Research portfolio da arc 2014-2015 s1

RESEARCH PORTFOLIO
DELTA ACADEMY APPLIED
RESEARCH CENTRE
ASSIGNMENTS SEPTEMBER 2014 – JANUARY 2015
DA – APPLIED RESEARCH CENTRE
JUNE 2014

RESEARCH PORTFOLIO
ASSIGNMENTS SEPTEMBER 2014 – JANUARY 2015
DA – APPLIED RESEARCH CENTRE
JUNE 2014

Research Portfolio of the DA-Applied Research Centre September 2014 – January 2015 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DELTA APPLIED RESEARCH CENTRE ……….………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
RESEARCH GROUP AQUACULTURE IN DELTA AREAS...............................................................................................6
Storage of Algae.............................................................................................................................................................6
Influencing algal quality by means of cultivation parameters.......................................................................................7
Cultivating red mosquito larvae ....................................................................................................................................7
Feeding experiments shellfish .......................................................................................................................................7
Bioremediationin aquaculture wastewater using ragworms (nereis diversicolor) .......................................................8
Live feed for fish larvae: copepods................................................................................................................................8
Reproduction of seaweed..............................................................................................................................................9
Case study of productivity factor of a longline mussel culturein the eastern Scheldt estuary .....................................9
A comparison of oyster quality between oysters from different production methods and origin .............................10
Environmental effects of off-bottom oyster production.............................................................................................10
Shellfish production parameters in off-bottom and in-bottom cultures in the Dutch delta.......................................10
Relation between survival and small scale spatial organization of mussels at different densities
and food levels............................................................................................................................................................11
Miscellaneous..............................................................................................................................................................11
RESEARCH GROUP BUILDING WITH NATURE..........................................................................................................12
Building for nature – rich revetments .........................................................................................................................12
Kick-starting biodiversity .............................................................................................................................................13
Exotic invaders.............................................................................................................................................................13
Artificial oyster reefs on the Oesterdam safety buffer project location .....................................................................14
Governance and the implementation of Building with Nature solutions: stakeholder involvement..........................14
Sediment dynamics of the Oesterdam sand nourishment..........................................................................................15
How to value ecological designs in the tender phase?................................................................................................15
Effects of predation on artificial oyster reefs ..............................................................................................................16
Effects of water retention on biodiversity in oyster reefs...........................................................................................16
Abiotic influences on establishing oyster reefs ...........................................................................................................16
Periwinkles on dikes ....................................................................................................................................................17
Writing study cases on integrated coastal zone management for the delta expertise-site........................................17
INTERNSHIPS AND GRADUATION PROJECT OUTSIDE HZ.............................................................................................18
Identifying the relation between the traits of intertidal-organism and the ecosystem services they provide:
carbon storage, coastal protection and biodiversity...................................................................................................18

Developing knowledge to preserve and restore valuable coastal ecosystems:
a global study on seagrasses, mangroves and salt marshes........................................................................................18
Biogeomorphic landscape formation by ecosystem engineers:
generalizing across species by understanding the role of organism traits (plants, algae and benthos) .....................19
Providing a mechanistic understanding how to maximize combined nature and coastal protection goals ...............19
Analysis of the suspended materials measurements ..................................................................................................20
Analysis and evaluation of the monitoring of the galgeplaat sediment suppletion 2013...........................................20
RESEARCH GROUP WATER TECHNOLOGY ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 21
Reuse of greenhouse wastewater ...............................................................................................................................21
Enhancing the biodegradability of cooling tower blowdown using advanced oxidation processes ...........................21
Reuse of process water and water contents from potato industry.............................................................................22
Operational characteristics of ultrafiltration processes ..............................................................................................22
INTERNSHIPS AND GRADUATION PROJECTS OUTSIDE HZ...........................................................................................22
Pilot plant Harnaschpolder ( Delft, The Hague), Evides & Veolia & Rossmark ............................................................22
Determining the optimum process conditions for pretreatment and NF for mild desalination
(Dow Benelux, Evides) .................................................................................................................................................22
Dow Benelux BV ..........................................................................................................................................................23
Wetsus.........................................................................................................................................................................23
Centre of Expertise Water Technology in Leeuwarden...............................................................................................23
Waterschap Scheldestromen.......................................................................................................................................24
Waterhouderij Walcheren...........................................................................................................................................24
RESEARCH GROUP WATERSAFETY & AREA DEVELOPMENT..................................................................................25
Assignments Levers of Resilience ................................................................................................................................26
Community Resilience and Vital Infrastructure...........................................................................................................26
Community Resilience and Health-care ......................................................................................................................26
Community Resilience and Economic drivers..............................................................................................................27
Community Resilience and social networks in local communities ..............................................................................27
Assignment Professionals and Self-reliant Citizens (CoE project 2014-2015) .............................................................28
Assignments Waterpoort.............................................................................................................................................28
Extended atlas of Waterpoort .....................................................................................................................................28
(Economic) consequences for the Waterpoort area, by the salinization and the return of tides at lake Volkerak-
Zoom............................................................................................................................................................................29
Ecological approach for the toxic algae problem in lake Volkerak-Zoom with a (continued) fresh water situation ..29
Experience of the inundation areas of the south-western water line.........................................................................30
Multifunctional dike use around lake volkerak-zoom .................................................................................................30

Reservoir
near DOW
Oesterdam
Safety Buffer
Project
Oyster
cultivation in
SEA Lab

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.
Studenten die geïnteresseerd zijn in een stage of onderzoeksminor kunnen hun belangstelling kenbaar maken aan
de hand van een motivatiebrief. Motivatiebrieven graag voor 14 juli 2014 indienen bij de contactpersoon van de
onderzoeksgroep van uw keuze:
 Aquacultuur in Deltagebieden: Jouke Heringa – jouke.hering@hz.nl
 Building with Nature: Carla Pesch – cpesch@hz.nl
 Water Technologie: Hans Cappon – hans.cappon@hz.nl
 Waterveiligheid en ruimtelijke ordening: Jean-Marie Buijs – jm.buijs@hz.nl
Leading Lector: Mindert de Vries (mindert.devries@hz.nl)
Zie ook
http://hz.nl/nl/werkenleren/Kennisdeling%20en%20samenwerking/Applied%20Research%20Center/Pages/Applie
d-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.
Students that are interested in an internship, research minor or final thesis can apply by sending a motivation
letter. Motivation letters are te be sent preferably before July 14th
2014. Please send your letter to the contact
person for the research group of your interest:
 Aquaculture in Delta Areas: Jouke Heringa – jouke.hering@hz.nl
 Building with Nature: Carla Pesch – cpesch@hz.nl
 Water Technology: Hans Cappon – hans.cappon@hz.nl
 Water safety and Spatial Planning: Jean-Marie Buijs – jm.buijs@hz.nl
Leading Lector of DA-ARC: Mindert de Vries (mindert.devries@hz.nl)
Also check
http://hz.nl/nl/werkenleren/Kennisdeling%20en%20samenwerking/Applied%20Research%20Center/Pages/Applie
d-Research-Center.aspx for further information on the research groups. See https://nl-
nl.facebook.com/HZDeltaAcademy for our actual status of our research and education.

