understanding of ecology and biology/chemistry; good analytical skills; drivers
license; student will be working most of the time on location


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Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Tony van der Hiele)
Period: 2nd semester 2013-14

ALGAL QUALITY IN RELATION TO SHELLFISH PRODUCTION
At this different locations in the Province of Zeeland, companies farm shellfish (mussels, oysters and
clams) in ponds. These shellfish species are fed with cultured algae. The best feed for shellfish are living
algae. Algae production in ponds and bioreactors is in most cases significantly lower in winter then in
summer. Therefor in some periods there is a surplus of algae, in other periods there is not enough feed
(algae) for the standing stock of shellfish in the ponds.
Companies (farming both algae and shellfish on land) are interested how to store a surplus of algae in
such a way that the quality of the algae as feed for shellfish is maintained and the algae can be used in
periods of a deficit of algae. Earlier research by students revealed a promising technique, namely
flocculation. By means of flocculation the total volume to be stored can be reduced enormously.
However the quality of the algae were not measured up to now. The quality of the algae could be tested
in two ways: chemically (analytical measurements) and biologically (feeding trails with shellfish).
Research type: literature study, experiments (HZ, Vlissingen)
Research level: minor/internship/final thesis
Prerequisite: good understanding of ecology/chemistry; good analytical skills; communicative
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Wessel Bakhuizen and Jasper van Houcke)
Period: 2nd semester 2013-14

HETEROTROPHIC ALGAE AS FEED FOR SHELLFISH
At this different locations in the Province of Zeeland, companies farm shellfish (mussels, oysters and
clams) in ponds. These shellfish species are fed with cultured algae. Even though it is said to be the best
feed for algae the cost price for the algae are quite high. In order to reduce cost of feed (algae) partial
replacement of live algae by heterotrophic algae could be interesting.
Heterotrophic algae have a lower cost price, however the essential fatty acids requirements for shellfish
are not completely met by the fatty acid profile of the heterotrophic algae. Experimental work should
give us insight in the feasibility of using heterotrophic algae and their maximum incorporation in the
diets of shellfish. Model species as the Blue mussel and the pacific oyster will be used.
Research level: minor/ internship/final thesis
Prerequisite: good understanding of biology/chemistry; good analytical skills; communicative
nd
Period: 2 semester 2013-14



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THE USE OF HETEROTROPHIC ALGAE IN LIVE FEED PRODUCTION
In the production of fish fingerlings live feed (such as rotifers, copepods and artemia) are still very
important in the first feeding of fish larvae. The growth and the survival of these fish larvae are known
to be related to the nutritional value of the live feed. Unfortunately the ‘stand-alone’ nutritional value of
hatched rotifers or copepod and artemia nauplii is not high. The techniques used to improve the
nutritional value (feeding with algae or enrichment emulsions) are common practice but are very
expensive. To cut costs (or labor for cultivating algae) the use of heterotrophic algae might be
interesting. A literature review linked with experimental work (enriching copepods and rotifers) should
give us insight in the feasibility of using heterotrophic algae.
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INFLUENCING ALGAL QUALITY BY MEANS OF CULTIVATION PARAMETERS
The quality of algal biomass is up until now defined by fatty acid composition, however in other feed
sources factors play a role as well (for instance protein content and amino acid profile). On top of this
the composition of algae is (partly) dependent on the cultivation parameters (such as light, nutrient
concentrations, cultivation system, etc.). Literature study should lead to algal quality parameters and
ways to influence these parameters. Based on this literature research an experimental set-up should be
designed. Experimental work should lead to different (wanted) algal qualities. This project involves
several short small scale experiments. Analytical measurement could be done in combination with
chemistry students.
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Pim van Dalen and Jasper van Houcke)
nd

FEEDING TRIALS OYSTERS
From literature it is known the flavor (taste and smell) of oysters can be influenced by the diet (algal
species). For instance fatty acids can play an important role in the formation of odors in oysters. A next
step in this research is to start up the actual practical work. This involves cultivation of different algal
species, diet formulations and to start feeding trails. Even though this might sound easy, it’s quite
complex. The oysters should be fed with the right amount of algae on the right time, algae should be onhand sufficiently at all times and oysters should be carefully monitored. Experimental design and
planning will be very important in this research project.



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This research will take place in the lab in Vlissingen and involves cultivation of algae (different species)
and oysters, water quality analysis and biological measurements (algal counts, growth, condition index).
The cultivated oysters will be assessed in a sensory analysis using trained panellists.
Research type: literature study, experimental work
Prerequisite: good understanding of biology; good analytical skills; communicative; punctual; good
planning skills
nd

CULTIVATING RED MOSQUITO LARVAE
The demand for locally produced Red Mosquito larvae in the aquaria sector is, because of sustainability
issues, increasing. Nowadays most of the Red Mosquito larvae are imported from either Eastern Europe
or (on a larger level) China. This means that larvae are transported over large distances. Furthermore
since water quality in the earlier mentioned regions are also improving , there might be a shortage in
the future. The experience with cultivation Red Mosquito larvae is limited in the Netherlands. The
research group aquaculture has been asked to conduct a feasibility study (with experimental work) on
the cultivation of these larvae. From a sustainability issue it would be beneficial to use effluent (or other
waste products) from the local industries.
Prerequisite: good understanding of biology; good analytical skills; communicative
nd

