RESEARCH PORTFOLIO ASSIGNMENTS SEPTEMBER 2013 – JANUARY 2014 DA – APPLIED RESEARCH CENTRE JUNE 2013 INHOUDSOPGAVE RESEARCH GROUP AQUACULTURE IN DELTA AREAS 2 Off bottom near shore shellfish culture: local production circumstances Off bottom near shore shellfish culture: production model Production in-land shellfish ponds Algal quality in relation to shellfish production Influencing algal quality by means of cultivation parameters Feeding trials oysters Algae for Industrial purposes Cultivation of European lobster Optimizing on bottom mussel culture Flexible spatial use in Delta areas Seaweed cultivation RESEARCH GROUP BUILDING WITH NATURE 8 Effect of size, shape and orientation of oyster reefs on habitat diversification The effect of oyster reefs on sediment dynamics in the Eastern Scheldt Relation between the shape, size and orientation of oyster reefs and the condition of the oysters Measuring the impact of oysters on current and wave reduction in experiment in Water lab Building for nature on dikes in the Eastern Scheldt Multiple space usage of dikes around the Eastern Scheldt Rich Revetments in the Eastern/Western Scheldt Structuring design guidelines and calculation rules of flood protection solutions Structuring the process of safety assessments of flood protection solutions Analysis of target groups within Rijkswaterstaat Governance and the implementation of Building with Nature solutions The use of GIS for bio-geographic information on the Eastern Scheldt RESEARCH GROUP WATER TECHNOLOGY 8 9 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 12 13 14 Growth inhibition of micro-organisms using low frequency US travelling waves Operational characteristics of ultrafiltration processes Pilot plant Harnaschpolder ( Delft, The Hague), Evides & Veolia & Rossmark Determining the optimum process conditions for NF and EDR for mild desalination Optimisation of pre-treatment for mild desalination Wetsus Shell Ned Chemie BV RESEARCH GROUP SAFETY & SPATIAL PLANNING 14 14 15 15 15 15 16 17 Research assignment Resilient Deltas 17 researchportfolios1_2013_2014 Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre 2 2 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 1 September 2013 – January 2014 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 OFF BOTTOM NEAR SHORE SHELLFISH CULTURE: LOCAL PRODUCTION CIRCUMSTANCES Recently a so-called RAAK PRO project ‘Saline production’ has been granted. This project involves a 4 year study (September 2013 – September 2017) in optimizing near shore shellfish culture in 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 manilla 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. One of the first steps in the project is determine the spatial variability in food availability at seven different on shore production sites. This research will be supervised by researchers from the research group Aquaculture in Delta Areas and Imares and will partly take place in Lake Veere and Eastern Scheldt. Students will/can also be involved in testing the devices, statistical analysis of measured environmental parameters. Research type: literature study, fieldwork, lab work, statistical analyses Research level: minor/internship/final thesis Prerequisite: good understanding of ecology and biology of shellfish; knowledge of hydrology, good analytical and statistical skills; communicative (with local farmers); sea legs; good planning skills Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jouke Heringa and Jorik Creemers) and Imares Period: 1st semester 2013-14 OFF BOTTOM NEAR SHORE SHELLFISH CULTURE: PRODUCTION MODEL In the RAAK PRO project described in 1, also a mathematical production model will be developed. The model will be based on existing production models. Student(s) will work closely together with researchers in Canada, from Imares and research group Aquaculture in Delta Areas in setting up the model which will describe growth, mortality based on environmental factors like temperature, algae concentration, flow rate and other factors. researchportfolios1_2013_2014 Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre 2 September 2013 – January 2014 Research type: literature study, model research Research level: minor/internship/final thesis Prerequisite: good understanding of ecology, biology of shellfish and hydrology; good analytical and mathematical skills; good planning skills Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jouke Heringa and Tony van der Hiele) and Imares Period: 1st semester 2013-14 PRODUCTION IN-LAND SHELLFISH PONDS 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. Parameters that play a role in the production of these ponds are o.a.: nutrient concentrations, algal biomass and shellfish biomass. To get a better understanding of the relations between these parameters a model should be made about N and P fluxes within this system and it’s biological components (organisms). Experimental work will be necessary in order to get valid data. This research will partly take place in the (SEA-)Lab in Vlissingen and involves o.a. the cultivation of algae and shellfish and nutrient analyses with the HACH kit. 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)en monitoring of cultivation ponds (Yerseke) Research level: minor/ internship/final thesis Prerequisite: good understanding of biology/chemistry; good analytical skills; driver’s license; the possession of a car is an asset. Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jouke Heringa) Period: 1st semester 2013-14 ALGAE AND MUSSEL PRODUCTION IN A PONDSYSTEM The research assignment at the KMWP (Koninklijke Maatschap Wilhelminapolder) aims at finding a balance in the production of microalgae and consumption by mussels. The production of algae takes place in a natural basin, inoculation of algae takes place with the help of a 15m3 raceway. Extra fertilizer can be added to the pond. The consumption of algae takes place by mussels that are cultivated in separate basins, the algae rich pond water is pumped into these mussel basins. Also brackish water cockles (commercially not interesting) consume algae in the algae pond. Attempts to obtain a stable algae concentration in the pond system has not succeeded yet, algae from the raceway have not been found in the pond system. Experiences learned that a algae bloom can collapse when too much nutrients are added to the system. The assignment is to find the proper regulation of the pond system to obtain a constant (optimal) algae concentration in the algae pond. Control variables are; inoculation of algae, fertilization of the pond system, amount of mussels, circulation of the water. Research type: fieldwork, literature study Research level: minor/ internship/final thesis researchportfolios1_2013_2014 Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre 3 September 2013 – January 2014 Prerequisite: good at performing fieldwork, knowledge of algae cultivation, good communication skills (cooperation with a student from Wageningen University), preferably drivers license since traveling to Wilhelminadorp is necessary. Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jasper van Houcke) Period: 1st 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 biology/chemistry; good analytical skills; communicative Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Pim van Dalen and Jasper van Houcke) Period: 1st semester 2013-14 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, 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. Analytical measurement could be done in combination with chemistry students. 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 (Pim van Dalen and Jasper van Houcke) Period: 1st semester 2013-14 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 researchportfolios1_2013_2014 Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre 4 September 2013 – January 2014 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. This research will take place in the labs in Vlissingen and involves cultivation of algae (different species) and oysters, water quality analysis and biological measurements (algal counts, growth, condition index) Research type: literature study, experimental work Research level: minor/internship Prerequisite: good understanding of biology; good analytical skills; communicative; punctual; good planning skills Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jasper van Houcke) Period: 1st semester 2013-14 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. Several small scale experiments have been carried out to test algae production on process water. Results of these experiments show fluctuating production and nitrogen removal. The following step will be upscaling (larger scale) the research in the possibilities for algae production and nutrient removal on industrial process water. . This research will take place in the SEA-Lab in Vlissingen and involves i.a. the culture of algae and nutrient analyses. Apart from that modelling is involved in the research. 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 (Jouke Heringa, Pim van Dalen and Michiel Michels) Period: 1st semester 2012-13 CULTIVATION OF EUROPEAN LOBSTER 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 and food availability for lobsters (carrying capacity) in the reservoirs. In former years Water Management students did their internship on different topics of lobster cultivation in these reservoirs, concerning the cultivation and survival of larvae, production capacity and a general feasibility study to lobster cultivation in Zeeland. In this follow up study, an inventory of lobsters will be done by catching them in fish pots and measuring them. An inventory of the food availability in the reservoirs will be done by sampling. Possibly tagging and recapturing of lobster will be involved. This research will take place in Scherpenisse and involves catching an measuring lobster and sampling food availability with the inventory giving a prediction of the total carrying capacity. researchportfolios1_2013_2014 Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre 5 September 2013 – January 2014 Research type: literature study and experiments Research level: minor/ internship Prerequisite: good understanding of biology and ecology; a drivers license and possession of a car Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jouke Heringa/ Jorik Creemers/Jasper van Houcke) Period: 1st semester 2013-14 OPTIMIZING ON BOTTOM MUSSEL CULTURE Mussel bottom culture on plots in the Eastern Scheldt and Waddensea is the most important economic aquaculture production in the Netherlands. Small mussels of approx. 1 cm (so called mussel seed) is seeded on bottom culture plots and after a period of 2-3 years mussels have grown to consumption size. Due to high mortality rates, the yield of consumption size mussels is most lower what it could be, based on the amount of small mussels seeded: maximum of 1,75 kg consumption size mussels from 1 kg of mussel seed. Recently, in close cooperation with mussel farmers, an applied research has started on optimizing the production of mussels. In this research (together with Imares institute) the focus lies on applied research and model development how to control the mortality rate and optimizing growth of mussels on the plots. Research type: literature study, fieldwork, lab work Research level: minor/internship/final thesis Prerequisite: good understanding of ecology and biology of shellfish; good analytical skills; communicative (with local farmers); sea legs; good planning skills Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jouke Heringa) and Imares Period: 1st semester 2013-14 FLEXIBLE SPATIAL USE IN DELTA AREAS In near shore Delta areas different users ( aquaculture, nature, safety, recreation, shipping) claim space for their activities. Spatial planning is mostly based on the excluding principle (this location for stakeholder a, that location for stakeholder b). Near shore aquaculture activities are rather divers: from seaweed production sites, bottom culture of mussels and oyster, off bottom