Annual report Chair on Drinking Water Engineering 2008 - TU Delft

<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>report</strong> <strong>Chair</strong> on Drinking Water Engineering 

2008 

Faculty of Civil Engineering 

Department of Watermanagement 

Section Sanitary Engineering 

<strong>Chair</strong> Drinking Water Engineering

This <strong>report</strong> is produced by the <strong>Chair</strong> Drinking Water Engineering 

For actual information about eduction and research of the <strong>Chair</strong> Drinking Water Engineering visit our 

webpage: www.drinkwater.tudelft.nl 

or contact the secretary of the section Sanitary Engineering Mrs Mieke Hubert 

telephone: +31 15 2784732 

fascilime: +31 15 2784918 

email: m.a.j.hubert@tudelft.nl

Introduction 2 

Highlights 4 

Research 7 

Research mission and objective 8 

Research themes 10 

Overview PhD dissertations since 1991 15 

Academic staff 17 

Research collaboration 18 

Research exchange 24 

Conferences and journals 26 

Awards 28 

Scientific output 30 

Drinking Water Engineering and Science 40 

Research projects 42 

Education 116 

General 118 

Open Course Ware 120 

MSc theses 122 

Overview MSc theses since 1991 126 

BSc theses 129 

Mid-careers 133 

Internships 134 

Secundary schools 136 

Other activities 138 

Drinking Water Engineering in the media 140 

table of contents 

1

Introduction 

Since three years we publish an annual <strong>report</strong> of the <strong>Chair</strong> on Drinking Water Engineering. The previous versions 

can be found on our web site. We have received many positive comments from the Dutch drinking water 

sector and also from academics around the world. Like last year we have used the “Vakantiecursus” as a 

deadline for our annual <strong>report</strong>, so we can hand it over to all participants. 

The annual <strong>report</strong> describes the progress in education and research of the chair on Drinking Water Engineering 

of Delft University of Technology. Our objectives are (1) to achieve practical breakthroughs in the drinking water 

research by a coordinated research approach in close cooperation with the Dutch drinking water sector and 

the international scientific community and (2) to educate students in drinking water science and technology. 

We have always maintained a strong focus on the following research niches: 

1. Emerging technologies (MF/UV/H O /IEX) and emerging threats (pharmaceuticals, EDCs , Legionella) 

2 2 

2. Modeling, sensoring and automation (Stimela, virtual drinking water plant) 

3. Integrated solutions for the water cycle (crossing the boundaries of disciplines) 

In the past years we managed to expand our scope with 2 new niches: 

4. Technologies for an optimal design and operation of distribution networks (limit particle load, self cleaning 

networks) 

5. Technologies for the 3rd world (Arsenic removal Bangladesh) and arid areas (drinking with the wind, drinking 

with the sun) 

In 2008 our research group welcomed again several new PhD students. Their research projects together with 

all other research projects and even some PhD projects of waste water treatment and sewerage can be found 

in the individual research paragraph of this annual <strong>report</strong>. Presently, more than 20 PhD students are working 

on drinking water related research projects. Several of the PhD researchers and supervisors have also an 

appointment at a water company, research institute or engineering consultant. In this way we maintain good 

contact with the drinking water industry. It also results in a dynamic, young and enthusiastic group. 

In 2008 Patrick Smeets and Arne Verliefde completed and successfully defended their PhD thesis. The high 

level of our research is reflected by the fact that Arne was awarded the PhD degree cum laude (with honours) 

which is the highest distinction within TU Delft. Moreover our research output in terms of peer-reviewed papers 

increased again significantly and now exceeds our peer groups. Furthermore, the research group is developing 

all kind of new initiatives like the bi-annual workshops on “High Quality Drinking Water”, the new on line 

journal “Drinking Water Engineering and Science” and the Delft Academic Press publisher. 

In 2008 we saw a further strengthening of the collaboration with UNESCO-IHE into a common Delft drinking 

water group. Every month research colloquia are organised. MSc and PhD researchers from both organisations 

update each other on their progress by giving presentations and participating in discussions. These colloquia 

are open to the public and announced on our web site. Also in the educational field the relation with 

UNESCO-IHE has become stronger. 

2 <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>report</strong> DWE 2008

The inflow of students in our MSc is still not as high as desired. The sector needs more stu- 

dents than we deliver at the moment. Therefore we are actively involved in several actions to 

increase the number of drinking water engineers. Examples are (1) the development of our 

part-time MSc for water professionals, which has already attracted some 10 students from the 

water industry (2) the transformation of the Faculty of Civil Engineering into the Faculty of Civil 

and Environmental Engineering in order to attract more environmental focused students, (3) 

the development of a NLT module “drinking water” for students in secondary school to attract 

students already at a young age, (4) the development of an international masters on Drinking 

Water Engineering and an exchange program with Australia. Another initiative is the Open 

Course Ware (OCW / OpenER) pilot project of Delft University of Technology in which we participate. 

In this pilot project all our lecturing material has been made available freely on the 

internet. All lecture notes, presentations but also video recordings of the lectures are available 

on our web site, www.drinkwater.tudelft.nl. Just click on the “OCW drinking water” button on 

the right side of the screen. 

Our web site plays a very important role in our communication with the water sector. All MSc 

theses and PhD dissertations, as well as some oldies like the Huisman filtration and sedimentation 

lecture notes, are available on our web site. And of course the descriptions of all research 

projects and our bimonthly newsletter can be found on this web site. So check the web site 

frequently if you want to stay up to date on drinking water research and education. 

I hope you will enjoy reading this annual <strong>report</strong> of our young, 

enthusiastic and bustling drinking water research group. 

Professor Hans van Dijk 

<strong>Chair</strong> on Drinking Water Engineering 

Head of Sanitary Engineering Section 

<strong>Chair</strong>man of Department of Watermanagement 

introduction 

3

Highlights in 2008 

More than 400 people participated in the annual “Vakantiecursus” in the second week of January. The theme 

of the “Vakantiecursus” was “Water and Sanitation for All”. Several well known national and international water 

researchers gave presentations about water related topics on this day. 

Patrick Smeets defended his PhD thesis “Stochastic modeling of drinking water treatment in quantitative 

microbial risk assessment ” successfully in the spring of 2008. Arne Verliefde defended his thesis “Rejection 

of organic micropollutants with high pressure membranes (NF/RO) ” at the end of 2008. 

Several international researchers visited our research group to work on collaborative research projects. Zhiping 

Li (China), Rusnandi Garsadi (Indonesia), Megan McConville (USA) and Donglei Zou (China) worked during 

some time together with some of our researchers. Arne Verliefde is currently doing a secondment at the membrane 

research group at University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. 

In 2008 six new PhD projects were initiated. Our research group welcomed Javier Sanchez, David de Ridder, 

Zahira Herrera Rivera, Lamber Paping, Marco Casola and Gang Liu as new PhD students (see also section 

“Individual Research Projects”). 

Karin Teunissen received a Casimir grant from NWO (Dutch Scientific Research Council) for her PhD project. 

This grant is aimed to stimulate knowledge exchange between universities and companies. In 2008 three 

Innowator grants were awarded: FilterXpert for developing a tool to measure how clean a sand filter bed is, 

DIPOOL for developing the concept of a chlorine free swimming pool and DemiFlush to back wash UF membranes 

with RO permeate. 

In 2008 strategic collaborations were signed with the water companies Waternet and Oasen. With Waternet 

innovations in the water cycle will be investigated. The focus on the research with Oasen is on improvements 

in water quality during distribution of drinking water to the consumers. Further collaborations with other water 

companies are being discussed. 

PhD defense dr. ir. P.W.M.H. Smeets PhD defense dr. ir. A.R.D. Verliefde 


A grant from the European Union and the Australian government with a value of over 500,000 

euro was awarded to train the next generation of specialists in the field of sustainable water 

resources. Five Australian universities (all founding partners of the International Centre of 

Excellence in Water Resources Management – ICE WaRM) and three European leading water 

universities (Delft, Dresden and Dundee) will exchange 90 post graduate students in the coming 

three years. 

To attract more pupils to study engineering and more specifically drinking water engineering a 

NLT module for secondary schools (5 VWO) has been developed. In this module the necessity 

of clean drinking water is discussed, followed by the different drinking water processes. To 

finish the module students have to do simple drinking water experiments in which they apply 

simple theory from physics, mathematics and chemistry. 

The project Drinking with the Wind attracted a huge amount of media attention. This concept 

of desalinating sea water with reverse osmosis membranes directly powered by wind energy 

has been tested successfully at Curacao, Dutch Antilles. 

The amount of scientific publications increased again in 2008. Besides more publications a 

shift towards journals with a higher impact factor can be observed. 

In 2008 Delft University of Technology and UNESCO-IHE have started a new journal on drinking 

water research. This journal is an open-access journal, meaning that all issues are freely 

available for the public. The title of the journal is “Drinking Water Engineering and Science” 

and the aim is on papers discussing applied drinking water research. Four papers have been 

accepted for publication in 2008 and eight were in the review processes at the end of 2008. 

Our researchers gave presentations in many conferences all over the world. For example at 

the IWA biannual conference in Vienna, WQTC in Cincinnati, the IWA NOM conference in Bath, 

the Water and Sanitation conference in Edinburgh, the IWA Membrane conference in Toulouse, 

WISA in South Africa and many more conferences our researchers presented their research. 

A full lecture hall during the Vakantiecursus” Networking during the coffee break 

highlights 

5


c. 

a. 

d. 

b. 

a. Field work in Bangladesh 

b. Flow field around a UV lamp 

c. Pilot plant nitrification 

d. Volume flow meters 

research 

7

Mission statement chair on Drinking Water Engineering 

The Dutch water sector is characterised by a well developed and large scale infrastructure and organisation. 

The primary goal of the sector is to provide high quality drinking water at acceptable costs and with minimal 

impact on the environment. Future developments that will challenge this goal include water pollution and 

increased expectations from clients and government. 

The focus of the <strong>Chair</strong> on Drinking Water Engineering is well attuned to the goals of the Dutch drinking water 

sector. As a result of this, the group focuses on the following research questions: 

• How should we deal with emerging threats to the water quality such as endocrine disrupting compounds 

(EDCs), pharmaceuticals and Legionella and how should we develop emerging technologies such as membrane 

filtration and UV/H O to this end? 

2 2 

• How can we improve water quality and reduce costs and environmental impact by modeling and improved 

operation of the infrastructure? 

• How will we take care that the water produced at a treatment plant will not deteriorate in the distribution 

system? 

• How do we safe guard the drinking water supply for all people. Not only at the moment, but also in the 

future? 

The mission of the research programme is to achieve practical breakthroughs in these niches by a coordinated 

approach in close cooperation with the Dutch water sector and the international scientific community. By working 

together within a well-developed network with the stake holders from science and industry, we aim to cover 

the complete innovation cycle, from the initial brain wave, through research planning, funding and execution, 

to implementation in practice and sometimes also valorisation/commercialisation. 

Research approach 

We believe in challenging our PhD students. We ask them to present their work frequently at our monthly colloquia, 

meetings with project steering committees, at national workshops and at international congresses. They 

are also required to publish their results, both in Dutch and international journals. The research projects are 

defined and executed in cooperation with partners from the Dutch water sector. All projects are co funded by 

these partners, which ensures that the projects are well prepared and supported. Many experiments are carried 

out at water and waste water treatment plants and the results are applied directly in practice. This provides 

a highly stimulating environment for our PhD students. Some experiments are carried out in the Laboratory 

of Sanitary Engineering or in cooperation with the Laboratory of Fluid Mechanics or other laboratories of Delft 

University of Technology, such as ChemTech and Biotechnology. 

Our research philosophy includes obtaining a mixture of desk-top research, laboratory experiments, pilot-plant 

experiments and full-scale experiments. Computer modeling is very important as it enables us to understand 

the complex reality and limit the number of experiments to achieve an optimal result. We use laboratory experiments 

to test our initial hypothesis on synthetic water. We also need pilot-plant experiments at treatment plant 

as well because of the specific water quality aspects that cannot easily be simulated in the lab. Moreover, we 

carry out full-scale investigations at treatment plants and pipe networks in order to study the effect of large 

scale hydraulic (mal-) distribution. Our work can also be characterised as a mixture of water quality/process 

technology and hydraulics. 


Water treatment processes are based on physical-chemical-biological processes, but hydraulic 

aspects such as turbulence, mixing and uneven flow patterns determine the feasibility in large 

scale plants. It is our experience that these mixtures of scales and sciences provide a total 

view on the issue that stimulates new ideas and approaches. 

The professors have a down-to-earth approach and practice ‘management by participation’. 

They stimulate discussions between PhD students, staff members and experts from science 

and industry. Moreover, they frequently participate in national and international meetings on 

the research agenda for the water sector, such as the Global Water Research Coalition, providing 

additional stimuli to the research. The processes of improvement and innovation function 

primarily through the interaction with the experts from science and industry. Frequent external 

visitors are invited to participate in meetings and colloquia. 

Our research is carried out in an international framework of the IWA and in co-operation with 

foreign universities (Aachen, Müllheim, Duisburg, Karlsruhe, Leuven, Sheffield, New South 

Wales, Johannesburg, Boulder, Waterloo, Trondheim, Dresden, Poitiers and Zürich). 

Next to papers and <strong>report</strong>s, our research is communicated through a newsletter. In addition, 

many ideas are disseminated at our annual ‘Vakantiecursus’ which is acknowledged as the 

leading Dutch conference on sanitary engineering. Finally, we have published a state-of-theart 

handbook on the Dutch drinking water know-how. 

Ambition 

The programme was started ten years ago and has been developed gradually and in close 

contact with the leading organisations in the Dutch water sector. The research programme is 

closely attuned to the research visions and needs of the Dutch drinking water sector. 

We aim at achieving a balanced combination of societal and industrial pull and scientific 

push. We believe that this is in the best interest of both science and industry. 

The university benefits not only from the scientific and professional publications 

and PhD dissertations, but also from patents, from concrete applications in practice, 

from the use of results in teaching and from the increased recognition in the industry. 

Our research is carried out in an international framework of the IWA and in co-operation with 

foreign universities. We aim to translate international research results to the Dutch water situation 

and to contribute to the international research. 

In the research themes, at the time of writing of this annual <strong>report</strong> 19 students carry out their 

PhD research in drinking water engineering. It is the ambition to broaden the scope in the coming 

five years. This means in practice: 

• Permanently 20 PhD students on Drinking Water Engineering 

• Highly fundamental research in processes in drinking water treatment and distribution 

• Innovations and breakthroughs in technology 

• International recognised Centre of Excellence in drinking water treatment and distribution 

• International network in research and education 

• International Masters programme on Environmental or Water Engineering 

• Publish all our lecture material on the world wide web by Open Course Ware 

research 

research Mission and objective 

9

Introduction research themes 

The Dutch water companies maintain high technical standards as a result of which safe drinking water is supplied 

at all times and at an acceptable price. Their so-called ‘Dutch secret’ includes the concept of producing 

and distributing drinking water of a high quality. No chemical disinfectant is used during drinking water 

production, which is possible because the multiple barrier treatment systems produce water that is biologically 

stable. Moreover, the drinking water is soft, has a pleasant taste and colour and pipeline leakages 

are virtually zero. As a result of this, the confidence and government in drinking water quality is high. The 

Dutch drink water from the tap and they do not feel the need for using bottled water or point-of-use filters. 

However, this good drinking water quality is threatened by new emerging substances in the source waters, biological 

growth (for example Legionella) in the distribution system and in-house installations and water quality 

deterioration in the distribution system. These threats and solutions for these threats are covered in the research 

themes “emerging technologies” and “integrated solutions for the water cycle”. Furthermore water quality 

improvement is obtained in the theme “modeling, sensoring and automation”. This theme aims to optimise the 

treatment plant performance by an integrated modeling approach. In the research theme “optimal design and 

operation of distribution networks” the water quality in the distribution system is investigated. The research 

theme “sustainable drinking water solutions” focuses on improving the drinking water quality in developing 

countries. 

Research is executed in collaboration with different partners in the water sector and for most of the research 

projects external funding is mainly obtained from SenterNovem. Other partners, TTI Wetsus or the European 

Union. Special agreements for research collaboration are made with Waternet, water cycle company for Amsterdam 

and surrounding areas and Oasen water company. The focus of the research with Waternet is on innovation in 

the water cycle and one of the major topics is the occurrence, fate and removal of emerging substances in the 

water system and treatment. The research collaboration with Oasen is mainly focusing on improvements in water 

quality during distribution of drinking water to the consumers. 

Theme 1: Emerging technologies 

In recent years it has become clear that the pollution 

of water sources has become so widespread that 

traces of compounds such as endocrine disputers, 

polar pesticides and pharmaceuticals can even be 

found in Dutch drinking water. Only a few of these 

emerging substances are known and measured in 

our drinking water. To face these new substances 

application of advanced water treatment is required. 

Moreover, due to the scientific progress we have come 

to understand that also microbiological threats still cannot 

be ignored, the most relevant being Legionalla and 

Cryptosporidium. Fortunately, in recent years we have 

also seen major breakthroughs in new technologies 

such as membrane filtration and disinfection/oxidation 

10 <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>report</strong> DWE 2008 

Theme leaders: Bas Heijman & Jasper Verberk

with ozone/UV/H 2O 2. These technologies can be used both on the drinking water as well as on 

the waste water side and an integrated approach has to be developed. Our research in this theme 

deals with the further development of these technologies and in particular the determination of 

the practical feasibility including such aspects as efficiency, costs and operational aspects. In 

several PhD projects the effectiveness of different treatment technologies and treatment combinations 

in removing these emerging substances is investigated. Also a modeling approach will 

be developed to predict the removal of new emerging substances and to assess the plant performance 

toward pathogens and organic micro pollutants. 

Research projects: 

New treatment concepts for drinking water production Bas Heijman 

Safe drinking water from the river Meuse Bram van der Veer 

DIPOOL: advanced UV-based technology for pool water treatment Maarten Keuten 

Nitrification in unsaturated drinking water filters Weren de Vet 

Ultrafiltration fouling control: back washing with demineralised water Sheng Li 

Behaviour and removal Natural Organic Matter in treatment processes Anke Grefte 

Theme 2: Integrated solutions for the water cycle 

Theme leader: Luuk Rietveld 

Drinking water technology is part of the urban and global water cycle. After being consumed the 

waste water is transported, treated and discharged to water bodies that can, again, serve as a 

source for drinking water production. When the entire cycle is considered, synergetic advantages 

can be obtained and innovative solutions can be developed. The research in this field is new 

and stimulated by Waternet, the first water cycle company in the Netherlands. In 2008 special 

attention was given to the emerging substances, like endocrine disrupting compounds and pharmaceuticals, 

in the water cycle. These compounds enter the water cycle through human activity 

(e.g. domestic waste water, agriculture, hospitals and industry). Some of them are small and 

polar and are difficult to be removed. Research is carried out to characterize the compounds 

and predict their behaviour in treatment processes (adsorption, biodegradation, oxidation, 

retention) and their 

effect on aquatic flora 

and fauna. In this way 

it is not needed study 

every compound individually, 

but will it be 

possible to develop 

efficient treatment 

technologies that are 

needed to guarantee 

the water quality in 

water systems and 

drinking water. 

research 

research theMes 

11


Removal of trace organic pollutants by membrane filtration in water reuse applications Arne Verliefde 

AOP and artificial recharge and recovery: a synergistic hybrid for micro pollutants Karin Teunissen 

QSARs in drinking water treatment David de Ridder 

Degradation products in drinking water due to oxidative water treatment processes Zahira Herrera Rivera 

Microbial degradation of micro pollutants in drinking water Marco Casola 

Multiple water reuse: sustainable design without precipitation based on a new P-index Lamber Paping 

Theme 3: Modeling, sensoring and automation 

Theme leader: Luuk Rietveld 

Drinking water treatment plants consists of numerous treatment processes in series and in parallel. The operation 

of the present-day infrastructure is done by operators that mainly focus on providing the required flow at all times. 

It is obvious that it is possible to achieve better results at lower costs and with less impact on the environment by 

utilising available options such as buffer tanks, equal flow distribution over filters, flow control and process control. 

By using computer models it is now also possible to improve the water quality leaving the treatment plant while 

delivering the required flow. Focus of this theme is on an optimised process and flow control by mass balance 

based modeling and by more sophisticated computational fluid dynamics. Also stochastic data models are used 

to assess the efficiency of treatment processes. We aim to achieve the concept of a ‘virtual treatment plant’, that 

is a model of the plant that can function as a simulator to assist the operator in finding the optimal settings. 


Developing and modeling of oxidation processes for water treatment Alex van der Helm 

Modeling of biological activated carbon filtration René van der Aa 

Simulation of drinking water treatment plants Ignaz Worm 

Grey-box modeling and plant-wide integrated control of water purification processes Kim van Schagen 

CFD in drinking water treatment Bas Wols 

Microbial risk analysis framework Patrick Smeets 

Modeling and monitoring of drinking water treatment processes Petra Ross 

Integrated modeling of conventional drinking water treatment Javier Sanchez 


Theme 4: Optimal design and operation of distribution networks 

After water is treated to drinking water it is transported to the customers in large 

underground distribution systems. In the distribution systems the water quality 

deteriorates in time due to several complex interrelated processes. The objective 

of this research theme is to understand the water quality processes in the distribution 

network, to develop new (on-line) tools to assess the water quality in the 

distribution system and to propose innovations and guidelines to prevent future 

water quality deterioration. Focus will be on the effect of natural organic matter 

(NOM), the hydraulic behaviour of sediment in the distribution system, the chemical 

interaction between water and the piping material, the design of self cleaning 

networks and the prediction of . 

Theme leader: Jasper Verberk & Jan Vreeburg 


Water quality in distribution systems Jasper Verberk 

Particles in drinking water networks Jan Vreeburg 

Hardness and pH in drinking water Peter de Moel 

Stochastic demand patterns in hydraulic models Mirjam Blokker 

Water quality deterioration and control policy in drinking water distribution systems Gang Liu 

Theme 5: Sustainable drinking water solutions 

Theme leader: Bas Heijman 

Safe drinking water is at present not available for every human being on earth. The current knowledge on low-cost 

drinking water treatment is often insufficient to provide safe water in remote and underdeveloped areas. Either 

solutions do not fit within the targeted environment or a scientific approach is not at hand. Research to develop 

and improve treatment systems for the poor is the main objective of the work done within this new research theme. 

The (upcoming) projects in this theme aim at critically evaluating existing treatment options and the development 

of new innovative technologies. The current research focuses on low-cost ceramic filtration, subsurface arsenic 

removal, and utilization of renewable energy. 

Research project: 

Subsurface arsenic removal from groundwater Doris van Halem 

research 

13

Unesco-IHE affiliated drinking water PhD projects 


Theme leader: Gary Amy 

Development of an environmental impact assessment and decision support system 

for seawater desalination plants Sabine Latteman 

Micro pollutant removal by river bank filtration 

Rejection of pharmaceutically active and endocrine disrupting compounds by low and high 

Andrew Maeng 

pressure membranes: interactions between solute and fouled membranes Victor Yangali Quintanilla 

Decision support system for managing underground water related assets Yi Zhou 

PhD projects waste water treatment 

Theme leader: Jaap van der Graaf & Jules van Lier 

Comparison of operational processes of three full scale MBRs Pawel Krzeminski 

Optimization of membrane bio reactors Maria Lousada-Feireira 

DFCM on tour: activated sludge filterability assessment of European large-scale 

MBR plants through activated sludge quality Adrian Moreau 

PhD projects sewerage 

Theme leader: Francois Clemens 

Sewer systems are underground structures that transport a small and slightly varying amount of wastewater 

and a large, strongly varying amount of rainwater. This poses several challenges to the design, operation and 

control of these systems. The research activities of the <strong>Chair</strong> sewerage focus on: interactions between the 

sewer system and the treatment plant processes, capacity reducing gas pockets in wastewater mains, efficient 

monitoring for control and maintenance of sewers, probabilistic design methods for sewer systems. 

CAPWAT II: Capacity reducing gas pockets in downward slopes of wastewater mains Ivo Pothof 

Dynamic monitoring of in-sewer processes Remy Schilperoort 

Urban flood risk quantification Marie-Claire ten Veldhuis

PhD dissertations completed at Drinking Water Engineering 

Researcher Title Dissertation 

Arne Verliefde Rejection of organic micro pollutants with high pres- 

sure membranes (NF/RO) 

Patrick Smeets Stochastic modeling of drinking water treatment in 

quantitative microbial risk assessment 

Alex van der Helm Integrated modeling of ozonation for optimization of 

drinking water treatment 

Jan Vreeburg Discolouration in drinking water systems: a particu- 

lar approach 



2007 

2007 

Jasper Verberk Application of air in membrane filtration 2005 

Luuk Rietveld Improving operation of drinking water treatment plants 

through modeling 

Walter van der Meer Mathematical modeling of NF and RO filtration plants 

and modules 

2005 

2003 

All dissertations can be downloaded from www.drinkwater.tudelft.nl (=> research, => PhD 

research completed) 

research 

overview Phd dissertations since 1991 

15

Group photo of staff members and PhD researchers at yearly Xmas dinner 

Traditional Easter brunch 


Professors and lecturers 

The research is performed by our PhD students. Detailed descriptions of all PhD projects are 

given in the section “Individual research projects” of this <strong>report</strong>. All PhD students are supervised 

on the long term by the professors and on a daily basis by associate/assistant professors 

and lecturers. 

prof.ir. j.c. van dijk 

dr. ir. l.c. rietveld 

dr. ir. j.h.g. vreeburg 

ir. P.j. de Moel 

dr.ir. a.r.d. verliefde 

Professor drinking water engineering 

Head section sanitary engineering 

Head department watermanagement 

Room 4.51 

J.C.vanDijk@TUDelft.nl 

+31 15 27 85 227 

Associate professor 

Room 4.69 

L.C.Rietveld@TUDelft.nl 

+31 15 27 84 732 

Research topics: 

- modeling, sensoring and automation 

- integrated solutions for the water cycle 

- emerging technologies 

Assistant professor 

Room 4.65 

J.H.G.Vreeburg@TUDelft.nl 

+31 15 27 87 894 


- design & operation of distribution systems 

Researcher 

Room 4.54 

P.J.deMoel@TUDelft.nl 

+31 15 27 83 347 



Post-doc 

Room 4.55 

A.R.D.Verliefde@tudelft.nl 

+31 15 278 33 47 




prof.dr. g.l. amy 

dr. ir. j.Q.j.c. verberk 

dr. ir. s.g.j. heijman 

dr. ir. a.w.c. van der 

helm 

Professor of Urban Water Supply and 

Sanitation 

G.Amy@unesco-ihe.org 

+31 15 21 51 781 

Assistant professor 

Room 4.48 

J.Q.J.C.Verberk@TUDelft.nl 

+31 15 27 85 838 




- sustainable drinking water solutions 

Lecturer 

Room 4.51 

S.G.J.Heijman@TUDelft.nl 

+31 15 27 83 347 



- sustainable drinking water solutions 

Researcher 

Room 4.69 

A.W.C.vanderHelm@TUDelft.nl 

+31 6 15 09 33 13 


- modeling, sensoring and automation 



research 

acadeMic staff 

17

Research collaboration 

Our researchers collaborate in many national and international research projects. All projects are defined in close 

cooperation with water companies and boards, ensuring short lines to the field practice. The research is per- 

formed by PhD students in close supervision by our staff members and experts from science and industry. 

The research can be characterised as innovative but public accessible. All results are applicable to the public 

water sector and are published in scientific journals and presented on international conferences. Furthermore 

the research is fundamental but at the same time applied. 

Our researchers collaborate with more than 40 companies, research groups, governmental institutions and 

consultants. Our research is multi disciplinary and our researchers act like a spider in the water web. 

The following collaborations have been established in the different projects: 

Research groups and research institutions 

Our researchers are actively participating in multi disciplinary national collaborative research programmes like 

Delft Cluster and Water Research Centre Delft. Furthermore we participate in different projects in the 6th framework 

research programme of the European Union, e.g.: TECHNEAU and Microrisk. In other projects there is a 

close collaboration with the leading water research organisations like TZW, IWW and CRC WQ&T. 

Collaboration with: Delft Cluster, Water Research Centre Delft, Kiwa Water Research, Delft Hydraulics, TTI 

Wetsus, Cooperative Research Centre of Water Quality and Treatment (Australia), Global Water Research 

Coalition, Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control (Sweden), School of Civil and Environmental 

Engineering (Australia), Anjou Recherche (France), Water Research Centre-NSF (United Kingdom), Institute 

of hygiene and public health (Germany), Suez Environment (France), DVGW Technologiezentrum Wasser 

(Germany), IWW (Germany) 

Universities 

We work together with different research groups within the Delft University of Technology and with research 

groups of other universities. For example, within the faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences the fundamental 

knowledge of the department of Fluid Mechanics and the applied knowledge on water treatment 

processes is combined in the PhD project on CFD in drinking water treatment. Furthermore these is a close 

collaboration with professor Olsthoorn of Geohydrology and professor Bruining form Geosiences 

Within the Delft University of Technology there are combined PhD projects with the faculty of ITS, group of 

professor Babushka and the faculty of TNW, group of professor van Loosdrecht. 

On national level there is a very intensive collaboration with the Department of Municipal Infrastructure of 

UNESCO-IHE, group professor Amy. On a monthly basis researchers from UNESCO-IHE and TU Delft organise 

research colloquia to inform each other of the ongoing project and to have discussions with each other. Also with 

the Catholic University of Leuven, group of professor van der Bruggen, an intensive collaboration exists. 

Collaboration with: Wageningen University, Unesco-IHE, Catholic University Leuven (Belgium), RWTH Aachen 

(Germany), INSA Toulouse (France), University of Johannesburg (South Africa), University of Wollongong 

(Australia), University of Barcelona (Spain), University of East Anglia (United Kingdom) 


Commercial companies 

Collaboration with commercial companies focuses on the development of innovative products. 

