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 (period Feb – july 2013)
1. Purification/nutrient uptake of effluent from shellfish ponds by means of a seaweed filter
Shellfish cultivation on land is being researched in the Province of Zeeland by means of pilot
farms. Some of these pilot farms want to reuse water by means of recirculation. Whereas
intensive fish farms mostly use ‘destruction’ of valuable nutrients (nitrification and denitrification), different companies in the Netherlands are nowadays looking into the possibilities
of treating their process water by means of seaweeds. In this way the nutrients are converted
to a marketable product. The cultivation of seaweed is increasing and worldwide the demand
for different seaweed products is growing. A seaweed filter to remove extend nutrients from
shellfish ponds and turning them into a marketable product has been tested in spring last year.
Several problems occurred which need to be resolved. And experience shows that in every
season a specific seaweed grows best, and/or has the best resistance against predators. This
research will (partly) take place in Yerseke and involves i.a. biomass measurements and
nutrient analyses.
Research type: literature study and experiments
Research level: minor/ internship /final thesis
Prerequisite: good understanding of biology/chemistry; good analytical skills; driver’s license.
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jorik Creemers)
Period: 2nd semester 2012-13
2. Role of feed ingredients in the developments of flavours in oysters
There is a distinct difference in flavour (taste and smell) between the Pacific cupped oyster
(Crassostrea gigas) and the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) both species according to
experts, although scientific data are lacking. Literature states that both smell and taste of the
oysters can be effected by dietary changes, where fatty acids play an important role in the
formation of odours in oysters. One of the first steps in this PhD research from researcher
Jasper van Houcke is the assessment of biochemical differences between the above mentioned
oyster species. Besides the fatty acid profile, parameters such as protein-, carbohydrate-and
glycogen composition will be measured during this research.
This research will take place in the lab in Vlissingen and involves i.a. different analytical
methods (gas chromatograph).
Research type: literature study and lab analysis
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Research level: minor/ internship for chemistry or water management student
Prerequisite: good understanding of chemistry; good analytical skills.
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jasper van Houcke)
Period: 2nd semester 2012-13
3. Groundwater suitability
Different aquaculture companies want to use groundwater as their source for production. In the
Province of Zeeland saline groundwater is present almost everywhere. The depth where saline
groundwater is available (5 – 300 meter) can be different at different locations. On the other
hand groundwater characteristics can differ from location to location. In some places there are
indications that groundwater causes unwanted reactions for cultured species (algae and
shellfish). Companies ask for a better insight in how groundwater characteristics differ from
place to place and what suitable compositions are for which aquaculture activities.
This research will take place in the SEA-Lab in Vlissingen and involves i.a. bioassay
experiments.
Research type: literature study and experiments (bioassays with test organisms)
Research level: minor/ internship/ final thesis
Prerequisite: good understanding of biology/chemistry; good analytical skills; driver’s license
and possession of a car an asset.
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Tony van der Hiele/Jorik Creemers)
Period: ongoing
4. Algae for Industrial purposes
The industry in Terneuzen (Zeeuws Vlaanderen) produces waste, in terms of phosphorous,
nitrogen compounds, smoke gases and residual heat. The project Algae for Industrial purposes
aims to use this waste for the culture of algae, resulting in biomass production (algae) and
water purification. Fresh water algae are to be tested in terms of growth and nutrient uptake
on a specific industrial waste water. And calculations are made for up scaling algae culture fed
by waste water of the big industries
This research will take place in the SEA-Lab in Vlissingen and involves i.a. the culture of algae
and nutrient analyses
Research type: literature study and experiments
Research level: minor/ internship/final thesis
Prerequisite: good understanding of biology/chemistry; good analytical skills.
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Pim van Dalen)
Period: 2nd semester 2012-13
5. Cultivation of European lobster in saline reservoirs
The Bolier family in Scherpenisse (Tholen) owns two saline reservoirs, fed by saline
groundwater. In these small ecosystems they cultivate European lobster. The family Bolier
wants to have more insight in the lobster production capacity of the reservoirs. In former years
two Water Management students did their internship on different topics of lobster cultivation in
these reservoirs, concerning carrying capacity and the cultivation and survival of larvae. In this
follow up study, an inventory of lobsters will be done by catching them in fish pots and
measuring them.
This research will take place in Scherpenisse and involves catching an measuring lobster and
with the inventory giving a predicting the total production.