EFFECTS OF DEAD SHELL MATERIAL BETWEEN MUSSEL SEED AS PROTECTION AGAINST
DISLODGEMENT

In The Netherlands mussels are cultured extensively on culture plots in (sub)tidal areas in the Eastern
Scheldt and Wadden Sea. In extensive culture growth and survival are determined by local abiotic and
biotic conditions. The mussel culture cycle starts with seeding of small mussels on culture plots, from
where they grow to consumption size. In order to increase survival some mussel farmers mix mussel
seed with dead shell material, to which mussel can attach. When mussels are more firmly attached it is
believed that this will reduce dislodgement risk. This hypothesis will be tested under controlled
conditions. In this experiment mussel seed will be exposed to increasing velocities with and without
dead shell material, attachment strength and dislodgment risk will be measured and compared. In
repeated experiments within this setup, different environmental conditions will be mimicked,. This
experiment can take place in the (Sea)lab in Vlissingen. The assignment includes designing and building
a laboratory flume.



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Research type: controlled experiment in SEA Lab
Research level: minor
Perquisite: understanding of basic statistics, good technical skills
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jacob Capelle)
nd

MUSSEL SURVIVAL, CONDITION AND SPATIAL ORGANIZATION AT DIFFERENT STARTING
DENSITIES UNDER EQUAL AND UNEQUAL PER CAPITA FOOD LEVELS
Previous scientific research showed that mussels reorganize after relaying and that this reorganization
process is probably increasing mussel loss. Relaying of mussels occurs in on-bottom mussel culture, in a
process called seeding. Survival of mussels during seeding defines for a substantial part biomass yield of
the culture process. Understanding of mussel dynamics in a short period after seeding is needed to
address what possible culture management during seeding will increase survival in a short period
thereafter. For this topic two experiments will be performed, one under equal and one under unequal
per capita food levels, with mussels in a range of densities. Spatial aggregation, survival and mussel
condition index will be compared between treatments.
Research type: controlled experiment
Research level: internship/final thesis
Perquisite: good understanding of biology, analytical skills, dedicated, involves flexible time
management
nd

CASE STUDY OF PRODUCTIVITY FACTORS OF A LONGLINE MUSSEL CULTURE IN THE EASTERN
SCHELDT ESTUARY

The largest longline mussel culture in the Eastern Scheldt is in a former harbor at Neeltje Jans, build
during the construction of the storm surge barrier. In longline culture mussels are attached to ropes,
(longlines) and socked in, from where they grow to consumption mussels in one or two years’ time. The
culture area is semi-enclosed, water exchange within this harbor is provided by only one connection to
the Eastern Scheldt. Mussel production on the longlines is dependent on environmental conditions, like
food concentration in the water column, current through the system and effects at culture systems
scale, like mussel density, rope density and rope depth. Within the framework of the ProfMos project,
research is done in close collaboration with the mussel growing company on by what factors yield is
determined and how production can be optimized. In order to address these questions, mussels will be
monitored throughout the system, velocity profiles will be created and food and nutrient budgets need
to be calculated. This requires a lot of onshore and offshore fieldwork and good communication skills in
order to communicate with the mussel farmer at the culture site, where a substantial amount of time
will be spend.



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Research type: fieldwork including mussel and nutrient sampling (at Neeltje Jans), labwork including
nutrient analysis and (optional) modelling
Perquisite: good understanding of biology, analytical skills, car license, good planning skills,
communication skills
Researcher involved: research group aquacult ure (Eva Hartog and Jacob Capelle)
nd

ASSESSING THE FOOD AVAILABILITY FOR SHELLFISH, USING DEPLOYABLE FLUOROMETERS
In the Eastern Scheldt, Lake Veere and Lake Grevelingen, oysters and mussels are cultivated. Next to the
conventional bottom culture of shellfish, oysters are cultivated in baskets and mussels are cultivated on
ropes. Since these are relative new methods in the Netherlands, the shellfish farmers have lots of
practical questions about the management of these systems. The goal of RAAK project Saline Production
is to optimize the cultivation of oysters in baskets, and mussels in rope culture in the Dutch delta. One of
the most influentual factors for shellfish growth, is food availability. With the use of deployable
fluorometers, the variation of chlorofyl-a content (as indicator for algae content) needs to become clear.
Both fluctuation in time as spatial variation of chlorofyl-a on a shellfish cultivation plots is relevant to
know. Part of the assignment is to check the accuracy of the fluorometers by testing the chlorofyl-a
content of cultivated algae in the SEA Lab. The other part is sampling of shellfish plots to get insight in
temporal and spatial variation of chlorofyl-a by placing the fluorometers in the field and analyzing the
data.
Research type: practical experiments (Lake Veere, Eastern Scheldt and SEA-Lab), literature research,
data analysis
Research level: minor/ internship
Prerequisite: good understanding of biology/ecology/chemistry; good analytical skills; driver’s license
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jorik Creemers)
nd