The results of this research will be protected by patents and will be commercialised by the commercial 

companies. Some recent patents and products developed in the research projects of our 

group are: Optiflux, DOPFR, OPIR, Stimela. Collaboration with engineering consultants results 

in direct application of the outcomes of the research in engineering and design projects. 

Collaboration with: Norit, ABB, DHV, Hellebrekers, Hatenboer, UReason, AKZO NOBEL 

Drinking water companies 

Most of our practical applied research projects are performed at actual water treatment plants 

and pipe networks in the Netherlands. In these plants for example the effects of the natural 

variation of water quality on treatment effectiveness is investigated. In the pipe networks the 

dynamic behaviour of sediment in sewerage systems is monitored. 

Collaboration with: Waternet, Vitens, Evides, DZH, PWN, Oasen, Brabant Water, VEWIN 

Governmental institutions 

Several projects are funded by governmental organisations. In order to obtain funding for these 

projects we have to apply for grants. The grant proposals are reviewed by international experts 

and only the best proposals have been selected for funding. Examples of granted projects are: 

Microrisk, PROMICIT, BAKF, IS-NOM and several Innovator projects. Moreover, we will participate 

actively in TTI Wetsus. 

Collaboration with: RIVM, VROM, European Union (6th framework), Techneau, Aqua for All, NWO, 

SenterNovem 

Partners TUDelft 

research 

research collaboration 

19

Waternet and TU Delft investigate innovation in water cycle 

On May 27 2008 ir. Roelof Kruize, CEO of Waternet, and prof.ir. Louis de Quelerij, dean of the faculty of Civil 

Engineering and Geosciences of TU Delft signed a strategic collaboration contract. The collaboration focuses 

on research in innovation in the water cycle, particularly on the sectors drinking water, waste water and water 

systems. 

Waternet is the first water cycle company in the Netherlands. Waternet takes care of the entire water cycle: 

from drinking water, sewerage and treatment of waste water to discharge of waste water effluent into surface 

water. Furthermore, maintenance of ditches, lakes and ponds, advice during high ground water levels and dike 

supervision are part of the tasks of Waternet. Waternet has been assigned to perform these tasks by waterboard 

Amstel, Gooi en Vecht and the city of Amsterdam. 

From left to right Jan Peter van der Hoek, Hans van Dijk, Roelof Kruize, Louis de Quelerij, 

Ton Rosenhart 

With Waternet’s ambition to shape the innovation in the water cycle and the expertise of TU Delft in the sectors 

of the water cycle, this collaboration is a logical next step. The duration of the collaboration is, in first 

instance, four years. The collaboration will consist of MSc work of TU Delft students at Waternet, PhD research 

of employees of TU Delft and Waternet, post doc research by employees of TU Delft at Waternet, employees 

of Waternet doing their MSc (in part time) at TU Delft and the use of the pilot installation at Leiduin as a “water 

cycle laboratory”. 


Collaboration Oasen Water company and TU Delft 

In the coming years Oasen water company and TU Delft will collaborate in research on drinking water engineering. 

Ir. Alexander Vos de Wael, CEO of Oasen water company, and Prof.ir. Hans van Dijk, professor in 

Drinking Water Engineering at TU Delft, signed a collaboration agreement on June 30, 2008. 

Oasen Water company produces drinking water for 750,000 customers and 7,200 companies in the eastern 

part of the province of South-Holland. The supply area has an surface area of 1,115 km2 . The head office of 

Oasen water company is located in Gouda. 

Signing of the strategic collaboration agreement by Hans van Dijk and Alexander Vos de Wael 

Oasen water company and TU Delft are already working together, on drinking water research for some years. 

With this strategic collaboration both organisations aim to start a more structured research relationship. The 

collaboration has advantages for both organisations. Oasen water company will have more access to knowledge 

and research at the university. TU Delft will have the possibility to execute applied research on pilot locations 

close to Delft. 

Both organisations intend to do innovative research on different aspects of the drinking water process. The 

research will be carried out by employees of Oasen water company, PhD students and post docs from TU 

Delft. 

research 

21

Research collaboration CWTRI - TU Delft 

In 2007 a collaboration was started between the University of the Netherlands Antilles, the Caribbean Water 

Technology Research Institute, the Association of Dutch Water Companies, the Suriname Water Company 

and Delft University of Technology. The collaborative operative agreement promotes far-reaching cooperation 

in higher education and research concerning the provision of drinking water supplies. The group’s common 

goal is to set up a high-quality knowledge infrastructure in water-system management for the Dutch Antilles, 

Aruba and Suriname. From August 2008 the Anton de Kom University of Suriname also participates in this 

unique collaboration. 

In 2008 several research projects were initiated, like seawater desalination with wind energy, consequences 

for water utilities of the transition of the BES islands to the Netherlands, on-line temperature measurements 

in the distribution system and home installations. Furthermore, first lectures on drinking water treatment were 

given at the University of the Netherlands Antilles. Over 60 students and employees of the water companies 

participated in the lecture series. 

The collaboration has been evaluated as very successful and will be continued in the coming years. In 2009 

several new research projects will start, like the calculation of the Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI) for all of 

the island of the Netherlands Antilles, the control of biofouling in reverse osmosis installation and desalination 

by a combination of photo voltaic cells and reverse osmosis. Furthermore, a lecture series on distribution 

systems will be organised and a chapter in the book :drinking water: principles and practices” will be devoted 

Official opening of the first lectures in drinking water engineering at 

the University of the Netherlands Antilles. 

to the water supply on the Netherlands Antilles. 


SWRO-installation driven by 

the windmill at Curacao

Research collaboration ITB Bandung - TU Delft 

On the 21st of July 2008 Rusnandi Garsadi obtained his doctorate at the ITB in Bandung, Indonesia. During his 

PhD research Rusnandi Garsadi worked on the design of a new type of coagulation/flocculation unit. This unit 

will predominantly used on mobile drinking water treatment installations for emergency drinking water supply. 

The design of the unit is improved by the use of CFD models. The CFD models were calibrated with measurements 

in a laboratory set-up of the University of Technology Delft. The research on the improvement of coagulation 

processes was initiated by cooperation between ITB and Vitens Evides International. In a follow-up study 

a continuous beaker apparatus will be developed. In a standard beaker apparatus a coagulation/flocculation/ 

sedimentation batch experiment will be executed. The new apparatus will be able to execute an experiment 

like this on a continuous basis which makes it possible to accelerate the optimization. Here the CFD modeling 

will platy an important role. Rusnandi Garsadi will join the drinking water research group in Delft for one year 

to work on the development of this apparatus. Furthermore, first initiatives have been taken to assist ITB to 

develop a new water management educational and research programme. 

Bas Heijman visiting ITB Bandung 

research 

23

Research exchange 

Dong Lei Zhou (China) 

I am a professor from College of Environment and resources, Jilin University, 

Changchun city, China. I graduated PhD. in Hydrology and Water Resources 

from Jilin University. In the past, my research group focuses on the water 

treatment, including drinking water and wastewater treatment technology and 

process design etc. From October 2008 to October 2009, I will work together 

with main research on topic like drinking water treatment and filtration technology 

at TU Delft. In the coming year, I am glad to join water research group 

at TU Delft and enjoy my stay period in the Netherlands. 

Xavier Coll (Spain) 

Xavier Coll is a visiting scholar in the department of Sanitary Engineering 

of TU Delft. He did a bachelor of Civil Engineering and is now finalizing his 

master focused on Environment. Xavier Coll is doing at this moment his 

Master Thesis on the characterization of particulate material in the distribution 

system under the supervision of the assistant professor Jasper Verberk. 

Present particles in drinking water distribution system are the main cause of 

organoleptic and discolouration problems of water affecting costumers, as 

well as these particles can transport attached bacteria which is then protected 

from residual disinfectants. Mainly, particles present in water appear in water 

treatment plants because of the incomplete removal or the addition of new 

particles during the treatment process. 

Megan McConville (USA) 

Megan McConville is a guest researcher here in Delft for nine months on a 

Fulbright fellowship sponsored by the Dutch and American Governments as 

well as the Netherlands American foundation. With a background in environmental 

chemistry her research with PhD students Arne Verliefde, and René 

van der Aa involves an analysis of the effects natural organic matter (NOM) 

has on the adsorption of trace organic pollutants using granular activated. 

That’s a mouth full, what it means is that she is looking at emerging pollutants 

in drinking water which include pharmaceuticals, some pesticides, hormones 

and other personal care products. 

Zhiping Li (China) 

I am an associate professor from School of Resources and Environment, North 

China Institute of Water Conservancy and Electric Power, Zhengzhou City, 

Henan Province, China. I am a specialist in hydrology and water resources. I 

have come to Delft to enhance my knowledge on drinking water and geohydrology. 

In the coming year I will work together with different researchers on 

topics like arsenic removal and artificial dune filtration. I am looking forward 

to an interesting research period in the Netherlands 


Dong Lei Zhou 

Xavier Coll 

Megan McConville 

Zhiping Li

Arne Verliefde 

From October 2008 to October 2009, I will be carrying out 

research at the UNESCO Centre for Membrane Science & 

Technology at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, 

Australia. The Centre is famous for their profound knowledge 

of membranes in different applications (albeit mostly in water 

treatment). During this period, I will be working with Prof. Vicky 

Chen, Dr. Pierre Le-Clech and Prof. Tony Fane. The goal of the 

project is to investigate the removal of trace organic pollutants 

(such as pharmaceuticals, hormones, pesticides) with nanofiltration/reverse 

osmosis membranes in wastewater reuse applications 

(for direct/indirect potable reuse). This is a logical follow-up 

on my PhD. research on removal of trace organic pollutants by 

NF/RO membranes in surface- and groundwater applications. 

However, since wastewater effluent is a more complex matrix (it 

contains higher concentrations and different types of NOM and 

higher concentrations of pharmaceuticals and hormones), NF/ 

RO still faces important challenges in this field. 

Rusnandi Garsadi (Indonesia) 

l am Rusnandi Garsadi from ITB Bandung in Indonesia. From 

October 2007 to January 2008 I stayed at Delft University to do 

research on velocity gradients in a micro hydraulic flocculator. 

This treatment installation has been used for the first time in 

Indonesia after the Tsunami of 2005. At the moment it is in use in 

more than 30 installations. In Delft I validate my CFD calculations 

of the velocity gradients in the micro flocculator by comparing 

them with measured velocity gradients made by acoustic doppler 

velocimetry measurements. My research period is sponsored by 

Vitens Evides International. 

French exchange students on excursion by bike 


Rusnandi Garsadi 

research 

research exchange 

25

Drinking Water Engineering and Science: the first open access journal for drinking 

water treatment 

On a cold winter morning, bicycling to the university library to find articles on the topic you are interested in. 

Remember those days? Things have improved, a lot of information can be found from your desk in the different 

e-journals that now exist. But that desk should be on the university campus to have access to those journals. 

On January 8th, Drinking Water Engineering and Science has been launched. The journal is the first online 

open access journal on drinking water treatment. 

‘Open access’ are the key words: everyone can download the articles from the journal’s website for free without 

expensive subscription. Nothing is free in this world, you might think. Well, you are right. Publisher Copernicus 

hosts the journal and charges the authors for publication. UNESCO-IHE and Delft University of Technology 

have set up the journal and have decided to reduce the charges until the journal has an ISI impact factor. But 

since the journal is open access, a lot of other scientists will find the papers and cite them, so this should take 

not too long. 

The journal aims to be the leading scientific open access journal for the publication of original research in drinking 

water treatment. The focus is on fundamental and applied research in water sources, substances, drinking 

water treatment processes, distribution systems and residual management. Drinking Water Engineering and 

Science serves scientists from universities and research institutes and engineers from water supply companies 

and engineering consulting firms. Every issue will contain at least one paper on drinking water in developing 

countries. A fund will be established to give 

authors from developing countries the opportunity 

to publish their work. 

Drinking Water 

The peer-review of submitted papers is public, 

Engineering and Science 

so if you visit the discussion part of the journal’s 

An Interactive Open Access Journal 

website (DWESD), you will find the papers that 

have been submitted. Don’t hesitate to give 

Aims & Scope 

your comments on the papers! We look forward 

to receive your papers and to offer you high 

quality scientific information on drinking water 

treatment. 

www.drinking-water-engineering-and-science.net 

(dwes-executive-editors@copernicus.org) 


Drinking Water Engineering and Science 

(DWES) aims to be the leading scientific Open 

Access journal for the publication of original 

research in drinking water treatment. The focus 

is on fundamental and applied research 

in water sources, substances, drinking water 

treatment processes, distribution systems and 

residual management. 

DWES serves scientists from universities and 

research institutes and engineers from water 

supply companies and engineering consulting 

firms. 

Every issue will contain at least one paper on 

drinking water in developing countries. A fund 

will be established to give authors from developing 

countries the opportunity to publish their 

work. 

Public Peer-Review 

Interactive Public Discussion 

Immediate Article Publication 

Free Online Access 

Full Alert Service 

Author Keeps Copyright 

Editors-in-Chief 

Gary Amy 

Hans van Dijk 

www.drinking-water-engineering-and-science.net

Impressions of the “Vakantiecursus” 2008 

research 

conferences and journals 

27

Cees Boeter Award 2008 

On June 6 th , the BSc water management award for the best BSc thesis work was presented for the sixth time. 

As from 2006 the award is called the Cees Boeter award. Cees Boeter was involved for almost 40 years to the 

laboratory of Sanitary Engineering. The Cees Boeter award is used by the department Water management to 

promote students to achieve high scientific results and to apply results of thesis work in daily field practice. The 

winner of the award receives 250 Euro. This price was sponsored 

by the Department of Watermanagement this year. 

For the academic year 2007/2008 the following persons were nominated: 

• Bart Bergmans. Discolouration is caused by resuspension of sedi- 

ments in the distribution network. To gain more insight in the discolouration 

risk the Resuspension Potential Method (RPM) has been 

developed. For his BSc thesis Bart has executed several measurements 

at the Waterleiding Maatschappij Limburg (WML). He validated 

the by WML adjusted version of the RPM and evaluated measurement 

results of the adjusted RPM. 

• Cheryl Bertelkamp. Due to possible hazardous effects it is neces- 

sary to remove organic micro-pollutants from the surface water. At 

Udo Ouwekerk receiving 

the moment Duinwaterbedrijf Zuid-Holland considers the applica- the Cees Boeter award 

tion of UV/H2O2 in Bergambacht to remove micro-pollutants. Cheryl 

investigated how the UV-tranmission of the produced water 

in Bergambacht could be improved by means of an extended pre-treatment. From her literature study it was 

found that activated carbon filtration, ion exchange, ultra filtration and coagulation seemed the most promising 

techniques. With laboratory experiments the suitability of activated carbon filtration was further investigated. 

• Udo Ouwekerk. Sara Lee/DE has developed a new water dispenser: the aQa Pickwick water system. The 

aQa Pickwick is directly fitted on the water distribution network. It delivers water with a constant quality and 

taste to the customer independent of the local water quality. 

The jury decided to give the “Cees Boeter award 2008” to Udo Ouwekerk. The aQa Pickwick has the disadvantage 

that not every abstracted liter of tap water ends up in the product. Udo investigated how the water 

consumption of the aQa Pickwick could be reduced. Furthermore he investigated several alternatives in the 

laboratory. Udo has set-up and executed his experiments in a structured and self-employed way. The presentation 

of his results written in a <strong>report</strong> as well as oral was of a high level. Enough reasons for the jury to award 

the Cees Boeter award 2008 to Udo Ouwekerk. 


Gijs Oskam Award 2008 

During the Vakantiecursus 2008 the Gijs Oskam for the best MSc thesis work was presented for 

the fifth time. As known this price is awarded every two years to a promising young researcher 

in the field of drinking water. The Gijs Oskam award which consists of a price of € 1000 is 

meant for young graduates. Criteria for granting the award are originality and the quality of 

the research. From the applications three candidates are nominated by the Committee. The 

work of the nominees will be incorporated in the book work of the Vakantiecursus and will be 

presented on a poster as well. 

For the Gijs Oskam Award 2008 the following 

persons were nominated: Karin 

Teunissen (TU Delft) for her research 

on iron removal at pumping station 

Harderboek, Assiyeh Tabatabai (IHE) 

for her research on membrane fouling 

and Doris van Halem (TU Delft) for her 

research on ceramic pot filters. 

The jury found it very difficult to des- 

Doris van Halem receiving the Gijs Oskam award 

ignate a winner this year because all 

three nominees were of exceptional high level. 

Karin Teunissen proved that significant breakthrough of particles occurs when the filters of 

pumping station Harderbroek are back washed or linked. She graduated cum laude and begun 

with her PhD research at DZH and TU Delft. 

Assiyeh Tabatatbai investigated the influence of coagulation on the MFI and the pollution of 

membrane filtration. She proved to be an excellent researcher and started her PhD research 

at UNESCO-IHE. 

Doris van Halem graduated cum laude as well and started her PhD research on the removal 

of arsenic from groundwater at TU Delft and UNESCO-IHE. 

The jury decided to grant the Gijs Oskam Award 2008 to Doris van Halem because of “her 

exceptional passion to contribute to the huge water problems in the third world.”. 

Gijs Oskam Award 2008/2009 

The Gijs Oskam award is a prize for the student with the best MSc thesis work. For the coming 

year the Gijs Oskam award is sponsored by Evers & Manders Consult. The Award includes a 

money prize of 2,500 euro as well as a ‘oorkonde’ 

research 

awards 

29

Dissertations 

Smeets, PWMH (2008, april 15). Stochastic modeling of drinking water treatment in qantitative microbial risk 

assessment. TUD Technische Universiteit Delft (201 pag.) Delft: Water Management Academic Press. Prom./ 

coprom.: Prof.ir. JC van Dijk. 

Verliefde, ARD (2008, oktober 10). Rejection of organic micropollutants by high pressure membranes (nf/ro). 

TUD Technische Universiteit Delft (281 pag.) Water Management Academic Press. Prom./coprom.: Prof.ir. JC 

van Dijk & B van der Bruggen. 

International refereed journals 

Abrahamse, AJ, Lipreau, C, Li, S & Heijman, SGJ (2008). Removal of divalent cations reduces fouling of 

ultrafiltration membranes. Journal of membrane science, 323, 153-158. 

Amy, GL (2008). Fundamental understanding of organic matter fouling of membranes. Desalination, 231(1-3), 

44-51. 

Banerjee, K, Amy, GL, Nour, S & Jekel, M (2008). Kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of adsorprion of arsenic 

onto granular ferric hydroxide. Water research, 42, 3371-3378. 

Barrios, R, Siebel, MA, Helm, AWC van der, Bosklopper, ThGJ & Gijzen, HJ (2008). Environmental and 

financial life cycle impact assessment of drinking water production at Waternet. Journal of cleaner production, 

16(4), 471-476. 

Blokker, EJM, Vreeburg, JHG, Buchberger, SG & Dijk, JC van (2008). Importance of demand modeling in 

network water quality models: a review. Drinking Water Engineering and Science (online), 1, 27-38. 

Broeke, LJP van den, Ross, PS, Helm, AWC van der, Baars, E.T. & Rietveld, LC (2008). Use of on-line uv/ 

vis-spectrometry in the measurement of dissvolved ozone and aoc concentrations in drinking water treatment. 

Water science and technology, 57(8), 1169-1175. 

Cornelissen, ER, Moreau, F, Siegers, WG, Abrahamse, AJ, 

Rietveld, LC, Grefte, A, Dignum, M, Amy, GL & Wessels, LP 

(2008). Selection of anionic exchange resins for removal of natural 

organic matter fractions. Water research, 42(1-2), 413-423. 

Dudley, J, Dillon, G & Rietveld, LC (2008). Water treatment 

simulator. Journal of water supply research and technology- 

AQUA, 57(1), 1-11. 

Ghebremichael, K, Gebremeskel, A, Trifunovic, N & Amy, 

GL (2008). Modeling disinfection by-products: coupling 

hydraulic and chemical models. Water science and technology: 

water supply, 8(3), 289-295. 

Halem, D van, Heijman, SGJ, Soppe, AIA, Dijk, JC van & 

Amy, GL (2007). Ceramic silver-impregnated pot filters for 

household drinking water treatment in developing countries: 

material characterization and performance study. Water science 

and technology: water supply, 7(5-6), 9-17. 


Stochastic modelling of drinking 

water treatment in quantitative 

microbial risk assessment 

Patrick Smeets

Rejection of organic micropollutants by high pressure membranes (NF/RO). Arne Verliefde 

Hartog, M, Draaijer, A & Rietveld, LC (2008). Practical aspects of task allocation in design and 

development of digital closed questions in higher education. Practical Assessment Research 

& Evaluation, 13(2), 1-15. 

Heijman, SGJ, Verliefde, ARD, Cornelissen, ER, Amy, GL & Dijk, JC van (2007). Influence 

of natural organic matter fouling on the removal of pharmaceuticals by nanofiltration and activated 

carbon filtration. Water science and technology, 7(4), 17-23. 

Helm, AWC van der, Rietveld, LC, Bosklopper, ThGJ, Kappelhof, JWNM & Dijk, JC van (2008). 

Objectives for optimization and consequences for operation, design and concept of drinking 

water treatments plants. Water science and technology: water supply, 8(3), 297-304. 

Helm, AWC van der, Rietveld, LC, Baars, E.T., Smeets, PWMH & Dijk, JC van (2008). 

Modeling disinfection and by-product formation during the initial and the second phase of natural 

water ozonation in a pilot-scale plug flow reactor. Journal of water supply research and 

technology-AQUA, 57(6), 1-15. 

Her, N, Amy, GL, Sohn, J & Gunten, U von (2008). UV absorbance ratio index with size exclusion 

chromatography (uri-sec) as an nom property indicator. Journal of water supply research 

and technology-AQUA, 57(1), 35-44. 

Her, N, Amy, GL, Chung, JS, Yoon, J & Yoon, Y (2008). Characterizing dissolved organic matter 

and evaluating associated nanofiltration membrane fouling. Chemosphere, 70(3), 495-502. 

Jiang, J, Myngheer, S, Pauw, D de, Spanjers, H., Nopens, I, Kennedy, MD & Amy, GL (2008). 

Modeling the production and degradation of solube microbial products (smp) in membrane 

bioreactors (mbr). Water research, 42(20), 4955-4964. 

Kazner, C, Bagoth, SA, Sharma, S, Amy, GL, Wintgens, T & Melin, T (2008). Comparing the 

effluent organic matter removal of direct nf 

and powdered activated carbon/nf as high 

Rejection of organic micropollutants by high pressure membranes (NF/RO). Arne Verliefde 

quality pretreatment options for artificial 

groundwater recharge. Water science and 

technology, 57(6`7), 817. 

Kennedy, C.A., Kamanyi, J, Heijman, SGJ 

& Amy, GL (2008). Colloidal organic matter 

fouling of uf membranes: role of nom 

composition & size. Desalination, 220(1), 

200-212. 

Khebremichael, K, Gebremeskel, A, 

Trifunovic, N & Amy, GL (2008). Modeling 

disinfection byproducts: coupling hydraulic 

and chemical models. Water science and 

technology: water supply, 8(3), 289-295. 

Kjellberg, S, Jayaratne, A, Vreeburg, JHG, 

Sukumaran, N & Verberk, JQJC (2007). 

Implementing resuspension potential 

method to optimise yarra valley water’s 

mains cleaning program. Vatten, 63(4), 

285-297. 

research 

scientific outPut 

31

Lee, N, Pellegrino, J & Amy, GL (2008). Modeling nom fouling of low pressure membranes: impact of membrane 

properties and nom characteristics. Water science and technology: water supply, 8(1), 75-83. 

Lieverloo, H van, Blokker, EJM & Medema, GJ (2007). Quantitative microbial risk assessment of distributed 

drinking water using faecal indicator incidence and concentrations. Journal of water and health, 5(S1), 131- 

149. 

Maeng, SK, Sharma, A, Magic-Knezev, A & Amy, GL (2008). Fate of effluent organic matter and natural organic 

matter through riverbank filtration. Water science and technology, 57(12), 1999-2007. 

Matsinhe, NP, Juizo, D, Rietveld, LC & Persson, J (2008). Water services with independent providers in periurban 

Maputo: challenges and opporortunities for long-term development. Water sa, 34(3), 411-420. 

Mons, MN, Wielen, L van der, Blokker, EJM & Sinclair, JL (2007). Estimation of the consumption of cold tap 

water for microbiological risk assessment: an overview of studies and statistical analysis of data. Journal of 

water and health, 5(S1), 151-170. 

Nam, S & Amy, GL (2008). Differentiation of wastewater effluent organic matter (efom) from natural organic 

matter (nom) using multiple analytical techniques. Water science and technology, 57(7), 1009-1015. 

Pham-Thi, M, Moons, K, Dijk, JC van, Nguyen, TN & Bruggen, B van der (2008). To what extent are pesticides 

removed from surface water during coagulation-flocculation? Water and environment journal, 22, 217-223. 

Rietveld, LC, Helm, AWC van der, Schagen, KM van, Aa, R. van der & Dijk, H van (2008). Integrated simulation 

of drinking water treatment. Journal of water supply research and technology-AQUA, 57(3), 133-141. 

Schagen, KM van, Rietveld, LC & Babuska, R (2008). Dynamic modeling for optimisation of pellet softening. 

Journal of water supply research and technology-AQUA, 57(1), 45-56. 

Schagen, KM van, Rietveld, LC, Babuska, R & Baars, E (2008). Control of the fluidised bed in the pellet softening 

process. Chemical engineering science, 63(5), 1390-1400. 

Schagen, KM van, Rietveld, LC, Babuska, R & Kramer, OJI (2008). Model-based operational constraints for 

fluidised bed crystallisation. Water research, 42, 327-337. 

Sharma, S, Petrusevski, B & Amy, GL (2008). Chromium removal from water: a review. Journal of water supply 

research and technology-AQUA, 57(8), 541-553. 

Smeets, PWMH, Dijk, JC van, Stanfield, G, Rietveld, LC & Medema, GJ (2007). How can the UK statutory 

cryptosporidium monitoring be used for quantative risk assessment of cryptosporidium in drinking water. Journal 

of water and health, 5(S1), 107-118. 

Smeets, PWMH, Dullemont, YD, Gelder, PHAJM van, Dijk, JC van & Medema, GJ (2007). Improved methods 

for modeling drinking water treatment in quantative microbial risk assessment; a case study of campylobacter 

reduction by filtration and ozonation. Journal of water and health, 6(3), 201-314. 

Tapia, M, Siebel, MA, Helm, AWC van der, Baars, E.T. & Gijzen, HJ (2008). Environmental financial and quality 

assessment of drinking water processes at Waternet. Journal of cleaner production. 

Teychene, B, Guigui, C, Cabassud, |C & Amy, GL (2008). Toward a better identification of foulant species in 

mbr processes. Desalination, 231(1-3), 44-51. 


Verberk, JQJC & Drikas, M (2007). Interaction between treatment and distribution systems: the key to delivery 

quality. Water-journal of the australian water association, 34(3), 144-149. 

Verberk, JQJC, Doolan, C, Jayarantna, A, Teasdale, P & Vreeburg, JHG (2007). International collaborative 

research on discoloured water. Water-journal of the australian water association, 34(1), 144-149. 

Verliefde, ARD, Heijman, SGJ, Cornelissen, ER, Amy, GL, Bruggen, B van der & Dijk, JC van (2008). Rejection 

of trace organic pollutants with high pressure membranes (nf/ro). Environmental progress, 27(2), 180-188. 

Verliefde, ARD, Cornelissen, ER, Heijman, SGJ & Amy, GL (2008). Rejection of trace organic pollutants with 

high pressure membranes (nf/ro). Environmental progress, 27(2), 180-188. 

Verliefde, ARD, Cornelissen, ER, Heijman, SGJ, Verberk, JQJC & Amy, GL (2008). The role of electrostatic 

interactions on the rejection of organgic solutes in aqueous solutions with nanofiltration. Journal of membrane 

science, 322(1), 52-66. 

Vreeburg, JHG, Schippers, D, Verberk, JQJC & Dijk, JC van (2008). Impact of particles on sediment accumulation 

in a drinking water distribution system. Water research, 42, 4233-4242. 

Wols, BA, Uijttewaal, WSJ, Rietveld, LC, Stelling, GS, Dijk, JC van & Hofman, JAMH (2008). Residence time 

distributions in ozone contractors. Ozone-science & engineering, 30, 49-57. 

Yangali, VA, Kim, TU, Kennedy, M & Amy, GL (2008). Modeling of RO/NF membrane rejections of PhACs and 

organic compounds: a statistical analysis. Drinking Water Engineering and Science (online), 1(1), 7-15. 

(Contribution to) international and national books 

Briggs, GAD, Weddle, S, Flores, JA, Baribeau, H, Garvey, E, Crozes, G, Hofmann, M, Mowat, K, Paradis, N, 

Templeton, M, Andrews, M, Means, E, Loveland, J, McGuire, M, Amy, GL, Leserman, J, Schwer, P, Chauret, 

C, Andrews, GS & Musser, J (2008). Advanced water treatment of estuarine water supplies. London: IWA. 

Drewes, J, Bellona, C, Xu, P, Amy, GL, Filteau, G & Oelker, G (2008). Comparing nanofiltration and reverse 

osmosis for treating recycled water. London: IWA. 

Krasner, S, Westerhoff, P, Chen, B, Amy, GL, Nam, S, Chowdhury, SR, Sinha, S & Rittmann, BE (2008). 

Contribution of wastewaster to dbp formation. London: IWA. 

Lozier, J, Cappuccino, K, Amy, GL, Lee, N & Jacangelo, J (2008). Natural organic matter fouling of low-pressure 

membrane systems. London: IWA. 

Judd, M, Kim, BK & Amy, GL (2008). Membrane Bio-reactors: principles, modeling and design. In M Henze, 

M van Loosdrecht, G Ekama & D Brdjanovic (Eds.), Biological wastewater treatment (pp. 335-360). London, 

UK: IWA Publishing. 