Research type: literature study and experiments
Research level: minor/ internship
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Prerequisite: good understanding of biology and ecology; a drivers license and possession of a
car
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jorik Creemers/Jasper van Houcke)
Period: 2nd semester 2012-13
6. Water quality of aquaculture pond systems and accuracy HACH kit
The production of seafood products in land based pond systems is developing in Zeeland under
the influence of different (research) projects. The aim of these pond systems is to produce
algae, different species of shellfish (mussels, oysters and manila clams), ragworms, seaweed
and combinations of these products. For a stable growth of these organisms and a constant
production of these pond systems, a constant concentration of nutrients in the water is
necessary and the water quality should be kept stable. Fluctuating concentrations of silica,
phosphorous and pH in the ponds cause negative effects on the continuous production of algae.
The processes responsible for a decrease in phosphorous and silica are yet unclear. A decrease
of phosphorous can, besides the uptake by algae, be related to deposition on the bottom in
case of high pH levels. Whether these deposition processes influence silica remains unclear.
Within this assignment the chemical analyses of water quality of pond systems is of importance,
but also the actual monitoring of pond systems. Chemical analyses of nitrogen, phosphorous and
silica in saline water are usually performed with the HACH kit. The accuracy of this method
needs to be analyzed and also one or more pond systems need to be monitored (in cooperation
with Chemistry students)), sampled and analyzed, to identify the processes that influence the
water quality. This research will partly take place in the (SEA-)Lab in Vlissingen and involves
i.a. the culture of algae and nutrient analyses with the HACH kit, possibly in cooperation with
chemistry students. The other part will be the monitoring of nutrients and other parameters in
land based shellfish ponds in Yerseke.
Research type: literature study, experiments (HZ, Vlissingen) and monitoring of cultivation
ponds (Yerseke)
Research level: minor/ internship/final thesis
Prerequisite: good understanding of biology/chemistry; good analytical skills; drivers license;
the possession of a car is an asset.
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jorik Creemers)
Period: 2nd semester 2012-13
7. Storage of algae
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 iIn 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.
Research type: literature study, experiments (HZ, Vlissingen)
Research level: minor/ internship/final thesis
Prerequisite: good understanding of biology/chemistry; good analytical skills; communicative
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture
Period: 2nd semester 2012-13
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Research Group Building with Nature
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). In our project Building with Living Nature we focus on the development of
solutions that include living components such as oyster reefs for wave attenuation and sediment
capture in the Eastern Scheldt.
Current research themes include
1) Optimizing the design of oyster reefs 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 BwN solutions in Mekong Delta, using alternative living
components
5) Transfer of knowledge by means of an expertise management method
1. Effect of size, shape and orientation of oyster reefs on habitat diversification
BwN solutions aim at creating additional value, next to the primary target function. The
primary target functions of the artificial oyster reefs in the Eastern Scheldt are wave reduction
and sediment capture. Additional values can be found in creating additional microhabitats for
other organisms. Behind and in-between the natural oyster reefs in the Eastern Scheldt, a
system of small pools and gullies are developing. In the artificial oyster reefs, this has only
developed in one specific case. This research aims at identifying the factors that are creating
the pools and gullies. Knowledge developed can be used in future designs for artificial oyster
reefs.
Research type: field research, GIS
Research level: Water management students and/or Civil engineering students: minor,
internship or graduation bachelor thesis project. Level of the assignment can be adjusted
Prerequisite: interest in morphology, GIS; eye for ecology
Customer: Carla Pesch and João Paiva; HZ partners in RAAK project
Period: semester 2, 2012-2013
2. Consequences of development of oyster reefs on morphology, waves and flows in the
Eastern Scheldt
Oysters are so called eco-engineers. They succeed in changing waves, currents and
sedimentation patterns in their environment. In the Eastern Scheldt, oyster reefs have been
extending from virtually nothing in 1980 to large surface cover (1000’s of hectares today. This
will affect the abiotic conditions in the Eastern Scheldt. In this research we will try to establish
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the amount of sediment that is stabilized by oyster reefs en we will try to calculate the value
of this effect for safety and nature. You will analyse measurements from the field, and extract
data from GIS maps to quantify the effects. The ecosystem services concepts (following
methodology as developed in TEEB project) will be used to provide a valuation of the existence
and extension of the oyster reefs.