SHELLFISH PRODUCTION MODEL: LITERATURE STUDY
In September 2013 a so-called RAAK PRO project ‘Saline production’ has been granted. This project
involves a 4 year study in optimizing near shore shellfish culture in Lake Grevelingen, Lake Veere and
Eastern Scheldt in the South West Delta Region. Focus in the project is on off bottom (in cages) of
oyster farming, bottom culture of manila clams and rope culture of mussels in close cooperation with
local producers, companies and research institutes (a.o. Imares). Main goal is to increase on site (farm
scale) shell fish production, based on local (farm scale) circumstances like food availability and develop a
decision support tool for that for the farmers. The decision support tool will be developed in the form of
a mathematical production model.
A 0-D farm model is currently developed, based on an existing growth model (the Dynamic Energy
Budget model) and describes growth and mortality based on environmental factors like temperature,
algae concentration, flow rate and other factors. Apart from the above mentioned environmental


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factors, one of the input variables for the production model will also be the amount of shellfish which
are put into the farm (the farm is simulated as a 0-D box). A literature study is necessary to get a grip on
density dependent food uptake and to describe the relations for the different shellfish species (mussels,
oysters, clams and cockles) between stocking density and food uptake, and between food transport/
flow rate and food availability/uptake. The challenge is to collect the above mentioned relations
described in the literature and figure out if and how they can be used in the farm production model.
Student(s) will work closely together with researchers from IMARES and research group Aquaculture in
Delta Areas.
Research type: literature study
Prerequisite: good understanding of ecology, biology of shellfish and hydrology; good analytical and
mathematical skills; good planning skills
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Tony van der Hiele) and IMARES
nd

SHELLFISH PRODUCTION PARAMETERS IN OFF-BOTTOM AND IN-BOTTOM CULTURES IN THE
DUTCH DELTA
This assignment is part of the project Saline Production, in which optimization of shellfish production by
different innovative methods in the Dutch delta is investigated. Production is determined by growth and
survival of starting material, often juvenile shellfish. Monitoring and measurements are carried out on
different culture systems and cultured species. Culture systems and species under research include:
longline mussel culture, oysters (Crassostrea gigas and Ostrea edulis) in baskets, bags and flupsies,
carpet shells and cockles in-bottom on culture plots. This project has several unique features for the
Dutch delta: new culture methods, new species and new locations. As a result shellfish growers have a
lot of questions regarding production: on optimal densities, on growth rates, on optimal spatial use, on
quality, etc. We are looking for a student, that will take part in getting an answering to some of these
questions, which are often interrelated. Work includes: taking and processing samples from the
different culture systems, process results on growth, mortality and quality (meat weight, shell shape and
fouling) as function of: shellfish density, location within the culture system for different culture systems
and different culture areas.
Research type: combination of field work and lab work
Prerequisite: understanding of basic ecological principles, driving license
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jouke Heringa)
nd



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A COMPARISON OF OYSTER QUALITY BETWEEN OYSTERS FROM DIFFERENT PRODUCTION
METHODS AND ORIGIN
Market demands for high quality oysters is higher current production in the Dutch delta. A group of
oyster growers are starting with a new initiative to culture oysters off-bottom, in baskets and bags (on
tables). Whether this method is successful and allows up-scaling, is dependent on the growth and
quality of the oyster from these new production methods and the cost-price per oyster. Growth and
quality should be improved, compared to oysters from on-bottom plots, which is the traditional oyster
culture in The Netherlands and should be at least comparable to oysters imported from France. The
objective of this assignment is to test differences in oyster quality and to quantify cost-price per oyster
for the different oysters under study. Also students with an economic background can apply to work on
the part of cost-prices of different methods of oyster production, compare import prices and identify
efficiency targets.
Research type: combination of field work and lab work (production) or/and desk study and interviews
(economics)
Prerequisite: driving license, exactitude, good communication skills
nd

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF OFF-BOTTOM OYSTER PRODUCTION
Market demands for high quality oysters is higher than current production in the Dutch delta. A group of
oyster growers are starting with a new initiative to culture oysters off-bottom, in baskets and bags (on
tables). Structure of culture systems and activities around them will have an impact on the local
environment. This impact needs to be quantified. Two types of impact will be estimated. First, impacts
on nature, by effects on bird appearance, species and foraging behavior and second, impact on safety,
by effects of culture structure on shore line safety, e.g. by reducing wave energy. Students can apply for
both impact studies or choose only one of them.
Research type: field work
Prerequisite: driving license, bird identification skills (for impact on nature)
nd



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NOVEL NON-DESTRUCTIVE TECHNOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES TO MEASURE SHELLFISH
BIOMETRICS AND PERFORMANCE INDICES
Shellfish biometrics (length, shape, area) and meat content or condition are important parameters in
scientific experiments and for shellfish growers. Measurement of these parameters is currently done by
hand, which is very labor consuming. To obtain meat content or condition shellfish need to be opened
to remove the meat, which is off course a lethal method for shellfish. We like to challenge students with
a technical background to draw up an inventory of methods (X-ray, NMR, laser) from other sectors to
automate these processes, or to obtain parameters by non-destructive methods. It is furthermore
encouraged to design a prototype that could be successful based on the inventory assessment (e.g. a
laser scanner to measure length or shape).
Research type: interviews, literature study and design
Prerequisite: technical background, out-of-the-box thinking
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jouke Heringa)
nd