Kennedy, MD, Kamanyi, J, Salinas, SS, Lee, N, Schippers, JC & Amy, GL (2008). Low pressure membranes: 

microfiltration(mf) & ultrafiltration (uf). In N Li, A Fane, W Ho & T Matsuura (Eds.), Advanced membrane technology 

and application (pp. 131-170). Bognor Regis, West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons, ltd. 

Hartog, M, Draaijer, A & Rietveld, LC (Eds.). (2008). Practical aspects of task allocation in design and developoment 

of digital closed questions in higher education. Utrecht: Stichting SURF. 

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33

Editorship international refereed journal 

Amy GL (Ed) (2008) Drinking Water Engineering and Science, Copernicus, Klatenurg-Lindau, Germany 

van Dijk JC (Ed) (2008) Drinking Water Engineering and Science, Copernicus, Klatenurg-Lindau, Germany 

Conference proceedings 

Amy, GL, Ernst, M, Villacorte, L, Maeng, SK & Yangali Quintanilla, VA (2008). Advanced water\wastewater 

treatment for organic micropollutant removal: a quantative structure activity relationship (qsar). In s.n. (Ed.), 

Singapore international water week water convention (pp. 1-10). Singapore: PUB. 

Amy, GL (2008). Natural organic matter: particles, colloids and macromolecules. In M Jekel, GL Amy & JHJM 

van der Graaf (Eds.), Academic summer school particle separation in water and wastewater treatment 2008 

(pp. 1-10). Delft: Watermanagement Academic Press. 

Amy, GL (2008). Selected membrane research topics: ceramic membranes, organic matter fouling and organic 

micropollutatn rejection. In s.n. (Ed.), AWWA water quality (pp. 1-10). Cincinnati: AWWA. 

Amy, GL, Krasner, S, Westerhoff, P, Drewes, J & Jekel, M (2008). Wastewater-impacted drinking water sources. 

In s.n. (Ed.), AWWA water quality technology (pp. 1-10). Cincinnati: AWWA. 

Bagoth, SA, Maeng, SK, Salinas, SS, Sharma, S, Kennedy, M & Amy, GL (2008). An urban water cycle perspective 

of natural organic matter in a membrane treatment plant- air scour vs. hydraulic backwash. In P Jarvis 

(Ed.), Natural organic matter: from source to tap (pp. 393-401). Bath, UK: IWA. 

Bagoth, SA, Maeng, SK, Salinas, SS, Sharma, S & Kennedy, M (2008). An urban water cycle perspective of 

natural organic matter: nom in drinking water, wastewater effluent, storm water and seawater. In IWA Conference 

on natural organic matter . Bath, UK: IWA. 

Bagoth, SA, Maeng, SK, Salinas Rodriguez, SG, Ronteltap, M & Sharma, S (2008). An urban water cycle 

persperctive of natural organic matter: nom in drinking water, wastewater effluent, storm water and seawater. 

In P Jarvis (Ed.), Natural organic matter: from source to tap (pp. 393-401). Bath, UK: IWA. 

Bagoth, SA, Dignum, M, Grefte, A, Kroesbergen, J & Amy, GL (2008). Characterization of nom in a drinking 

water treatment process train with no disinfectant residual. In Jules Jarvis (Ed.), Natural organic matter: from 

source to tap (pp. 408-418). Bath, UK: IWA. 

Banerjee, K, Amy, GL, Jekel, M, Sperlich, A & Blumenschein, C (2008). Impact of phosphate and silica and 

comparative assessment of adsorption technologies for arsenic removal. In s.n. (Ed.), World Water Conference 

and exhibition (pp. 1-10). Wenen: IWA. 

Buchberger, SG, Vreeburg, JHG, Dijk, JC van & Blokker, EJM (2008). Comparison of water demand models: 

prp and simdeum applied to milford, ohio. In JE van Zyl & AA Ilemobade (Eds.), 10th Water distribution system 

analysis conference (pp. 182-195). Johannesburg: University of Johannesburg. 

Buchberger, SG, Blokker, EJM & Vreeburg, JHG (2008). Sizes for self cleaning pipes in municipal water 

supply systems. In JE van Zyl & AA Ilemobade (Eds.), Water distribution system analysis 2008 (pp. 338-347). 

Johannesburg, SA: University of Johannesburg. 

Dignum, M, Bagoth, SA, Grefte, A, Kroesbergen, J & Amy, GL (2008). Characterisation of nom and biological 

stability in a distribution network with two water types and no disinfectant residual. In P Jarvis (Ed.), Natural 

organic matter: from source to tap (pp. 437-444). Bath, UK: IWA. 


Garsadi, R, Salim, HT, Soekarno, I, Doppenberg, AFJ & Verberk, JQJC (2008). Operational experience with 

a micro hydraulic mobile water treatment plant in Indonesia after the tsunami of 2004. In BS Richards & AI 

Schaefer (Eds.), Water and sanitation in international development and disaster relief (pp. 102-109). Edinburgh: 

University of Edinburgh. 

Ghebremichael, K, Gebremeskel, A, Trifunovic, N & Amy, GL (2008). Modeling disinfection by-products:coupling 

hydraulic and chemical models. In s.n. (Ed.), World Water Conference and exhibition (pp. 1-10). Wenen: 

IWA. 

Grefte, A, Bagoth, SA, Dignum, M, Cornelissen, ER & Rietveld, LC (2008). Modeling of nom fraction removal 

by different ion exchange resins. In P Jarvis (Ed.), Natural organic matter: from source to tap (pp. 532-537). 

Bath, UK: IWA. 

Groot Kormelink, T., Valkenburg, W van & Verberk, JQJC (2008). From repository to community. In S Gurell, 

B Muramatsu & D Wiley (Eds.), OpenED conference (pp. 1-10). Logan, Utah, USA: COSL. 

Haarhoff, J, Rietveld, LC & Jagals, P (2008). Rapid technical assessment and troubleshooting of rural water 

supply systems. In van JE Zuyl,AA Llemobade &HE Jacobs (Eds.), 10th <strong>Annual</strong> water distribution systems 

analysis conference (pp. 142-148). Kruger Park: WDSA 2008. 

Halem, D van, Heijman, SGJ, Amy, GL & Dijk, JC van (2008). Subsurface arsenic removal for small-scale 

application in developing countries. In BS Richards & AI Schaefer (Eds.), Water and sanitation in international 

development and disaster relief (pp. 267-282). Edinburgh: University of Edinburgh. 

Halem, D van, Vet, WWJM de & Dijk, JC van (2008). Subsurface iron removal for drinking water production: 

understanding the process and exploiting beneficial side effects. In s.n. (Ed.), AWWA water quality technology 

(pp. 1-11). Cincinnati: AWWA. 

Halem, D van (2008). Water and sanitation for all. In JC van der Dijk & N ir Krikke (Eds.), Water and sanitation 

for all (pp. 59-68). Delft: Water Management Academic Press. 

Halem, D van, Heijman, SGJ, Petrusevski, B, Amy, GL & Dijk, JC van (2008). Design considerations for smallscale 

subsurface arsenic removal in developing countries. In s.n. (Ed.), 2nd international congress arsenic in 

the environment (pp. 225-226). Valencia: s.n.. 

Heijman, SGJ, Hamad, JZ, Kennedy, MD, Schippers, J & Amy, GL (2008). Sub-micron powdered activated 

carbon used as a pre-coat in ceramic micro-filtration. In C Cabussud & M Balabanc (Eds.), Membranes in 

drinking water production and wastewater treatment (pp. 1-8). Toulouse: INSA. 

Heijman, SGJ, Rabinovitch, EN, Bos, F, Olthof, N & Dijk, JC van (2008). Sustainable seawater desalination: 

stand-alone small scale windmill and reverse osmosis system. In BS Richards & AI Schaefer (Eds.), Water and 

sanitation in international development and disaster relief (pp. 128-133). Edinburgh: University of Edinburgh. 

Heijman, SGJ, Rabinovitch, EN, Bos, F, Olthof, N & Dijk, JC van (2008). Sustainable seawater desalination: 

stand-alone small scale windmill and reverse osmosis system. In s.n. (Ed.), Coastal cities summit (pp. 1-7). 

St. Petersburg, Florida: Coastal cities summit. 

Helm, AWC van der, Rietveld, LC, Schagen, KM van, Bosklopper, ThGJ & Dijk, JC van (2008). Integrated 

model for optimized operation of ozonation. In d Besseling, w Stone & w Smuts (Eds.), Wisa 2008 (pp. 1-10). 

Sun City: Wisa 2008. 

Helm, AWC van der, Rietveld, LC, Bosklopper, ThGJ, Kappelhof, JWNM & Dijk, JC van (2008). Objectives 

for optimization and consequences for operation, design and concept of drinking water treatment plants. In 

s.n. (Ed.), World water conference and exhibition (pp. 1-10). Wenen: IWA. 

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Jacobson, A, Kennedy, M, Amy, GL & Schippers, JM (2008). Phosphate limitation in reverse osmosis: an 

option to control biofouling? In s.n. (Ed.), Desalination for clean water and energy (pp. 1-8). Dead Sea, Jordan: 

EuroMed 2008. 

Li, S, Heijman, SGJ & Dijk, JC van (2008). Impact of ca and na in backwash water on ultrafiltration fouling control. 

In s.n. (Ed.), International young water professionals conference (pp. 1-10). Berkeley, UK: IWA/YWP. 

Li, S, Heijman, SGJ, Verberk, JQJC & Dijk, JC van (2008). Influence of composition of backwash water on 

nom fouling control of ultrafiltration. In C Cabassud & M Balabanc (Eds.), Membranes in drinking water production 

and wastewater treatment (pp. 1-10). Toulouse: INSA. 

Maeng, SK, Sharma, SK, Magic-Knezev, A & Amy, GL (2008). Fate of effluent organic matter and natural 

organic matter through riverbank filtration. In s.n. (Ed.), World water conference and exhibition (pp. 1-10). 

Wenen: IWA. 

Nam, S & Amy, GL (2008). Quantitative characterization of natural organic matter (nom) by fluorescence parallel 

factor analysis (parafac). In s.n. (Ed.), 5th IWA LET (pp. 1-10). Zurich: IWAIWA LET. 

Peiris, N, Halle, C, Haberkamp, R, Legge, S, Peldszus, C, Moresoli, H, Amy, GL & Huck, PM (2008). Assessing 

nf fouling in drinking water treatment using fluorescense fingerprinting and la-ocd analyses. In s.n. (Ed.), 5th 

LET 2008 (pp. 1-10). Zurich: IWA. 

Quesson, BAJ, Sheldon, L, Vloerbergh, IN & Vreeburg, JHG (2008). Acoustic monitoring of terrorist intrusion 

in a drinking water network. In JE van Zyl, AA Llemobade & HE Jacobs (Eds.), Water distribution systems 

analysis conference (pp. 1117-1128). Johannesburg: University of Johannesburg. 

Rietveld, LC, Helm, AWC van der, Schagen, KM van & Aa, LTJ van der (2008). Good modeling practice 

in drinking water treatment, used at Weesperkarspel plant, waternet, Amsterdam. In d’Antonio,G &Lubello,C 

(Eds.), Proceedings of the international symposium on sanitary and environmental engineering (pp. 17-24). 

Florence: SIDISA. 

Rietveld, LC, Meijer, L, Smeets, PWMH & Hoek, JP van der (2008). The sustainability of reuse of waste water 

for drinking water purposes; a case study for the city of amsterdam. In D Besseling, T Stone & W Smuts (Eds.), 

Wisa 2008 (pp. 1-7). Sun City: Wisa 2008. 

Ross, PS, Broeke, LJP van den & Rietveld, LC (2008). Drinking water treatment: online estimation of biological 

stability using uv-spectrography. In s.n. (Ed.), Online UV/Vis Spectrometry (pp. 1-16). Wenen: UV/Vis. 

Ross, PS, Helm, AWC van der, Broeke, LJP van den, Aa, LTJ van der & Rietveld, LC (2008). Effect of 

raw water quality on performance of ozone and biofiltration based on modeling and on-line monitoring. In B 

Besseling, T Stone & W Smuts (Eds.), Wisa 2008 (pp. 1-7). Sun City: Wisa 2008. 

Rubulis, J, Verberk, JQJC, Vreeburg, JHG, Gruskevica, K & Juhna, T (2008). Chemical and microbial compsition 

on loose deposits in drinking water distribution systems. In s.n. (Ed.), 7th International environmental 

engineering (pp. 1-8). Vilnius, Litouwen: International environmental engineering. 

Salinas, SS, Kennedy, M, Chenet, JG, Garcia-Aleman, J, Bankston, A & Amy, GL (2008). Tracking organic 

matter removal in a membrane treatment-plant- air scour vs. hydraulic. In P Jarvis (Ed.), Natural organic matter: 

from source to tap (pp. 182-191). Bath, UK: IWA. 

Salinas Rodriquez, SG, Rabaani, B, Kennedy, M, Amy, GL & Schippers, JM (2008). MFI-UF constant pressure 

at high ionic strength conditions. In s.n. (Ed.), Desalination for clean water and energy . Dead Sea, Jordan: 

EuroMed 2008. 


Salinas Rodriquez, SG, Kennedy, MD, Schippers, JC & Amy, GL (2008). Organic foulants in estuarine and bay 

source for seawater reverse osmosis-comparing pre-treatment processes with respect to foulant reductions. 

In C Cabussud & M Balabanc (Eds.), Membranes in drinking water production and wastewater treatment (pp. 

1-12). Toulouse: INSA. 

Schagen, KM van, Ross, P, Rietveld, LC & Babuska, R (2008). Model parameter and state estimation for a 

full-scale water treatment plant using process disturbances during normal operation. In d’Antonio,G &Lubello,C 

(Eds.), Proceedings of the international symposium on sanitary and environmental engineering (pp. 9-16). 

Florence: SIDISA. 

Sharma, S, Musabe, K & Amy, GL (2008). Effect of pre-ozonation and advanced oxidation on removal of effluent 

organic matter (efom) during soil aquifer treatment (sat). In Water reuse and desalination research conference 

(pp. 1-10). Denver, USA: s.n.. 

Sharma, S, Amy, GL & Maeng, SK (2008). Framework for assessment of performance of managed aquifer 

recharge (mar) systems. In s.n. (Ed.), World Water Conference and exhibition . Wenen: IWA. 

Tabatabai, S.A., Gaulinger, S, Kennedy, M, Amy, GL & Schippers, JM (2008). Optimization of inline coagulation 

in integrated membrane systems: a study of FeCl3. In s.n. (Ed.), Desalination for clean water and energy 

Dead Sea, Jordan: EuroMed 2008. 

Tabatabai, S.A., Kennedy, MD, Amy, GL & Schippers, JC (2008). Optimizing in-line coagulation to reduce 

chemical consumption in mf/uf systems. In C Cabussud & M Balabanc (Eds.), Membranes in drinking water 

production and wastewater treatment (pp. 1-12). Toulouse: IWA. 

Teunissen, K, Verberk, JQJC, Jonge, F. de, Amy, GL & Dijk, JC van (2008). Advanced oxidation and artificial 

recharge: a synergistic hybrid system for removal of organic micropollutants. In s.n. (Ed.), AWWA water 

quality technology (pp. 1-18). Cincinnati: AWWA. 

Teunissen, K (2008). Impact of pretreatment by coagulation or ion exchange on uv-transmission. In s.n. (Ed.), 

World Water Conference and exhibition (pp. 1-10). Wenen: IWA. 

Verberk, JQJC, Vreeburg, JHG, Rietveld, LC & Dijk, JC van (2008). Particulate finger printing of water 

quality in the distribution system. In D Besselink, T Stone & W Smuts (Eds.), Wisa 2008 (pp. 1-11). Sun City: 

Wisa 2008. 

Verliefde, ARD, Cornelissen, ER, Heijman, SGJ, Amy, GL, Bruggen, B van der & Dijk, JC van (2008). Removal 

of trace organic pollutants with nf/ro membranes: construction and validation of a rejection model. In s.n. (Ed.), 

International conference on membranes (pp. 1-10). Honolulu: Icom. 

Vet, WWJM de, Rietveld, LC, Heijman, SGJ, Rooij, MR de & Loosdrecht, MCM van (2008). Interaction of 

iron, manganese and ammonium removal in bio filters for drinking water production. In AWWA Inorganic contaminants 

workshop (pp. 1-13). Albuquerque: AWWA. 

Vet, WWJM de, Rietveld, LC & Loosdrecht, MCM van (2008). Iron coatings in pilot dry groundwater biofilters. 

In s.n. (Ed.), AWWA water quality technology(pp. 1-9). Cincinnati: AWWA. 

Villacorte, L, Kennedy, M, Amy, GL & Schippers, JM (2008). Measuring dissolved transparant exopolymer 

particles (tep) as an indicator of the biofouling potential of ro feed water. In s.n. (Ed.), Desalination for clean 

water and energy . Dead Sea, Jordan: EuroMed 2008. 

Vreeburg, JHG, Schaap, PG & Dijk, JC van (2008). How effective is flushing of cast iron pipes. In JE van Zyl 

& AA Ilemobade (Eds.), WDSA 2008 (pp. 1-10). Kruger park: WDSA. 

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Vreeburg, JHG (2008). Particulate removal in relation to discolourisation in drinkwater systems. In s.n. (Ed.), 

Academic summer school particle separation in water and wastewater treatment 2008 (pp. 1-37). Delft: 

Unesco-IHE. 

Waly, TKA, Saleh, M., Kennedy, M, Witcamp, G & Amy, GL (2008). Will carbonate really scale in seawater 

reverse osmosis. In s.n. (Ed.), Desalination for clean water and energy (pp. 1-8). Dead Sea, Jordan: EuroMed 

2008. 

Weickgenannt, M, Kapelan, Z, Blokker, EJM & Savic, D (2008). Optimal sensor placement for the efficient 

contaminant detection in water distribution systems. In JE Zyl & AA Ilemobade (Eds.), WDSA 2008 (pp. 1107- 

1116). Kruger National park: WDSA. 

Wols, BA, Hofman, JAMH, Uijttewaal, WSJ, Rietveld, LC & Stelling, GS (2008). A particle tracking technique 

to estimate disinfection efficacy in drinking water treatment plants. In s.n. (Ed.), 6th International conference 

on CDF in oil & gas, metallurgical and proces industries (pp. 1-9). Trondheim: SINTEF/NTNU. 

Worm, GIM, Helm, AWC van der, Kivit, C, Schagen, KM van & Rietveld, LC (2008). Hydraulic modeling of 

drinking water treatment plants. In d’Antonio,G. &Lubello,C (Eds.), Proceedings of the International symposium 

on sanitary and environmental engineering (pp. 1-8). Florence: SIDISA. 

Worm, GIM, Helm, AWC van der, Lapikas, T, Schagen, KM van & Rietveld, LC (2008). Integration of models, 

data management, interfaces and training and decision support in a drinking water treatment plant simulator. 

In Lubello,C d’Antonio,G (Ed.), Proceedings of the international symposium on sanitary and environmental 

engineering (pp. 25-32). Florence: SIDISA. 

Professional publications 

Abrahamse, AJ, Vet, WWJM de, Scholte, P & Heijman, SGJ (2007). Toepassing zeolieten voor verwijdering 

ammonium bij de drinkwaterzuivering. H2O: tijdschrift voor watervoorziening en waterbeheer, 18, 34-36. 

Beverloo, H, Blokker, EJM & Roer, M van der (2008). Verblijftijden in vertakt en vermaasd distributienet op 

basis van egv. H2O: tijdschrift voor watervoorziening en waterbeheer, 41(7), 44-46. 

Blokker, EJM & Vloerbergh, IN (2008). Stand van de techniek rond beheer waterleidingnet. H2O: tijdschrift 

voor watervoorziening en waterbeheer, 41(7), 16-17. 

Bol, P (2008). Sanitatie en volksgezondheid: de lange weg van droom naar daad. In JC van Dijk & N Krikke 

(Eds.), Water and sanitation (pp. 103-111). Delft: Water Management Academic Press. 

Daal, K van, Blokker, EJM, Holzhaus, P & Hendrikx, R (2008). Storingen als early warning systeem voor conditie 

van leidingnetten. H2O: tijdschrift voor watervoorziening en waterbeheer, 41(19), 95-97. 

Dijk, JC van (2008). Water and sanitation for all. In JC van Dijk & N Krikke (Eds.), Water and sanitation for all 

(pp. 1-9). Delft: Water Management Academic press 

Halem, D van, Bakker, S, Dijk, JC van & Amy, GL (2008). Arseen in drinkwater: niet alleen een probleem 

voor Bangladesh. H2O: tijdschrift voor watervoorziening en waterbeheer, 41(16), 18-21. 

Hofman, JAMH, Shao, L, Wols, BA & IJpelaar, G (2008). Prestaties van UV-reactoren te voorspellen met 

modellen. H2O: tijdschrift voor watervoorziening en waterbeheer, 41(19), 98-100. 

Hoven, MH van den & Rietveld, LC (2008). Eerste innovaties van het europese drinkwateronderzoekprogramma 

techneau. H2O: tijdschrift voor watervoorziening en waterbeheer, 41(11), 10-11. 


Mamba, BB, Rietveld, LC & Verberk, JQJC (2008). South Africa drinking water standards under the microscope. 

Water Wheel, jan/feb, 24-27. 

Ridder, DJ de, Bruins, J, Huisman, G & Kappelhof, J (2008). Biologische ontijzering aantrekkelijk voor grondwaterwinningen 

met twee filtratiestappen. H2O: tijdschrift voor watervoorziening en waterbeheer, 41(16), 

14-15. 

Rietveld, LC, Geilvoet, SP & Dijk, JC van (2008). Waterwereld actief aan de slag met ‘Water and Sanitation 

for all”. H2O: tijdschrift voor watervoorziening en waterbeheer, 41(2), 6-9. 

Slaats, PGG, Blokker, EJM & Versteegh, TAM (2008). Eerste inventarisatie van gemeten concentraties lood, 

koper, nikkel en chroom in drinkwater. H2O: tijdschrift voor watervoorziening en waterbeheer, 41(3), 37-40. 

Smeets, PWMH, Medema, GJ & Dijk, JC van (2008). The dutch secret: safe drinking water without chlorine 

in the netherlands. Drinking water engineering and science (online), 1(2), 173-212. 

Teunissen, K, Abrahamse, AJ, Leijssen, H, Rietveld, LC & Dijk, JC van (2008). Removal of both dissolved 

and particulate iron from groundwater. Drinking water engineering and science (online), 1(1), 87-115. 

Verberk, JQJC (2008). International collaboration on aesthetic water quality. Delft Cluster Magazine, 5, 

14-17. 

Verliefde, ARD (2008). International collaboration on aesthetic water quality. Delft Cluster Magazine, 5, 

14-17. 

Verliefde, ARD & Yangali Quintanilla, VA (2008). Removal of pharmaceuticals with NF and RO. Delft Cluster 

Magazine, 5, 18-23. 

Verliefde, ARD, Cornelissen, ER, Verberk, JQJC & Dijk, JC van (2008). Zijn membranen een waterdichte 

oplossing voor organische microverontreinigingen. H2O: tijdschrift voor watervoorziening en waterbeheer, 

41(21), 32-35. 

Vreeburg, JHG (2008). Vervuiling distributienet komt uit de zuivering. artikel H2O: Nieuwegein (2008, april 

04). 

Worm, GIM, Mesman, SD, Schagen, KM van, Borger, KJ & Rietveld, LC (2008). Hydraulic modeling of drinking 

water treatment plant operations. Drinking water engineering and science (online), 1(2), 155-172. 

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39

The first year of Drinking Water Engineering and Science 

2008 was the first -and a good- year for Drinking Water Engineering and Science (DWES), the first open access 

journal on drinking water treatment. 

On December 14 th 2007 the web site of DWES, www.drinking-water-engineering-and-science.net went online. 

On January 4 th 2008 the first two papers from our own research groups were received and on January 30 th 

2008 the first paper from Japan. 

In 2008 18 papers were submitted to DWES Discussion (the first stage of the journal) of which eight are currently 

in review and six were rejected in the access review for different reasons. Four papers have completed 

the review process and have been published in DWES and can be downloaded for free by everyone around 

the world. 

In 2008 the editorial board was expanded and now consists of 15 topical editors from all over the world: France, 

China, India, South-Africa, Switzerland, Singapore, Japan, Latvia, Korea, Germany, Zimbabwe, the UK and 

the Netherlands. 

In 2009 we continue to aim to be the leading open access scientific journal for the publication of original research 

in drinking water treatment and distribution. The focus is on fundamental and applied research in water quality, 

quantity and pressure. DWES expects to serve academic scientists and users of newly developed knowledge 

working at knowledge centers (universities and research centers), water supply utilities and companies, and 

engineering consulting firms. Prof. Gary Amy and prof. Hans van Dijk are the editors-in-chief. 

In 2009 don’t hesitate to check the papers in discussion every now and then and give your comments on the 

papers! We look forward to receive your own work and to offer you high quality scientific information on drinking 

water treatment. 

Jasper Verberk and Ignaz Worm (dwes-executive-editors@copernicus.org) 

Papers published in DWES in 2008 

E. Siebel, Y. Wang, T. Egli, and F. Hammes (2008). Correlations between total cell concentration, total adenosine tri-phosphate 

concentration and heterotrophic plate counts during microbial monitoring of drinking water. 

DWES, 1, 1, 1-6 

V. Yangali-Quintanilla, T.-U. Kim, M. Kennedy, and G. Amy (2008). Modeling of RO/NF membrane rejections of PhACs and 

organic compounds: a statistical analysis. DWES, 1, 1, 7-15 

Y. Otaki, M. Otaki, P. Pengchai, Y. Ohta, and T. Aramaki (2008). Micro-components survey of residential indoor water consumption 

in Chiang Mai. DWES, 1, 1, 17-25 

E. J. M. Blokker, J. H. G. Vreeburg, S. G. Buchberger, and J. C. van Dijk (2008). Importance of demand modeling in network 

water quality models: a review. DWES, 1 ,1, 27-38 


Papers in review (published in DWES Discussion) 

K. Teunissen, A. Abrahamse, H. Leijssen, L. Rietveld, and H. van Dijk (2008). Removal of both dissolved 

and particulate iron from groundwater. DWES-D, 1, 1, 87-115 

B. Mukhopadhay, M. Majumder, R. Nath Barman, P. Kumar Roy, and A. Mazumder 

(2008). Verification of filter efficiency of horizontal roughing filter by Weglin’s design criteria and Artificial 

Neural Network, DWES-D, 1, 2, 117-133 

M. A. Tahir, H. Rasheed, and A. Malana (2008). Method development for arsenic analysis by modification 

in spectrphotometric technique. DWES-D, 1, 2, 135-154 

G. I. M. Worm, G. A. M. Mesman, K. M. van Schagen, K. J. Borger, and L. C. Rietveld (2008).Hydraulic 

modeling of drinking water treatment plant operations. DWES-D, 1, 2, 155-172 

P. W. M. H. Smeets, G. J. Medema, and J. C. van Dijk (2008). The Dutch secret: safe drinking water without 

chlorine in the Netherlands. DWES-D, 1, 2, 173-212 

Li, S.; Heijman, S.G.J.; Verberk, J.Q.J.C.; van Dijk, J.C. (2008). An innovative treatment concept for future 

drinking water production: fluidized ion exchange-ultrafiltration-nanofiltration-granular activated carbon 

filtration. DWES-D 

D. van Halem, S.A. Bakker, G.L. Amy, and J.C. van Dijk (2008). Arsenic in drinking water: not just a problem 

for Bangladesh. DWES-D 

I. Abdi, T. Tsegaye, W. Tadesse, M. Silitonga, and P. Donald (2008). Spatial and temporal variability of heavy 

metals in streams of the Flint Creek and Flint River Watersheds from non-point sources. DWES-D 

Drinking Water 

Engineering and Science 

Volume 1 

Issue 1 

Year 2008 

Copernicus Publications 

The Innovative Open Access Publisher 

research 

drinking water engineering and science 

41


c. 

a. 

d. 

b. 

a. Swimming pool 

b. Softening pellets with and without NOM 

c. Fluid dynamics experiments 

d. Spiral wound membrane 

research Projects 

43

Modeling of biological activated carbon filtration 

Research objectives 

The research objective is to develop a quantitative simulation model for biological activated (BAC) filtration in 

drinking water treatment. The model includes adsorption and biodegradation processes and should be able to 

predict the removal of natural organic matter (NOM) and pesticides. 

Project outline 


Pre-oxidation prior to granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration enhances biological activity, resulting in NOM 

removal. Oxidation also reduces adsorbability of NOM. Both phenomena result in lower solid-phase concentrations 

of NOM on activated carbon. The reduced solid-phase concentrations causes less competition between 

pesticides and NOM, resulting in longer filter run times for pesticides. 

Approach 

Based on literature review a white box simulation model for BAC filtration was developed. In an other work 

package of the project a biomass quantification method based on adeninotriphosphate (ATP) was developed 

and the dominant bacteria species in BAC filters were determined and characterized. Laboratory experiments 

were performed to determine the effect of oxidation on the adsorption characteristics of the NOM. This provided 

data for model calibration. Pilot plant experiments for both ground and surface water were used for 

model validation. 

Results 

Laboratory experiments showed that due to oxidation and biodegradation the solid-phase concentrations of 

NOM reduce to 50% of the original values. Pesticide spiking experiments in a pilot plant at concentrations of 

2 µg/l showed that BAC filter run times are up to two times longer than GAC filter run times (see figure 1). In 

the pilot plant biomass profiles were determined with the ATP on carbon method. Surprisingly ATP on carbon 

concentrations peak in spring and not in summer when temperatures are maximal. 

atrazine [µg C/l] 

2,5 

2 

1,5 

1 

TW-BAC1: 

0.7 g O3 ·g C 

influent 

0,5 

0 

EBCT 5 min 

EBCT 10 min 

EBCT 20 min 

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 

Time [days] 

Figure 1 - Atrazine breakthrough in GAC and BAC at empty bed contact times of 5 min and 10 min 

-1 

0-12 g H2O2 ·m-3 44 <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>report</strong> DWE 2008 

TW-GAC1: 

0 g O 3 ·m -3 

0 g H 2 O 2 ·m -3 

influent 

EBCT 5 min 

EBCT 10 min 

EBCT 20 min

Scientific relevance 

In BAC filtration adsorption and biodegradation influence each other. 