Research type: field 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: Carla Pesch and João Paiva, John de Ronde (Deltares)
Period: semester 2, 2012-2013
3. Relation between the shape, size and orientation of oyster reefs and the condition of the
oysters
The advantage of using oyster reefs in flood protection is that reefs will grow in height and will
therefore be able to keep pace with sea level rise. It is therefore important that the oysters
growing on the reef are in good condition. This could be affected by the position of the oysters
in the reef, which in its turn can be controlled by the size, shape and orientation of the oyster
reef and can therefore be translated into future design criteria for oyster reefs. Size, shape and
orientation determine the direction of the current flowing over the reefs, and therefore the
food availability to the oysters. This research aims at identify factors that affect the condition
of oysters.
Research type: field research and lab analysis
Research level: Water management students and/or Civil engineering students; study project,
minor, internship or graduation bachelor thesis project. Level of the assignment can be
adjusted
Prerequisite: interest in ecology, morphology, and fluid dynamics
Customer: Carla Pesch and João Paiva, HZ partners in RAAK project
Period: semester 2, 2012-2013
4. Measuring the impact of oysters on wave reduction in experiment in Water lab
Oysters are eco-engineers. Oyster reefs are part of innovative solutions to protect dikes against
wave impacts. However, the precise relationship between oyster reefs and impact on waves
and flows is not known. In this investigation experiments in the water lab will be developed,
using real oysters shells. Also field work is done at a natural oyster reef, to explore the
relationship between oyster density, oyster roughness and wave attenuation
Research type: field and lab research, desk research
Research level: Water Management students and/or Civil Engineering students, minor,
internship of final thesis
Prerequisite: interest in physical processes, practical skills, interest in ecology, drivers license.
Customer: João Paiva, Johan Walhout
Period: semester 2, 2012-2013
5. Possibilities of co-design of BwN or BfN solutions for combination of safety and aquaculture,
Artifical oyster reefs are being developed to protect the intertidal areas against erosion. This
will protect the dikes against the impact of increasingly higher waves (BwN). Rich revetments
are used to produce higher nature values on dikes that are being reconstructed (BforN). This
research aims at identifying possibilities for optimizing designs to allow use by other functions,
such as aquaculture. You will work with other research groups and other institutes to propose
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possible designs. You will analyse physical boundary conditions, practical, technical and
ecological requirements that are the basis of your designs. You are challenged to re-use waste
materials in your design in order to close cycles and minimize costs.
Research type: field 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: Jeroen Wijsman and Carla Pesch, João Paiva
Period: semester 2, 2012-2013
6. Possibilities of introducing of BwN or BfN solutions in Mekong delta,
Mangrove forests are effective in protecting the intertidal areas against erosion. This will
protect the dikes against the impact of increasingly higher waves (BwN). At the same time
mangrove forests are important resources for many species. Mangroves are being exploited for
wood and aquaculture. In cooperation with Can Tho University you will do research to identify
the possibilities for optimizing mangrove restoration designs to allow sustainable use by other
functions such as aquaculture while maintaining and extending flood protection. You will work
with other research groups and other institutes to propose possible designs and effective low
cost and low tech methods to restore mangrove forests. You will analyse physical boundary
conditions, practical, technical and ecological requirements that are the basis of your designs.
You are challenged to re-use low tech low cost waste materials in your design in order to close
cycles and minimize costs.
Research type: field research and desk analysis
Research level: Water management students and/or Civil engineering students: internship
Level of the assignment can be adjusted. Possibility to work at Can Tho University, Vietnam.
Prerequisite: interest in ecology, morphology, and fluid dynamics
Customer: Carla Pesch, João Paiva
Period: semester 2, 2012-2013
7. Rich Revetments in the Eastern Scheldt
Rich Revetments are created to enhance habitat diversification on dikes, in order to enhance
biodiversity. Recently, an overview of the rich revetments locations in the Eastern Scheldt has
been made, including a description of the locations and the materials used. What remains,
however, is the design of a field guide for materials used in (rich) revetments, including an
identification key.
Also, an overview of the biodiversity assessments so far has been made, as well as the outline
of a monitoring plan for these Rich Revetments, comparing the Rich Revetments with
traditional revetments. This semester, the first monitoring should be carried out in the field.
Research type: field research, interviews, desk research
Research level: internship or minor
Prerequisite: interest in ecology, communication skills, drivers licence. Ability to read Dutch;
for a minor, at least half of the group should be able to read Dutch.