IN SITU REMOVAL OF EPIBIONTS AND STARFISH FROM MUSSEL ROPES IN LONGLINE
SYSTEMS AND SPAT MUSSEL COLLECTORS
Epibionts like tunicates and predators like starfish are reducing production in longline mussel culture
systems and spat mussel collectors (SMCs). Removal is difficult because these systems are submerged
and it requires equipment and effort to get the longlines exposed. The only method currently employed
to get rid of starfish is handpicking, which is very labor intensive. Mussels have the ability to close their
shells under suboptimal conditions and can tolerate wide fluctuations in environmental variables.
Invertebrates without shells, like starfish or tunicates are more sensitive to fluctuations in
environmental variables, like salinity or temperature. We can make use of this difference by expose
mussels with epibionts and predators to short fluctuations in environmental conditions and extrapolate
this into a method, which can be applied in situ from a ship on submerged mussels on ropes.
Research type: lab experiments
Prerequisite: understanding of biology, good technical skills, creativity
nd



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RESEARCH GROUP BUILDING WITH NATURE
Introduction
As a result of changes in societal demand and technical developments, water management and
engineering are moving from hard traditional structures like dikes and dams, to designs in which natural
structures and processes are incorporated. One of the underlying factors in this development is the
increasing awareness of the impacts of climate change and its effect on water levels and extreme
events. Furthermore, water managers are expected to create more safety, opportunities for recreation,
and other benefits, with increasingly smaller budgets. This requires infrastructure that combines
multiple functions. In our research group we work on application of the Building with Nature concept.
‘Building with Nature’ focusses on solutions that use abiotic forces of nature (e.g. wind and currents that
transport sand) and ecosystem services delivered by organisms (e.g. reefs and vegetation that catch and
stabilize sand). The research group also focusses on Building for Nature: creating additional nature
values in and on monofunctional structures such as dikes.
Current research themes include
1) Optimizing the design of Building with Living Nature structures such as oyster reefs or salt marshes,
used for coastal protection and nature development
2) Identification of the effects of Building with Living Nature solutions in the Eastern Scheldt on the
functioning (other ecosystem functions) of the Eastern Scheldt
3) Design and implementation of Building with Nature solutions for flood protection, including safety
assessments for the specific building blocks and the acquisition of permits
4) Design and implementation of Building for Nature applications
5) Transfer of knowledge by means of an expertise management method
6) Research on structures and processes in water systems. This generates knowledge that is needed
for the design of Building with Nature solutions

RESEARCH: GET THE PICTURE!
In this project, the whole process of experimental design, sampling methods in the field and data
collection, processing of samples in the lab, data analysis and presentation of results will be elaborated.
The output will consist of short films and manuals explaining in detail each step of the scientific process.
The research techniques elaborated will focus on research related to the subjects covered by the
research group such as sampling vegetation and benthic fauna and hard vs. soft substrate sampling,
identification of species.
Research type: literature study, creating situations that represent stages in research
Research level: bachelor minor
Prerequisite: ability to think systematically, interest in research
Customer: Carla Pesch, Anneke vd Brink
Period: semester 2, 2013-2014


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SURVEY OF THE SALT MARSH ADJACING THE INLET TO RAMMEGORS POLDER
The opening of the polder at Rammegors to the Oosterschelde will create major changes for the
currently freshwater area. In this project you will conduct an in depth survey of the area just outside the
future inlet the polder. You will look at the benthos and vegetation and their zonation in relation to
abiotic factors in this well established habitat. Using the data you collect and information from the
literature about the life histories and habitat preferences of the species present outside the inlet, you
will develop and present your expectations of how the biodiversity inside the Rammegors polder will
develop over time and space.
Research type: field research, literature research
Research level: bachelor internship
Prerequisite: interest in vegetation and ecology
Customer: Anneke vd Brink, Carla Pesch

COLONIZATION AND REGROWTH OF THE SALT MARSH VEGETATION
When freshwater marsh at The Rammegors will get under tidal influence and become salt again after 40
years, the flora will adapt. Many freshwater marsh species will be replaced by salt marsh species.
Recolonization will take place through the seed bank within the sediment and by seed and shoots
coming from other marshes. The Building with Nature research group wants to learn about the
recolonization process and compare the speed of recolonization to the speed of regrowth. Within a
healthy existing salt marsh bare patches are created at old and pioneer zones by weeding and burying.
Three treatments will be applied: 1) covering an area with 5 cm of sand, 2) taking out the top 5 cm of
marsh and filling up the area with 5 cm of sand and 3) taking out the top 5 cm of marsh, put plastic at
the bottom, and filling up the area with 5 cm of sand. Treatment 1 will enable us to look at plant
resilience to burying, treatment 2 will enable us to see if the marsh can reestablish from the seed bank
and incoming seeds, treatment 3 will enable us to see if the marsh can reestablish from incoming seeds
and shoots only.
Research type: field research, literature research and desk analysis
Research level: Water management students and/or Civil engineering students; minor, internship or
graduation bachelor thesis project.
Prerequisite: interest in ecology, morphology, and fluid dynamics
Customer: Tim van Oijen