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) is carried out.
More information about research possibilities of this group: Jouke Heringa: jouke.heringa@hz.nl
Please send your application and motivation letters to Jouke Heringa. Motivation letters are to be handed in
preferably before July 14th
2014.
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 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. The first step in order to store algae is to dewater the algal suspension as much (and gently) as possible.
Earlier research by students revealed a promising technique for this essential first step, namely flocculation. By
means of flocculation the total volume to be stored can be reduced enormously. However the effects of different
storage methods and storage times of these flocculated algae have not been assessed so far. For this topic two
possible research possibilities are therefore open:
 new storage methods and their effect on the quality of flocculated algae
 the effect of storage time on the quality of flocculated algae
The aim in both research possibilities is to remain a decent quality of algae for shellfish production. 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 (both BSc. and MSc. level)
Prerequisite: good understanding of biology/chemistry; good analytical skills; communicative
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Wessel Bakhuizen and Jasper van Houcke)
Period: 1st
semester 2014-15

INFLUENCING ALGAL QUALITY BY MEANS OF CULTIVATION PARAMETERS
The market price of algae is determined by their use and their biochemical composition. Algae used for the
production of certain pigments can therefore be rather expensive. Also the quality of algae as feed source in
aquaculture is mainly determined by the fatty acid profile and the amount of (specific) fatty acids. In literature is
has been shown that in some cases the biochemical composition of algae could be related to the cultivation
parameters (such as light, nutrient concentrations, etc.). In other words by influencing the cultivation parameters
the profit to be gained on the algae production could be influenced. In this research a 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 level: minor/ internship/final thesis (BSc. and MSc. level)
Period: 1st
semester 2014-15
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. From a sustainability issue it would be beneficial to use effluent (or other
waste products) from the local industries as a feed source for the mosquito larvae. Previously experience was
gained with the culture cycle of the mosquito larvae in freshwater. However the region of Zeeland has many
brackish or saltwater waste streams which could be utilized in the production of saltwater Red Mosquito species.
First trails will be conducted with the solid waste fraction from a local Turbot farm.
Research level: minor/ internship/final thesis (BSc. level)
Prerequisite: good understanding of biology; good analytical skills; communicative
Period: 1st
semester 2014-15
FEEDING EXPERIMENTS 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. There are thousands of algae species known in the
world, all with a different biochemical composition. Currently only a few of these algae species are commonly used
in shellfish cultivation(Skeletonema, Chaetoceros, Isochrysis, Tetraselmis and Pavlova). The quality of the algae
biomass is an important factor for the growth and production of shellfish. The quality of algal biomass is usually
defined by the fatty acid composition of the algae. However in other feed sources in aquaculture other factors play
a role in feed quality as well (for instance protein content and amino acid profile). This could also be the case for

the use of algae as a feed source for shellfish. The aim of this study is to evaluated different algal diets (with
different compositions) for shellfish production. During this study the algal diets will be formulated (based on
analysis of biochemical composition) and the production of shellfish on these diets will be monitored (growth,
mortality, feeding conversion rate).
Research level: minor/ internship/final thesis (BSc. level)
Period: 1st
semester 2014-15
BIOREMEDIATION IN AQUACULTURE WASTEWATER USING RAGWORMS (NEREIS DIVERSICOLOR)
Several marine fish farms are located in the region of Zeeland. Besides the production of fish also waste is
produced in the form of a solid and dissolved fraction. The waste water usually contains a substantial amount of
fish waste and uneaten food in the form of total suspended solids (TSS). The fish farms have to pay a fee for the
effluent material to be discharged. In order to not only save but also earn money, these fish farms are interested
to see if their waste streams can be utilized. Previous research has shown the capability of a polychaete species
(Nereis Diversicolor) to remove the TSS from the water. However further practical research is needed in order to
analyze the efficiency of this waste water treatment. For the determination of economical feasibility of such a
waste water treatment the growth and production of the worms should also be determined.
Research level: minor/ internship/final thesis (BSc. and MSc. level)
Period: 1st
semester 2014-15
LIVE FEED FOR FISH LARVAE: COPEPODS
In many cases live feeds are used in the first feeding phase of fish larvae. Research showed that use of copepods
has several advantages over the use of Artemia or rotifers: 1. Early life stages of copepods are smaller than
Artemia or rotifers and therefore more suitable for small fish larvae; 2 The swimming motions of copepods seem
to be more attractive to fish larvae; 3 the nutritional value of copepods is higher than for the other live feed
sources. However the production of copepods is still problematic and labor-intensive. Since the use of copepods in
aquaculture seems to be promising the research group Aquaculture in Delta areas want to set-up a copepod
cultivation system.
Research level: internship
Period: 1st
semester 2014-15

REPRODUCTION OF SEAWEED
The company Seaweed Harvest Holland is in the startup phase to farm seaweed in pond systems for human
consumption. At the moment they grow seaweed on a pilot scale level in a pond system in Colijnsplaat. For
different species of seaweed it is possible to buy starting material in the form of seaweed spores on lines. Under
the right circumstances the spores will grow out to harvestable seaweed. For one of the seaweed species that
Seaweed Harvest Holland wants to produce, a red seaweed species (Ceramium rubrum), it is not possible to obtain
the starting material at seaweed hatcheries.
Seaweed Harvest Holland wants to know how to reproduce Ceramium rubrum in a controlled environment to
produce lines with spores.
This research involves literature research to obtain information about Ceramium rubrum and its reproduction
cycle. Based on literature and a general reproduction protocol for seaweed, explorative lab experiments to
reproduce Ceramium rubrum will be caries out in the SEA Lab.
The aim of this research is to obtain practical knowledge about controlled reproduction of Ceramium rubrum.
Research type: lab experiments and literature study (HZ, Vlissingen)
Research level: minor/ internship/final thesis (both BSc. and MSc. level)
Prerequisite: good understanding of biology; good practical skills; good analytical skills; communicative
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jorik Creemers and Jouke Heringa)
Period: 1st
semester 2014-15
CASE STUDY OF PRODUCTIVITY FACTOR 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 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.
Research type: fieldwork including mussel and nutrient sampling (at Neeltje Jans), labwork including nutrient
analysis and (optional) modelling
Research level: internship/final thesis (both BSc. and MSc. level)
Perquisite: good understanding of biology, analytical skills, car license, good planning skills, communication skills
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Eva Hartog and Jacob Capelle)
Period: 1st
semester 2014-15