Customer: Carla Pesch, João Paiva; Yvo Provoost (Bureau Zeeweringen)
Period: semester 2, 2012-2013
8. Structuring the process of design guidelines and calculation rules (such for as wave
attenuation, but also sediment fixation) for building blocks of flood protection solutions in
Vue graph
Existing knowledge in the field of designing flood protection solutions should be made available
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for professionals. The first step after the collection of the guidelines and rules, will be the
structured transfer into the Vue software. Ultimately, knowledge will be made available in a
semantic wiki
Research type: desk research
Research level: Civil engineering students: minor or internship
Prerequisite: interest in IT and in flood protection guidelines and calculation rules
Customer:Mindert de Vries, Tjark van Heuvel, Hans de Bruyn; Bernadette Wichman (Deltares)
Period: semester 2, 2012-2013
9. Structuring the process of safety assessments for building blocks of flood protection
solutions in Vue graph
Existing knowledge in the field of safety assessment (failure mechanisms) for building blocks of
flood protection solutions should be made available for professionals. The first step after the
collection of the guidelines and rules, will be the structured transfer into the Vue software.
Ultimately, knowledge will be made available in a semantic wiki. This project will focus on 3
cases, 2 of which are in the Eastern Scheldt and 1 in the Western Scheldt: the Oesterdam (sand
nourishment + artificial oyster reefs) and Sophia beach (sand nourishment) in the Eastern
Scheldt, and the Clay dike (kleidijk) in the Western Scheldt
Research type: desk research
Research level: Civil engineering students: minor or internship
Prerequisite: interest in IT and in flood protection safety assessments
Customer: Tjark van Heuvel, Johan Walhout; Hans de Bruyn/Hans Filius; Bureau Zeeweringen
Period: semester 2, 2012-20113
10. Kennis voor Klimaat
This project focuses on water availability for various uses in polder areas that endure
salinization problems and water shortages during dry summers. Tasks will be to execute
measurements in the field on groundwater level and salinity, to analyse the data for spatial and
temporal changes. Analyse the effectivity of possible solutions to increase water availability
(volume, time period, location) for a variety of uses.
Research type: field research, desk research
Research level: Water Management students; minor or internship
Prerequisite: practical skills, analytical skills
Customer: Niels Groot and Jan vd Vleuten
Period: semester 2, 2012-13
11. 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-DoCheck-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
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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: internship or minor for Logistics students
Prerequisite: ability to read Dutch, interest in Building with Nature approaches
Customer: Building with Nature research group (Carla Pesch)
Period: semester 2, 2012-2013
Note: similar assignments can be formulated for other target organizations
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Research Group Water Technology
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.
1. Title: Growth inhibition of micro-organisms using low frequency US travelling waves.
Biological contamination in recycled water is one of the main causes of water quality
deterioration in food industry and aquaculture. Prevention at this moment is mainly done with
chemicals. However, in order to limit the amount of chemicals added, new techniques like
ultrasound are being investigated HZ and partners in RAAK project. The aim is to study the
effects of travelling acoustic waves, frequency and intensity on the growth of algae,
zooplankton and biofouling in ponds, tanks and pipes.
Research type: experiments
Research level: bachelor minor, internship or graduation (level can easily be adapted)
Prerequisite: physical and microbiological interest
Customer:
Period: semester 2, 2012-2013
2. Title: Determining the disinfection rates of algal species using ultrasonic standing waves
(USW) and analysis of harvested cell content
Recently we found that algae can be destroyed rather quickly using acoustic standing waves.
The aim it to determine what happens to the algae and what cell content can be harvested
from these experiments.
Research type: experiments
Research level: bachelor minor, internship or graduation (level can easily be adapted)
Prerequisite: biological and chemical interest
Customer: Hans Cappon, Michiel Michels, WUR
Period: semester 2, 2012-2013
3. Title: Determination of operational characteristics of ultrasonic standing wave (USW)
separators.
Acoustic separation is a relatively new method of recovering valuable particulate matter from
suspensions. This technique is mainly applied in biotechnology and medical technology, but our
aim is to apply this technique on large scale for wastewater treatment in food industry. The
aim is to study the variables and limits determining the maximum flow rate in these new
filters.
Research type: experiments
Research level: bachelor / master thesis project
Prerequisite: good understanding of physics
Customer: Hans Cappon, Wetsus Leeuwarden
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Period: semester 2, 2012-2013
Internships and graduation projects outside HZ
4. 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 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)
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Research Group Water Safety and Spatial Development
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