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DETERIORATION OF VEGETATION
The opening of the polder at Rammegors to the Oosterschelde will create major changes for the
currently freshwater area. As a consequence, freshwater vegetation is going to die of stress induced by
the tidal salt water environment. In this project you will evaluate the consequences of the death of fresh
water vegetation in a saline environment, taking in account several parameters (eg. velocity of decay,
organic content in soil and water, etc.). For this research you have to perform field work but also to
prepare a set-up for the research at HZ.
Research type: field and lab research, desk research.
Research level: Water Management students, minor, internship
Prerequisite: interest in physical processes, practical skills, interest in ecology,
Customer: Tim van Oijen

SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF BENTHOS COMMUNITIES
The Eastern Scheldt is an important part of the Dutch delta for nature development, recreation and
aquaculture. Since the finalization of the storm surge barrier, however, the Eastern Scheldt is suffering
from a sand deficit problem. This causes the plates to erode, which in its turn, has an effect on foraging
space and time for birds. The “Oesterdam safety-buffer project” is a pilot project that focusses on the
effects of the sand deficit problem. It combines a sand nourishment with artificial oyster reefs.
Implementation in the field has been realized at the end of 2013.
In this assignment, you will monitor the spatial distribution of (benthos) communities and their
development over time, on the sand nourishments at the project location.
Research type: field research, lab research, literature research
Research level: Bachelor minor
Prerequisite: interest in ecology, good analytical skills
Customer: Carla Pesch, Anneke vd Brink

SEDIMENT DYNAMICS IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE EASTERN SCHELDT OESTERDAM
The Eastern Scheldt is an important part of the Dutch delta for nature development, recreation and
aquaculture. Since the finalization of the storm surge barrier, however, the Eastern Scheldt is suffering
from a sand deficit problem. This causes the plates to erode, which in its turn, has an effect on foraging
space and time for birds. The “Oesterdam safety-buffer project” is a pilot project that focusses on the
effects of the sand deficit problem. It combines a sand nourishment with artificial oyster reefs.
Implementation in the field has been realized at the end of 2013.
In this assignment, you will monitor morphological aspects in by means of a sediment trend analysis
based on detailed grainsize distributions over the area.



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Research type: Desk and field research; lab analysis with a Malvern; and desk analysis
Research level: Water management students and/or Civil engineering students; minor or internship.
Prerequisite: interest in morphology and fluid dynamics
Customer: Matthijs Boersema, João Paiva

DIAMONDS AND LINES – CONCRETE STUCTURES IN DYKES
Currently, dikes and foreshores are designed for flood protection, safety and sustainability. The Building
for Nature approach aims at innovating the design of these safety structures, thereby adding nature
values. Dikes with this type of additional structures are called rich dikes, or rich revetments. The
addition of structures make these dikes more of interest for other use, such as diving, fishing,
aquaculture production. In a first exploratory research, a number of biodiversity assessments of dikes at
the Eastern Scheldt were analysed for the effect of vertical position, roughness and water retention on
biodiversity. In this research you will compare two different shapes and different positions in the dyke
to assess which one perform better and why. You will be responsible for the whole set-up from the
creation of the concrete tiles to the analysis of the results.
Research type: Desk and field research; lab analysis with a Malvern; and desk analysis
Research level: Water management students and/or Civil engineering students; minor or internship.
Prerequisite: interest in morphology and fluid dynamics
Customer: Matthijs Boersema, João Paiva

ARE ROCKS MORE NATURE FRIENDLY?
Currently, dikes and foreshores are designed for flood protection, safety and sustainability. The Building
for Nature approach aims at innovating the design of these safety structures, thereby adding nature
values. Dikes with this type of additional structures are called rich dikes, or rich revetments. The
addition of structures make these dikes more of interest for other use, such as diving, fishing,
aquaculture production. In a first exploratory research, a number of biodiversity assessments of dikes at
the Eastern Scheldt were analysed for the effect of vertical position, roughness and water retention on
biodiversity. In this research you will compare different types of natural materials with a concrete block
and different positions in the dyke to assess which one perform better and why. You will be responsible
for the whole set-up and the analysis of the results.
Research type: field research, lab research
Research level: internship or minor
Prerequisite: interest in ecology, communication skills, drivers license. Ability to read Dutch; for a minor,
at least half of the group should be able to read Dutch.
Customer: João Paiva



17


BUILDING FOR NATURE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Nowadays information management is one of the most important activities in society due to the great
amount of available information/data which is possible to process by computers and its software.
Research face the same problems of society and it is also struggling with information management. For
the management of information or data, it is possible to use different software according to the aim, but
also it can also vary with the end user or the way you want to manage and show the available
information.
In the province of Zeeland, Rijkswaterstaat and the Waterboard use GIS for the management of their
structures and dikes. Also permits and licenses given to third parties are controlled with the GIS.
The HZ aims to fill a database for the Eastern Scheldt, with all the building with nature information
available. This database can then be used by professionals of the field or for research purposes related
to aquaculture, rich revetments (building for Nature) and artificial reefs (building with living nature), etc.
In this assignment you will identify, collect and analyse the appropriate information and help developing
a data base and a BwN-GIS application, and/or input for the Delta Wiki.
Research type: desk research
Research level: bachelor minor or internship
Prerequisite: Gis and Access knowledge is required in this assignment
Customer: Research Group Building with Nature
Contact: João Paiva