culture for mussel seed and growth out of mussels and other shell fish. The near shore aquaculture sector want to expand their activities but is facing a spatial planning which is in a dead-lock. One of the solution to solve this spatial deadlock might be a flexible use of space in Delta Areas. The concept of flexible use of space is based on the idea that stakeholders make use of certain areas during a limited time period (season, year, several years). After this period the location gets another destination. Research questions focus on which combination in time of aquaculture activities and other functions are realistic and can have a surplus value. The first step in the research will focus on the demands of the different sectors. These demands will be derived from interviews with stakeholders and consultation of experts. Research type: literature study, interviews Research level: minor/internship/final thesis Prerequisite: feeling and knowledge of aquaculture and spatial planning, excellent communicative skills; good planning skills Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jouke Heringa) Period: 1st semester 2013-14 researchportfolios1_2013_2014 Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre 6 September 2013 – January 2014 SEAWEED CULTIVATION 12.a Incentives to start seaweed production in Zeeland at production scale take place. Different entrepreneurs planned seaweed production at several locations in the Eastern Scheldt. The selected locations so far are low dynamic, i.e. low flow velocities and low wave action. For flexible spatial use in delta areas (as described in assignment 10) it would be interesting to know more about the circumstances that seaweed need to be cultivated and if there are any differences in growth rate at different locations. The research will partly be based on literature research and partly contain fieldwork at different locations of the Eastern Scheldt. 12.b Incentives to start seaweed production in Zeeland at production scale take place. Different entrepreneurs planned seaweed production at several locations in the Eastern Scheldt. One problem that the entrepreneurs are facing, is the restrictions that come with protected Nature 2000 areas. The permission to cultivate seaweed stands or goes with the effect that this cultivation has on the nature values. To get more insight in this matter, research needs to be done. Negative aspects might include disturbing the environment, positive aspects might include improvements of the nursery function of the delta by providing shelter and food for small fish. The research will partly be based on literature research and partly contain fieldwork by sampling seaweed lines at Ouwerkerk Eastern Scheldt. Research type: literature study, field work Research level: minor/internship Prerequisite: good practical skills; good understanding of ecology and biology of seaweed; good analytical skills; good planning skills Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jorik Creemers /Jouke Heringa) Period: 1st semester 2013-14 researchportfolios1_2013_2014 Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre 7 September 2013 – January 2014 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. 2. 3. 4. 5. Optimizing the design of Building with Living Nature structures such as oyster reefs or salt marshes, used for coastal protection and nature development. Identification of the effects of Building with Living Nature solutions in the Eastern Scheldt on the functioning (other ecosystem functions) of the Eastern Scheldt. Design and implementation of Building with Nature solutions for flood protection, including safety assessments for the specific building blocks and the acquisition of permits. Design and implementation of Building for Nature applications. Transfer of knowledge by means of an expertise management method. 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 inbetween the natural oyster reefs, in the Eastern Scheldt, it is possible to find a system of small pools and gullies. 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: minor, internship or graduation bachelor thesis project. Level of the assignment can be adjusted Prerequisite: interest in morphology, GIS; eye for ecology researchportfolios1_2013_2014 Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre 8 September 2013 – January 2014 Customer: João Paiva; HZ partners in RAAK project Period: semester 1, 2013-2014 THE EFFECT OF OYSTER REEFS ON SEDIMENT DYNAMICS 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 look at the impact of natural oyster reefs on sediment dynamics. You will analyse measurements from the field, extract data from GIS maps to quantify the effects, and look at results that can be obtained from model that has been obtained earlier. Ultimately, the knowledge obtained from this research can be used to optimize the design of artificial oyster reefs, as to their efficiency in sediment capture. Research type: field research and desk analysis with GIS or images 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: Tjark van Heuvel and João Paiva Period: semester 1, 2013-2014 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: Paul Vader, HZ partners in RAAK project Period: semester 1 2013-2014 MEASURING THE IMPACT OF OYSTERS ON CURRENT AND WAVE REDUCTION IN EXPERIMENT IN WATER LAB Oysters are eco-engineers. Oyster reefs are part of innovative solutions to protect dikes against wave researchportfolios1_2013_2014 Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre 9 September 2013 – January 2014 impacts. However, the precise relationship between (natural) 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. Results will also be used to validate results obtained with artificial oyster tiles earlier. Detail fluid mechanical flow and wave patterns will be studied to predict sediment transport under lab conditions, and compared with field observations. This research can also be defined for artificial musselbeds, simulating properties that can be found in vivo. Research type: field and lab research, desk research Research level: Water Management students and/or Civil Engineering students, minor, internship of final thesis. Level can be adjusted to a study project Prerequisite: interest in physical processes, practical skills, interest in ecology, drivers license. Customer: Tjark van Heuvel and João Paiva Period: semester 1, 2013-2014 BUILDING FOR NATURE ON DIKES IN THE EASTERN SCHELDT 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 nature values make these structures 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. However, not all materials could be analysed, not all methods for determining biodiversity have been used in the analysis, the determination of roughness still needs to be elaborated further, both as to measuring methods and to testing the effect of roughness gradients on the settlement of organisms. Also, a desk study on the use of structures to enhance biodiversity remains to be performed. Research type: desk research, field tests and measurements Research level: Water management students, civil engineering students: minor, internship or graduation bachelor thesis project. Level of the assignment can also be adjusted to a study project Prerequisite: interest in ecology and/or interest in materials properties, good analytical skills Customer: Carla Pesch; Yvo Provoost (Projectbureau Zeeweringen); partners in RAAK Pro BfN Period: semester 1, 2013-2014 MULTIPLE SPACE USAGE OF DIKES AROUND THE EASTERN SCHELDT The Eastern Scheldt is an important part of the Dutch delta for nature development, recreation and aquaculture. To keep the inland part of the delta safe for flooding, the Eastern Scheldt is surrounded by dikes. The combination of functions and their stakeholders, make that a shortage of space sometimes occurs. Important nature in the Eastern Scheldt is protected, but there is a demand for more space for aquaculture (production of mussels and oysters). Also shift is taking place towards shellfish cultivation in the water column (attached to ropes and in baskets) instead of bottom cultivation, since the latter seems to put more stress on nature. Since dikes are mostly solely used for protection of the inland against flooding, it can be interesting to explore the possibilities for aquaculture activities on and in the vicinity of dikes and the effects for researchportfolios1_2013_2014 Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre 10 September 2013 – January 2014 nature development. As part of the RAAK-PRO project a feasibility study for aquaculture activities on dikes took place, some production methods seem to be feasible. Remaining questions are: How can aquaculture activities on dikes improve the safety of dikes? Can seaweed production improve the nursery function of delta areas for fish? Can seaweed production also enhance safety? How do waves and current influence the cultivation of shellfish on dikes? What are possibilities for combination of the functions nature development and aquaculture on ‘for embankments’ (small old dikes) in the Eastern Scheldt and what locations seem suitable? Research type: literature study, field work, experimental work Research level: study project / minor/internship/final thesis Prerequisite: good understanding of ecology, hydrology, good analytical skills, good planning skills Researcher involved: Research group building with nature; Raak Pro partner BfN Period: 1st semester 2013-14 RICH REVETMENTS IN THE EASTERN/WESTERN 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 and western Scheldt has been made, including a description of the locations, the materials used and a biodiversity assessment. The following research is the conclusion of the previous one including the design of a field guide for materials used in (rich) revetments, including an identification key. This semester, a second monitoring should be carried out, in the field, including comparison of the Rich Revetments with traditional revetments. 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: João Paiva; Yvo Provoost (Bureau Zeeweringen) Period: semester 1, 2013-2014 STRUCTURING DESIGN GUIDELINES AND CALCULATION RULES OF FLOOD PROTECTION SOLUTIONS Existing knowledge in the field of designing 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 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: Tjark van Heuvel, Paul Vader; Bernadette Wichman (Deltares) Period: semester 2, 2012-2013 researchportfolios1_2013_2014 Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre 11 September 2013 – January 2014 STRUCTURING THE PROCESS OF SAFETY ASSESSMENTS OF FLOOD PROTECTION SOLUTIONS 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, Paul Vader; Projectbureau Zeeweringen Period: semester 1, 2013-2014 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; Rijkswaterstaat partners in Raak Pro BwLN Period: semester 1, 2013-2014 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 researchportfolios1_2013_2014 Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre 12 September 2013 – January 2014 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 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; partners in RaakPro BwLN Period: semester 1, 2013-2014 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 fill a database for the Eastern Scheldt, with all abiotic and biotic information available. This database can then be used 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 BwN-GIS applications. Research type: desk research; data mining; 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: João Paiva Period: semester 1, 2013-14 researchportfolios1_2013_2014 Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre 13 September 2013 – January 2014 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. 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. 