Modeling is used to quantify adsorption and biodegradation processes and 

helps us to understand the fundamentals of BAC filtration. 

Social relevance 

The research is performed in close co-operation with industry. The model 

will be used to improve operation and design of BAC filtration to: 

• improve drinking water quality: removal of NOM to prevent regrowth in 

the drinking water distribution system, robust barrier against micro pollutants 

like pesticides 

• reduce operation costs through a decrease in filter regeneration frequency 

• reduce environmental impact through a decrease in filter regeneration 

frequency 

Literature 

• Aa L.T.J. van der, Rietveld L.C., Siegers W.G., 

Dijk J.C. van (2006). Adsorption of 

natural organic matter and atrazin on granular activated carbon filters. Workshop 

Developments in Modeling Drinking Water Treatment, Delft, the Netherlands, 

22-23 June 2006. 

• Aa L.T.J. van der, Magic-Knezev A., Rietveld L.C., Dijk J.C. van (2006). 

Biomass development in biological activated carbon filters. 4th international 

slow sand filtration and alternative biological filtration conference, Mülheim an 

der Ruhr, Germany, 3-5 May 2006. 

• Aa L.T.J. van der, Achari V.S., Rietveld L.C., Siegers W.G., Dijk J.C. van (2004). 

Modeling biological activated carbon filtration: determination adsorption isotherms 

of organic compounds. WISA biennial conference, Cape Town, South Africa, May 

2004 

• Aa L.T.J. van der, Kolpa R.J., Magic-Knezev A., Rietveld L.C., Dijk J.C. van (2003). 

Biological activated carbon filtration: pilot experiments in the Netherlands. Water 

Quality Technology Conference, Philadelphia. 

• Aa L.T.J. van der, Rietveld L.C., Dijk J.C. van (2002). Modeling BAC filtration: integrating 

adsorption and biodegradation in one model. Proceedings of Workshop 

International Water Association “Biological activated carbon filtration”, Delft. 

• Aa L. van der, Rietveld L., Graveland A. (2000). Biologisch actieve-koolfiltratie: 

kennis integreren tot één model. H2O (33), nr. 11 pp. 35 – 37. 

• Aa L.T.J. van der, Rietveld, L.C. (2000). Modeling of biological activated carbon 

filtration, a review. Proceedings of workshop International Water Association 

“Modeling of conventional drinking water production processes”, Delft. 

René van der Aa 

Delft University of Technology 

Faculty of Civil Engineering and 

Geosciences 

Department of Water Management 


Tel.: +31 20 55 37 054 

Fax: +31 20 39 76 880 

e-mail: rene.van.der aa@waternet.nl 

www.drinkwater.tudelft.nl 

Postal address: 

Waternet 

Postbus 94370 

1090 GJ Amsterdam 

visiting address: 

Korte Ouderkerkerdijk 7 

1096 AC Amsterdam 

Start date: Jan 2000 

Expected end date: Summer 2009 

key words: 

Biological activated carbon filtration, 

modeling 

cooperation with other 

institutes: 

Waternet; Norit; Vitens; 

Wageningen University and Research; 

KWR Watercycle Research 

Institute. 

The project has been co-funded by 

the Dutch Deparment of Economics 

through Senter 

research projects 

45

Project Outline 


stochastic deMand Patterns in hydraulic Models 

This research program is devoted to fill in the gaps in knowledge on the hydraulic conditions in drinking water distri- 

bution systems. There is a significant relation between hydraulics and particles in the network. Particles in drinking 

water systems are responsible for the generation of discoloration of the water, leading to an unacceptable aesthetic 

water quality. Also dissolved substances, such as (deliberate) contamination in the drinking water distribution system, 

are affected by the hydraulic conditions. McKenna et al. (2005) have suggested that due to the stochastic nature 

of demands the ‘source location inversion’ of contaminants is only possible with accurate information on demand. 

Approach 

A flexible demand model is developed. The demand model is called SIMDEUM: SIMulation of Demand – an 

End-Use Model. A distribution network model is constructed from GIS-information of pipes (location and diameter 

of pipes and pipe roughness) and customers (location of demand nodes and yearly water use) and from specific 

area information as input to SIMDEUM (number of people per household, age of inhabitants, and installed 

water appliances). The application of this demand model in distribution network models is being investigated. 

Results 

The demand model SIMDEUM based on (residential) end-use is developed from statistical information on 

intensity (flow) and duration per use, frequency of use, and time of use (over the day) for all residential enduses 

such as taking a shower, flushing the 

toilet, washing hands, doing the dishes, watering 

the garden etc. Information on number of 

people per household is also used. The (statistical) 

information is retrieved from national 

census data (on a‘DMA’-level), a three-yearly 

survey on water use at home and a five-yearly 

survey on time budget. The model is validated 

by measurements on individual household 

level and on street level (of 5 to 512 houses). 

A distribution network of ca. 550 houses in 

Franeker was modeled; occurring velocities, flow 

direction reversals and residence times were calculated. 

In this small network velocities are low (< 

0.1 m/s) and in pipes where flow direction reversals 

occur residence times can be more than 2 days. Figure 1 - Flow velocities in Franeker network 


The processes that govern the settling and resuspension of particles in the network are not fully understood. 

However, it is clear that the hydraulic conditions in the distribution network are a key factor. Existing demand 

models, based on measured demand at the pumping station, are applicable to transport models. These models 

are not fit for distribution networks because distribution networks, compared to transport networks, have more 


dynamic flows and occasionally very low velocities, flow direction reversals 

and high residence times. The reason for this is that distribution networks 

have much more demand nodes and these demand nodes show much more 

uncorrelated demands (both in time and in space) than demand nodes in 

transport net works The result is that sediment in distribution net works is 

much more of a problem than in transport net works. 


Discoloration seriously undermines the customer’s faith in drinking water. 

Possible public health effects are not very severe because the color of 

the water will prevent people from actually consuming the water. The 

effects on water quality of resuspended sediment in the sub-visual region, 

below 5 FTU, are probably not negligible. Water companies spend a 

lot of money in producing good drinking water that however can deteriorate 

significantly in the network. More knowledge on hydraulic conditions 

in the distribution network will help determine how to maintain 

the network, which will decrease the number of discolored water incidents 

and increase customer’s trust in safe and healthy drinking water. 

Literature 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Blokker, E. J. M., Buchberger, S. G., Vreeburg, J. H. G., and van Dijk, J.C. (2008). 

“Comparison of water demand models: PRP and SIMDEUM applied to Milford, 

Ohio, data.” WDSA 2008, Kruger Park, South Africa. 

Blokker, E. J. M., Buchberger, S. G., Vreeburg, J. H. G., and van Dijk, J.C.(2008). 

“Importance of demand modeling in network water quality models: a review.” 

Drink. Water Eng. Sci.(1), 27-38. 

Blokker, E. J. M., and Vreeburg, J. H. G. (2005). “Monte Carlo Simulation of 

Residential Water Demand: A Stochastic End-Use Model. ”Impacts of Global 

Climate Change; 2005 World water and environmental resources congress, R. 

Walton, ed., American Society of Civil Engineers, Anchorage,Alaska, 34. 

Blokker, E. J. M., Vreeburg, J. H. G., and Vogelaar, A. J. (2006). “Combining the 

probabilistic demand model SIMDEUM with a network model.” Water Distribution 

System Analysis #8, American Society of Civil Engineers, Cincinnati, Ohio, 

USA. 

Mirjam Blokker 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 27 86 588 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: mirjam.blokker@kwrwater.nl 



Postbus 1072 

3430 BB Nieuwegein 


Groningenhaven 7 

3433 PE Nieuwegein 

Start date: May 2007 

Expected end date: May 2011 

key words: 

stochastic demands, hydraulic 

models 


institutes: 

KWR Watercycle Research Institute 


47

ehaviour and reMoval of natural organic Matter (noM) in 

treatMent Processes 


The objective of this research is to understand the behaviour of different natural organic matter (NOM) fractions 

in drinking water treatment processes and to improve the drinking water quality at the consumers tap by 

extending the treatment with an ion exchange process. Removing NOM before the existing treatment train will 

have a positive effect on following treatment steps, leading to cost effective alternative treatment strategies. 

Also the biofilm formation in the distribution network will be limited by NOM removal with ion exchange. 



The presence of NOM in drinking water influences both the efficiency of treatment steps, and processes in the 

distribution network such as the formation of biofilms. With a combination of technologies different fractions of 

NOM can be determined, which gives more insight in the effects of NOM in the treatment and distribution network. 

Fluidized ion exchange is a new treatment step for NOM removal. The behaviour of ion exchange resin in 

a fluidized column will be investigated. Also the water quality improvement of this new step will be researched. 

Research will be carried out at Weesperkarspel (WPK) treatment plan of Waternet, Amsterdam. 

Approach 

A new treatment step, ion exchange, is being used for removing specific NOM fractions. The effect of this new 

treatment step on other treatment steps on the water quality at the consumers tap has been investigated in 

batch experiments and on pilot scale. Those processes can then be optimised. First, different IEX resins were 

tested on specific NOM fraction removal by batch experiments. Second, the batch experiments results have 

been verified with pilot plant research. Finally, the effect of NOM removal on following treatments steps will 

be investigated with batch experiments and on pilot scale, as well as the effect on the biofilm formation in the 

distribution network. 

Results 

WPK water was used for batch experiments with 3 different IEX resins 

and 1 sorbent resin. WPK water consists of mainly humic NOM fractions. 

Lewatit VP OC 1071 and MIEX DOC resin were the best performing 

resins. By first removing NOM with these resins, the life times of the 

following GAC filters will increase by a factor 10 for DOC removal. The 

results had to be verified by pilot research, which started in October 

2008. Ion exchange is the first step in this pilot plant (Figure 1), followed 

by ozonation, pellet softening, biological activated carbon filtration and 

slow sand filtration. Beside this train, there is a reference train without 

ion exchange for comparison. To investigate the effect of NOM removal 

by ion exchange on biological stability, biofilm monitors are placed after 

the slow sand filters. First results of this pilot experiment are expected 

in March 2009. 


Figure1 - Ion exchange column at 

pilot plant Weesperkarspel


NOM is, more or less, removed by 

the existing drinking water treatment 

and affects the effectiveness 

of certain treatment processes. 

NOM is presently seen as a composite 

parameter and the removal 

and conversion of specific NOM 

fractions has not received much 

attention. By modeling the behav- 

Figure 2 - Different ion exchange 

iour of different NOM fractions in 

resins 

the treatment process, insight can 

be obtained in the behaviour of 

NOM in the treatment under changing circumstances and the effects on the 

treatment effectiveness. By performing the removal of different NOM fractions 

on different locations in the treatment the effect on the water quality 

can be studied, also the consequence for environment and costs. 


As the research is executed in co-operation with water companies, the results 

of the research will directly be implemented in practice. By improved drinking 

water treatment and avoiding deterioration of the water quality during distribution, 

in combination with the distribution processes, the excellent Dutch 

drinking water quality will be safeguarded for the future. 

Literature 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Anke Grefte, Marco Dignum, Luuk Rietveld and Hans van Dijk. Evaluation of a 

regular measurement program of water quality parameters in a full-scale nonchlorinated 

distribution system. WQTC conference proceedings, Denver, 2006 

Anke Grefte, Marco Dignum, Alex van der Helm, Luuk Rietveld, Emile 

Cornelissen, Gary Amy and Hans van Dijk. Removal of NOM Fractions by 

Different Anion Exchange and Sorbent Resins. Leading Edge conference proceedings, 

Singapore, 2007 

Anke Grefte, Marco Dignum, Luuk Rietveld, Emile Cornelissen and Gary Amy. 

Removal of NOM Fractions by Different Ion Exchange (IEX) and Adsorbent 

Resins and Effect on the Performance of Activated Carbon. WQTC conference 

proceedings, Charlotte, 2007 

A. Grefte, S. A. Baghoth, M. Dignum, E.R. Cornelissen and L.C. Rietveld. 

Modeling of NOM fraction removal by different ion exchange resins. Natural 

Organic Matter: From Source to Tap conference proceedins, Bath, 2008 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 27 81 585 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: A.Grefte@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 

2600 GA Delft 


Stevinweg 1 

2628 CN Delft 

Building of Civil Engineering 

Room 4.59 


Expected end date: Jun 2011 

key words: 

Drinking water quality, advanced 

treatment, NOM, biological stability 


institutes: 

Waternet; KWR Watercycle Research 

Institute; Vitens; Unesco- 

IHE 


Anke Grefte 

49

subsurface arsenic reMoval froM groundwater for 

aPPlication in develoPing countries 


The objective of this Ph.D. study is to determine the small-scale applicability of subsurface or in-situ iron removal 

for the retention of high arsenic concentrations from groundwater. 



Arsenic contamination in groundwater is found in many countries worldwide, including Argentina, Bangladesh, 

Hungary, India, the United States, and Vietnam. The main reason for concern is de gradual, chronic poisoning 

by this invisible, toxic metal. The first symptoms of arsenic poisoning are (de)pigmentation of the skin and 

toughening of palms and soles (black-foot disease). Chronic exposure may cause cancer of the skin, lungs, 

urinary bladder and kidneys. 

Even though many techniques have been developed over the years to remove arsenic from groundwater, a 

solution is not yet at hand for many people living in rural areas. The use of subsurface arsenic removal could 

proof a reliable alternative, especially in regions where shallow tube wells are already used for drinking water 

supply. Arsenic and iron are retained in the aquifer and thus no waste stream is produced. In short, the periodic 

injection of aerated water oxidizes adsorbed iron (II) to iron (III) and therefore forming new adsorption sites for 

iron (II) and trace elements such as arsenic. 

Approach 

The experimental work in the laboratory is designed with three main focal points: (1) arsenic behaviour during 

the regeneration process of the iron hydroxide surface; (2) aging of arsenic-rich iron (hydr)oxides under shifting 

redox conditions; (3) oxygen supply to the aquifer. The small-scale applicability of this technology is tested 

with field pilots in rural Bangladesh, focusing on the removal of high arsenic concentrations (> 100 µg/L) with 

different groundwater matrices. The results from laboratory and field will be modeled with surface complexation 

modeling (PHREEQC). 

Principle of subsurface arsenic removal: 

injection of aearated water 

Results 

Currently two experimental set-ups for subsurface arsenic removal are running in Manikganj, Bangladesh. 

The water quality is monitored on a daily basis in collaboration with UNICEF and DPHE. With arsenic con- 


Principle of subsurface arsenic removal: 

abstraction of water

centrations around 180 µg/L and high Fe:As ratios the selected locations 

are favourable for this technology. Additionally column studies are used to 

experiment with a variety of parameters: aquifer composition, groundwater 

quality and injection frequency. 


Even though subsurface iron removal is operated worldwide for many decades 

now, the use for arsenic retention is a new approach. Before subsurface arsenic 

removal can be safely implemented it is vital to identify the parameters influencing 

the retardation of arsenic to the well, e.g. pH, competing anions, Fe:As ratio. 


One only has to hear about the ‘mass poisoning’ of people living in 

the Bengal Delta to understand the social relevance of arsenic-related 

research topics. The use of subsurface arsenic removal to treat 

groundwater is not only interesting from a scientific point-of-view; it may 

also provide safe drinking water to millions worldwide. Therefore this 

research study should extend beyond acquiring theoretical answers and 

also translate the technology to the practicality of the users’ real world. 

In Bangladesh the study is executed in collaboration with local partners 

UNICEF and DPHE (Department of Public Health Engineering). 

Literature 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

van Halem, D. (2008) Drinking water research for all. In J. C. van Dijk & N. Krikke 

(eds.), 60e Vakantiecursus in Drinkwatervoorziening, pp. 59-68. Delft University 

of Technology, Delft. 

van Halem, D., S. G. J. Heijman, B. Petrusevski, G. L. Amy & J. C. van Dijk 

(2008) Design considerations for small-scale subsurface arsenic removal in 

developing countries. Arsenic in the environment: Arsenic from nature to humans. 

Valencia. 

van Halem, D., S. G. J. Heijman, G. L. Amy & J. C. van Dijk (2008) Subsurface 

arsenic removal for small-scale application in developing countries. In B. S. 

Richards & A. I. Schafer (eds.), Water and Sanitation in International Development 

and Disaster Relief. Edinburgh. 

Bakker, S. A., D. van Halem, J. C. van Dijk & G. L. Amy (2008) Arseen in drinkwater: 

niet alleen een probleem in Bangladesh. H2O: Tijdschrift voor watervoorziening 

en waterbeheer. 

van Halem, D., W. W. J. M. de Vet, G. L. Amy & J. C. van Dijk (2008) Subsurface 

iron removal for drinking water production: understanding the process and exploiting 

beneficial side effects. Water Quality Technology Conference. American Water 

Works Association, Cincinatti. 

Doris van Halem 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 27 83 539 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: D.vanHalem@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 



Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.49 


Expected end date: Jan 2011 

key words: 

Arsenic, drinking water, subsurface 


institutes: 

UNESCO-IHE, UNICEF Bangladesh, 

DPHE 


51

new treatMent concePts for drinking water Production 


New treatment concepts are investigated for large scale but also for small scale drinking water production. 

The research is aiming at high tech solutions for the Netherlands as well as low tech solutions for developing 

countries. The introduction of new technologies is part of the research. 



In the densely populated industrial countries there is a growing concern for the micro pollutants in the water 

sources of the drinking water production. The apolar micro pollutants are well removed by activated carbon. 

But the polar are difficult to remove with adsorption also oxidation techniques and membrane filtration have 

disadvantages. To create a robust barrier against all micro pollutants it is probably necessary to have two barriers 

against micro-pollutants (eg membrane filtration/activated carbon filtration or oxidation/activated carbon 

filtration). New technologies based on for instance zeolites are evaluated. 

In developing countries the removal of human pathogens (microorganism and viruses) has the highest priority 

to provide safe drinking water to the people in rural areas. Most of the time there is no distribution network so 

the treatment system should be designed on village scale (500 people) or even on household scale (10 people). 

So the treatment systems investigated are most of the time low-tech disinfection techniques for remote 

areas preferably driven by solar or wind energy. Also sustainable desalination concepts (on wind and sun) 

are investigated. 

Approach 

Most of the time experimental research is done on both lab scale as well as pilot scale. Sometimes it is useful 

to model the results to get a better understanding of what is happening. From the pilot scale we learn important 

design parameters and water production rates. We can estimate the investment costs of a full scale installation 

and can estimate a water price. This is also important for the village or household systems. Also we can 

measure the water quality produced with the investigated treatment concept. 

Results 

• Ceramic membrane filtration with submicron powdered activated carbon. Remove bacteria, viruses, suspended 

solids, NOM and micro pollutants in one step. 

• Zero liquid discharge for nanofiltration plants. Nanofiltration without concentrate production. 

• Seawater evaporation by sun power using vapour compression. Sustainable production of fresh water 

from saline water. 

• Drinking with the wind: combination sea water desalination with a windmill. Sustainable production of 

fresh water from saline water. 

• Ammonium removal with zeolites. Adsorptive removal of ammonium from groundwater. 

• Sustainable small scale treatment systems. Treatment systems for developing countries and remote 

areas. Ceramic pot filters , slow sand filters, solar disinfection etc. 


Innovative solutions are needed to overcome the problems of both small as well as large treatment systems. 

The solutions are either improving the water quality further or decreasing the costs of water production. Science 


provide methods to improve or adapt existing concepts and to evaluate the 

concepts in a scientific way. 


Excess to safe and healthy drinking water is important in developing as 

well as in developed countries. The systems needed only differ in size and 

technology. But the fundaments are always a reliable appropriate technology 

and an adequate implementation of the technology. The alternative 

concepts developed should always be evaluated on the water price and 

the water quality. 

Literature 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Heijman, S.G.J., Rabinovitch, E. Bos, F., Olthof N.,Dijk J.C. van, “Sustainable 

seawater desalination: stand-alone small scale windmill and reverse osmosis 

system” in the proceedings of the Coastal Cities Summit 17-20 november 2008, 

St.Petersburg USA. 

Heijman, S.G.J., Hamad, J.Z., Kennedy, M.D., Schippers J.C., Amy, G., “ Submicron 

powdered activated carbon used as a pre-coat in ceramic microfiltration”, 

Conference proceedings Membranes in Drinking Water Production and 

Wastewater Treatment 20–22 October 2008, Toulouse, France. 

D. van Halem, H. van der Laan, S.G.J. Heijman, J.C. van Dijk, G.L. Amy, 

“Assessing the sustainability of the silver-impregnated ceramic pot filter for lowcost 

household drinking water treatment” , Physics and Chemistry of the Earth 

Heijman, S.G.J., H. Guo,S.Li, J.C. van Dijk, L.P. Wessels, “Zero liquid discharge: 

heading for 99% recovery”, proceedings of the IMSTEC 2007; Sydney November 

2007. 

Heijman*, S.G.J. Verliefde, A.R.D., Cornelissen, E.R., Amy, G., van Dijk, 

J.C.“Influence of natural organic matter (NOM) fouling on the removal of pharmaceuticals 

by nanofiltration and activated carbon filtration” (2007) Conference 

proceedings IWA membrane conference Harrogate. 

Anneke Abrahamse, Weren de Vet, Petra Scholte, Bas Heijman, “Toepassing 

zeolieten voor verwijdering ammonium bij de drinkwaterzuivering” 

Bas Heijman, Sheng Li, Peter Wessels, Hans van Dijk , “Een nieuwe zuiveringsopzet 

voor directe behandeling van oppervlaktewater tot drinkwater” H2O 

(2006),39,nr.17. 

Heijman, SGJ, Li, S & Dijk, JC van (2006). Treatment concept for future drinking 

water production. In s.n. (Ed.), Water Quality Technology (pp. 1-8). Denver: 

AWWA. 

Schippers, JC, Heijman, SGJ & Bakker, EF (2006). Oppervlaktezuivering door 

middel van keramische membranen. H2O: tijdschrift voor watervoorziening en 

waterbeheer, 39(14/15), 45-48. 

Bas Heijman 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 27 84 282 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: S.G.J.Heijman@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 



Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.51 

Start date: ongoing 

Expected end date: ongoing 

key words: 

Drinking water treatment; new concepts; 

nanofiltration; ion exchange 

resin; zeolites; ceramic membranes; 

windmill; sun power 


institutes: 

Vitens, UNESCO-IHE, KWR Watercycle 

Research Institute, Aquafor-All 


53

develoPing and Modeling of oxidation Processes for drinking 

water treatMent 


The research is aiming on developing new innovative (advanced) oxidation processes and modeling of these 

processes. Within this research the focus is on disinfection, oxidation of micro-pollutants, oxidation of emerging 

substances and formation of disinfection by-products. Describing these processes in dynamic mathematical 

models is an integral part of the research. 



Oxidation and disinfection are important in drinking water treatment and can be achieved by (advanced) oxidation 

processes. Different processes are used for this purpose such as ozonation, UV, UV in combination with 

peroxide, chlorination, etc. During these processes pathogens are killed or inactivated, micro-pollutants, emerging 

substances such as pharmaceuticals and endocrine disrupting compounds and natural organic matter are 

oxidized. During these processes by-products that are harmful for human health may be formed. The drinking 

water treatment processes that are under research are ozonation and advanced photocatalytic oxidation. 

Approach 

For ozonation research, experiments in different bench-scale and pilot-scale ozone installations with different 

natural waters are performed. A model for ozonation is developed, calibrated and validated and different control 

strategies for ozonation are assessed. On the basis of the experiments and model calculations, a new design 

for ozone installations is developed. In addition, the character and removal of natural organic matter (NOM) 

prior to ozonation is studied. With advanced photocatalytic oxidation a titanium dioxide catalyst produces oxidants 

(OH radicals) when exposed to sunlight. The oxidants as well as the sunlight can remove pathogens and 

organic micro-pollutants with a minimum of undesired by-products. Lab-scale experiments will be performed 

on oxidation of pharmaceuticals and endocrine disrupting compounds and new measuring techniques will be 

used to measure the formation of metabolites. A prototype reactor will be developed that should be used for one 

household and it should be possible to upscale it to be used for a village or district. This technique is expected 

to be robust and environmental friendly with low costs and low social impact that is easily maintained. 

Results 

The developed ozonation model was used for evaluating the current control strategy of the full-scale ozone 

installation at Weesperkarspel of Waternet, water cycle company for Amsterdam and surrounding areas, and 

for assessing other control strategies for operational support and process control of ozonation. It is a tool that 

directly shows the consequences of changes in 

operation of the ozone installation. It enables 

water supply companies to make more objective 

choices for operational settings and, thus, is a 

valuable tool for controlling the balance between 

disinfection, bromate (a possible carcinogenic 

according to the World Health Organization) 

formation and AOC formation. From the experimental 

work and modeling studies, the importance 

of the hydraulic conditions for ozonation Optimised ozone dosage 


was demonstrated. The dissolved ozone plug flow reactor (DOPFR) concept 

developed in this research addresses this issue. In the DOPFR, ozone is 

dissolved in a pre treated side stream and dosed to the main stream just 

before a static mixer. Subsequently, contact time in the DOPFR is created 

in a pipe with plug flow characteristics. In this installation disinfection can 

be improved without increasing AOC and bromate formation. The advanced 

photocatalytic oxidation project has just started so it is too early to present 

any results yet. 


The experimental and modeling work on oxidation processes lead to increasing 

knowledge of the processes. The research on by-product formation will 

gain increasing knowledge of great importance in drinking water treatment 

to assess possibilities for removal of these by-products in subsequent drinking 

water processes. 


With the new dissolved ozone dosing principle it is possible to decrease 

bromate concentration in drinking water while maintaining the same level 

of disinfection. Advanced photocatalytic oxidation is expected to contribute 

to the fulfilment of the United Nations Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 

to halve the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking 

water by 2015. 

Literature 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Helm A.W.C. van der, Smeets P.W.M.H., Baars E.T., Rietveld L.C. and Dijk J.C. 

van (2005). Dosing Ratios for Reduced Bromate Formation by Dissolved Ozone 

Dosing. Water Science and Technology: Water Supply, 5(5), 35-40. 

Smeets P.W.M.H., Helm A.W.C. van der, Dullemont Y.J., Rietveld L.C., Dijk J.C. 

van and Medema, G.J. (2006). Inactivation of Escherichia coli by ozone under 

bench-scale plug flow and full-scale hydraulic conditions. Water Research, 40(17), 

3239-3248. 

van der Helm, A.W.C., Smeets, P.W.M.H., Baars, E.T., Rietveld, L.C. and van Dijk, 

J.C. (2007). Modeling of ozonation for dissolved ozone dosing. Ozone Science and 

Engineering, 29(5), 379-389. 

Barrios R., Siebel M.A., Helm A.W.C. van der, Bosklopper Th.G.J. and Gijzen H.J. 

(2008). Environmental and financial life cycle impact assessment of drinking water 

production at Waternet. Journal of Cleaner Production, 16(4), 471-476. 

Rietveld, L.C., van der Helm, A.W.C., van Schagen, K.M., van der Aa, L.T.J. and 

van Dijk, J.C. (2008). Integrated simulation of drinking water treatment. Journal of 

Water Supply: Research and Technology-AQUA, 57(3), 133-141. 



Geosciences 



Waternet 

Department Research and Consultancy 

Tel.: +31 65 24 80 203 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: alex.van.der.helm@waternet.nl 

A.W.C.vanderHelm@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 


Alex van der Helm 


Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.69 

Start date: Ongoing 

Finished: Ongoing 

key words: 

Drinking water treatment, optimization, 

modeling, integrated, ozone 


institutes: 

Waternet, DHV B.V., Pool Water 

Treatment B.V., DelftChemTech 


55

degradation Products in drinking water due to oxidative water 

treatMent Processes 

Research Objective 

General: 

This project investigates the characteristics and effects of transformation/degradation products (metabolites) 

and organic contaminants in drinking water sources and drinking water treatment plants after oxidative processes 

for water treatment. 

Specific: 

1. To Identify and characterize transformation/degradation products (metabolites) and organic compounds 

including identification of unknowns, coming out from the effects of oxidative processes; using chromatographic 

techniques. 

2. To contribute with information on the characteristics of compounds that have been found, needed to establish 

useful models to predict the removal of contaminants 

3. To assess the efficiency of the removal of contaminants and their transformation/degradation products after 

oxidative processes, according to characteristics of new products. 

4. To contribute with valuable information of the amount, effects and characteristics of compounds found and 

their transformation/degradation products, associated to long term exposure through drinking water normal 

consumption. 



Water treatment involves different physical, chemical and biological processes that are continuously under 

study. It has been difficult to find the most convenient combination of processes that can effectively degrade 

or remove all types of contaminants that are possible to occur in the water environment. The selection of the 

most convenient combination of water treatment processes for the degradation or removal of contaminants 

should not only be based on the degradation of a target compound itself; but also on the degradation of products 

generated. Residues of many kinds of contaminants have been detected in samples of surface water, 

groundwater and even drinking water. A wide list of products that could generate important residues include 

analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, lipid regulators, psychiatric drugs, β-blockers, pesticides, 

veterinary drugs, etc. These substances are widely used and are the most ubiquitous in both surface waters 

and wastewaters. Knowledge of the characteristics of the compounds and their degradation/transformation 

products (metabolites) is valuable information for the application of predictive models in order to assess a better 

combination of water treatment processes. 

In almost every case monitoring is focused on the parent compounds (original compound) but there is still a lack 

of data and information concerning the identification and characterization of degradation products and nontarget 

compounds. The absence of the parent contaminants in finished drinking water and in raw water that serves 

as sources of drinking water treatment plants is not enough evidence to absolutely guarantee the absence of 

residual products. The chemistry of water treatment process is complex, and thorough experiments are needed 

in order to determine the characteristics of the chemical structures left at the end of the water treatment processes. 