THE USE OF GIS FOR BIO-GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION ON THE EASTERN SCHELDT
Geographical Information Systems can be a powerful tool in the analysis for correlations between
habitats and the abiotic factors in their environment. In the province of Zeeland Rijkswaterstaat and the
Waterboard use a GIS for the management of their structures and dikes. Also permits and licenses given
to third parties are controlled with the GIS.
The HZ aims to use the GIS for their research in the relation between biotic and a-biotic parameters. For
instance: the impact of natural oyster reefs on sediment dynamics and the effect of physical conditions
in the Eastern Scheldt on the presence of rich revetments.
Research type: desk research; data mining; desk analysis with GIS or images
Research level: Delta management students, Civil Engineering students, Water Management students;
minor or internship
Prerequisite: practical skills in GIS applications, communication skills, analytical skills
Customer: Tjark van Heuvel



18


ANALYSIS OF TARGET GROUPS WITHIN RIJKSWATERSTAAT
As a result of changes in societal demand and technical developments, water management and
engineering are moving from hard traditional structures like dikes and dams, to designs in which natural
structures and processes are incorporated. This approach is called Building with Nature. Furthermore,
this approach also answers the challenge for water managers to create more safety, opportunities for
recreation, and other benefits, with increasingly smaller budgets. One of the obstacles to
implementation of BwN solutions, is the fact that the approach is not part of mainstream thinking yet.
Rijkswaterstaat, the executive body of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, is
responsible for coastal protection projects. At Rijkswaterstaat, the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle for policy
implementation is used. Each phase of implementation has its own (and different) dynamics. This
project aims at identifying, analyzing and characterizing the different phases of a project and their
corresponding responsibility levels, in order to identify the type and depth of knowledge demands
required for each level. This will assist the BwN research group in their products - target groups
matching. The first step in this analysis is identifying lessons learned from successful BwN cases. Results
will also be linked to the digital process structure of dike design and construction that is developed by
the research group in cooperation with Rijkswaterstaat and Ecoshape.
Research type: desk research and interviews
Research level: Delta Management students; minor or internship
Prerequisite: ability to read Dutch, interest in Building with Nature approaches, good communication
skills, good analytical skills
Researcher(s) involved: Carla Pesch
Note: similar assignments can be formulated for other target organizations

GOVERNANCE AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BUILDING WITH NATURE SOLUTIONS
Building with Nature solutions purposely combine multiple functions. In this way, they differ from
traditional engineering solutions, and this can have important implications for their implementation and
management, because Building with Nature solutions cross multiple institutional boundaries. Vegetated
foreshores, for instance, combine a contribution to flood risk reduction with a contribution to nature.
Traditionally, flood defence is the established domain of actors like water boards and Rijkswaterstaat in
the Netherlands. However, vegetated foreshores connecting dikes to wetlands are often managed by
other parties such as nature organizations. Including these parties in safety issues requires new
institutional arrangements. As the first experiences with BwN solutions become available, the need for,
and importance of, designing new appropriate governance arrangements for their implementation is
highlighted. Flood protection of the Emanuel polder, located at the Western Scheldt, is based on a clay
dike (covered with grass) and a salt marsh in front of it. The dike partition of this polder has failed the
safety assessments of 2010, as to its revetment materials. Strengthening the dike can be achieved by
increasing the layer of clay. At the same time, the salt marsh in front of the dike (the Schor van Waarde),
that has been stabilized by means of two groynes in 2003, needs rejuvenation. This can be achieved by
removing the top layer. The materials removed from the salt marsh can be used for strengthening the
revetment materials on the dikes. In this assignment, you will analyse the implementation process of
Building with Nature applications such as the Oesterdam project and the Noordwaard, and study the
successful implementation strategy for Room for the River in the Netherlands (where the position of


19


Rijkswaterstaat as the leading partner in the planning, design and implementation of river works has
been broken, and where assigned planning responsibility to local and regional parties). You will identify
lessons learned, best practices and critical success factors, and then identify best practices and critical
success factors for the case of the Emanuel polder.
Research type: desk research, interviews
Research level: Delta Management students, minor, internship
Prerequisite: ability to read Dutch (in the case of a minor, at least half of the group should be able to
read Dutch), interest in Building with Nature approaches, good communications skills, good analytical
skills
Researcher(s) involved: Carla Pesch

FORMULATING A THESAURUS FOR BUILDING WITH NATURE
One of the tasks of the research group Building with Nature is to record all expertise and knowledge in
the so called Delta Wiki. At this moment the first information is being put in the Wiki and the following
years this Wiki will serve as a major information system that stores the results of the experiments and
literature studies of all the research groups of the HZ. Part of this will be the development of a glossary
or thesaurus that holds the descriptions of the terms that are connected to the research themes. In the
semantic web design a definition of a term is called a SKOS (simple knowledge organization structure).
The goal of this assignment is to make a list of relevant terms with the description in English and
preferably also in Dutch and link them together in a concept map. You will work in close cooperation
with the content manager of the Wiki (Paul Vader).
Research type: desk research, interviews
Research level: Study project
Prerequisite: affinity with langange(English, but maybe also Dutch) conceptual thinking, ability to work
in a structured way
Researcher(s) involved: Paul Vader



20


RESEARCH GROUP WATER TECHNOLOGY
Introduction
The research group water technology aims at development of applicable technologies for sustainable
water (re)use in a combined fresh/saline delta.
Current research themes include
1) Recycling of surface and process water for industry, agriculture and aquaculture. Examples are
reuse of cooling tower water, rainwater runoff and industrial wastewater.
2) Recovery of valuable content in waste water. Examples are acoustic particle filtering and nutrient
recovery.
3) Monitoring and control. Examples are monitoring and control of water filtration systems and
control of biofouling in water systems with ultrasound.