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. This semester we’ll focus on biofouling in tanks and pipes and possibly disinfection in salt water basins. There’s room for about 2-3 assignments within this topic. Research type: experiments Research level: bachelor minor, internship or graduation (level can easily be adapted) Prerequisite: interest in physics and microbiology Customer: HZ and partners in RAAK project Period: semester 1, 2013-2014 OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ULTRAFILTRATION PROCESSES Recently 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 type: experiments Research level: internship Prerequisite: good understanding of physics Customer: HZ Water Technology and Evides Water Company Period: semester 1, 2013-2014 researchportfolios1_2013_2014 Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre 14 September 2013 – January 2014 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 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 NF AND EDR FOR MILD DESALINATION 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 desalination techniques. Performance of the NF an EDR will be investigated. 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) OPTIMISATION OF PRE-TREATMENT FOR MILD DESALINATION 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: nanofiltration and EDR (Electro Dialysis Reversal). This internship will focus on the pre-treatment. Optimum dosage of the coagulant for the sedimentation , the dosage for the UF, the achievable fluxes, optimum backwash procedures will be investigated. Also the fouling characteristics of het UF-permeate for het NF and EDR will be determined. Contact: Wilbert van den Broek (w.vandenbroek@evides.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. researchportfolios1_2013_2014 Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre 15 September 2013 – January 2014 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. researchportfolios1_2013_2014 Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre 16 September 2013 – January 2014 RESEARCH GROUP SAFETY & SPATIAL PLANNING RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT RESILIENT DELTAS Resilience as “the ability of the community to cope with major disturbances and crises” is an integral approach of the paradigm “multi- level water safety in the Deltas”, focusing on various groups in society like citizen communities, governmental bodies and business communities to cope with major crises in society. Instrumentalization of resilience is necessary to establish a common ground to create and facilitate resilience in the Deltas. Resilience in the Deltas is aiming on integrating resilience aspects in major systems in society as Safety, Health, Economy, infrastructure and Social Welfare. The focus is on reducing physical and social loss and to have society restored effectively taking a minimum amount of time. It is of great importance to have instruments by which management and local authorities of certain urban delta areas, can follow and measure the process and its implications. LSU has developed a Resilience Inference Model to instrumentalize this specific need. LSU has been invited to use this model to create a Dutch model based on indicators and data from the Netherlands. Assignment: Objective: Creating a model to measure the vulnerability and the concept of resilience in the Dutch Delta area. The variables will be integrated in the RIM model. Main Question: Develop the indicators its variables and interdependencies of the RIM model (NL); Sub questions: Watersafety; Use the concept of water safety by using the ‘Keur Waterschap Scheldestromen en de legger waterkeringen’, developed by “het waterschap Scheldestromen” in Zeeland. Divide the indicator water safety into sub variables and define how to measure the sub variables, based on a relevant literature analysis Use the system approach of multi level water safety to distinguish the interaction with land use and crisis management. Define the variables, to make it measurable. Healthcare; Divide the indicator healthcare into sub variables and define how to measure the sub variables, based on a relevant literature analysis Use the system approach of healthcare to distinguish the interaction with other indicators. Define the variables, to make it measurable. researchportfolios1_2013_2014 Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre 17 September 2013 – January 2014 Safety and security Divide the indicator safety and security into sub variables and define how to measure the sub variables, based on a relevant literature analysis Use the system approach of safety and security to distinguish the interaction with the other indicators. Define the variables, to make it measurable. Community care Divide the indicator community care into sub variables and define how to measure the sub variables, based on a relevant literature analysis Use the system approach of communities and towns to distinguish the interaction with other indicators. Define the variables, to make it measurable. Vital Infrastructure Divide the indicator vital infrastructure into sub variables and define how to measure the sub variables, based on a relevant literature analysis Use the system approach of vital infrastructure to distinguish the interaction with the other indicators. Define the variables, to make it measurable. Demographics and economics Divide the indicator water safety into sub variables and define how to measure the sub variables, based on a relevant literature analysis Use the system approach of multi level water safety to distinguish the interaction with the other indicators. Define the variables, to make it measurable. Research type: literature study and interviews Research level: minor/ internship Prerequisite: good analytical skills; English fluent in writing and speaking; specific interest and knowledge in a specific area as mentioned above Researcher involved: research group watersafety (Dick Fundter) Period: 2nd semester 2012-13, 1st semester 2013-2014 researchportfolios1_2013_2014 Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre 18 September 2013 – January 2014 researchportfolios1_2013_2014 Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre 19 September 2013 – January 2014