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
production methods and the cost-price per oyster. Growth and quality should be better than for oysters from on-
bottom plots, which is the traditional oyster culture in The Netherlands and at least comparable to oysters
important 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.
Research type: combination of field work and lab work
Research level: minor/internship/final thesis (BSc. level)
Prerequisite: driving license, exactitude, good communication skills
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jacob Capelle)
Period: 1st
semester 2014-15
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. Impacts will be estimated by effects on bird disturbance, by quantifying effects of culture activities
on foraging bird species.
Research type: field work
Research level: minor/internship/final thesis (BSc. level)
Prerequisite: driving license, bird identification skills
Period: 1st
semester 2014-15
SHELLFISH PRODUCTION PARAMETERS IN OFF-BOTTOM AND IN-BOTTOM CULTURES IN THE DUTCH DELTA
This assignment falls within the framework of a 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, which are often juvenile shellfish. 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. We are looking for a student to take and process samples from the
different culture systems and analyze 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
Research level: internship (BSc.level)
Prerequisite: understanding of basic ecological principles, driving license, innovative
Researcher involved: research group aquaculture (Jouke Heringa and Jacob Capelle)
Period: 1st
semester 2014-15

RELATION BETWEEN SURVIVAL AND SMALL SCALE SPATIAL ORGANIZATION OF MUSSELS AT DIFFERENT
DENSITIES AND FOOD LEVELS
When mussels are equally spread, they will redistribute in structures like clumps or net-like structures. Relaying of
mussels is common practice in the aquaculture of mussels. An effect of this relaying process is a very large mussel
mortality. There are indications, from field observations, that this mussel mortality is related to the redistribution
process through competition, either for food or space. This hypothesis needs testing under controlled conditions.
Therefore, two experiments will be performed, one under equal and one under unequal per capita food levels,
with mussels in a range of densities. Spatial organization, survival and mussel condition index will be compared
between treatments.
Research type: controlled experiment
Research level: internship/final thesis (both BSc. and MSc. level)
Perquisite: good understanding of biology, analytical skills, dedicated
Period: 1st
semester 2014-15
MISCELLANEOUS
The Applied Research Group Aquaculture in Delta Areas is closely involved with aquaculture initiatives from
stakeholders in the region. Regularly research questions and topics pop up during the semester. These researches
are different level and can be different types. It is worthwhile to contact the coordinator Jouke Heringa
(jouke.heringa@hz.nl) for further research possibilities.

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) Design and implementation of Building with Nature solutions for flood protection, including safety
assessments for the specific building blocks and the acquisition of permits
3) Research on structures and processes in coastal water systems. This generates knowledge that is needed for
the design of Building with Nature solutions
4) Transfer of knowledge by means of an expertise management method Identification of the effects of Building
with Living Nature solutions in the Eastern Scheldt on the functioning (other ecosystem functions) of the
Eastern Scheldt
More information on research possibilities of this group: Carla Pesch: cpesch@hz.nl
Please send application and motivation letters for assignments within the HZ to Carla Pesch. Motivation letters are
to be handed in preferably before July 14 2014
BUILDING FOR NATURE– RICH REVETMENTS
Currently, dikes and foreshores are primarily designed from a civil engineering perspective. The main focus is on
flood protection and water management. The Building for Nature approach aims at innovating the design of
coastal protection structures in order to increase their nature values. Dikes with this type of design are called rich
dikes, or rich revetments. These revetments can be of more interest for other use such as diving, fishing or
aquaculture.
In Spring 2014 concrete blocks with different surface roughness were designed and placed at a field location in the
in the intertidal in the Eastern Scheldt. In this research you will compare the changes in biodiversity on these
blocks and you will assess which one performs better and why. Based on your analysis you provide advice on the
design of new revetments. You will be also be responsible for the production of concrete blocks with new designs.

Research type: Desk and field research
Research level: AET students and/or Civil engineering students; minor or internship.
Prerequisite: interest in design and aquatic ecology; experience with Autocad is an asset
Customer: Tim van Oijen, João Paiva
Period: semester 1, 2014-2015
KICK-STARTING BIODIVERSITY
The artificial placement of oyster shells in a reef form introduces a new large habitat available for other species to
exploit in a much more sudden manner than would be observed with the more gradual formation of natural oyster
reefs and their associated communities. The development of a community on an oyster reef is dependent not only
on the available habitat, but also on available food source and presence of moisture to avoid desiccation.
The possibility of providing a ‘kick-start’ for the development of biodiversity, or increasing the speed of
development of biodiversity will be investigated by adding mussels (attached to rope or carpet) to gabions of
oyster shells and monitoring the development of the associated biodiversity over time. As a comparison you will
also investigate the biodiversity of natural oyster reefs in the area as a comparison and research the literature.
Research type: field research, desk research.
Research level: Minor, Internship (2 students)
Prerequisite: interest in ecology.
Customer: Anneke van den Brink
EXOTIC INVADERS
The Oosterschelde has a high number of exotic species that arrived (among others) via the shellfish aquaculture
industry. The introduction of new hard substrates in the form of dykes and oyster reefs at the Oesterdam is
intended to help the developing ecosystem by providing new habitats to colonise. As these new habitats begin
completely empty, they also provide an equal starting line for both exotic and native species. It is likely that the
exotic and native species will compete for the new habitat and for food. Who will win?
In this project you will conduct a monitoring investigation of the hard substrates around the Oesterdam including
the artificially placed and possibly natural oyster reefs as well as the dyke to determine the ratio of exotic and
native species of similar ecological niches, thereby creating an indication of how the ecosystem is developing and
of what species are likely to benefit from the further addition of artificial oyster reefs to the Oosterschelde.
Furthermore you will conduct behaviour experiments in the lab to determine the competition for shelter and for
food between the native crab Carcinus maenas and the exotic Hemigrapsus takanoi.
POSITION ALREADY FILLED.
Research type: field research, lab research, desk research.
Research level: Final thesis