REMOVAL OR REDUCTION OF HIGHLY CONCENTRATED PESTICIDES FROM GREENHOUSE
WASTEWATER
Greenhouses have a high water recycling rate, which means that small amounts of minerals and
additives tend to accumulate during recycling. At a certain point, water with highly concentrated
compound needs to be discharged. One of the accumulated compounds are pesticides used for
prevention of plant diseases. These compounds are hard to remove from the water. The aim is to find
adequate solutions to pesticide removal from wastewater.
Research type: literature study and experiments
Research level: bachelor minor
Prerequisite: interest in chemistry
Customer: Lans, Tuinbouwschap, Waterboard, municipalities
Contact: Eva Koper, Niels Groot

ENHANCING THE BIODEGRADABILITY OF COOLING TOWER BLOWDOWN USING ADVANCED
OXIDATION PROCESSES
Reuse of industrial water is becoming increasingly important in order to reduce the water footprint.
Cooling tower blowdown is a tough, but interesting source of water, because it is widely available from
process industry and power companies. Blowdown contains various persistent, yet organic substances,
which can hardly be treated with biological wastewater processes. The aim is to study the effect of using
advanced oxidation processes (ozone, peroxide, ultrasound + UV light) on the biodegradability of cooling
tower blowdown.
Research type: experiments
Research level: bachelor minor, internship or graduation (level can easily be adapted)
Prerequisite: interest in chemistry and microbiology
Customer: Centre of Expertise Delta Technology, DOW Benelux, AWWS
Contact: Tessa Steenbakker, Niels Groot


21


ULTRASONIC DISRUPTION OF ALGAE AND ANALYSIS OF RELEASED COMPOUNDS
Ultrasonic standing waves can be used to disrupt algal cells. The hypothesis is that either slight
cavitation or high static pressures cause this disruption. During disruption the contents of the cells are
released in the surrounding water. The aim is to determine the amount of specific compounds being
released and their quality with respect to conventional techniques or intact algae.
Research level: bachelor minor, internship or graduation (level can easily be adapted)
Prerequisite: interest in physics, (analytical) chemistry and microbiology
Customer: Centre of Expertise Biobased (Avans/HZ), Wageningen University
Contact: Hans Cappon
Note: it might be that part of the analysis will take place at Avans in Breda (1 hour by train).

INVENTORY OF NUTRIENT AVAILABILITY FOR RECYCLING
Various industrial, aquacultural and food processing treatment steps involve the release of nutrients
into (waste)water. The aim is to make an inventory of various nutrients in waste streams available and
explore possibilities for reuse.
Research type: inventory and experiments
Research level: internship
Prerequisite: interest in chemistry and biology
Customer: Centre of Expertise Delta Technology, Seafarm, LambWeston/Meijer

OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ULTRAFILTRATION PROCESSES
In 2013 we have installed an ultrafiltration unit in the SEALab, which will be used for onsite water
purification. The aim is to determine which parameters are of influence to the filtration process. Flush
times, air scouring and filtration run times are parameters to be evaluated on different types of feed
water.
Research level: internship
Prerequisite: good understanding of physics
Customer: HZ Water Technology and Evides Water Company
Internships and graduation projects outside HZ

PILOT PLANT HARNASCHPOLDER ( DELFT, THE HAGUE), EVIDES & VEOLIA & ROSSMARK
In 2009 a pilot plant at the Harnaschpolder WWPT was constructed to explore the possibilities of
advanced treatment of WWTP effluent for the suppletion of fresh surface water, aquifer recharge and
to provide an alternative source for greenhouse water. Advanced treatment of WWTP effluent is
required to reach surface water quality at maximum tolerable risk standard (MTR) level, a guideline for
surface water quality of the Dutch government, and to produce greenhouse water. The objective of the
pilot research is to demonstrate that surface water and greenhouse water can be produced from WWTP


22


effluent at a reliable and cost effective way. Two treatment lines are available: the reference line which
contains conventional technologies and the innovative line which contains new technologies. The
objective of the innovative line is to produce water more cost effective compared to the reference line.
Contact: Hans Cappon, Sigrid Scherrenberg (TU Delft)