Nowadays the water sector has the opportunity to utilize reliable chromatographic technologies which 

contribute with valuable information in order to help on the optimization of water treatment processes. 

Approach 


Powerful analytical techniques such as liquid chromatography time of flight 

mass spectrometry (LC–TOF–MS), and others, capable of providing complementary 

information of what kind of chemical structures could be left at 

the end of the processes, are going to be used as suitable tools for obtaining 

the final structure assignment of a wide range of degradation products and 

nontarget compounds. Mixtures of different types of organic contaminants 

in aqueous samples are going to be test in order to investigate the transformation/degradation 

products (metabolites) due to different types of oxidation 

techniques applied. The identification and characterization of transformation/ 

degradation products (metabolites) and their extent of toxicity are essential 

for water treatment assessment; and the gathering of information would be 

valuable for the application of predictive models in order to assess a better 

combination of water treatment processes. Therefore, toxicity tests are 

also important to be conduct in combination with the identification of the 

transformation products. 

Results 

This project is on its initial part. 

Scientific Relevance 

The study of these degradation products, using different complementary analytical 

techniques capable of elucidating new compound structures, would 

be an important asset on the identification of the characteristics and possible 

toxicological effects of degradation products. This represents valuable 

information for the selection of the most convenient combination of water 

treatment processes, for the degradation of contaminants and their efficient 

removal from drinking water sources. 

Social Relevance 

Population growth and rapid urbanization lead to high demand of water for 

human consumption; also the usage, reuse and scarcity of water resources. 

The need to supply safe drinking water becomes a challenge for the world 

water sector. Research concerning about the formation of transformation/ 

degradation products (metabolites) is of high social relevance for water treatment 

optimization and for the further use of the information on the differences 

on the physicochemical properties of the compounds studied. Every 

source of water is different taking into account its origin and an appropriate 

treatment of raw water is critical to achieve high-quality drinking water for 

consumers. 

Zahira E. Herrera Rivera 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 27 81 718 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: Z.E.HerreraRivera@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 



Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.44 

Start date: 2008 

Expected end date: 2012 

key words: 

Degradation products, oxidation 

processes, chromatographic 

techniques, mass spectrometry, 

non-target organic compounds, 

analysis 


institutes: 

Waternet, RIKILT 


57

diPool; dutch innovative Pool 

advanced uv-based technology for Pool water treatMent 


The research objective is to reduce the use of chemical disinfectants in public swimming pools. This can be 

done by combining alternative disinfection techniques with adapted water treatment in a new pool water treatment 

concept including aspects of hygienic control of pool visitors. The goal is to have chemical disinfectant 

free swimming pool water for public swimming pools. 



The main disadvantage of chemically disinfected swimming pools is the formation of disinfection by-products. 

Operating pool water treatment without chemical disinfection introduces new questions like: 

• Without chemical treatment biofilms will develop on surfaces; can these biofilms be controlled by cleaning? 

• Can these biofilms also be controlled with nutrient control with different treatment steps? 

• Measuring the level of disinfectants is an easy way to determine the pool water quality in a chemically 

disinfected pool. How can the pool water quality be determined in a UV-disinfected pool? 

• Can the pool water quality be predicted in the coming 24 hours? 

• Pool hydraulics in chemically disinfected pools will quickly mix the dosed disinfectants over the pool content, 

and as a result mix the bathers pollutants as well. Innovative pool hydraulics are necessary 

to remove bathers pollutants from the pool basin quickly. 

• Can we influence the bathing load from swimmers with special showers? 

• Can microbiological stability of the pool water be enhanced with special materials & coatings 

Approach 

Lab scale research will provide the knowledge on biofilm formation and reduction at swimming pool conditions. 

During these lab tests, the influence of specific nutrients on the biofilm formation and reduction will be 

determined, as well as the influences of combined factors like cleaning and special materials. For online control 

of the pool water quality, a sensor will be developed based on UV-spectrum analysis. A control unit will be 

developed which predicts the pool water quality in the coming 24 hours, based on the actual pool water quality, 

a prediction of visitors in the coming 24 hours, the pool water treatment system and pool hydraulics. A new 

innovative hydraulic design will remove pollutants from the pool basin, in stead of mixing them. The influence of 

Figure 1 - Work packages of DIPOOL project 


Initial bathing load (mg/bather) 

500 

450 

400 

350 

300 

250 

200 

150 

100 

50 

0 

57% 

KMnO4usage 

60% 

DOC 

Parameter 

35% 

Urea 

41% 

Kjeldahl-N 

yes 

no 

% removal 

Bather 

showered? 

Figure 2 - Showered and non showered 

bathing load

swimmers, mixing or stirring the pool water, has yet to be determined and will 

be part of this research. The bathing load of swimmers will be determined 

for different types of swimmers (toddlers, children and adults) as well as for 

different activities of the swimmers (leisure, education, competition, recreation). 

A sensor to determine the bather’s personal hygiene will be developed. 

The sensor will be mounted in the showers drain, giving the latest accurate 

information (even before the bathers enter the pool) to the pool water control 

unit, to predict the effect on the pool water quality. 

Results 

First experiments with a special shower to determine the bather’s personal 

hygiene showed that even a short shower of 15-20 seconds reduces pollutants 

on the bather’s skin with 35-60% (see graph). Wearing a bathing cap 

will reduce the pollutants to 79%. Male bathers seem to have a higher Ureaload 

than female bathers. And long hair has a rising effect on KMnO4-load. 

Personal hygiene factors like hours since last shower also had an effect on 

bathing load, as expected. More results are expected later in 2009. 


Current pool water treatment relies on chemical disinfection. The development 

of a pool water treatment with alternative disinfection techniques is a 

new field of expertise. The influence of the dynamic bathing load on the water 

quality must be kept in control. Foreseeable and unforeseeable effects of 

alternative disinfection will be closely examined during this project. Creating 

stable microbial pool water without the use of chemical disinfectants can lead 

to new viewpoints for comparable water treatment processes. 


Since the early ages bathing and swimming play an important role in communities. 

The use of water basins changed over the ages from religious via 

hygienic to more recreational and educational purposes. During this development 

bathing and swimming has always been a social activity. Complaints 

about “swimming pool odor” and eye irritation are common reasons why 

nowadays some people never visit public swimming pools. UV-disinfected 

swimming pools will give this group of people the opportunity of frequent 

swimming without complaints about disinfection by-products. 

Literature 

• 

M.G.A. Keuten, L.L.M. Keltjens, D. Traksel, J.C. van Dijk Traditional and future 

pool water treatment in relation to DBP’s Abstract & presentation for 2nd Pool 

and Spa Conference 14th to 16th March 2007 in Munich 



Geosciences 

Department of Water management 


Tel.: +31 15 27 83 539 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: m.g.a.keuten@tudelft.nl 


www.bt.tudelft.nl/ebt 


P.O. BOX 5048 


Maarten Keuten 


Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.44 

Prestudy Started: Feb 2006 

Start date Project: Jan 2009 


key words: 

Pool water treatment, alternative 

disinfection 


institutes: 

Department of Environmental Biotechnology, 

faculty Apllied Sciences, 

TU Delft, Hellebrekers Technieken, 

Van Remmen UV techniek, 

AkzoNobel, Coram International, 

Sportfondsen Nederland 


59

develoPMent of an environMental iMPact assessMent (eia) and 

decision suPPort systeM (dss) for seawater desalination Plants 


The PhD research project has the objective to develop and validate a systematic and standardized methodology 

for environmental impact assessment (EIA) applicable to large seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) projects, 

including a decision support system based on multi-criteria analysis (MCA). 



Desalination of seawater is a coastal-based industry. Single reverse osmosis facilities currently produce more 

than 200,000 m3 and single distillation plants up to 1.5 million m3 of water per day. The trend continues towards 

even larger facilities. The increases in desalination activity in many sea regions, such as the Mediterranean, and 

the growing number of large facilities raise concerns over potential negative impacts on the environment. Key 

issues in the permitting process of new facilities, for instance, are the concentrate and chemical discharges to 

the sea and energy use. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies are widely recognised as a suitable 

approach for identifying, evaluating and mitigating potential impacts of development projects on the environment. 

However, a systematic and standardized EIA approach for large SWRO projects is lacking so far. The 

existing general EIA guidance documents do not cover the necessary details that are required for carrying out 

an EIA for a specific desalination project, such as environmental monitoring protocols. Decision-makers often 

experience difficulties in handling the large amounts of complex information produced by the EIA studies in a 

consistent and structured way. The development and validation of a systematic methodology for EIA and decision 

making applicable to large desalination projects is a logical step in dealing with these problems. 

Approach 

A range of distinct EIA methods and techniques are available, which will be revised and developed into a single 

integrated assessment and decision making framework for desalination projects. The PhD will incorporate 

results and recommendations of the environmental working group from the World Health Organization (WHO) 

project “Desalination for Safe Water Supply” (2004-2007). The work group was chaired by Sabine Lattemann 

and developed a methodological approach as well as guidance concerning the scope and contents of EIA studies 

for desalination projects. Forthcoming activities of the PhD project will include the elaboration of monitoring 

protocols for baseline and operational monitoring, and the development of a decision support system based 

on multi-criteria analysis (MCA). It is planned to verify the PhD results by case studies, either by comparison 

of existing EIA studies from different projects in terms of scope, contents, and methodology, and/or by applying 

the results to a specific desalination project at the end of the PhD. 

Relevance 

Other long-existing industries have gained a certain record of and routine in EIAs over the years. A comparable 

‘common’ experience and standardization of methods, however, has not evolved in the field of desalination yet. 

The proposed research project is of scientific and social relevance insofar as it may provide a science-based 

reference source for consultants assigned with the task of carrying out an EIA study for a seawater desalination 

project. Furthermore, the proposed research project may help to establish standards and thereby improve 

the quality and comparability of EIA results. 


Literature 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Lattemann, S. & M.D. Kennedy, G. Amy & J. Schippers (in review): Global 

Desalination Situation, In: I. Escobar & A.I. Schäfer, Sustainable Water for the 

Future - Water Recycling versus Desalination, Elsevier Science 

Lattemann, S. (in review): Protecting the Marine Environment, In: Cippolina et 

al., Seawater Desalination, Springer. 

Lattemann, S. & T. Höpner (2008): Impacts of Seawater Desalination Plants 

on the Marine Environment of the Gulf, In: A. Abuzinada, H.-J. Barth, F. Krupp, 

B.Böer and T. Abdelsalaam (Eds.), Protecting the Gulf’s Marine Ecosystems 

from Pollution, Birkhäuser Verlag, Switzerland. 

S. Lattemann & T. Höpner (2007): Desalination of Seawater, In: Lozan, Graßl, 

Hupfer, Menzel & Schönwiese (Eds.), Global Change: Enough Water for all? 

Universität Hamburg, 384 S. 

S. Lattemann & T. Hoepner (2003): Seawater Desalination ― Impacts of Brine 

and Chemical Discharges on the Marine Environment, Desalination Publications, 

L’Aquila, Italy, 142 p. 

Sabine Latteman 



Geosciences 



UNESCO-IHE 

Urban Water Supply and Sanitation 

Tel.: +49 30 74 78 9015 

Fax: +31 15 21 22 921 

e-mail: sabine.lattemann@icbm.de 



UNESCO-IHE 

Westvest 7 

2611 AX Delft 


UNESCO-IHE 

Westvest 7 


Start date: 2007 


key words: 

Reverse osmosis 


61

ultrafiltration fouling control: backwashing with 

deMineralized water 


1. find out the theoretical story of backwashing with demineralized water 

2. make this technique mature and apply it in industrial world 



ultrafiltration has been used widely in many fields: drinking water production and wastewater treatment. However, 

the obstacle hindering this technique is fouling of membrane. Without any pretreatment, the membrane will be 

fouled easily, so some pretreatments have been introduced, such as coagulation, softening and ion exchange. 

In the Netherlands, coagulation is a common pretreatment step for the ultrafiltration. Its effectiveness on ultrafiltration 

fouling control is promising, but the problem of this technique is the waste stream with a high metal 

concentration during the back washing of ultrafiltration. Some chemistry companies have encountered the 

discharging problem of waste stream. Therefore, in this PhD project, another fouling control technique will be 

investigated: back washing with RO permeate. Our previous experimental results have shown that back washing 

with demineralised water is more efficient than UF permeate, which is also identical with the results from 

Kiwa Water Research. Back washing with demineralised water has the following advantages: 

• no coagulant dosage 

• no discharge of backwash waste stream with high concentrated iron/aluminium 

Approach 

In order to reach the above two goals, experiments of three scales will be carried out: 

• fundamental scale 

• bench scale 

• pilot scale 

The fundamental scale experiments will be emphasized on the mechanism investigation; while the bench scale 

and pilot scale focus on the technique optimization and long-term consistency. 

Results and discussion 

Previous results have shown the 

impact of calcium and sodium in 

backwash water on the fouling 

of the ultrafiltration membranes. 

We found that fouling control 

efficiency deteriorate with the 

increase of calcium and sodium 

concentration in backwash water. 

That is probably because their 

presences in the backwash water 

maintain the charge screening 

effect and calcium complexation 

with the membrane and the NOM. 


Figure 1 - TMP as a function of time for three types of backwash water (impact of 

organic matter)

Table 1 - Streaming potential of new and fouled membrane (backwash with UF 

permeate) 

Table 2 - Streaming potential of new and fouled membrane (backwash with demineralized 

water) 

Recently, the impact of organic matter in backwash water has been investigated. 

Figure 1 show the TMP as a function of time for three backwash 

solutions: permeate, demineralised water and permeate without ions. It is 

clear that organic matter itself in backwash water does not influence the 

fouling control efficiency. However, if there were cations and organic matter 

in backwash solution, it is possible for the organic matter to absorb in the 

membrane with the help of cations during backwash. 

The impact of backwash water on the charge of membrane was also investigated. 

Table 1 and 2 show the streaming potentials of membrane before 

and after the fouling experiment. As can be seen in tables, back washing 

with permeate makes the membrane less negatively charged, while back 

washing with demineralised water maintains the original negative charge 

of membrane. 


Recently, many researchers focus on the effect of cation on the membrane 

fouling, but most of them emphasize on the calcium removal before membrane 

filtration. This project also focuses on the effect of cation, but we 

emphasize on the calcium free condition in backwash water. 


Nowadays, many UF treatment plants use coagulation as pre-treatment, but 

they have to face the discharge problem of backwash waste stream, which 

contains a high coagulant concentration. Therefore, we try to develop this 

technique to replace the coagulation pre-treatment. 

Literature 

• 

• 

Hong, S. and M. Elimelech, Chemical and physical aspects of natural organic 

matter (NOM) fouling of nanofiltration membranes. Journal of Membrane Science, 

1997(132): p. 159-181. 

S. G. J. Heijman, S.G.J., S. Li, and J.C.v. Dijk, Treatment concept for future 

drinking water production. the AWWA Water Quality and Technology Conference 

2006, Denver, 2006. 




Geosciences 



Tel. : +31 15 27 81 903 

Fax : +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail : S.Li@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 



Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.51 

Start date: Sep 2006 

Expected end date: Sep 2010 

key words: 

Ultrafiltration, backwashing, 

zeta potential 

Sheng Li 

cooperation with other institutes: 

Hatenboer Water, Norit, Evides, 

Brabant Water 

63

water Quality deterioration and control Police in drinking 

water distribution systeM 


General: 

The main objective of this research is to see which components of particles contribute to water quality deterioration 

and find practical ways to improve the water quality at the consumers’ tap. 

Specific: 

1. To devolop and use new preconcentration tools (MuPFiS) as sample method, together with ICP-MS, 

microscopy, particle counters and other analysis methods to get more information about particulate matters 

inside the distribution pipelines.; 

2. To identify the compostion of particulate matters in different types of water and their contribution to the 

water quality detrioration, including physical,chemical and biological processes; 

3. To develop new policies to control the water deterioration and reduce particle sedimentation during both 

treatment and distribution; 

4. To compose a model which can predict water quality deterioration in different parts of distribution systems, 

not only deterioration in time but also along the distance.With the model it should be possible to decide 

when to flush the main and to calculate the water quality. 



Although the water quality delivered by a treatment 

plant is supposed to be constant of quality (and at 

least within the drinking water quality specifications), 

water quality at the consumer tap may vary (Matsui 

et al., 2007, Hamilton et al., 2006, Prevost et al., 

2005). Usually, water in consumer tap has a lower 

quality than the original treated water, and in extreme 

cases the water quality deteriorates and even gets 

under the drinking water specifications. All due to 

the complicate processes occuring inside the pipelines. 

Approach 

A new tool, called Multiple Particulate Filtration System (MuPFiS), was developed 

as a new preconcentration method. MuPFiS is easy to take and sufficient 

particulate material can be collected in a short time. Having four filters 

running in parallel the system offers the following advantages: 

• running multiple test in parallel at the same time permits to analyze different 

parameters (TSs, VSS, elemental analysis) of the same water 

sample 

• performing tests one after another in different locations in the distribution 

systems allows to obtain an on-line monitoring of the suspended 

particles in water. 


Results 

This project is still on its initial part. First series of experiments have been 

done with MuPFiS.Interesting results are obtained with this preconcentration 

appratus and it has proven to be an efficient tool to sample particulate 

matter from distribution system. 


The processes in the drinking water distribution system attract more and 

more attention from water companies .Both the laboratory and field experiments 

give insight into water quality deterioration and discolouration phenomena. 

Particulate matter has an important infulence on the water quality 

in the distribution system and it is the main reason for the discolouration. The 

hydrodynamic behavior of particles, the behavior of particles in distribution 

system and characteristic of paticles were well studied in recent years.Also, 

many research on biofilm formation, its characteristic and their influence 

on water quality have been conducted. But it is still necessary to get more 

detailed information about the online monitoring of the water deterioration 

in distribution systems and the information about the contribution of different 

compounds as well as the biological aspect of the particles in different 

types of water and distribution systems for water deterioration. At the same 

time new comtrol policies are required to control the deterioration and to 

maintain save and healthy drinking water. 


The deterioration of water quality in distribution system is causing a lot 

of complaints all over the world. Visible particles seriously undermine the 

customer’s faith in drinking water. Also water quality deterioration can be 

a threat to public health before particles are visible and the water become 

discoloured. So it is important to deal with the visible problem as well as the 

unvisible threat. More research in this field to maintain high quality drinking 

water and keep the water quality for the consumers’ tap is necessary. 

Gang Liu 



Geosciences 



Tel. : +31 15 27 83 539 

Fax : +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail : G.Liu-1@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 



Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.44 

Start date: Nov 2008 

Expected end date: Nov 2012 

key words: 

Particles, WQDS, biological 

analyses 


Oasen, Duinwaterbedrijf Zuid-Holland, 

Chinese Scholarship Counsil 


65

Micro Pollutant reMoval by river bank filtration 


The main objective of this study is to understand and to develop tools to utilize the multi-objectives water treatment 

potential of riverbank filtration (RBF), especially under extreme water quality conditions (e.q., wastewater-impacted 

drinking water). This study will mainly focus on the removal of bulk organic matter, endocrine 

disrupting compounds (EDCs) and pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs). This study aims to the following 

specific objectives: an evaluation of the changes in the character of bulk organic matter upon soil column passage 

to simulate the impact of wastewater effluent during RBF, an understanding of the fundamental abiotic/ 

biotic interactions of endocrine disrupting compounds during RBF, an investigation of the fate and transport 

of selected PhACs during RBF. 

Figure 1 - Results of LC-OCD scans 


Results 

The fate of EfOM and NOM through RBF was investigated by conducting laboratory-scale soil column studies 

and using the state of the art analytical tools. The following conclusions can be drawn from this study: 

• The characteristics of bulk organic matter in NOM-rich surface water (Delft canal water) and wastewater 

effluent derived surface water were different, however, the residual organic matter characteristics after 

soil passage were similar and overlap each other through soil column experiment. 

• The fluorescence analysis on both SC1 and SC2 filtrates revealed the reduction of humic like materials 

was not significant after soil passage. No protein-like material was observed. 

• Results of LC-OCD/OND depicted four peaks that are characteristics of organic carbon: biopolymers 

(polysaccharides), humic substance like material, building blocks of humic substances, and low MW acids. 

LC-OCD/OND showed an almost complete removal of biopolymers believed to be polysaccharides, however, 

other three fractions were not significantly removed. 

• 50% of total DOC removal with significant reduction of DO was observed in the top 50 cm of the soil columns. 

This was presumably due to biodegradation of organic matter by the biomass associated with the 

sand which was determined by ATP concentrations and heterotrophic plate count (HPC). 


Literature 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Maeng S.K., Sharma, S.K, Magic-Knezev .A, Amy, G, (2008) Fate of effluent 

organic matter (EfOM) and natural organic matter (NOM) through riverbank fil- 

tration, water science and technology, V5(12), pp1999-2007 

Maeng S.K., Sharma, S.K, Magic-Knezev .A, Amy, G, (2008) Fate of effluent 

organic matter (EfOM) and natural organic matter (NOM) through riverbank fil- 

tration, Proc. IWA World Water Congress, 7-13 September, Vienna, Austria 

Sung K. Maeng 



Geosciences 



UNESCO-IHE 


Tel. : +31 15 21 51 865 

Fax : +31 15 21 22 921 

e-mail : andrew.maeng@gmail.com 



UNESCO-IHE 

Westvest 7 



UNESCO-IHE 

Westvest 7 


Start date: Jun 2006 


key words: 

Riverbank filtration, Bulk organic 

matter, PhACs (Pharmaceutical 

Maeng S.K., Sharma, S.K, Magic-Knezev .A., Amy, G, (2008) Characterization of active compounds), 

bulk organic matter upon soil column passage to simulate the impact of waste- QSAR(Quantitative Structure Activity 

Relationship) 

water effluent during riverbank filtration, Proc. Soil & Water symposium, June 

9-10, Zeist , The Netherlands 

Bagoth S, Maeng S.K , Salinas S.G, Rodríguez, Ronteltap M, Sharma S, 

Kennedy M, and Amy G,(2008) An Urban Water Cycle Perspective of Natural 

Organic Matter (NOM): NOM in Drinking Water, Wastewater, Effluent, Storm 

water, and Seawater, Proc. Natural Organic Matter Research from Source to 

Tap 2-4 September, Bath, UK 


67


68 Ionization Dissociation of Dissolution of 

<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>report</strong> DWE 2008 

hardness and Ph in drinking water 

The research objective is to give an overview of all aspects related to hardness and pH in drinking water. This 

overview is to be used as course material in the TU Delft MSc education and OpenCourseWare programs. 

The main aspects are: origin of hardness, chemistry of hardness and pH, health, environment, corrosion, scaling, 

optimal water composition, water treatment processes to obtain the optimal composition. These different 

aspects will be addressed within separate study modules. 



During the past 20 years softening has been incorporated into nearly all Dutch drinking water treatment plants 

originally producing water with a hardness above 2.5 mmol/l (Ca + Mg). The primary objective for softening is 

to reduce the uptake of heavy metals (like lead and copper) from the distribution pipes, with its drawback on 

public health and the environment. This metal uptake reduction can be achieved by distributing drinking water 

at a high pH (between 7.8 and 8.3). This higher pH requires softening, i.e. calcium removal, at water treatment 

plants. The benefits from softening include the reduced scaling in household apparatus and the lower consumption 

of detergents for laundry. The cost savings are estimated to exceed the additional costs for softening at 

water treatment plants, resulting in overall economic benefits for the consumers. Moreover, the supply of softened 

water is highly appreciated by the consumers and prevents the use of water treatment units in homes 

with its health, environmental and economic drawbacks. The benefits of softening have been recognized by 

the Dutch government, reflected by very strict water quality regulations, unique in the world. In 2006 some 

1,000 violations of the water quality regulations were observed at the drinking water production plants (0.3% 

of all water quality tests). Some 85% of these violations were hardness- and pH-related, and mainly caused 

by improper operation and/or process control. This points to the need for a better understanding of the water 

quality aspects related to hardness and pH. 

The increase in water demand due to worldwide population growth and the more restrictive drinking water quality 

requirements will require more extensive water treatment processes including (seawater) desalination. This 

is already reflected in an increase in the total installed desalination capacity all over the world. Desalination 

will produce water with zero hardness. This water will be unsuitable for distribution in pipes because of the 

lack of its buffering capacity and its corrosive properties. This constraint will require dosing of hardness and, 

in particular, bicarbonates. For this reason, the minimal hardness and the methods to achieve this are receiving 

increased attention from international drinking water experts. 

Relevant chemistry Optimal condition Water treatment processes 

CO2 RQ 

H 2O 

K w 

OH - 

+ H + 

Carbon dioxide 

exchange with 

atmosphere 

of water 

H 2O + CO 2 

Hydration of 

carbon dioxide 

carbonic acid 

CO 2 

CO 2 

K H 

H2CO3 H 

CaCO3 (s) 

+ 

- 

+ HCO3 2 H + 

2- 

2- 

+ CO3 CO3 + Ca 2+ 

Kh Ka Ka1 Ka2 Ks Dissolution of 

carbon dioxide 

calcium carbonate 

atmosphere 

gas 

water 

solid

Approach 

In this research project the extensive literature on this subject will be col- 

lected and presented in practical guidelines. Much of the previous research 

was <strong>report</strong>ed in the Dutch language and has apparently received insuffi- 

cient international attention. This lack of attention has nearly resulted in 

additional water quality regulations from the World Health Organization 

(WHO), an action which would obstruct the ongoing softening practices in 

the Netherlands and their beneficial results. Moreover, additional research 

will be undertaken to further substantiate the practical guidelines. In this 

respect more research is needed to know whether the requirement for SI 

(-0.2

MultiPle water reuse. sustainable design without PreciPitation 

based on a new P-index. 


This research project is aimed to identify, based on thermodynamics, the fundamental differences of the quality 

of water per component in terms of mass flow and pH when water is re-used many times in open systems 

divided over the three phases gas, water and solids. 



Since most water applications have their own unique specification 

to guarantee effective local usage, most waters are 

only used once. This general behavior puts the scarce water 

sources as well as the receiving biotopes more and more under 

water stress. To enhance a more sustainable water usage a 

better understanding of the effect of the physical properties 

of each component on the performance at any unique application 

is needed. 

Approach 

The research is performed primarily with existing theoretical 

tools like mass and heat transfer relationship as function of flow direction like already applied in the process 

technology for heat exchangers and distillation columns. The properties for each component between the two 

compartments will be expressed as free energy. This makes a relationship with pH also possible. 

top 

m1.C1 m1.C1 

Rcycle Rcycle . m2.C2 m2.C2 

Results 

A special case are atmospheric open water systems since air is globally almost constant. The main three formulas 

for describing for example the solubility and precipitation of hardness as well as the expected pH, in 

an open system like cooling water or a sewer in contact with normal air containing 10-3,4 bar carbon dioxide 

then become straightforward: 

pH-equilibrium - = pH = 11.3 – p{excess cations} = 11.3 – p{HCO } 

e 3 

pH-saturation = pH = 6.6 + ½pCa 

s 

pH-precipitation = pH p = 7.1 + ½pCa 

pH p example = 8.1 for instance for 400 mg.L -1 Ca (or: pCa = 2) 


K KHenry Henry 

CO 2 (g) 

CO 2 (aq) H H2CO 2CO 3 (aq) 

Metal excess 

Mg 2+ 

Mg 2+ 

K + 

K + 

Na + 

Na + 

Ca 2+ 

Ca 2+ 

= equilibrium 

Ratio gas to liquid massflow 

CaCO 3 

m4.C4 m4.C4 Counter-current 

(m1 (m1 – m2) m4.C4 m4.C4 

(m1 (m1 – m2) 

Cx Cx 

Vs Vs 

C2 C2 

C4 C4 

C3 C3 

m2.C2 m2.C2 

m3.C3 m3.C3 

bottom 

top 

m1.C1 m1.C1 

Cx Cx 

Vs Vs 

Rcycle Rcycle . m2.C2 m2.C2 

C2 C2 

C4 C4 

K 1 

HCO 3 

- + 

+ H 

K 2 

2- 2- + 

CO 3 + 2H 

C3 C3 

m2.C2 m2.C2 

Gas phase 

Liquid phase 

Solid phase 

Counter-current 

m3.C3 m3.C3 

bottom

P-index = (α + β.pM) – pH e α & β function of free energy 

P-index < 0 simultaneously scale and rapid under deposit corrosion 

P-index > 0 no scale; only slow scattered corrosion 

Other gases then carbon dioxide can be taken into account too like ammonia, 

halides hypohalous acid. Consequently using these chemical thermodynamic 

principles expressed as a function of pH for open systems enhances the 

duplicatability of successful water reuse projects in more areas. 

The classical indexes like Langelier Saturation Index and Ryznar Stability 

Index are not used in this research since these indexes were originally developed 

to describe only closed systems. They are therefore not applicable for 

(multiple) water reuse, but still misrepresented randomly. 

Scientific relevancy 

The fundamental thermodynamic basis will be integrated to predict more 

accurate the equilibrium and mass flow per phase per component under different 

physical circumstances to enhance multi water re-use and by doing 

so the sustainability and protection of scarce water sources and receiving 

biotopes. 

Social relevancy 

If all industries in the vicinity of villages and cities reused household wastewater 

in the future, the world would be a step closer to diminishing severe 

water shortages for clean drinking water and to improving the sewer-pipe 

system for every world citizen. The proposed chemical thermodynamics 

and the P-index approach for predicting quality and technological risk management 

will be of great help for water reuse implementation. The close 

cooperation between the public and private stakeholders involved will be an 

essential step towards closing the water loop in any region. 

Literature 

• 

• 

Paping L.L.M.J., Groot C.K., Boks P.A. de, Agtmaal J.M.C. van, Veraart A. 