ARTIFICIAL OYSTER REEFS ON THE OESTERDAM SAFETY BUFFER PROJECT LOCATION
An Oyster is an ecosystem engineer which is able to change waves, currents and sedimentation patterns in their
vicinity. Nowadays we want to use these abilities in our advantage by building artificial oyster reefs. This innovative
solution can be used not only to protect dikes against wave action but also stabilize sand on sand banks.
Recently 4 new oyster reefs were constructed at the “Oesterdam safety-buffer project” and it is going to be your
task to monitor not only the reef development but also their effects in the morphology of their surroundings. For
that you will evaluate the existing data and be responsible to collect new data. You will also compare your results
with similar researches. As the oyster reef Technology is still in the beginning your results/work can be very
important for improving the design of artificial oyster reefs.
Research type: field research, desk analysis with GIS or Matlab
Research level: Water management students and/or Civil engineering students; minor, internship or graduation
bachelor thesis project.
Prerequisite: Driver’s License; interest in ecology, morphology, and fluid dynamics
Customer: Matthijs Boersema and João Paiva; partner in RaakPro BwLN
GOVERNANCE AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF BUILDING WITH NATURE SOLUTIONS: STAKEHOLDER
INVOLVEMENT
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, and this is especially the case for stakeholder involvement.
In this assignment, you will analyse the implementation of the participation process of the tidal restoration
projects Rammegors and Perkpolder. As a comparison, you will also study Building with Nature applications such
as the Oesterdam project and the Noordwaard. Other cases that can be studied are the successful implementation
strategies 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 shifted (partly) to local and regional parties). You will identify lessons learned, best practices and
critical success factors for stakeholder involvement in the participation process, with special attention to tidal
restoration projects mentioned above.
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

SEDIMENT DYNAMICS OF THE OESTERDAM SAND NOURISHMENT
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 (1986), 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. Secondly the lower intertidal plates are less effective in buffering wave energy, causing more wave exposure
on the dykes.
Rijkswaterstaat (Dutch state authority for infrastructure) is looking for approaches to diminish the negative effects
of the sand deficit, described above. One of the solutions are sand nourishments. The “Oesterdam safety-buffer
project” is a large sand nourishment (300.000 m³) at the Oesterdam. 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 changes in the most dynamic parts of the sand nourishments
and you will look at the forcing hydrodynamic components (waves, wind, water level, current). Secondly you will
determine the sediment transport directions at the nourishment. This information will give us a better
understanding of the morphological behaviour and helps Rijkswaterstaat with designing future nourishments at
other locations.
Research type: Desk and field research, data processing
Research level: Civil engineering students or related fields; minor or internship.
Prerequisite: Interest in morphology and fluid dynamics, interest in data processing
Customer: Matthijs Boersema, João Salvador de Paiva
HOW TO VALUE ECOLOGICAL DESIGNS IN THE TENDER PHASE?
Traditionally competition between competitors is based on ‘doing the job for the lowest price’. Contractors which
are in the run for public tenders will focus on the minimum requirements written down by the client. This focus on
price has his problems, because delivering quality or doing something extra is putting the contractor out of
competition. On the other hand the client, in this case the Ministry of Infrastructure (Rijkswaterstaat) has more
interest than price alone, for example the ‘natural values’ of an infrastructural design.
Rijkswaterstaat is looking for alternatives to judge this other values like ‘ecological values’ or ‘stakeholder usage’ in
revetment or foreshore designs. A promising and proven method is the EMVI-approach (‘Economische Meest
Voordelige Inschrijving’). In this approach ‘other values’ are correcting the offered price by a contractor. If for
example, a foreshore design is taking ecological values into account the total price is reduced, so competition is
not only based on price.
In this assignment you will develop a method how to value for example ‘ecology’ or ‘public appreciation’ in the
tender phase. You will also look if there is missing knowledge for putting this approach into practice.
Research type: Desk research, interviews
Research level: Civil engineering students or Water Management students; minor or internship.
Prerequisite: Interest in contracts, Water Management
Customer: Rijkswaterstaat Zee en Delta, Matthijs Boersema

EFFECTS OF PREDATION ON ARTIFICIAL OYSTER REEFS
reefs and their associated communities. You will investigate the effects of different sizes and types of predators
like fish and crabs on the developing biodiversity on the oyster reefs by monitoring a predator exclusion
experiment.
Research level: Study project (2 students)
EFFECTS OF WATER RETENTION ON BIODIVERSITY IN OYSTER REEFS
reefs and their associated communities. The presence of moisture within the oyster reef may play an important
role in the speed and type of species that colonize the oyster reef. Two of you will monitor an experiment to
investigate the effects of extra water retention in gabions filled with oyster shells on the developing biodiversity.
ABIOTIC INFLUENCES ON ESTABLISHING OYSTER REEFS
The artificially placed oyster shell reefs around the Oesterdam sand suppletion are primarily intended to prevent
sediment erosion and secondarily to develop into natural oyster reefs and thereby increase the biodiversity of the
local ecosystem. For the successful establishment of a persisting living oyster reef both settlement and survival of
the oysters are required. These two conditions are dependent on various abiotic factors including inundation time,
scouring through wave action and the presence of retained water to avoid desiccation. These abiotic factors
limiting the establishment of oyster reef at the Oesterdam will be tested experimentally using gabions filled with
oyster shells and placed at different exposures. Furthermore an experiment will be monitored to investigate the
effects of extra water retention in the gabions on the settling oyster spat.
Prerequisite: interest in ecology, interest in physical processes.