DETERMINING THE OPTIMUM PROCESS CONDITIONS FOR PRETREATMENT AND NF FOR
MILD DESALINATION (DOW, EVIDES, TERNEUZEN)
At the production site DECO a pilot will be built for the partial desalination of 3 different water streams:
cooling tower blow down, spuikom water (surface water) and effluent from the waste water plant of
Dow. The main aim is to reduce the conductivity to 1 mS/cm. The pilot consists of a pre-treatment
(coagulation, lamella sedimentation, ultrafiltration) and 2 different desalination techniques: NF
(nanofiltration) and EDR (Electro Dialysis Reversal). This internship will focus on the pretreatment by UF
and one the desalination techniques, i.e. NF. Aspects considered are the Key Performing Indicators to
monitor fouling, specific energy use and water quality.
Contact: Wilbert van den Broek (w.vandenbroek@evides.nl)

DOW TERNEUZEN BV
Inventarization of various water systems with a high sensitivity for contamination with Legionella
bacteria. Focus areas are the growth accelerating properties and possibility to select a specific system to
define a suitable problem identification and follow-up plan.
Contact: Niels Groot (niels.groot@hz.nl)

WETSUS
Wetsus Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology in Leeuwarden is the largest research
centre in the Netherlands. They have many research assignments in various fields from physics to
biology and everything in between. Please consult the Wetsus website (www.wetsus.nl) and click on
“PhD positions” -> “Graduation and internships” for more information.

SHELL NED CHEMIE BV
Shell has several assignments on wastewater treatment, aquatic ecology and environmental risk
assessment. Please have a look at Infonet for more details.



23


RESEARCH GROUP SAFETY & SPATIAL
PLANNING
Introduction
The research group Safety and Spatial Planning is focusing on the development of Resilient Deltas.
Resilience is the capacity of a social system ( e.g. an organization, city, or society) to proactively adapt to
and recover from disturbances that are perceived within the system to fail outside the range of normal
and expected disturbances.
In the resilience programme the research group focuses on four levers which contribute to the resilience
of communities in Deltas:
Social capital
Land use
Vital infrastructure
Economic drivers
The aim of the research is to develop instruments to reduce vulnerability of the Deltas and to improve
adaptability of the Delta communities. The focus of these instruments is not only to enhance the ability
of communities to cope with crises situations, but also to contribute to the vitality of Delta communities
in everyday life.
Current research themes include:
Develop a resilience strategy for communities in the Southwestern Delta
Develop a monitor to measure resilience in communities (i.c.w. Louisiana State University)
Develop a master analysis tool based on the theory of complex systems
Validate the four levers in a distinguished geographical environment by using action research
like design studio meetings
Develop a plan for redeveloping certain areas in the ‘Waterpoort” area

RESILIENT DELTAS PROJECT 2013-2014 (RAAK PROJECT)
This project focuses on developing strategic and management tools to establish resilience as a strategic
focal point for Delta Developments in the Southwestern Delta. In this project we develop and validate
resilience tools using action research and monitoring instruments. Louisana State University (LSU) has
developed a Resilience Inference Model (RIM) to instrumentalize Delta developments. LSU has been
invited to use this model to create a Dutch model based on indicators and data from the Netherlands.
Action research is conducted within communities of the Southwestern Delta via design studios with
professionals and citizens.
The overall objective for participating students is to gain a more profound understanding of the four
levers and their relation with resilience. The students will contribute to the overall objective via
literature study and field research, resulting in empirical indicators of the four levers of resilient
communities. Another part of the assignments is to assist the researchers of LSU with the collection of
statistical data about the Southwestern Delta.



24


Assignments: 4 assignments for research minor / internship
Students: Students of Delta Management, Water Management, Social Sciences, Economy, and students
from abroad
Research type: literature study, field research (observations, interviews) and desk research
Research level: bachelor minor/ internship
Prerequisite: good analytical skills; specific interest in social sciences, water safety, economics and/or
land use planning
Customer: RWS, Safety region, municipalities
Contact: Dick Fundter

WATERPOORT 2014 (CENTRE OF EXPERTISE PROJECT)
The HZ Delta Academy participates together with NHTV and Avans University of Applied Sciences in the
Waterpoort program. Waterpoort is an area development programme initiated by the province of
Brabant to create new opportunities in the mainly rural area around the Volkerak. In this area
redevelopment process, involved governments, businesses, ngo’s and citizens try to find new roles in
water related area development. The involved organizations try to stimulate and facilitate citizens and
local businesses to innovate, to restore connectivity with the water and to co-create an identity and
future of the area.
The contribution of the involved Universities of Applied Sciences is to support local initiatives with
nd
knowledge and skills. The activities in the 2 semester in 2013-2014 area focuses on an exploration of
the problems and potentials of the area, resulting in an ‘Atlas of Waterpoort’. Also the identification of
potential projects for the development of Waterpoort is part of the assignment. The research will be
conducted in combined teams from the three involved educational institutions. Positions are available
for 2 students from HZ University of Applied Sciences.
Assignments: research minor/ internship about experiments in area redevelopment using principles of
resilience (2 students)
Students: Students of Delta Management, Water Management, Civil Engineering (Delta Academy),
Scaldis Academy
Research type: literature study, interviews, field research
Research level: bachelor minor/ internship
Prerequisite: Good communication and writing skills. Interest in social sciences, water safety, economics
and land use planning
Customer: Waterpoort (joint programme of 3 provinces, 9 Municipalities and several other
organizations)
Contact: Jonas Papenborg



25


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