Private-Public Partnership in Local Integral Water Management. Submitted for 

SKIW industrial water symposium 15 May 2008 Amersfoort. 

Haug R., Wrangel A. de, Weindel E., Paping L. Reuse of water and still maintaining 

reliability by avoiding scale, biological slime and corrosion effects even 

more effectively. Eurocorr 2008 The European corrosion congress Managing 

corrosion for sustainability 7 – 11 September 2008 Edinburgh. 

Lamber Paping 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 27 85 838 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: L.L.M.J.Paping@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 



Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.48 & 4.54 

Start date: Jul 2008 

Expected end date: Jul 2012 

key words: 

chemical thermodynamics, demineralised 

water, equilibrium, 

free energy, freshwater, industrial 

water, massflow model, multi water 

reuse, municipality, open water 

system, partner, pH, potable water, 

public, quality, reliability, scarce, 

steam, sustainability, risk management, 

water source, wastewater 


DOW Chemical 


71


The objective of the research is to develop a model based on Quantitative Structure-Activity Relations (QSARs) 

to predict the removal of organic micropollutants from water by the different water treatment processes. 



In the eighties, low concentrations of pesticides have been monitored in Dutch drinking water sources. In 

2000, also pharmaceuticals and personal care products have been detected. As these micro pollutants generally 

are persistent, and might have consequences on human health in long term, a number of these micro 

pollutants have been included in regular monitoring campaigns. In the European water framework directive, 

legal limits are proposed for a number of substances, with VEWIN acting as representative for the interests of 

drinking water companies. These limits are, however, only applicable for single substances or limited groups 

of substances. For the large group of still unregulated substances, a prioritisation tool is required to select the 

potentially most harmful ones. This tool should include (1) toxicity, (2) removal in drinking water treatment. 

As experimental research on specific substances may be limited, Quantitative Structure activity relationships 

(QSAR) can be used to estimate both aspects based on substance molecular structure. 

Approach 

The focus of this research study will be on predicting substance removal in drinking water processes. Initially, 

adsorption processes will be assessed, as activated carbon adsorption is one of the most commonly used 

techniques to remove micro pollutants. The research will start with identifying micro pollutant properties that 

are relevant to predict removal in the treatment processes. Preferably, these properties are measurable parameters. 

Batch scale experiments will be carried out to estimate the removal of an array of micro pollutants which 

only differ for one property. This way the influence of specific properties is estimated. Subsequently, a QSAR 

model will be used to estimate these properties based on chemical structure. Conventional models will be 

used as provided or modified to predict micro pollutant removal based on the selected solute properties. Pilot 

scale experiments will be carried out to verify these models. 

Results 

Molecular size, charge and 

substance hydrophobicity 

have been identified 

as critical parameters that 

influence adsorption. A set 

of 21 pharmaceuticals was 

selected with individual 

compounds varying on each 

of these properties. Their 

removal is determined in 

batch experiments, using 

Qsar Modeling in drinking water treatMent 

removal (%) 

100 


90 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

Compound removal (8 weeks, 20 mg carbon) 

Pindolol Clenbuterol Carbamazepine Clofibric acid Gemfibrozil 

ultrapure fresh 

Compound removal by activated carbon in ultrapure-, surface- and wastewater 

ultrapure preloaded 

surface water preloaded 

waste water preloaded

oth fresh and pre loaded carbon 

in the water matrices demineralised 

water, surface water and 

wastewater. Predicted removal 

percentages were within 10-30 

percent points of the measured 

values. In this data set, molecular 

size had no dominant influence. 

removal predicted 

100 

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 


removal measured 

Because regular analysis of Model results for removal on activated 

carbon in surface water 

drinking water for all emerging 

substances is not feasible, it is necessary to predict the removal of the substances 

through the drinking water treatment plant. This research will obtain 

more fundamental insight in the removal of organic micro-pollutants. Using 

the Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR), the behavior of 

the organic micro-pollutants in drinking water treatment processes can be 

modeled, taking into account the state of the process and varying influent 

quality parameters. Experimental data from bench-scale, pilot-scale and/or 

full-scale studies can be used to construct the QSAR model. When combining 

this research effort with that of other PhD students active in this field, 

QSAR prediction models of individual treatment methods can be merged 

in order to predict the integral removal efficiencies of a drinking water treatment 

plant under changing conditions. On basis of this prediction, operation 

and design can be adopted to keep drinking water also in future safe 

and of excellent quality. 


More often alarming bulletins appear in the media about the occurrence of 

micro-pollutants in surface water and drinking water. Besides “traditional” 

contaminants as pesticides and industrial waste residues, surface water may 

also contain pharmaceutical residues and endocrine disrupting compounds 

(EDCs). In order to estimate human health risks, information is needed 

concerning 1) occurrence, 2) toxicity and 3) removal in drinking water treatment. 

As this last aspect is usually done experimentally, it is time consuming 

and expensive to obtain this information. QSAR models can’t achieve 

the high accuracy of experimental results, but they can be an excellent tool 

to identify the most toxic and persistent micro-pollutants. With QSARs as 

a “first warning system”, regulatory steps can be taken to protect human 

health effectively. 

90 

80 

70 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

0 

QSAR model accuracy surface water 

training set 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 278 17 18 

Fax: +31 15 278 49 18 

e-mail: D.J.deRidder@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 


David de Ridder 


Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.44 



key words: 

QSAR, adsorption, pharmaceuticals 


Waternet, Duinwaterbedrijf Zuid- 

Holland, Unesco-IHE 


73

Modeling and siMulation of drinking water treatMent Plants 


Different initiatives for simulation of drinking water treatment plants are worked out. The first initiative is to 

model the treatment plant of Weesperkarspel of Waternet in an integrated way for operational optimisation. 

The second is to develop a modeling platform for water treatment processes and the third is to develop a treatment 

plant simulator for operational decision support and training of operators. 



Although drinking water treatment has a long history, the mathematical analysis for operational improvements 

of these treatment processes is still young. With mathematical models factors such as quality (good, constant 

and reliable), quantity, costs, environmental impact (low residual levels), design redundancy and flexibility 

can be evaluated and operational conditions can be optimised, using the existing infrastructure as efficiently 

as possible. With models operators can also be trained and supported in making decisions during calamities. 

The use of models will lead to an increased understanding of the processes in general, and to fewer mistakes 

in the rare critical situations. 

Approach 

Modeling is based on numerical integration of ordinary differential equations. To be able to come to an integrated 

approach the objectives for treatment are explicitly determined, being quality, cost and environmental 

impact. 

Results 

From the analysis made for the Weesperkarpel plant 

in the PROMICIT project it was concluded that water 

quality must have the highest priority. This conclusion 

could lead to a change in the operation of this 

plant, leading to e.g. decreasing the ozone dosage. 

In addition, it was discovered that fluidization 

and by-pass of the pellet softening is not optimal, 

leading to increased costs for chemical dosing and 

deterioration of the water quality. 

A water treatment plant simulator for improving 

operation and maintenance of existing treatment 

plants (the ‘European Water Treatment Simulator’ 

within the TECHNEAU project) is being developed 

Figure 1 - Schematic representation of model of drinking 

and will be will build upon the experiences of exist- water treatment process. 

ing modeling platforms and models. 

A pilot is executed for a treatment plant simulator for operator training and decision support. Results of this 

pilot and reactions of end users encouraged nine Dutch companies to start the WATERSPOT project in which 

a generic simulator will be developed, company specific simulators and the possibility of model based operation. 



In general it can be concluded that nowadays designs of drinking water treatment 

plants are robust, plants are operated by experience (operator dependent) 

and more on quantity than on quality. This results in a delayed water 

quality control and sub-optimal operation. New developments in monitoring, 

modeling and simulation will result in a robustly operated plant, including the 

influence on water quality and with the help of operator independent knowledge 

systems. Quality will be controlled based on predictions, resulting in 

optimal performance of the plant. 


Drinking water treatment plants are operated more and more automatically. 

Fully automated treatment plants will require more sophisticated operator 

care than manually operated plants. Operators must have more specific 

knowledge and must have to understand what is happening behind the 

“treatment plant chatter”. Therefore, mathematical models are required to 

simulate the treatment processes. 

Literature 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Van der Helm A.W.C., Rietveld L.C., Baars E.T., Smeets, P. W. M. H., van Dijk J.C. 

(2008). Modeling disinfection and by-product formation during the initial and the 

second phase of natural water ozonation in a pilot-scale plug flow reactor. Journal 

of Water Supply: Research and Technology-AQUA Vol 57 (6), 435–449. 

Rietveld, L.C., van der Helm, A.W.C., van Schagen, K.M., van der Aa, L.T.J. van 

Dijk, J.C. (2008). Integrated simulation of drinking water treatment, Journal of 

Water Supply: Research and Technology-AQUA, Vol. 57 (3), 133-141. 

Dudley, J., Dillon G., Rietveld, L.C. (2008), Water treatment simulators. Journal 

of Water Supply: Research and Technology-AQUA, Vol 57 (1), 13-21. 

van Schagen, K., Rietveld, L., Babuska, R., Baars, E.(2008), Control of the fluidised 

bed in the pellet softening process. Chemical Engineering Science, Vol 

63 (5), 1390-1400. 

van Schagen, K.M., Rietveld, L.C., Babuska R. (2008), Dynamic modeling for 

optimisation of softening. Journal of Water Supply: Research and Technology- 

AQUA, Vol 57 (1), 45-56. 

Schagen, K.M. van, Rietveld, L.C., Babuska, R., Kramer, O.J.I. (2008), Modelbased 

operational constraints for fluidised bed crystallisation, Water Research 

42 (1-2) 327-337. 

Luuk Rietveld 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 27 84 732 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: L.C.Rietveld@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 



Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.69 


Expected end date: Ongoing 

key words: 

Drinking water treatment; simulation; 

modeling 


institutes: 

Waternet, Vitens, DZH, PWN, 

DHV, ABB BV, UReason, KWR 

Watercycle Research Institute, 

WRc 


75

oPtiMization of drinking water treatMent Processes using 

Models and on-line Monitoring tools 


The research objective is to develop and combine existing models for a water treatment platform, which enables 

users to virtually construct a water treatment plant and to monitor and optimise existing water treatment 

plants. 



To achieve the objective following topics are addressed; 

• inventory of models and water quality parameters, 

• incorporation of online monitoring tools, 

• development of new models, 

• description of a testing protocol, 

• calibration and validation of the individual models and treatment trains. 

Approach 

An inventory of models and water quality parameters was carried out from October until December 2006. 

Existing water quality models written in MATLAB® Simulink were converted to c-code after which they were 

implemented in SimEau, European Water Treatment Simulator developed within the European 6th framework 

project Techneau (www.techneau.org).The development of online monitoring tools was done from January 

until December 2007. Biostability was determined through an on-line estimation of assimilable organic carbon 

(AOC). This was conducted by correlating differential UV/Vis-spectra measurements to AOC measurements. 

The development of new models combined with the use of online monitoring tools will be addressed in this 

part, whereas the description of testing protocol and the calibration and validation will be executed in future 

research. 

When ozonation is followed by biological filtration, part of the AOC formed during ozonation is biodegraded 

by the biomass present in the biological filters. The AOC is consumed and transferred into biomass, resulting 

in an increase in pressure drop over the filters, until the filters need to be back washed. The amount of produced 

biomass in the filters can be directly linked to the amount of AOC present in the water. The clogging of 

biological activated carbon filters is modelled. In order to study clogging due to the development of biomass, 

different ozone dosages were applied, on pilot scale, resulting in different AOC concentrations. The pressure 

drop was measured at several heights in the filter bed, see Figure 1. 

Figure 1 - Experimental set-up of pilot plant with sampling points 


Results 

The results of the model prediction 

for pressure drop and 

the actual measured pressure 

drop during a period 

of cold temperatures and a 

period of warm temperatures 

is given in Figure 2. 

head loss [mWc] 

1.8 

1.6 

1.4 

1.2 

1 

0.8 

0.6 

0.4 

0.2 

model high temperature 

measured high temperature 

model low temperatures 

measured low temperatures 

0 

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 

The presence of biomass 

Filter run time [hours] 

causes the formation of a Figure 2 - Model prediction filter run 

cake layer and accounts for 

the majority of the pressure build up in the BAC filter. The model is used to 

predict the filter run time between back washing, for both cold as warm temperature, 

and can be used to set backwash intervals more accurately. 


To be able to develop a model, understanding of the processes involved 

during the treatment process is necessary. Additionally the combination of 

processes gives insight in the interaction between the different processes. 

On-line monitoring tools can be used to calibrate and validate the models 

and is a tool for direct optimization of the treatment processes. 


Direct notice of changes in the raw water quality can result in direct action 

and optimization of the operation of the drinking water treatment plant. 

Combined with the existence of a water treatment simulator comprised of 

models of different treatment processes this will lead to an improved operation 

of the drinking water treatment plant and will result in a better water 

quality benefiting public safety. 

Literature 

• Ross, PS, Helm, AWC van der, Broeke, J van den, Aa, LTJ van der 

& Rietveld, LC (2008). Effect of raw water quality on performance of 

ozone and biofiltration based on modeling and on-line monitoring. In 

Proceedings of WISA Conference. Sun City, South Africa 

• Broeke, J van den, Ross, PS, Helm, AWC van der, Baars, ET, & Rietveld, 

LC (2008). Use of on-line UV/Vis-spectrometry in the measurement of 

dissolved ozone and AOC concentration in drinking water treatment. 

Water Science and Technology, 57(8), pp 1169-1175. 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 27 81 585 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: P.S.Ross@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 



Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.59 

Start date: Oct 2006 

Expected end date: Oct 2010 

key words: 

Drinking water treatment, 

Modeling 

Petra Ross 


institutes: 

WRc; Riga Technical University, 

Eawag 


77

docr Modeling in conventional drinking water treatMent 

Research Objective 

The objective of the research is to develop a model to predict the removal of Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOCR) 

using coagulation and flocculation in conventional drinking water treatment facilities. 



Coagulation / Flocculation are of fundamental importance for drinking water treatment as initial measure for 

water purification in many water utilities and their practice can affect noticeably water quality characteristics 

and performance of subsequent treatment steps. Nowadays one of the coagulation / flocculation roles in water 

treatment that has arisen with more emphasis is the removal of natural organic matter by enhanced coagulation 

(NOM: complex of heterogeneous mixture of organic substances produced from vegetative decay process 

classified in dissolved organic carbon, DOC: substances and macromolecules with colloid-like properties 

and particulate organic carbon, PAC: larger particles as algae, particulate detritus, etc) due to a number of 

reasons including that NOM influences greatly on coagulant demand, may control coagulation conditions and 

coagulation efficiency. 

Approach 

Mechanistic mathematical model that relates the nature and concentration of DOC in the raw water to inorganic 

coagulant dosing and operational flocculation conditions that maximize the removal of DOC will be developed 

as a systematic attempt to translate conceptual understanding of coagulation / flocculation practice into mathematical 

terms that allow prediction of the behaviour of these processes under changing conditions. 

Validation of the model will be carried out to verify the applicability of the model to real scale conventional 

treatment plants. 

Results 

The research project is still in the initial stage. 

Scientific Relevance 

Taking into consideration that mechanistic models endeavour to understand and mathematically describe the 

process mechanisms, the scientific contribution of modeling coagulation / flocculation steps will allow simultaneously 

apply these models with other models developed for various treatment steps given as a result an 

integrated and complete water treatment performance. 

Social Relevance 

The impact of good treatment practices during the water treatment train has being recognized not only by 

engineers and researchers but also by consumers as a key factor to obtain a safe drinking water. As many 

other activities, the initial processes have a high influence on the following treatment steps, and the model for 

coagulation / flocculation will improve the removal of dissolved organic compounds which can be the source 

for generation of disinfection by products, or affect the sedimentation and filtration efficiency. 


Panama Canal Watershed, the water intakes are marked with a red star 

Miraflores drinking water treatment plant 

Chilibre drinking water treatment plant 

Javier Sanchez 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 27 81 585 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: J.A.SanchezGuilen@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 



Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.59 



key words: 

Modeling, DOC removal, Coagulation, 

Conventional Treatment 


79

Model-based control of drinking-water treatMent Plants 


Determine the application of models in model-based monitoring, optimisation and control approaches for drinking-water 

treatment plants, with the Weesperkarspel treatment plant of Waternet as a case study. 



The drinking water in the Netherlands is of high quality and the production cost is low. This is the result of 

extensive research in the past decades to innovate and optimise the treatment processes. These processes 

are monitored and operated by motivated and skilled operators and process technologists. However, this 

causes an operator-dependent, subjective, variable and possible suboptimal operation of the treatment plants. 

Furthermore, the extensive automation of the treatment plants reduces the possible operator attention per 

process unit. 

Approach 

To meet the challenges in drinking-water production, a model-based approach is used. This model-based 

approach does not only mean that advanced control systems must be implemented at the drinking-water production 

plants, but that mathematical process models are also used for the day-to-day operation and basic 

control design. 

In figure 1, the model-based approach is shown. The mathematical process models are used for the analy- 

ses of the treatment processes, measurements and control actions. To realise a control system that realises 

the high water quality standards at minimal operational cost, a design methodology should be used. At every 

design stage, the plant objectives must be taken into account, since each control loop contributes to the optimal 

operation of the integral plant. 

Figure 1 - Model-based approach of a drinking-water treatment plant 


There are many types of models, that can be used for a model-based 

approach (Ljung 2008). The models vary from so-called “white” models, which 

describe the physical processes from first principles, “grey” models, which 

contain some unknown parameters or structures, to “black” models, which 

are based only on historical data. Which model must be applied depends 

on the available models and the desired application. By using white or grey 

models, the process knowledge is no longer stored as historical heuristic 

rules of thumb or static local control objectives. 

Results 

This approach is shown to be effective on all levels of treatment plant operation. 

Models are successfully used in plant analysis and basic control design, 

resulting in implementation of improved basic control at the pellet softening 

treatment step of the Weesperkarspel plant, leading to significant process 

improvement. Model-based monitoring schemes combine the large amount 

of data and present relevant information to the technologists and operators. 

Model-based control uses the monitored process state to dynamically optimise 

the treatment without introducing new disturbances in the treatment 

plant. Model-based optimisation gives the technologist the possibility to 

improve treatment operation without disrupting the full-scale plant. To improve 

the performance of model-based control, future research should focus on 

achieving robust measurements of process parameters to effectively determine 

the process state. To integrate model-based control in the day-to-day 

operation a good interface to the operators has to be developed. 

Literature 

• 

• 

• 

K.M. van Schagen, L.C. Rietveld and R. Babuška (2008a), Dynamic modeling 

for optimisation of pellet softening, Journal of Water Supply: Reasearch and 

Technology-AQUA 57(1), 45–56. 

K.M. van Schagen, L.C. Rietveld, R. Babuška and O.J.I. Kramer (2008b), Modelbased 

operational constraints for fluidised bed crystallisation, Water Research 

42(1-2), 327–337. 

Kim van Schagen, Luuk Rietveld, Robert Babuška and E.Baars (2008c), Control 

of the fluidised bed in pellet softening process, Chemical Engineering Science 

63(5),1390–1400. Ljung, Lennart (2008). Perspectives on system identification. 

In Proceedings of the 17th IFAC World Congress, July), pp. 7172–7184. 

Kim van Schagen 


Delft Center for Systems and 

Control 

Tel.: +31 15 27 83 371 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: K.M.vanSchagen@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 



Mekelweg 2 

2628 CD Delft 

Room 8C-3-17 


Expected end date: 


Spring 2009 

key words 

Drinking water treatment, optimization, 

modeling, integrated, ozone 


institutes: 

DHV B.V., Waternet, ABB B.V. 


81

efficacy of drinking water treatMent to reMove or inactivate 

Pathogenic Micro organisMs (Part of Microrisk Project) 


MicroRisk is a collaborative research project. The MicroRisk objective is to develop and evaluate a harmonized 

framework for quantitative assessment of the microbiological safety of drinking water in EU Member States. 

The research objective is to develop a protocol to evaluate the efficacy of a drinking water treatment to remove 

or inactivate pathogenic micro organisms and to develop a model to predict treatment efficacy. 



Providing water that is safe to drink is the primary objective of water supply. History has learnt that drinking 

water that contains pathogenic micro-organisms can have a major impact on health. Since the early 1900’s, 

the concept of fecal indicator bacteria (if no indicators of fecal contamination are present, no fecal pathogens 

are present) is being used. The use of indicator bacteria (esp. E. coli) has led to significant improvements in 

the safety of drinking water world-wide and has resulted in a high level of drinking water quality and supply 

infrastructure in European countries. However the indicator concept has limitations, since recent outbreaks 

of drinking water related infections have shown that the absence of indicators does not guarantee safe drinking 

water. 

Approach 

The microbiological safety of twelve drinking water systems throughout Europe was assess from catchment 

to tap. The contribution of each part of the drinking water chain Figure (catchment, 4 shows treatment, the CCDF distribution of the and monitored con- C 

sumption) to microbiological risk (or safety) was addressed in a separate work package. This work package 

raw, filtered and ozonated water. It also sho 

focused on quantifying the ability of drinking water treatment processes to reduce numbers of pathogens in 

confidence interval, as determined with nonwater. 

The collected data contained microbiological samples, water quality samples and design characteris- 

30 to 40 Campylobacter samples were taken 

tics of treatment plants. 

sample represents a proportion of 2.5-3.3% 

Results 

Monitoring data that was collected according to current 

practice was used to quantify the risk of infection from 

drinking water. Microbial monitoring of drinking water generally 

resulted in a majority of non-detects for pathogenic 

and indicator organisms. Therefore pathogen concentrations 

in drinking water were calculated from the pathogen 

concentration in source water and reduction of pathogens 

by water treatment processes. Pathogens in source water 

can be detected by microbial monitoring, however, efficacy 

of treatment cannot be assessed directly. Log reductions of 

treatment processes <strong>report</strong>ed in literature were applied in 

a stochastic model. Thus it became clear that treatment 

efficacy varies strongly and log credits include several Figure Figure 1. Complementary 4 CCDF of monitored Cumulative Campylobacter Distribution Function MPN conce 

of monitored Campylobacter concentrations in 

orders of magnitude of uncertainty. Site specific assess- and 95% CI (dashed lines) of the non-parametric bootst 

raw water (O), filtered water (□) and ozonated 

ment using local information could reduce this uncer- and ozonated water (∆) and water the (�). medians (lines) and 95% Credible 

Interval (dashed lines) of the data analysis. 


Chapter 5 

Non-parametric treatment model 

The non-parametric stochastic model of treat

tainty. Information on process conditions, such as disinfection concentration, 

temperature and contact time, was used to model disinfection processes. 

This was an effective method to include variability in time and to optimise 

treatment systems. Full-scale hydraulics played a major role in disinfection 

and were the main cause of uncertainty in disinfection processes. Microbial 

monitoring provided the most direct information to assess full-scale treatment 

efficacy. New methods were developed to assess treatment efficacy 

from microbial monitoring before and after treatment processes. The project 

resulted in methods that could distinguish between variability and uncertainty 

of the assessed treatment efficacy. Figure 1 illustrates how the concentrations 

from source water to treated water were assessed. The results led to 

a change in focus on the type of data that needs to be collected for this type 

of assessment. The methods were applied in practical examples of decision 

support for risk managers, such as choosing set-points and critical limits for 

processes or designing monitoring programs. 


Up to now risk assessments used point estimates of treatment efficacy 

which lead to a false sense of accuracy of the assessed risk. When microbial 

monitoring data was used, the applied methods lead to an over-estimation of 

treatment variability. The newly developed methods provide a more accurate 

assessment of treatment efficacy that can than be applied in risk models. 


Some current national legislations apply a maximum risk of infection by drinking 

water of 10-4 per person per year. The maximum acceptable number of 

micro organisms in drinking water lies far below the current detection limits. 

Therefore risk assessment is required to determine the safety level for drinking 

water consumers. The scientific basis for this type of risk assessment 

was developed in the MicroRisk project. 

Literature 

• 

• 

• 

Patrick Smeets 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 64 50 98 533 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: Patrick.Smeets@kwrwater.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 



Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.69 

Start date: Nov 2002 

End date: 15-04-2008 

key words: 

Drinking water, microbiology, 

treatment 

Smeets, P.W.M.H., Helm, A.W.C. van der, Dullemont, Y., Rietveld, L.C., Dijk, cooperation with other 

J.C. van and Medema, G.J. (2006) Inactivation of Escherichia Coli by Ozone 

institutes: 

KWR Watercycle Research Insti- 

Under Bench Scale Plug Flow and Full Scale Hydraulic Conditions. Water 

tute; Microrisk team; (www.micror- 

Research 40 3239-3248. doi:10.1016/j.watres.2006.06.025 

isk.com) 

Smeets, P.W.M.H., Rietveld, L.C., van Dijk, J.C., Medema, G.J., Full scale 

data analysis for treatment system validation and treatment modeling, WEF 

Disinfection 2005 conference, 6-9 February 2005, Phoenix AZ. 

Smeets P.W.M.H., Rietveld, L.C., van Dijk, J.C. and Medema, G.J., A Stochastic 

Pathogen Reduction Model for Full-scale Treatment, LET conference, 6-8 June 

2005, Sapporo, Japan. 


83

aoP and artificial recharge and recovery: a synergistic hybrid 

against organic MicroPollutants 


In order to be able to remove organic micropollutants during drinking water production from surface water, 

research is performed towards the combination of an advanced oxidation process (AOP) and artificial recharge 

and recovery (ARR) in the Dutch coastal dune area. When both processes, AOP and ARR, are understood 

well in detail, and their individual contribution towards the removal of micropollutants is known, the operation of 

both processes can be tuned for an optimal synergism. The focus of this study is to determine the contribution 

of every individual process in AOP and in ARR towards the total removal of organic micropollutants. 



Measured concentrations of priority substances, such as pharmaceuticals, endocrine disrupting compounds 

and pesticides, in surface waters used for drinking water production increase. This is due to an increase in 

use of pesticides and pharmaceuticals and due to enhanced monitoring techniques. The concentrations found 

in the surface water are very low. Although there is still discussion about the effects of priority substances on 

human health, the Dutch approach is to remove those undesired compounds. Duinwaterbedrijf Zuid-Holland 

(DZH) wants to extend the treatment with AOP, most likely UV/H2O2. Approach 

Organic micro pollutants are only a slight part of the total natural organic matter (NOM). This gives a challenge; 

remove a very small and specific part of the NOM, without removing to much organic matter. In addition the 

organic micropollutants have a broad field of properties, which makes them hard to remove by one treatment 

step. By implementing AOP before ARR, two complementary processes are expected to provide a synergistic 

hybrid against micro pollutants. This integral approach of additional treatment will result in an effective multiple 

barrier treatment against micro pollutants. 

Results 

Experiments will start in October 2008. Experiments will be performed with: 

• Pilot installation with AOP reactors, GAC filtration and ARR 

• Column experiments towards individual processes during ARR 

• Batch experiments towards ARR 


Dune filtration is an ecological, attractive and safe treatment step in the treatment train for drinking water production. 

Human mistakes are rarely to occur. The overall water quality improvement by dune filtration is mostly 

known. But the fundamental knowledge on the influence on water quality by individual processes in de dunes 

is poor. If dune filtration is separated in parts, it can better be modeled and be compared with normal soil passage. 

Especially the combination of advanced oxidation and dune filtration is rare. The influence of advanced 

oxidation on the performance of dune filtration is of interest. 


Figure 1 - Pilot installation at Berg Ambacht 


After this research DZH is able to remove micro pollutants effectively from 

the water. Safe drinking water is retained, as well as customer trust in the 

Dutch drinking water. 

Literature 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Teunissen K., T. Knol, L. Rietveld, H. van Dijk (2007). Verhoging UV-Transmissie 

bij voorzuivering Bergambacht H2O 40, 4, 28-31 

Teunissen, K. T. Knol, A. Grefte, G. Amy and J.C. van Dijk. Impact of pretreatment 

by coagulation or ion exchange on UV-transmission. Presented at IWA 

congress Vienna 2008 

Teunissen, K., Verberk, J.Q.J.C., de Jonge, H.G., Amy, G., van Dijk, J.C. 

Advanced oxidation and artificial recharge: a synergistic hybrid system for 

removal of organic micropollutants. Conference proceedings for Awwa WQTC, 

November 2008 

Teunissen, K., Maeng, S.K., Verberk, J.Q.J.C., de Jonge, H.G., Amy, G., van 

Dijk, J.C. Advanced oxidation and artificial recharge: synergistic hybrid system 

for removal of micropollutants. To be submitted to Berlin AOP conference, March 

2009 

Karin Teunissen 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 61 04 22 377 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: k.teunissen@dzh.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 



Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.49 


Expected end date: Nov 2011 

key words: 

AOP, redox zones, micro 

pollutants, Artificial recharge and 

recovery 


institutes: 

Duinwaterbedrijf Zuid-Holland, 

NWO 


85

Probabilistic assessMent of the PerforMance of water 

treatMent Plants toward Pathogens and organic 

MicroPollutants 


In drinking water treatment processes, pathogens and organic micropollutants are determining parameters 

with respect to public health. Analyzing frequently taken grab samples is commonly used to verify if indicator 

organism and organic micropollutant levels meet legislative standards. This approach is lacking coverage in 

time and in the amount of micropollutants and organisms concerned. The objective of this study is to improve 

assessment of drinking water quality by modeling and risk analysis. 



Every year lots of new chemicals are introduced, among them commonly used compounds like pesticides 

and pharmaceuticals. They are meant to benefit humanity, but appear in the environment, e.g. in river water. 

They may affect aquatic life and, in case the latter is used as a source for drinking water, human health. Also 

pathogens, present in wastewater effluents and river water, form a potential threat to human health. Since it is 

impossible to analyze the amount of pathogens and all other possible pollutants in drinking water, risk analysis 

forms a necessary addition to drinking water safety. 