PERIWINKLES ON DIKES
The common periwinkle (Littorina spec., Dutch: alikruiken or krukels) is an abundant species on rocky coasts in
many parts of the world. In The Netherlands this small edible snail is common on our dikes. Periwinkles have gills
to extract oxygen from the water but they can survive some time above water in the intertidal zone. Algae are
their main food source.
During this research you will study the relation between periwinkle density and morphometry and inundation
time. Periwinkles will be counted and collected at several vertical positions on dikes in the Eastern and Western
Scheldt. In the laboratory the collected periwinkles will be measured and the dry weight will be determined of
both the shells and the body.
The periwinkles will be studied at several dikes which vary in type of revetment (type of stone) and in if they are
exposed to waves or not. The results will provide more insight into how new types of revetments can be designed
to increase both the nature value and the commercial value.
Research type: Desk, laboratory and field research
Research level: study project, 2nd
year AET students.(four students)
Prerequisite: interest in aquatic ecology; prepared to do field work in variable weather conditions
Customer: Tim van Oijen
WRITING STUDY CASES ON INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT FOR THE DELTA EXPERTISE-SITE
One of the tasks of the research group Building with Nature is to record all expertise and knowledge in the so
called Delta Expertise site (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. The Wiki will also function as a source for education. The expertise and
knowledge offers excellent material to train future Delta-specialists.
At this moment we are looking for a motivated student to analyze the knowledge that was generated in projects
like ComCoast, Safecoast and Stormrisk. The aim of this desk research is to identify the best practices of these
projects in such a way that they can be used in educational cases. Editing the pages of the Wiki itself will be part of
the assignment.
Research type: desk and literature research, interviews
Research level: bachelor internship, minor
Prerequisite: interest in modelling processes, writing and editing,
Researcher involved: Paul Vader

INTERNSHIPS AND GRADUATION PROJECT OUTSIDE HZ
NIOZ ASSIGNMENTS: NIOZ prefers graduation over internships
IDENTIFYING THE RELATION BETWEEN THE TRAITS OF INTERTIDAL-ORGANISM AND THE ECOSYSTEM
SERVICES THEY PROVIDE: CARBON STORAGE, COASTAL PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY
Intertidal landscapes are a harsh environment for both plants and animals. These organisms have to withstand tidal
flow, wind waves, anoxic soil conditions, flooding/drought-cycles, and many more stresses. Despite these harsh
environmental conditions, a wide range of organisms (plants, algae and benthic animals) inhabits the tidal
landscapes, each with their own specific adaptations that enable them to survive. Some of the organisms are even
able to modify their physical environment via their structures or activities, which is often referred to as ecosystem
engineering. Although the importance of ecosystem engineering for providing ecosystem services is well recognized,
the underlying mechanisms explaining how it works are still poorly understood, as it requires an interdisciplinary
approach.
We aim to understand which organism traits are most important for i) the ecosystem resilience and long-term
survival, ii) their ecosystem engineering effect on the intertidal landscape development and iii) ultimately the
ecosystem services they provide (carbon storage, coastal protection and biodiversity).
To answer this question, we combine field and laboratory studies, using state of the art techniques including (wave)
flumes, instruments to manipulate and measure mechanical properties of the organisms, various chemical analyses,
and many other techniques
Within this research theme we offer several topics, each with the opportunity to tune it towards your specific interest.
The possible topics will however strongly depend on the timing of the research.
Contact person: Tjeerd Bouma (tjeerd.bouma@nioz.nl)
DEVELOPING KNOWLEDGE TO PRESERVE AND RESTORE VALUABLE COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS: A GLOBAL
STUDY ON SEAGRASSES, MANGROVES AND SALT MARSHES
Coastal waters with healthy seagrass meadows, mangrove forests and salt marshes belong to the most productive
ecosystems in the world, and also have a high economical value. They provide food and shelter for various organisms,
including young life stages of various commercially important fish species. They contribute to coastal protection and
store considerable amounts of carbon. At this moment, seagrasses, mangroves and salt marshes are rapidly
disappearing on a global scale. Proper management requires a mixture of measures aimed at maintaining existing
ecosystems, restoring lost ecsoystems and mitigation measures for threatened ecosystems. Experience has learned
that such management measures will only be successful when based on fundamental insight in the processes
affecting these ecosystems. We want to contribute to preserving seagrasses, mangroves and salt marshes, by
dedicated research around the globe (i.e., the Netherlands, Mediterranean, and tropical regions). We specifically
aim at understanding basic mechanisms affecting the establishment, growth and disappearance of these vegetation
types, and to derive indicators and critical threshold values that can be translated in management objectives.
The research is done by a combination of techniques, including field studies in exotic places, as well as studies in the
flume where we can control all environmental conditions, including current and flow.

BIOGEOMORPHIC LANDSCAPE FORMATION BY ECOSYSTEM ENGINEERS: GENERALIZING ACROSS SPECIES BY
UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF ORGANISM TRAITS (PLANTS, ALGAE AND BENTHOS)
Interactions between organisms and hydrodynamic forces from waves and currents determine where sediment will
erode, and where sediment will accumulate. Hence, these bio-physical interactions are a main determinant of
landscape formation (i.e., geomorphology) at intertidal areas.
Especially large (vascular) plants and macro algae have striking effects on intertidal geomorphology. In the intertidal
zones, a broad range of different types of plant and algae co-occur, that strongly differ in their appearance (i.e.,
morphology) Such differences will affect how plants affect the currents and waves, and thereby thus the sediment
transport.
Besides plants, there is also a large group of benthic animals (i.e., macro benthos) that affect the landscape
formation. Some are highly visible in that they create large reefs, such as oysters and mussels (i.e., epi-benthos).
Others are invisible, as they are ‘hidden’ in the sediment (i.e., endo-benthos). Although hidden, these organisms also
have major impact on the sediment dynamics and grain-size distribution by affecting both the critical threshold for
erosion to occur and mixing different depth layers.
We are working on developing a general understanding how traits of individual organisms affect processes at the
level of populations and thereby affect the large-scale long-term intertidal landscape development.
Contact person: Tjeerd Bouma (t.bouma@nioo.knaw.nl)
PROVIDING A MECHANISTIC UNDERSTANDING HOW TO MAXIMIZE COMBINED NATURE AND COASTAL
PROTECTION GOALS
Ongoing accelerated sea-level rise, increased storm frequency and altered sediment dynamics, threaten coastlines
and estuarine ecosystems around the globe, imposing the need for new, cost effective defense schemes. At the
same time, many coastal ecosystems are currently threatened and declining, imposing the need for nature
conservation and restoration of coastal ecosystems. Restoration or creation of coastal ecosystems offers promising
opportunities for building cost-effective coastal defense schemes that enhance nature goals. It is however unclear
to which extent nature and efense goals are compatible or opposing.
We aim to unravel i) how to use intertidal ecosystems for coastal defense schemes, ii) how to maximize nature goals
and iii) how to integrate both aspects. We study this for coastal vegetation as well tidal flats with benthic
communities. Our studies integrate different scales, by combining both the local-scale (i.e., within an ecosystem)
and the landscape-scale (i.e., the connectivity between ecosystems and ecosystem compartments). We aim at
developing fundamental insights in the physical and biological drivers and interactions that can be widely applied.

ASSIGNMENTS AT RIJKSWATERSTAAT
ANALYSIS OF THE SUSPENDED MATERIALS MEASUREMENTS
During the construction of the Oesterdam safety-buffer, the suppletions at Schelphoek and the Galgeplaat, the
concentration of suspended materials has been monitored every 10 minutes. The aim was, to avoid sedimentation
of the suspended materials on shellfish plots. This has worked well. RWS is interested in a further analysis of the
results of these datasets. So far, is has been assumed that the appearance of suspended materials in the waters of
the Eastern Scheldt is related to wave action in windy conditions. Is this correct? And, if so, what would be the
windforce at which this starts to happen? And is there maybe also a tidal influence? Or an effect of ships?
In this assignment, you are identifying the factors that control the appearance and the amount of suspended
materials.
Contact person: Eric van Zanten,( eric.van.zanten@rws.nl)
ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION OF THE MONITORING OF THE GALGEPLAAT SEDIMENT SUPPLETION 2013
Over the period 2008-2012, Deltares has written a report on the sand suppletions on the Galgeplaat. Data
collection has been continued, and it is time to write an update. The idea is update the results by using the
additional data, and to also update the evaluation. How well is the suppletion working now? The evaluation will
use the same method as envisaged to be used for the evaluation of the Oesterdam sand suppletion.
Contact person: Eric van Zanten, (eric.van.zanten@rws.nl)

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.
More information on research possibilities in this group can be obtained from Hans Cappon: hans.cappon@hz.nl
Please send your application and motivation letters to Hans Cappon. Motivation letters are to send preferably
before July 14th
2014
REUSE OF 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 compounds needs to be discharged
or treated. One of the accumulated compounds are nutrients and pesticides. The aim is to find adequate solutions
to pesticide removal and nutrient reuse from wastewater and possibly determine whether degraded pesticides
remain toxic.
Research type: literature study and experiments
Research level: internship or graduation
Prerequisite: interest in chemistry and biology
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 a combination of advanced oxidation processes (ozone, UV,
ultrasound) and biological treatment before reuse.
Research type: experiments
Research level: graduation
Prerequisite: interest in chemistry and (micro)biology

Customer: Centre of Expertise Delta Technology, Dow Benelux, AWWS
Contact: Tessa Steenbakker, Niels Groot
REUSE OF PROCESS WATER AND WATER CONTENTS FROM POTATO INDUSTRY
During processing of potatoes various wastewater streams have possibilities for reuse. An inventory has already
been made of the various streams and their quality. The next step in this process is the investigation of reuse
possibilities and test possible treatment methods.
Research type: inventory of possibilities and experiments
Prerequisite: interest in chemistry and biology
Customer: Centre of Expertise Delta Technology, Lamb-Weston/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 type: experiments
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 effluent at a reliable and cost effective way. Various
technologies are used for water treatment.
Contact: Hans Cappon, Sigrid Scherrenberg (Evides)
DETERMINING THE OPTIMUM PROCESS CONDITIONS FOR PRETREATMENT AND NF FOR MILD
DESALINATION (DOW BENELUX, EVIDES)
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: Niels Groot, Wilbert van den Broek (Evides)
Period: Semester 2 – 2014/2015
DOW BENELUX BV
Inventory 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 (Dow/HZ) – (www.careersatdow.com)
Period: Semester 1 – 2014/2015
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.
CENTRE OF EXPERTISE WATER TECHNOLOGY IN LEEUWARDEN
Internship and/or graduation possibilities.
Contact: prof. Luewton Agostinho (Luewton.agostinho@wur.nl)
Nitrate removal using microbial fuels cells
period: Sept 2014 - Sept 2016
project type: pilot scales tests in Leeuwarden (1,5 year) followed by medium scale tests in são Paulo Brasil (1,5
year)
partners: Magneto, SABESP (BR), Arcadis, CEW and USP (BR)
Investigating the limits for anamox systems.
period: June 2014 to Dec 2014
project type: pilot scale system installed in Leeuwarden.
partner: Paques
Electrochemical disinfection with special electrodes
project type: pilot scale tests in Leeuwarden
partner: Magneto special anodes
Improving the efficiency of Multieffect distillation systems using electrohydrodynamics
project type: pilot scale tests in Leeuwarden
partner: HV Water

Studying the Graneau effect. Energy production with water and ehda
period: June 2014 to August 2014
project type: small scale tests in Leeuwarden
partner: Elstatik GmvB
New sanitation methods as a solution for cities without waste water collection network
Case study with são Luiz city, Brasil.
period: June 2014 - December 2014
project type: theoretical study
partner: São Luis city, Crolim engenharia, CEW and Leaf (WUR)
WATERSCHAP SCHELDESTROMEN
Stage/afstuderen (Nederlands)
WATERHOUDERIJ WALCHEREN
Stage/afstuderen (Nederlands)

RESEARCH GROUP WATERSAFETY & AREA
DEVELOPMENT
Introduction Resilient Deltas research programme
The research group Watersafety and Area Development is aimed at a multiannual programme Resilient Deltas. In
this research programme several opportunities are available for students with interest in issues related to
community resilience. We are open to students from a broad range of disciplines who are eager to join us in this
endeavour of applied science. We are especially interested in social engaged students with good analytical
capabilities and communicative skills, who take responsibility and like to work in a team of fellow students.
Below a brief overview of the Resilient Deltas programme is provided, followed by the open assignments
for next semester. Bright students with specific interest in the field of community resilience may also submit an open
application for a final thesis project.
In the Resilient Deltas programme we have the aim to explore the nature of community resilience in relation with
multiple interrelated systems (‘panarchy’), facilitating and development of instruments to build community
resilience, and to longitudinal monitor community resilience and its effects. Within this field of research we focus on
the well-being of people living within delta areas. Resilience is considered as a process focused on:
 Preventing exposures to happen in the first place;
 Reducing the vulnerability to exposures leading to less severe damages;
 Increasing the adaptability to recover.
This results in following outline: Exposure
𝑣𝑢𝑙𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦
→ Damage
𝑎𝑑𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦
→ Recovery
These three activities improve the resilience of communities to bounce back after an exposure (disturbance) and to
recover by adapting to new circumstances. Today, communities are affected by a diversity of disturbances, related
to for example climate change, demographic developments, the economy and governmental reorganizations. Since
there are no single actions that have a direct effect on the vulnerability and adaptability of communities, we have to
find levers that set the conditions to enhance the resilience of communities in delta areas. In the resilience
programme the 4+1 levers are identified as key activities for the resilience of delta communities: Social Capital; Land
Use; Vital Infrastructure; Economic Drivers; and Governance.
Current research themes include:
- Depth studies about the levers of resilience and their interrelations
- Development of a comprehensive resilience model and accompanying strategy for communities in the SW Delta
- Organization of co-creation of safety between professionals and local communities
- Monitoring resilience in communities
- Area development in ‘Waterpoort’ in relation to resilience
Please note:
From all students working on projects of the research group water safety and area development we expect good
analytical skills, an independent attitude and an outstanding research mentality!
Application + motivation for the projects need to be handed in preferably before July 14st
2014.