Approach 

WTPs Berenplaat and Kralingen (Evides), both utilizing pre stored river Meuse water, apply UV (formerly chlorine) 

and ozone for disinfection. Water quality and process data from river to drinking water will be used to 

develop, calibrate and validate applicable models for removal (and residual levels) of pathogens and organic 

pollutants. Contributions from the processes reservoir with selective intake of river water, disinfection and GAC 

processes will be quantified. The effects on drinking water safety caused by regular pollution and process levels 

and incident related levels will be evaluated. 

Results 

The WTP Berenplaat UV disinfection system, utilizing medium pressure lamps, was tested both on pilot, 1:1 

unit scale and full production scale. Disinfection capacity and the manufacturer’s fluence calculation method 

were validated by biodosimetry. The UV disinfection process appeared to be reliable during standard operation 

and in the way it dealt with process upsets. Spores of Sulphite Reducing Clostridia are rather insensitive 

to UV as well as ozone. UV disinfection results in a better removal, see figure below, even without formation 

of disinfection by-products, while ozone disinfection capacity is often limited by bromate formation. Moreover, 

monitored UV-data, like UV-intensity and lamp currents are sampled in much higher frequencies. Corrective 


actions e.g. on lamp failure can be taken within a second. In the case of 

ozone disinfection, process incidents with a fatal effect on ozone exposure, 

can be hard to detect and will last longer. The effect of the duration of process 

incidents on complying the risk analysis standard is presented in the 

figure on the previous page. 


Since infectious concentrations for pathogens are extremely low, risk analyses 

are common practice for organisms like Giardia, Cryptosporidium, 

Campylobacter and viruses. Although Netherlands is the first country which 

developed additional risk based legislation on pathogens, applied methods 

lack accuracy and require optimization. Even though risk analysis based 

assessments for organic micro pollutants are recommended by Bonn Charter 

and WHO guidelines, these methods are hardly used up till now. Processes 

in this study do not utilize advanced oxidation, like UV/peroxide, but rely on 

water quality based intake of river water. Quantifying the contribution of the 

selective intake with storage reservoirs to meet safe drinking water forms an 

interesting challenge and will be optimised further within this study. 


Drinking water quality is linked with public health and therefore gets a lot of 

public interest. Drinking water processes are constructed in concrete and 

steel and liable to rather long depreciation periods, while water quality is characterized 

by frequent updates and lack of data. Because of this, investment 

decisions in drinking water processes are rather complicated and should be 

well-founded to avoid under as well as over investments. Newly developed 

process techniques like UV might be the best choices to meet (new) goals, 

but require further research for proper implementation. Risk analysis, for as 

well pathogens as organic micro pollutants, forms an important tool to meet 

drinking water safety goals and to ground investment decisions. 

Literature 

• 

• 

• 

A.J. van der Veer, W.A.M. Hijnen, D. van der Kooij and M. Groenendijk, Pilot 

plant studies on AOC and Biofilm Formation Potential of ozonated water after 

filtration. Proceedings IOA, Aug. 2005, Strasbourg 

A.J. van der Veer, R.M. Schotsman, B. Martijn , R. Schurer, J.C. van Dijk, 

Comparative small technical Scale Study on Ozone Disc Diffusers and Ejector 

System. Proceedings IOA, Aug. 2005, Strasbourg 

Martijn Bram J., van der Veer Bram .J , Kruithof Joop C., (2007) Byproduct formation 

in ozone and UV based processes; a critical factor in process selection, 

Water Practice 1 (3) 1-14 

Bram van der Veer 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 27 87 894 

Fax: +31 15 27 81 585 

e-mail: A.J.vanderVeer@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 



Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.65 



key words: 

Risk analysis, drinking water safety 

plan, pathogens, organic micropollutants, 

UV disinfection 


institutes: 

Water Company Evides 


87

Research objective 


water Quality in distribution systeMs 

The objective of this research project is to investigate the different processes affecting the water quality in 

distribution systems and to quantify the contribution of these processes on the water quality at the customer’s 

tap. From this knowledge operational actions can be proposed in the treatment process to limit the nutrient 

source for biofilms, to limit the particlulate loading to prevent resuspension of particles and to limit the chemical 

interaction between the water and the pipe material. 



The water quality in distribution systems is depending on a combination of biological, physical and chemical 

processes. Biostability and disinfection residual concentration are internationally considered the most important 

parameters of interest in distribution systems as most countries worldwide have a treatment system not 

capable of producing bio stable water. Therefore chemical disinfection is worldwide used to safeguard the 

biological water quality. In the Netherlands and parts of Germany another approach is used, as the use of disinfectant 

residual is totally avoided. The combination of an extensive treatment by multiple barriers with good 

distribution practices eliminates the need for disinfectant residual. By the multiple barrier treatment a chemical 

and biological stable water is produced. As a result of the multiple barriers treatment the physical loading of 

the distribution system in the Netherlands with particulate material is also low. Stable and low turbidity values, 

in order of < 0.2 NTU, a saturation index (SI) with a value of -0.2 < SI < 0.3 and an AOC concentration of 10 

µg/l are commonly found in the water leaving the treatment plant. However, still discoloration events occur. 

Although the processes and mechanisms that cause water quality deterioration in distribution systems are generally 

known, they are complex and poorly understood compared to water quality processes in the treatment 

plant. Despite the distribution system being known as a vast and uncontrollable biological reactor, only limited 

research on improving water quality within the distribution system is undertaken, as there are no operational 

parameters that can be easily changed. 

Approach 

The research on water quality processes in distribution systems is performed on two different levels, viz. on-line 

experiments in existing distribution systems and research in laboratory pilot installations. In several distribution 

systems in the Netherlands new tools are applied to characterise the water quality based. Furthermore, 

laboratory distribution systems will be designed and developed to investigate the optimal water quality and the 

required degree of treatment to avoid water quality deterioration in the distribution system. The water quality 

in the laboratory distribution systems will be continuously monitored and an overall mass balance of the distribution 

system (model approach) will be made. 

Results 

• Development of tools to assess the particulate water quality in distribution systems 

• Optimal chemical condition of drinking water including health aspects, corrosion and scaling 

• Determination of the contribution of biofilm to the water quality changes in a distribution system 

• Large scale pilot distribution system fed by different parallel operated treatment trains


The research in the distribution systems has always been quantitatively 

focused. Distribution networks have always been developed in such a way 

that there is always sufficient water at sufficient pressure at the customer’s 

tap. Recently a shift in focus of the research in distribution systems has 

occurred. To be able to deliver the high quality water at the customers tap also 

in the future the water quality processes in the distribution network have to be 

understood better and more interaction between researchers and operators 

of water treatment plants and water distribution systems is needed. 


The social relevance of this project is that, in combination with advanced 

treatment processes, the excellent Dutch drinking water quality will be safe 

guarded for the future. Furthermore, the processes contributing to the water 

quality deterioration in the distribution network are quantified and appropriate 

actions can be taken to avoid future deterioration of the water quality. 

Literature 

Water quality in distribution systems 

• Vreeburg JHG, Schippers D., Verberk JQJC, van Dijk JC Field control study into 

the impact of particles on sediment accumulation in a drinking water distribution 

system. Water Research (2008), 42, 16, 4233-4242 

• Rubulis J, Verberk JQJC, Vreeburg JHG, Gruškevica K., Juhna T. CHEMICAL 

AND MICROBIAL COMPOSITION OF LOOSE DEPOSITS. Proceedings 7th 

International Conference ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 

• Particles in the distribution system. Verberk J.Q.J.C., Vreeburg J.H.G., Rietveld, 

L.C., van Dijk J.C. Proceedings WISA 

• Verberk JQJC (2008) International collaboration on aesthetic water quality. Delft 

Cluster Magazine, 5, 14-17 

Other publications 

• Verliefde ARD, Cornelissen ER, Heijman SGJ, Verberk JQJC, Amy GL, Van der 

Bruggen B, van Dijk JC. The role of electrostatic interactions on the rejection of 

organic solutes in aqueous solutions with nanofiltration. Journal of Membrane 

Science (2008), 322,1, 52-66 

• R. Garsadi, Hang Tuah.S., Indratmo, A.F.J. Doppenberg, J.Q.J.C. Verberk. 

Operational experience with a micro hydraulic mobile water treatment plant in 

Indonesia after the “Tsunami of 2004”. Proceedings Conference on Sanitation 

Edinborough 

• TU Delft OpenCourseWare: from repository to community. J. Groot Kormelink, 

W. van Valkenburg, J. Verberk. OpenED conference 

Jasper Verberk 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 27 85 838 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: J.Q.J.C.Verberk@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 



Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.48 



key words: 

Water quality in distribution systems, 

particulate material, chemical 

conditioning 


institutes: 

Duinwaterbedrijf Zuid-Holland, Oasen, 

Waternet, KWR Watercycle 

Research Institute, Cooperative 

Research Centre for Water Quality 

and Treatment, Australia. 


89

eMoval of organic MicroPollutants by nanofiltration/reverse 

osMosis in (drinking) water (reuse) aPPlications 


• 

• 

• 

Assessment of removal efficiency of organic micropollutants (pharmaceuticals, hormones, pesticides,…) 

by nanofiltration/reverse osmosis (NF/RO) in drinking water and waste water reuse applications 

Development of predictive models for removal of pollutants by NF/RO, based on their chemical struc- 

ture 

Assessment of water matrix effects on removal 



The excellent drinking water quality in the Netherlands is threatened by newly emerging organic micro pollutants 

(pesticides, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals) in the source waters. Many of these pollutants have 

potential health effects in fish and mammals. Therefore, an extensive study of the presence of these pollutants 

in source waters and the behaviour during drinking water treatment is necessary. NF/RO as membrane filtration 

techniques already proved their potential as a removal method for several organic pollutants. 

Approach 

By spiking a cocktail of carefully selected model organic solutes, with distinct physico-chemical properties onto 

different membranes, with well-defined characteristics, the governing removal mechanisms and parameters 

influencing these mechanisms can be determined. By carefully studying the effect of each parameter, an integrated, 

predictive model can be constructed. 

Water quality parameters are included into the model by using different natural water types, carefully characterising 

them, and comparing them to artificial water types (containing model foulants). 

Results 

The three most important removal mechanisms in NF/RO are: 

• Steric hindrance (a sieving effect: molecules larger than the membrane pores are removed) 

• Adsorption/partitioning and hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions 

• Charge interactions (membranes are mostly negatively charged at neutral feed water pH) 

Steric interaction is a simple mechanism determined by the size of the solutes, compared to the size of the 

membrane pores. Charge interactions can be incorporated by extrapolating DLVO-theories for charge distributions 

in the vicinity of a charged plate. Partitioning of solutes into the membranes is determined by solutemembrane 

affinity, which can be determined from surface tension parameters of solute and membrane (which 

can be determined from contact angle measurements). After modeling the three removal mechanisms, an 

integrated model for solute transport through the membranes was developed, which was then extended to fullscale 

installations. Some experimentally determined rejection values in a full-scale installation are compared 

to modelled rejections for some pharmaceuticals in the figure below. 

The influence of feed water characteristics on removal efficiency are still difficult to understand. Different feed 

water types lead to different fouling layers on the membranes and different changes in membrane properties. 

It is therefore necessary to study different (extreme) natural water types (e.g. different waste water matrices), 

in comparison with artificial water types containing model foulants. 


from the first to the last stage, the dependency of the zeta potential on the ionic 

strength has to be incorporated. A linear decrease of the zeta potential with 

increasing salt concentration in the installation is assumed. 

Figure 4.8 1 - – Experimental and modelled and modelled rejection values rejection for positively values charged for positively pharmaceuticals charged on pilot pharma- scale NF 

ceuticals installation, on as a pilot function scale of feed NF water installation, recovery for as filtration a function run at 75% of feed recovery water (installation recovery loaded for with filtration Desal 

run HL membranes) at 75% recovery (installation loaded with Desal HL membranes) 

A necessity for the calculation of the rejection of the charged solutes is that an 


uncharged solute with similar physico-chemical properties has to be available. 

A more fundamental insight into the influence of the chemical structure of 

organic solutes and membranes, on their interactions, will help in further 133 

development of the NF/RO process and may lead to development of new 

and better membrane materials. Furthermore, relating molecular structure 

to removal (this concept is called QSAR (quantitative structure-activity relationship)), 

results in a framework through which it is able to “a priori” predict 

removal of newly emerging pollutants. This technique can easily be translated 

to other drinking water treatment processes (such as activated carbon 

filtration, or river bank filtration). This offers a broader perspective and an 

important boost to the project. 


In combination with the study of the water quality deterioration and the biological 

growth in the distribution system and inner house installations, the 

improved understanding of the drinking water treatment process will result 

in a better safeguarding of the excellent quality of the drinking water in the 

Netherlands, to the benefit of all customers. Moreover, due to the importance 

of this problem to human health, it has gained attention worldwide and as a 

consequence, numerous research-institutes are involved in this project: 

Literature 

• 

• 

• 

Rejection (%) 

100 

80 

60 

40 

Terbutaline 

Terbutaline model 

Salbutamol 

Salbutamol model 

Pindolol 

Pindolol model 

Propranolol 

Propranolol model 

Atenolol 

Atenolol model 

Metoprolol 

Metoprolol model 

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 

Recovery (-) 

Verliefde et al., Water Research 41 (15) (2007), 3227. 

Verliefde et al., Environmental Progress 27 (2) (2008) 180. 

Verliefde et al., Journal of Membrane Science 322 (1). (2008) 52. 




Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 27 83 347 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: A.R.D.Verliefde@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 



Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.59 


Expected end date: Ongoing 

key words: 

Organic micropollutants, nanofiltration, 

reverse osmosis, rejection 


institutes: 

KWR Watercycle Research Institute; 

K.U. Leuven; Unesco-IHE, 

University of California Los Angeles, 

University of New South Wales 

Sydney 


91

nitrification in unsaturated drinking water filters 


The main objective of the PhD-studies is to imitate the positive effect of subsurface aeration (SA) on the nitrification 

in drinking water filters (see figure below). To achieve this aim the mechanisms by which nitrification 

relapses in normal groundwater filters and SA enhances nitrification will be unraveled. 



Oasen Drinking Water Company produces drinking water from groundwater in the fenland area of South 

Holland. Typical groundwater compounds like methane, iron, ammonium and manganese are removed in 

trickling biofilters. Iron can be removed by oxidation/floc filtration, adsorptive or biological oxidation. The biological 

conversion of ammonium to nitrate (nitrification) in these filters is often not durable. Enhancement of 

nitrification by improved back washing in full scale filters points to hindering of nitrification by iron deposits. 

The main proven way for Oasen to maintain sound nitrification is by SA. By introducing air into the subsoil, 

both microbial iron oxidation is stimulated and mobile iron colloids are formed in the aquifer, which enhances 

nitrification (Wolthoorn et al, 2004). It is hypothesized that the inorganic and bacterial iron colloids influence 

the iron removal mechanism, thus preventing filter clogging or improving the features of the filter coating which 

form the habitat for nitrifying microorganisms. 

Approach 

The project started with the determination of the dominant microbial populations in both the raw groundwater 

and the full scale drinking water filters in an Oasen SA and a reference system (de Vet et al., in press). On 

this knowledge, quantitative molecular techniques (rtPCR) have been developed and applied for enumeration 

of the relevant groups of microorganisms, iron- and ammonia-oxidizers. The interaction between iron 


emoval mechanism, deposit features and nitrification has been researched 

in long duration column experiments (set-up in figure on left page). The dis- 

covered constraints on iron removal and nitrification during groundwater fil- 

tration and alternative enhancement techniques will be further investigated 

in batch, pilot and full-scale experiments. 

Results 

Iron removal inhibits nitrification in pilot-scale experiments. Groundwater 

features strongly influence which iron removal mechanisms prevails in filtration. 

Under distinct conditions, the growth of the iron-oxidizing bacteria G. 

ferruginea is stimulated even under relatively high oxygen saturation required 

for nitrification. Both results are shown in the figures below. 


Nitrogen forms one of the main cycles on earth, therefore nitrification is a 

major process in both natural soils and waters and artificial systems like 

water, waste and wastewater treatment. While enhancement of nitrification 

is aimed for in purification processes, this is undesirable in some natural 

and most cultivation systems. The influence of environmental and especially 

(geo-) chemical factors on the microbial growth is largely not understood 

and can thus not be controlled. Better understanding of these interactions 

will open the way to new methods of process control and finer techniques 

for detection of biological effects. Both can then be further developed and 

applied to other microorganisms in a broader field of work. 


Development of an alternative method of nitrification enhancement overcomes 

the possible environmental risks involved in SA, notably accumulation 

of heavy metals in the subsoil. Moreover a better controlled and optimised 

nitrification process diminishes filter maintenance and thus energy and costs. 

Better understanding of the inhibition of bacteria by chemical factors can lead 

to more effective use of micro organisms for example in bioremediation. 

Literature 

• 

• 

de Vet, W.W.J.M., Dinkla, I.J.T., Muyzer, G., Rietveld, L.C. and van Loosdrecht, 

M.C.M. Molecular characterization of microbial populations in groundwater 

sources and sand filters for drinking water production. Water Research, article 

in press, online publication complete: 7-NOV-2008 DOI information: 10.1016/j. 

watres.2008.09.038. 

Wolthoorn, A., Temminghoff, E.J.M. and Van Riemsdijk, W.H. (2004) Effect of 

synthetic iron colloids on the microbiological NH4+ removal process during 

groundwater purification. Water Research 38(7), 1884-1892. 

Weren de Vet 


Faculty of TNW/CiTG 

Department of Biotechnology/Watermanagement 

Section Environmental Biotechnology/Drinking 

water 

Tel.: +31 15 27 81 551 

Fax: +31 15 27 82 355 

e-mail: W.W.J.M.deVet@TUDelft.nl 


www.bt.tudelft.nl 


P.O. BOX 5048 



Julianalaan 67 

2628 BC Delft 

Building of Kluyver Laboratory 

Room 1.580 

Start date project: Jul 2006 


key words: 

Drinking water filter, iron removal, 

nitrification, subsurface aeration 


institutes: 

Oasen Drinking Water Gouda 


93


The objectives of the study are: 

• 

• 

Particles in drinking water networks 

Establish a relation 

with 

between 

these 

water 

concepts. 

quality 

Samples 

characteristics 

such as these 

of the 

have 

finished 

been 

water 

installed 

in terms 

in a laboratory 

of particle 

facility 

load, turand 

bidity, AOC, Fe-content, significant suspended discolouration solids etc. was and generated the deposition by exposing and mobility them to of flushing sedimentary flow rates, deposits despite in the 

a conventional drinking disturbance water distribution of weakly adhered network. material caused by obtaining the samples.. 

Compose a model for the reaction of an existing network loaded with sedimentary deposits to the introduction 

of improved water quality (HQ-water) in terms of the above mentioned water quality parameters. With 

the model it should be possible to control the mass balance with dedicated measures. 



This research program is devoted to fill in the gaps in knowledge on the behaviour of particles in drinking water 

distribution systems. Particles in drinking water systems are responsible for the generation of discolouration of the 

water, leading to an unacceptable aesthetic water quality. Apart from the aesthetic aspect of particles in the drinking 

Fig 1-4 Material accumulation around the complete perimeter of cast iron pipe samples 

water system, also public health could be compromised, as particles can be related to other water quality aspects, 

such as the biological regrowth problems in the network. Discolouration of the water is the most important cause 

Transport of particles will not only occur through the liquid phase as suspended solids, but 

for customers to complain 

can 

at 

also 

their 

take 

water 

place 

company 

as bed load 

and leads 

transport: 

to 3000 

particles 

to 6000 

rolling 

water 

over 

quality 

the pipe 

complaints 

wall. Though 

per year. 

not 

mentioned in literature, bed load is a distinct possibility for particle transport. All the 

Approach aforementioned particle-related processes in a network are visualised in Fig 1-5. 

The framework of the 

research is a mass balance 

model for a network. 

Within the model, the different 

processes dealing 

Suspended 

solids 

Biofilm 

formation & 

sloughing 

Corrosion 

Suspended 

solids 

with particles can be quantified 

and analysed. The 

origin of the accumulated 

sediment is multiple, as is 

demonstrated in the fig- 

(AOC and 

dissolved 

solids) 

Regular 

deposition & 

resuspension 

Precipitation & 

flocculation 

(AOC and 

dissolved 

solids) 

ure. New measuring methods 

are developed as the 

© J.H.G. Vreeburg 

Bed load 

transport 

Resuspension Potential Figure 1 - Particle-related processes in a network 

Fig 1-5 Particle-related processes in a network. The direction of the arrows indicate the path 

Method to asses the dis- particles follow in the pipe. The vertically aimed arrows indicate particles settling on the pipe 

colouration risk. Particle wall; counting the horizontally is introduced aimed to analyse arrows the indicate impact particles of the suspended moving with solids the on water the as accumula- suspended 

solids. 

tion of sedimentary deposits. 

Overall it can be concluded that the mechanism leading to discolouration events are 

Results 

complicated, poorly understood and interactive. However the processes may be understood 

The Resuspension Potential through Method the framework (RPM) is developed presented in and Fig applied 1-5. On in this many representation Dutch networks the as hypothesis a tool to asses of this 

the discolouration risk. The research tool is is also based. necessary The underlying to follow cause the effect of discolouration of measures to is limit presumed the particle to be formed load. A large by 

particles attached by some means to the pipe wall, irrespective of their origin, either imported 

scale experiment is set up to find out what the effect of the particles in the network is. In the network of treatment 

from outside the network, by the treatment or produced within the network itself. In normal 

plant Spannenburg in the flow province the particles Friesland regularly two areas deposit are and isolated partly resuspend and fed through without a affecting single feed. the One aesthetic of the 

quality of the water. If flows are increased above normal values in an hydraulic incident, 


Introduction - 5 - 

incidental 

resuspension

areas will be fed with the original drinking water while the other will be fed with 

Ultra Filtration post treated water. The UF will limit the particle load to almost 

zero have also some effect on the biological stability of the water. 

Three months prior to the experiment the network was cleaned, which was 

repeated at the start of the experiment. From the results is could be calculated 

that the sediment load of the original water was 85 µg/l. 

Lab experiments with pipe rigs showed that the settling of particles is a complex 

process that not only leads to gravitational settling, but also involves 

velocity dependant wall attraction. 


The processes that govern the settling and resuspension of particles in the 

network are not fully understood. Many models on particle behaviour in water 

as sewer systems (Berlamont) or rivers and channels (Stokes and Shield) 

do not apply to the drinking water system, because of the difference in type 

and density of the particles. This is confirmed by explorative lab experiments 

in the aforementioned pipe test rig. New theories as the cohesive transport 

model developed by Boxall (Sheffield University) do not cover the resuspension 

enough. The RPM offers the opportunity to qualitatively assess the actual 

discoloration risk and formulate operational measures. Further development 

will eventually lead to predictive and quantitative models that help to understand 

the processes in the network. 


Discoloration seriously undermines the customer’s faith in drinking water. 

Possible public health effects are not very severe because the colour of the 

water will prevent people from actually consuming the water. The effects on 

water quality of resuspend sediment in the sub-visual region, below 5 FTU, 

are probably not negligible. 

Water companies spend a lot of money to produce good drinking water that 

however can deteriorate significantly in the network. More knowledge in how 

to maintain the network and treat the water will decrease the number of discoloured 

water incidents and increase customer’s trust in save and healthy 

drinking water. 

Literature 

• 

• 

Vreeburg JHG, Schaap, PG, Dijk, JC van (‘04) “Measuring Discolouration Risk: 

Resuspension Potential Method: Leading Edge Technology, Prague, IWA 

Vreeburg JHG, Schaap, PG, Dijk, JC van (2004), “Particles in the drinking water 

system: from source to discolouration” Water Science and Technology, 2004, 

4(5-6) pp 431-438 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 27 87 894 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: J.H.G.Vreeburg@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 


Jan Vreeburg 


Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.65 



key words: 

Particles, drinking water, networks 


institutes: 


Unesco-IHE 


95


• 

• 

• 


cfd in drinking water treatMent 

Model the flow and mixing properties in the disinfection installations (ozone and UV) in a correct man- 

ner by means of CFD. 

Demonstrate the weak spots in the present disinfection installations and optimize these installations 

with respect to its consumption (ozone, UV), disinfection capacity and formation of disinfection by-products. 

Design of new UV reactor systems that makes use of hydrodynamic principles to enhance the performance. 



In the drinking water sector, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is especially interesting in case of complex 

flows, which occur in disinfection installations, such as ozone and UV systems. Ozone installations consist out 

of a bubble column and a number of contact chambers. Ozone gas is injected in the bubble column, where 

it is dissolved in the water. The dissolved ozone-water mixture flows through the contact chambers in order 

to create enough reaction time between the ozone and the contaminants. UV installations contain a number 

of lamps that emit UV light in order to inactivate microorganisms (by damaging their DNA). These UV lamps 

are often placed perpendicular to the flow direction, which results in a complex flow pattern around the lamps. 

Approach 

In ozone installations, problems arise due to the formation of disinfection by-products, when the 

water is in contact with the dissolved ozone for a long time. But a proper disinfection requires a certain 

contact time between the dissolved ozone and water. The challenge is to reduce the spreading in 

contact time. Numerical modeling is a powerful tool to investigate the contact time under different circumstances 

and optimise the flow in the installation. For UV-systems, the complex flow causes a distribution 

in UV dose (=amount of UV light received by a microorganism). Reducing the dose distribution 

by optimising the hydraulics will result in a reduction of the (high) energy consumption of the lamps 

Results 

The complex flow patterns in the ozone contactor are calculated by means of computational fluid dynamics. 

Individual particle trajectories are 

calculated to determine the contact 

time (CT) of each particle with the 

dissolved ozone. Tracer experiments 

were conducted to determine 

the residence time distributions at 

several locations in ozone contactor. 

The model results show good 

agreement with the tracer experiment. 

As a next step, the model is 

Figure 1 - Ozone exposure of microorganisms released instantaneously at the 

used as a tool to evaluate different 

inlet after 5.57min. The additional horizontal baffles increase the values 

of the lowest ozone exposures and yield a narrower distribution.

affling configurations inside the ozone con- 

tactor (Fig 1). It is shown that additional hori- 

zontal baffles may increase the disinfection 

performance significantly. Velocity measure- 

ments of the water flowing through a bench- 

scale UV reactor showed that a recirculation 

zone develops downstream of the UV lamp, 

which causes a longer residence time for the 

water trapped inside the recirculation (Fig 2). 

Moreover, the CFD models that incorporate 

a standard k-epsilon turbulence model were Figure 2 - Visualization of the 

flow field around a UV lamp in the 

not able to reproduce these recirculations bench scale reactor 

correctly. Therefore, more complex CFD 

models, such as Large Eddy Simulation, were used to capture the complex 

turbulent motions originating from the lamp. The shape of a single UV lamp 

placed perpendicular to the flow is hydraulically optimised by experimental 

and numerical tools. 


A proper description of the turbulent mixing is of great importance for the 

disinfection capacity. But turbulent mixing is a complicated process, which 

is strongly influenced by the local flow situation and therefore by the geometry. 

There is still indistinctness on the physical properties, but also on the 

numerical implementation, like turbulence modeling and particle tracking. 


Improving the disinfection capacity and reducing the disinfection by-products 

by means of some small adjustments in ozone installations leads to a 

low-cost solution for better quality of drinking water. UV-installations lead to 

the required disinfection without the formation of disinfection by-products. 

Optimization of the UV reactor using CFD leads to a lower energy consumption 

and accordingly lower costs. 

Literature 

• 

• 

Wols, B.A., Hofman, J.A.M.H., Uijttewaal, W.S.J., Rietveld, L.C., Stelling, G.S., 

van Dijk, J.C., 2008. Residence time distributions in ozone contactors. Ozone: 

Science and Engineering 30(1) 49-57. 

Wols, B.A., Hofman, J.A.M.H., Uijttewaal, W.S.J., Rietveld, L.C., Stelling, G.S., 

van Dijk, J.C., 2008. A particle tracking technique to estimate disinfection efficacy 

in drinking water treatment plants. 6th international conference on CFD in 

the oil and gas, metallurgical & process industries, Trondheim, 11 juni 2008 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 27 85 433 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 842 

e-mail: B.A.Wols@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 


Bas Wols 


Stevinweg 1 



Room 2.92 


Expected end date: Jan 2010 

key words: 

CFD, Ozonation, UV, Disinfection 


institutes: 


Waternet, TTI Wetsus 


97

drinking water siMulator for Proactive oPeration and training 


Topic of my PhD research is the combination and application of water quality and water quantity models of 

drinking water treatment plants. The models, linked on a software platform that includes training and decision 

support features and user interfaces forms the heart of a drinking water treatment simulator. The research is 

part of the project carrying the same name as the simulator: Waterspot. 



The simulator can be connected to a production database, to a process automation (PA) systems or to a PA 

system emulator. A PA system emulator can be described as a copy of PA functionality used in a drinking water 

treatment plant on a separate PC. The emulator interfaces with the simulator using a virtual plant. 

The simulator has three main types of end-users, depending on the other system the simulator is connected 

to. The first type of end-users are operation supervisors who can train their skills in a company look & feel 

simulator when connected to an emulator. The second type are technologists who can perform process optimisations 

when the simulator is connected to a historian database. An advanced application is the connection 

of the system to the online PA system for online model based process optimization. The third type are software 

engineers who can use the simulator-emulator system 

for virtual commissioning of software. 

Approach 

Last year the research has focussed on the software 

setup of the simulator and on hydraulic modeling of 

a drinking water treatment plant. For the latter two 

models have been set up and validated, one of treatment 

plant Harderbroek and one for treatment plant 

Wim Mensink. The coming year, the focus will be on 

the integration of the simulator with the virtual plant 

and the PA system emulator and on a process control 

optimization case for the softening plant of Wim 

Mensink. 

The research is founded by PWN Watersupply 

Company North-Holland and cofounded by Senter 

Novem, Dutch Ministery of Economic affairs. 