The research group can accommodate up to 10 students, so a quick and deliberate application is recommended.
Please send your application and motivation letters to Jean-Marie Buijs: jm.buijs@hz.nl
ASSIGNMENTS LEVERS OF RESILIENCE
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE AND VITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Vital infrastructure, also referred to as critical infrastructure, are assets essential for the maintenance of vital societal
functions, health, safety, security, economic or social well‐being of people, and the disruption or destruction of
which would have a significant impact in a community as a result of the failure to maintain those functions. Critical
infrastructure are the businesses and parts of the government, which deliver products and services that are essential
to the daily lives of most people in the Netherlands. The critical infrastructure is divided into 12 key sectors with a
total of 31 essential products and services.
In this assignment the student is asked to autonomously conduct research for a clear understanding of the
relation between community resilience and vital infrastructure. Subsequently, the student is assigned to map the
structure and networks of vital infrastructure for a local community in the South-western Delta. The student will give
recommendations to improve the vital infrastructure for this specific community, based on the insights from
resilience. Finally the student provides feedback to the research group about the relations between vital
infrastructure and community resilience, the interrelations with other levers, and indicators to monitor community
resilience.
Assignments: max. 2 assignments for bachelor research minor / internship
Student: Delta Management, Civil Engineering, De Ruyter Academy and students from abroad
Research type: literature and desk research, case study, field research (interviews, observations)
Prerequisite: good analytical skills; specific interest in social sciences, vital infrastructure, crises management
Customer: Research group Watersafety and Area Development,
Contact: Dick Fundter
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE AND HEALTH-CARE
Community resilience entails the ongoing and developing capacity of the community to account for its vulnerabilities
and develop capabilities that aid that community in preventing withstanding and mitigating the stress of a incident,
recovering in a way that restores the community to a state of self-sufficiency and at least the same level of health
and social functioning after an incident and using knowledge from a past response to strengthen the community’s
ability to withstand the next incident. This definition by Rand Corporation (USA) emphasizes the importance of
health and social functioning in relation to community resilience.
relation between community resilience and health-care. Subsequently, the student is assigned to map the health-
care structure and networks of a local community in the South-western Delta. The student will give
recommendations to improve these for this specific community, based on the insights from resilience. Finally the
student provides feedback to the research group about the relations between health-care and community resilience,
the interrelations with other levers, and indicators to monitor community resilience.
Student: Social work, Health care Delta Management and students from abroad

Research level: bachelor minor/ internship
Prerequisite: good analytical skills; specific interest in social sciences, health-care
Customer: Research group Watersafety and Area Development
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE AND ECONOMIC DRIVERS
Economic resilience refers to the inherent and adaptive responses to hazards that enable individuals and
communities to avoid some potential losses. It can take place at the level of the firm, household, market or
macroeconomy. In contrast to the pre event character of mitigation, economic resilience emphasizes ingenuity and
resourcefulness applied during and after an event. It focusses on the fact that individuals and organizations do not
simply react passively or in a business as usual manner in the face of a disaster. According to OECD economic
resilience may be loosely defined as the ability to maintain output close to potential in the aftermath of shocks.
Hence, it comprises at least two dimensions; the extent to which shocks are dampened and the speed with which
economies revert to normal following a shock. From a community resilience perspective, a certain degree of
economic diversification, continue renewing of local economy and fit with the local/regional community are deemed
important.
relation between community resilience and economic drivers. Subsequently, the student is assigned to map the
structure and networks of economic drivers for a local community in the South-western Delta. The student will give
recommendations to improve the economic drivers for this specific community, based on the insights from
resilience. Finally the student provides feedback to the research group about the relations between economic drivers
and community resilience, the interrelations with other levers, and indicators to monitor community resilience.
Student: Delta Management, Economy, International Business and Languages and students from abroad
Prerequisite: good analytical skills; specific interest in social sciences, economics and/or land use planning
COMMUNITY RESILIENCE AND SOCIAL NETWORKS IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Social capital refers to those stocks of social trust, norms and networks that people can draw upon to solve
common problems. Networks of civic engagement, such as neighborhood associations, sports clubs, and
cooperatives, are an essential form of social capital and the denser these networks the more likely that members
of a community will cooperate for mutual benefit. This is even so in the face of persistent problems of collective
action. A recent study of prof Aldrich shows that social capital is the cornerstone of the adaptive capacity of a
community.
relation between community resilience and social networks. Subsequently, the student is assigned to map the social
structure and networks of a local community in the South-western Delta. The student will give recommendations to
improve social networks for this specific community, based on the insights from resilience. Finally the student
provides feedback to the research group about the relations between social capital and community resilience, the
interrelations with other levers, and indicators to monitor community resilience.

Student: Social work, Delta Management and students from abroad
Prerequisite: good analytical skills; specific interest in social sciences, social capital
ASSIGNMENT PROFESSIONALS AND SELF-RELIANT CITIZENS (COE PROJECT 2014-2015)
The CoE project ‘Professionals and self-reliant citizens’ is aimed at development of practical knowledge about co-
creating safety and to apply this within communities in the south-western delta. This is established by learning safety
professionals to deal with self-reliance, by improving alignment between professionals, citizens and other societal
actors, and by sustainable consolidation of applied knowledge and capabilities. In this study flood risks are used as
a main scenario for disturbances in relation to community resilience.
For this project, it is essential to have insight in the basic perception and action strategies of citizens,
businesses, professionals and governments in relation to flood risks. The research assignment for 2 students is about
this part of the project. The students are asked to conduct a baseline measurement about self-reliance of 4
communities within the municipality of Veere. The students will start with a critical review of questionnaires to
measure risk perception (awareness) and self-reliance of local communities. Subsequently, the students will deliver
a final questionnaire and are responsible for the implementation in the local communities (in cooperation with other
students). Via basic statistics they perform an analysis about the baseline of risk perception and self-reliance. The
outcomes of this measurement will be presented to the research group and Veiligheidsregio Zeeland (regional crisis
management organization). Furthermore, the study will be embedded in a longitudinal monitor about self-reliance
and co-creating safety in the Resilient Deltas programme.
Assignments: 2 students for bachelor research minor / internship
Students: Students of Delta Management, Water Management, Social Sciences, Economy
Research type: questionnaire, statistical analysis, field research
Prerequisite: good analytical skills; basic understanding of statistics and ability to apply; specific interest in social
sciences and water safety; Dutch language; coordination of activities
Customer: Research group Watersafety and Area Development, Veiligheidsregio Zeeland
ASSIGNMENTS WATERPOORT
EXTENDED ATLAS OF WATERPOORT
The HZ Delta Academy participates together with 3 provinces, 9 municipalities, 2 research institutes and several
other organizations in the Waterpoort programme. Waterpoort is an area development process initiated by the
province of Brabant to create new opportunities in the mainly rural area around the Volkerak-Zoom. 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.
In this project you will continue on previous research. Last semester we created an overview of the different user
groups in Waterpoort and their relation with the water as well as an overview of the main historical drivers

resulting in transitions in the Waterpoort region. In this follow-up project you will combine both the results of the
user inventory and the historical analysis. You will draw a vision and perspective for the region driven by the
debate between a fresh water or salt lake Volkerak-Zoom. Resulting into ‘appealing’ transition strategy for the
region for the coming decades.
Assignments: 1 student for bachelor research minor / internship
Students: Students of Delta Management, Water Management, Land-use planning
Research type: desk research, field research, research-by-design
Prerequisite: good analytical skills; communicative; creative, out-of-the-box thinking
Interests: Water management, area development, governance
Customer: Waterpoort
Contact: Research group Water safety and Area Development (Jonas Papenborg)
(ECONOMIC) CONSEQUENCES FOR THE WATERPOORT AREA, BY THE SALINIZATION AND THE RETURN OF
TIDES AT LAKE VOLKERAK-ZOOM
After the construction of the ‘Deltaworks’ lake Volkerak-Zoom turned into a fresh water lake. This had major
consequences for the ecological well-being of the lake since the area is characterized by extensive blooms of toxic
algae. To fight the ecological problems in lake Volkerak-Zoom strategies are developed to turn the lake back into a
salt state as well to bring back tides. However such an intervention requires major adjustments along the borders
of the lake, as, for instance, the closure of (recreational) sluices, modification of the agricultural water system and
adaptations to ensure the migration of fish species.
In this project you will investigate the (economical) consequences of an salt lake Volkerak-Zoom and the return of
tides for the surrounding areas. By the selection of a case study, defined during the research, you will investigate
the possibility of a local entrepreneur or institution to mitigate the consequences of adjustments. The results of
the study will be integrated in the ‘Extended Atlas of Waterpoort’.
Assignments: 1-2 student(s) for bachelor research minor / internship
Students: Students of Delta Management, Water Management, Land-use planning
Interests: Water management, area development, economy, ecology, agriculture
ECOLOGICAL APPROACH FOR THE TOXIC ALGAE PROBLEM IN LAKE VOLKERAK-ZOOM WITH A (CONTINUED)
FRESH WATER SITUATION
After the construction of the ‘Deltaworks’ lake Volkerak-Zoom turned into a fresh water lake. This had major
consequences for the ecological well-being of the lake since the area is characterized by extensive blooms of toxic
algae. To fight the ecological problems in lake Volkerak-Zoom strategies are developed to turn the lake back into a
salt state as well to bring back tides. As long the national government several times postponed its decision on the
salinization of lake Volkerak-Zoom the demand for an ‘fresh’ approach for the ecological problems is growing.
Examples of such a ‘fresh’ approach are the usage of helophytes or the usages of Zebra mussels to purify the
water.
Based on literature study, field research (measurements) and interviews with the local community, you will study

the possibility for a ‘fresh’ approach to solve the problems with toxic Algae in lake Volkerak-Zoom. Through case
studies and experiments you will validate the methods as found during the exploratory phase. The results of the
study will be integrated in the ‘Extended Atlas of Waterpoort’.
Students: Students of Water Management, Ecological sciences
Research type: desk research, field research, pilot experiments, research-by-design
Interests: Ecology, water management, area development
EXPERIENCE OF THE INUNDATION AREAS OF THE SOUTH-WESTERN WATER LINE
The area Waterpoort has an rich history of fortifications, fortified cities and defense lines. These fortifications are
inspiring places for new initiatives. And although each fortification is interesting on its own, the development of
the whole fortification system offers new opportunities for the whole area. Therefore the project partners of
Waterpoort try to enhance the visibility and experience of the defense line.
In this project you will investigate the possibilities to enhance the experience of the former defense line. Base on
literature study on comparable projects (Dutch Water Line, Fortification of Amsterdam, The States-Spanish Lines)
you will make a strategy to enhance the visibility of the South-Western water line with a special focus on the role
of the water and the integration with other forms of land use. The results of the study will be integrated in the
‘Extended Atlas of Waterpoort’.
Students: Students of Delta Management, Water Management, Land-use planning, Tourism & Leisure
Interests: Tourism, cultural history, area development, landscape architecture
MULTIFUNCTIONAL DIKE USE AROUND LAKE VOLKERAK-ZOOM
If the closure of the storm surge barriers and extreme high river discharges coincide, the discharge locations lake
Hollandsch Diep and Haringvliet will saturate. During such event, the surplus of river water, will be stored at lake
Volkerak-Zoom. To ensure a safe storage of the water, the old sea dikes around lake Volkerak-Zoom need to be
reinforced. This may lead to negative effects for the adjacent villages but may generate opportunities for the
surroundings as well (recreational usage, ecological innovation and sustainability).
In this project you will evaluate the consequences and possibilities of the dike enforcements around lake Volkerak-
Zoom. This project involves both a regional exploration of the problem as well as a detailed ‘practical’ case study in
your specific field of study (Civil engineering, Ecology, Tourism). The results of the study will be integrated in the
‘Extended Atlas of Waterpoort’.
Students: Students of Delta Management, Water Management, Land-use planning, civil engineering

Research type: Desk research, field research, research-by-design
Interests: Water management, area development, civil engineering, ecology, tourism

Research portfolio da arc 2014-2015 s1

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