Results 

Together with fellow researchers and project members 

the beta version of the simulator for treatment 

plants Weesperkarspel and Wim Mensink were set 

up and they run smoothly. For PWN the work started 


to set up an interface between the simulator, a virtual plant and an emulator, 

the latter being a copy of all control functionality and man-machineinterfaces 

from a PLC on a PC. The beta version for Vitens will follow soon, 

since modeling is in progress now. 

Two papers were presented on the SIDISA conference in Florence. Both 

papers have accessed the review process of a peer-reviewed journal. One 

papers deals with the hydraulic modeling of a drinking water treatment plant, 

the other with the simulator’s software layout. 


The development of a platform that hosts available water quantity and water 

quality models and let them interact, is a great boost for the use of existing 

models and the development of new ones. A nice example is the simulatorvirtual 

plant-emulator development that has created a request to develop a 

Stimela model for ultrafiltration and RO filtration. 


In drinking water supply companies the trend of fully automated and centralized 

operation continues, leading to new challenges and opportunities like 

alarm management and model based process control and operation. This 

project is aiming to develop the tools and mind set needed to use models in 

the daily operation and optimization of drinking water treatment plants. The 

simulator will be used by operation supervisors to train their skills, to ensure 

they will respond adequately during calamities in future. 

Literature 

• Worm, G.I.M., van der Helm, A.W.C., Lapikas, T., van Schagen, K.M., 

Rietveld, L.C., Integration of models, data management, interfaces, 

and training and decision support in a drinking water treatment plant 

simulator, paper ID 394 

• Worm, G.I.M., van der Helm, A.W.C , Kivit, C, van Schagen, K.M., 

Rietveld, L.C., Hydraulic Modeling of Drinking Water Treatment Plants, 

Proceeding SIDISA conference 2008, Florence, paper ID 395 


PWN Water Supply North-Holland 

Tel.: +31 61 04 53 808 

e-mail: ignaz.worm@pwn.nl 



P.O. Box 2113 

1990 AC Velserbroek 

the Netherlands 


Pumping station Jan Lagrand 

Waterweg 1 

1969 GA Heemskerk 

Start date: Sep 2005 

Expected end date: Dec 2011 

key words: 

Simulation, dynamic modeling, 

training, drinking water treatment 


institutes: 

PWN, Duinwaterbedrijf Zuid-Holland, 

Waternet, Vitens, UReaon, 

DHV, ABB, KWR Watercycle Research 

Institute 


Ignaz Worm 

99

ejection of PharMaceutically active and endocrine disruPting 

coMPounds by low and high Pressure MeMbranes: interactions 

between solutes and fouled MeMbranes 


Understand fundamental interactions occurring between compounds and membranes that influence rejection 

during membrane filtration. 

Demonstrate that modified properties of pre fouled membranes when compared to clean ones, may possibly 

result in improved or diminished rejections of PhACs and EDCs. 

Define models that describe or predict compound rejection based on compound properties, membrane selection, 

chemistry of the solution, and operational conditions. 



Pharmaceutically Active Compounds (PhACs) and Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs) – present in 

surface waters due to wastewater effluents discharged to surface waters – are of concern as future removal 

targets in drinking water treatment plants that recycle wastewater effluents or use wastewater-contaminated 

surface waters. The threat as trace contaminants becomes more extensive after identification of PhACs and 

EDCs in some effluents of wastewater treatment plants and tap drinking water of some water utilities. 

Approach 

The research started with an extensive literature review of previous studies. After selection and property estimation 

of compounds, rejection experiments are carried out. The results are interpreted and theory and model 

developments are used to relate important variables of the process. Among those, we have membrane characteristics 

such as pure water permeability, charge, hydrophobicity; solute properties such as molecular weight, 

molecular size, dipole moment, octanol-water partition coefficient, and hydrophilicity; chemical composition of 

waters and operational conditions. 

Results 

Results will follow soon. 


After some years of research in trace organic compounds removal during membrane filtration, there is not a 

clear picture of interaction between physical-chemical compound properties and membrane characteristics. 

The difficulties are related to the search of a unique or simplified explanation of rejection accounting part of 

the variables involved. The current investigation considers overcoming those problems relating necessary variables 

and using statistical and data-driven modeling. 


The study of the removal of trace contaminants through water membrane treatment is of social relevance for 

the future, as water resources become scarce and demands of recycled water will arise. Thus, esthetical considerations 

of the public will demand drinking water utilities high-quality drinking water. 


Literature 

• 

V. Yangali-Quintanilla, T.-U. Kim, M. Kennedy, and G. Amy (2008) Modeling of 

RO/NF membrane rejections of PhACs and organic compounds: a statistical 

analysis DWES 1, (1), 7-15 

Victor Yangali Quntanilla 



Geosciences 



UNESCO-IHE 


Tel.: +31 15 21 51 896 

Fax: +31 15 21 22 921 

e-mail: v.yangaliquintanilla@unesco-ihe.org 



UNESCO-IHE 

Westvest 7 



UNESCO-IHE 

Westvest 7 




key words: 

membrane filtration, fouling 


101

decision suPPort systeM for Managing underground water 

related assets (water distribution and sewerage) 


The purpose of asset management decision maker is to obtain effective, efficient and economy management 

during the asset’s whole life. The strategies involve two shifts: from single short-term plan to both short and 

long-term plan, from single reactive to both reactive and proactive approaches. These strategies are based on 

predictive deterioration tendency, and thorough understanding of how the various and numerous parameters 

impact on the process of system deterioration and on the different aspects of performance. In addition, the 

need to optimize the economic efficiency of the rehabilitation strategy within operational requirements must be 

complemented by a sound understanding of the interactive economic impacts of system performance. 



With decades of years of municipal infrastructure investment, the assets ageing and deterioration problem is 

more and more important for all assets managers. As pipes deteriorate, some events can happen, such as 

breakage increase, head loss increase, water quality decline and so on. Due to the budget limitation, different 

severity and importance for each pipe, not all ageing and deteriorated pipes can be replaced or rehabilitated 

at same time. The priority rehabilitation is an optimal problem in essential for decision makers. 

Approach 

The research concerns the development of a decision support system manage water distribution systems. 

Correct pipe condition assessment and pipe significance assessment are two foundations of reasonable asset 

management strategies. Based on them, pipe criticality integration can be done. Using different methods to 

rehabilitate pipes with different significance and pipe condition is the reasonable method under the budget limitation. 

A whole life costing approach will take into account the total direct, indirect and social costs associated 

with provision, maintenance, operation, servicing and decommission of these assets over its useful life. 

Results 

In this year, a conceptual framework for operation, maintenance and rehabilitation of water distribution infrastructures 

assets has been produced (see Fig. 1). Pipe condition assessment model, pipe significance model, 

and pipe criticality model are the foundation of whole life costing model. These analyses can help decision 

maker focus on bad condition and/or important pipes. With the reduced computation load, some really key 

pipe rehabilitation and replacement can be made further analysis. Then a pipe condition assessment model 

development is going-on. The PCA model, which is based on fuzzy PROMETHEE method, has been used 

to measure pipe’s relative condition. Pipe’s significance is determined by the pipe change’s influence or failure 

consequence. The integration of these two models results criticality model, which provides the priority of 

rehabilitation for decision maker. With the whole life costing consideration, the optimization pipe rehabilitation/ 

replacement strategies can be made. 


Whole life costing model provide decision maker a long term and comprehensive consideration of asset rehabilitation. 

This multi objective optimisation WLC model produces a set of non inferior solutions. The keys of 

the model are the selection of objectives and that of optimization methods. 


ipe’s relative condition. Pipe’s significance is determined by the pipe change’s influence or failure 

onsequence. The integration of these two models results criticality model, which provides the 

riority of rehabilitation for decision maker. With the whole life costing consideration, the 

ptimization pipe rehabilitation/replacement strategies can be made. 

Yi Zhou 

Deterioration of Water Quality Reliability 

Hydraulic 



Geosciences 

WDS Performance 

Performance Performance 

Performance 

Department of Sanitary Engineering 

Figure 1 - Research framework Fig. 1 Research Framework 

cientific relevance 

UNESCO-IHE 


hole life Literature 

costing model provide decision maker a long term and comprehensive consideration Tel.: of +31 15 21 51 767 

sset rehabilitation. 

• Yi Zhou, 

This 

Vairavamoorthy. 

multi-objective 

K, 

optimization 

Mansoor. M.A.M., 

WLC model 

Integration 

produces 

Of Urban 

a set 

Water 

of non-inferior Fax: +31 15 21 22 921 

olutions. The keys of the model are the selection of objectives and that of optimization methods. e-mail: yi.zhou@unesco-ihe.org 

Services, Water And Sanitation In International Development And Disaster Relief 


Edinburgh, UK, 28 - 30 May 2008 

iterature 


i Zhou, Vairavamoorthy. K, Mansoor. M.A.M, Integration Of Urban Water Services, Water And 

UNESCO-IHE 

anitation In International Development And Disaster Relief Edinburgh, UK, 28 - 30 May 2008 

Westvest 7 


hD research fellow: Yi Zhou 

mail: yi.zhou@unesco-ihe.org 


UNESCO-IHE 

tart date: June 2007 

Westvest 7 

xpected end date: June 2011 


ddress: 

NESCO-IHE 

O Box 3015 

601 DA Delft 

he Netherlands 

Condition Assessment Model 

Criticality Model 

Decision Tool 

Whole life costing Model 

2 

Significance Model 

Action Cost Model 



key words: 

Water distribution system; pipe 

condition assessment; pipe significance; 

pipe criticality; whole life 

costing; pipe deterioration; pipe 

rehabilitation; optimization 


103

coMParison of oPerational Processes of three full-scale Mbrs 


The objective of this research project is to compare operational processes of three different full-scale membrane 

bioreactors (MBR) in the Netherlands. Through their comparison accompanied with identification of correlations 

between operational parameters of each MBR, plants optimization is foreseen. 

Project introduction 

To facilitate further development and optimisation of MBR technology an extensive research programme has 

been worked out. The Sanitary Engineering section of Delft University of Technology (TUD) is participating 

in this research in the framework of the European MBR-TRAIN research programme. The research project 

MBR-TRAIN deals with process optimization and fouling control in membrane bio reactors for water treatment. 

Among other targets in the project TU Delft focuses on comparison and optimisation of the full-scale plants, 

i.e. the cost and energy reduction. 

Project description 

The main objective of this work is to investigate effects of operational parameters on MBR performance. The 

operational process performances of three full-scale membrane bio reactors in the Netherlands will be compared 

in this study. Filterability and its relationship to plants operational parameters will be under investigation. 

These data will be worked out in a database to compare performance on full scale and to identify the correlations 

between those parameters. This should provide information on effects of different membrane bio reactors 

configurations and may give insight into operational issues and efficiency of the plants. Moreover, extensive 

research on energy consumption within the MBRs is scheduled. This operational aspect comparison should 

lead to the optimization of the costs, energy demand and chemical addition. 

Project results 

After detailed description of the plants chosen for the study (Table 1), experiments at each location were performed. 

Table 1 - MBR characteristics of three Dutch full-scale plants selected for comparison studies 

Parameter Unit 

Wastewater - 

Process Configuration - 

Membrane type - 

Total membrane area m 2 

Membrane pore size μm 

Hydraulic capacity m 3 /h 

Permeate production m 3 /h 100 150 775 

From the first set of experiments in which filterability of selected full-scale MBRs was monitored it arise that 

plants present similar behavior in terms of sludge filterability. In each case activated sludge filterability was 

good (Figure 1), also when higher flux applied, in order to create more stressed conditions. 


Location A Location B Location C 

municipal municipal municipal 

Submerged Sidestream Submerged 

Flat sheet Tubular Hollow fibre 

4115 2784 20160 

0,08 0,03 0,035 

Biological Capacity p.e. 3333 9250 

23150 

50 75 250-300

as good (Figure 1), also when higher flux applied, in order to create more stressed 

oreover behaviour of sludge samples from different compartments of the plants was 

or the membrane tanks no significant difference is observed. Some differences are 

biological part of the MBR. 

Pawel Krzeminski 

�R20[x10 12 m -1 ] 

1,0 

0,8 

0,6 

0,4 

0,2 

0,0 

Flux 80 [LMH] 

Anaerobic Anoxic Aerobic 

Membrane 

Anaerobic Anaerobic Anoxic 

FS MT FS 

Anoxic 

MT 

Anoxic 

HF 

Aerobic 

FS 

Aerobic 

MT 

Aerobic 

HF 

MT FS MT MT MT HF 

Figure Figure 1: Three 1 - Three Dutch MBRs comparison case – filtration case – resistance filtration rateresistance 

rate 

Moreover behaviour of sludge samples from different compartments of the 

plants was investigated. For the membrane tanks no significant difference is 

observed. Some differences are visible for the biological part of the MBR. 

measured sludge properties and operational parameters of the full scale 

MBRs. Plants operating with the submerged systems are showing some 

similarities and side stream system is working with much higher fluxes and 

thus obtaining higher permeability values. 

Preliminary results were ambiguous and clear relations between MBRs and 

their parameters through the comparison could not be made. It is then foreseen 

to further investigate and compare three selected MBRs 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 27 83 347 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: P.Krzeminski@TUDelft.nl 

www.afvalwater.tudelft.nl 

the first measuring campaign were further related with the online measured sludge 

operational parameters of the full scale MBRs. Plants operating with the submerged 

owing some similarities and sidestream system is working with much higher fluxes and 

higher permeability values. 

Results from the first measuring campaign were further related with the online 

sults were ambiguous and clear relations between MBRs and their parameters through 

n could not be made. It is then foreseen to further investigate and compare three selected 


P.O. BOX 5048 



Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.64 

Start date Project: 2007 


key words: 

MBR 


institutes: 


105

oPtiMization of MeMbrane bioreactors through activated 

sludge Quality 


The goals of this PhD research are to identify optimal membrane bioreactor (MBR) activated sludge, characterize 

its properties and use that knowledge to contribute for MBR optimization. 



Membrane bioreactors are a promising technology with good performance results. However, the technology 

still has serious drawbacks such as fouling. The three main factors determining fouling behaviour (membrane 

characteristics, membrane operation and activated sludge characteristics) vary between MBR installations 

therefore results are difficult to compare. Another consequence is that each MBR has its own activated sludge 

and consequently the optimal quality for MBR activated sludge is not known. 

In order to overcome the problem of fouling a direct approach based on the nature and mechanisms of fouling 

or on performance results has been extensively applied by the scientific community. Important advances regarding 

the nature and size of the foulants have been made but no conclusive solution has yet been reached. 

In this PhD we propose an indirect approach to the problem of fouling by focusing our attention on membrane 

bioreactor activated sludge quality. If the characteristics of membrane bioreactor activated sludge were to be 

known fouling particles could be more easily kept in the bulk. 

Approach 

The identification of optimal MBR activated sludge quality is done by applying the Delft Filtration Characterization 

method (DFCm) (Evenblij, H. 2005) to several European MBR installations. Full scale and MBR pilots in a 

total of 9 were visited in summer and winter time providing a data-base of MBR activated sludge quality. The 

DFCm uses always the same membrane and identical operation therefore differences in filterability are directly 

linked to activated sludge quality, enabling the comparison between MBR installations. In addition, the section 

of Sanitary Engineering is involved in two European projects (EUROMBRA and MBR Train) that provided 

access to European MBR installations. 

Parallel to the in situ measurements batch tests (dilution tests) were performed in the TU lab to characterize 

MBR activated sludge quality. The dilution tests will be followed by concentrations tests in order to fully understand 

MBR activated sludge properties. The gathered knowledge will allow the definition of practical design 

and operation advice for MBR optimization. 

Results 

6,00 

The in situ measurements provided the 5,00 

characterization of the filtration behavior 

of MBR activated sludge. Different 

4,00 

filtration behaviors were obtained from 

3,00 

excellent (ΔR20 lower than 0.05) to 

2,00 

poor (ΔR20 higher than 1) as it can be 1,00 

seen in Figure 1, allowing the identifica- 0,00 

tion of optimal MBR activated sludge. 

Figure 1- Filterability results from membrane tanks in full scale MBR 


�R [x10-12m-1] 

2 0 

Membrane tanks activated sludge (WWTP) 

Schilde Monheim Heenvliet Schilde Nordkanal Monheim Heenvliet

Particle counting results indicated 

a relation between good 

filterability and lower number of 

particles in the range 5 to 20 μm. 

However, it is likely that the range 

of particles directly connected to 

the filtration behavior is a lower 

range and the mentioned range 

(5 to 20 μm) is being indirectly 

affected. 

Dilution tests showed that whenever the initial sample has a mixed liquor 

suspended solids (MLSS) concentration higher than 10 g/L there is a 

decrease in filterability with decreasing MLSS followed again by an increase 

(see figure 2). 

The decrease in filterability was accompanied by a slight deflocculation and 

release of particles between 5 and 20 μm. Further tests will include particle 

counting at lower ranges (0.01-5 μm). 


Until now the scientific community approach to the problem of fouling has 

been a direct one based on nature and fouling mechanisms and on performance 

results. This PhD project proposes an indirect and innovative approach 

based on the MBR activated sludge properties. 


Over the last decades the quality of wastewater discharges is becoming 

increasingly restrictive. In order to comply with increasingly restrictive requirements 

society needs new developments on tertiary and advanced waste 

water treatment. Membrane bio reactors are generally considered as state 

of the art but also seen as prohibitively costly. This PhD aims to contribute 

to the optimization of this technology by lowering the costs and therefore 

contribute to its widespread. 

Literature 

• 

�R20[x10 12 m -1 ] 

2,00 

1,80 

1,60 

1,40 

1,20 

1,00 

0,80 

0,60 

0,40 

0,20 

0,00 

0,0 5,0 10,0 15,0 20,0 

MLSS[g/L] 

22-jan-08 

29-jan-08 

Figure 2 - Filterability results for batch tests 

when initial sample (represented by bigger 

points) has MLSS higher than 10 g/L. 

M. Lousada-Ferreira, S. Geilvoet, A. Moreau, E. Atasoy, P. Krzeminski, A. van 

Nieuwenhuijzen, J. van der Graaf (2008) MLSS: Still a poorly understood parameter? 

Membranes in drinking waster production and waste water treatment, EDS, 

INSA, Toulouse 

7-fev-08 

21-fev-08 

4-mar-08 

10-jun-08 

Maria Lousada-Ferreira 



Geosciences 



Tel. : +31 15 27 84 026 

Fax : +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail : M.Lousadaferreira@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 



Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.64 



key words: 

Membranes bioreactors, activated 

sludge quality, filterability 


Watershap Hollandse Delta, Instituto 

de Biologia Experimental 

e Tecnologica, AQUAFIN, ERFT- 

VERBAND, Universita degli studi 

di Trento 


107

dfcM on tour: activated sludge filterability assessMent of 

euroPean large-scale Mbr Plants 

During the third year of the project, the measuring campaign was successfully 

concluded and the database finalized. Seven full scale and 

eight pilot scale plants from the project partners were investigated 

with the Delft Filtration Characterization method in order to qualify the 

activated sludge quality of a broad range of large scale MBRs. 

Figure Each MBR 1: Overview was investigated of the location twice, of one the time investigated during the MBRs summer 

period and one time during winter time. Thus variations due to climate 

Each fluctuations MBR can was be investigated notified and impact twice, of one temperature time during and different the summer period and one time during 

winter bacteriological time. Thus population variations can bedue quantified. to climate Compare fluctuations to wintercan timebe 

notified and impact of temperature 

Figure 1 - Overview of the location of the 

and different bacteriological population can be quantified. Compare to winter time MBR sludge 

MBR sludge filterability improved drastically during summer period. An 

investigated MBRs 

filterability improved drastically during summer period. An improvement of the sludge 

improvement of the sludge filterability of 85% was generally observed. 

filterability of 85% was generally observed. This kind of information is extremely valuable for 

This kind of information is extremely valuable for membrane bio reactor hand-users in order to adjust and 

membrane bioreactor hand-users in order to adjust and therefore optimize plant operational 

therefore optimise plant operational parameters depending on the period of the year. 

parameters depending on the period of the year. 

∆R20 (10 12 m -1 ) 

1,60 

1,40 

1,20 

1,00 

0,80 

0,60 

0,40 

0,20 

0,00 

Seasonal variations winter 

HF-Plant A HF-Plant B FS-Plant C FS-Plant D 

Figure 2 - Example of activated sludge filterability (average) comparison winter/summer for 4 full-scale MBR 

Figure 2: (a) Example sludge filterability of activated evolution sludge along filterability the years (b) (average) comparison winter/summer for 4 fullscale 

MBR (a) sludge filterability evolution along the years (b). 

A comparative study was also performed in cooperation with KWB (MBR-10) and the TU Berlin. The aim of this 

A study comparative was to compare study different was also reversible performed fouling in cooperation measurement with devices KWB and (MBR-10) to assess their and relevancies. the TU Berlin. Four 

The methods aim were of this tested study (one was to the compare DFCm). Results different showed reversible that the fouling three out measurement of four methods devices were relevant and to 

assess and were their given relevancies. comparable Four data in methods term of activated were tested sludge (one quality. was Results the DFCm). demonstrated Results that showed it was important that the 

three that measurements out of four took methods place were directly relevant on site in and order were to prevent given biological comparable structure data changes in term due of to activated sample 

sludge transportations. quality. Furthermore Results demonstrated ex-situ or in-situ that reversible it was important fouling measurements that measurements did not seem took to place induce directly notice- 

on site in order to prevent biological structure changes due to sample transportations. Furthermore 

able trend changes in term of activated sludge filterability. 

As a following up of this study, links between reversible fouling measurements 

and large scale plant permeability were investigated. The 

aim of this study was to figure out under which specific conditions 

MBR reversible fouling investigations might predict membrane performances 

of large scale MBR plants. 

Results of this research showed that reversible fouling measurements 

seem to be significant to assess membrane performance under specific 

conditions: 


summer 

∆∆R20(10 12 m -1 ) 

1,6 

1,4 

1,2 

1,0 

0,8 

0,6 

0,4 

0,2 

0,0 

Seasonal variations 

jul-06 jan-07 feb-07 mrt-07 jun-07 jan-08 aug-08 sep-08 

FS- C FS- C HF- A HF- B FS- D FS- D HF- A HF- B 

Jc [L/m²h] 

30 

25 

20 

15 

10 

5 

MBR1 

MBR2 

MBR3 

MBR4 

MBR4 

R²=0.65 

0 

0 0,5 1 1,5 2 

Figure 3 - DFCm results plotted against in 

situ fouling characterisation 

device (De la Torre et al., 2008)

0 

0 0,5 1 1,5 

Figure 3: DFCm results plotted against in situ fouling characterisation device (De la Torre et al., 2008) 

As a following up of this study, links between reversible fouling measurements and large scale 

plant permeability were investigated. The aim of this study was to figure out under which specific 

conditions • Reversible MBR reversible fouling measurements fouling investigations seems might more predict relevant membrane inperformances full scale plants of large 

scale MBR plants. Results of this research showed that reversible fouling measurements seem to 

be significant rather than to assess in pilot membrane scale performance plants, under specific conditions: 

• Reliable • Reversible correlations fouling measurements betweenseems reversible more relevant fouling in full-scale measurements plants rather than andin 

pilot scale plants, 

•MBR Reliable membrane correlations performance between reversible assessments fouling measurements were observed and MBR under membrane regular 

performance chemical cleaning assessments (weekly were observed basis) under or clean regular membranes chemical cleaning conditions. (weekly basis) 

or clean membranes conditions. 

Plant Permeability (L/m 2 h Bar) 

1000 

900 

800 

700 

600 

500 

400 

300 

200 

100 

0 

0 0,5 1 1,5 2 2,5 3 

12 -1 

∆R ∆∆∆ 20 (10 m ) 

HF plant A 

HF plant B 

HF plant C 

MT plant D 

FS plant E 

0 

0 0,5 1 1,5 2 2,5 3 

Finally a study was performed with the help of BIOMATH (MBR-18) in order 

to quantify variations of activated sludge apparent viscosity in municipal 

full-scale MBR applications. MBRs investigated in this study were operated 

with sludge age varying from 13 to 30 days. Temperature fluctuated 

between 9 and 27.4 oC and total suspended solid content of the activated 

sludge between 5 to 17.8 g/L. Within this representative range for full scale 

applications, the apparent viscosity values were included between 0.0021 

and 0.0047 Pa s, which are 2 to 4 times higher than the water viscosity. The 

main factor influencing activated sludge apparent viscosities was the total 

suspended solid content as already mentioned in literature. Temperature did 

not seem to affect activated sludge apparent viscosity significantly within 

the temperature range of full scale municipal MBR plants (9 to 27.4 o Finally a study was performed with the help of BIOMATH (MBR-18) in order to 

quantify variations of activated sludge apparent viscosity in municipal full-scale MBR 

applications. MBRs investigated in this study were operated with sludge age varying 

from 13 to 30 days. Temperature fluctuated between 9 and 27.4 

C). In 

term of reversible fouling potential and membrane performance, activated 

sludge filterability and large scale plant permeability does not seems to be 

affected by activated sludge apparent viscosity variations. Therefore, even if 

apparent viscosity plays a major role in term of oxygen transfer efficiency, it 

does not seem to be relevant in order to optimise membrane fouling control 

and membrane performance of MBR full scale applications. 

o C and total suspended 

solid content of the activated sludge between 5 to 17.8 g/L. Within this representative 

range for full scale applications, the apparent viscosity values were included between 

0.0021 and 0.0047 Pa s, which are 2 to 4 times higher than the water viscosity. The main 

factor influencing activated sludge apparent viscosities was the total suspended solid 

content as already mentioned in literature. Temperature did not seem to affect activated 

sludge apparent viscosity significantly within the temperature range of full scale 

municipal MBR plants (9 to 27.4 o C). In term of reversible fouling potential and 

membrane performance, activated sludge filterability and large scale plant permeability 

does not seems to be affected by activated sludge apparent viscosity variations. Therefore, 

even if apparent viscosity plays a major role in term of oxygen transfer efficiency, it does 

not seem to be relevant in order to optimize membrane fouling control and membrane 

performance of MBR full scale applications. 

Plant Permeability (L/m 2 h Bar) 

1000 

900 

800 

700 

600 

500 

400 

300 

200 

100 

12 -1 

∆∆ ∆R20 (10 m ) 

Figure 4 - Activated sludge filterability versus full scale plant (a) and pilot- 

Figure 4: Activated sludge filterability versus full scale plant (a) and pilot-scale plant (b) 

permeability data scale depending plant (b) on permeability their configurations data depending on their configurations 

Apparent Viscosity (Pa s) 

0,010 

0,008 

0,006 

0,004 

0,002 

Location A 

Location B 

Location C 

Location D 

Location E 

Location F 

Location G 

Location H 

Location I 

Location J 

0,000 

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 

Total Suspended Solid (g/L) 

0,010 

0,008 

0,006 

0,004 

0,002 

FS pilot A 

FS pilot B 

FS pilot C 

HF pilot D 

HF pilot E 

0,000 

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 

Permeability (L/m 2 h Bar) 

Figure 5: 5 - Apparent viscosity versus versus total total suspended suspended solid (a) solid apparent (a) apparent viscosity viscosity versus plant 

permeability versus (b) plant permeability (b) 

Apparent Viscosity (Pa s) 

Location B 

Location C 

Location E 

Location F 

Location G 

Location H 

Location I 

Location J 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 27 85 838 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: A. Moreau@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 



Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.65 



key words: 

MBR 

Adrien Moreau 

cooperation other institutes: 


109

caPwat ii: caPacity reducing gas Pockets in downward sloPes 

of wastewater Mains 


Pressurized wastewater mains are subject to significant capacity losses caused by gas pockets in downward 

slopes, such as inverted siphons to cross channels, motorways or railways. The existing design approach in 

the Netherlands, based on a required velocity to break down and transport gas pockets through a downward 

slope, has proven to be too optimistic. The ultimate research objective is the development of practical design 

and operational guidelines for the prevention and mitigation of gas pockets. The main scientific challenge of 

this research project is the development of a numerical model that predicts the gas pocket break down rate 

and net gas flow rate in a downward slope of a wastewater pipeline. 



Capwat is an acronym of “CAPacity reduction of pressurized wasteWATer 

mains”. Capwat is a joint industry project that is running since 2003 (Lubbers 

2007). The Capwat I deliverables include a database with a large number of 

laboratory measurements in which the head loss associated with gas pockets 

has been measured as a function of gas flow rate, water flow rate, declination 

angle, pipe diameters ranging from 80 mm to 500 mm and slope length. 

Furthermore a few field tests have been carried out. These tests show that the 

gas pocket head loss in the field is significantly smaller than in the lab, which 

must be caused by the difference in fluid properties and/or pipeline conditions. 

Fluid properties that may affect the gas transport include surface tension, 

suspended particle concentration, viscosity and pipe wall roughness. 

Approach 

The CAPWAT II research project (2007 – 2010) investigates the following issues: 

• the effect of the water quality on the gas transport in downward slopes, 

• the development of a method for the detection of gas pockets, 

• a numerical model for the prediction of the gas pocket break down and transport and 

• practical design and operational guidelines for the prevention and mitigation of gas pockets. 

Results in 2008 

A large scale facility has been erected at the wastewater treatment plant Nieuwe Waterweg in Hoek van Holland 

in Spring 2008. This facility includes a 40 m long, 7 m tall downward slope that has been connected to a fresh 

water tank and that is currently connected to the raw wastewater influent from the treatment plant. The experiments 

in this facility have shown that up to seven consecutive hydraulic jumps and gas pockets can coexist in 

a 40 meter downward slope; this flow regime had not been observed in the lab facilities, despite the maximum 

slope length of 12 m. Three types of experiments with different water qualities have been performed to enable 

a step-by-step comparison with the lab data: experiments with tap water, polluted tap water with surfactants 

and raw wastewater. The effect of the surfactants on the gas pocket head loss shows a linear dependence. 

Furthermore, the detection method, developed in 2007, has been successfully tested in the field (Pothof, 2008a). 

Finally, the synthesis of our experiments and existing literature has revealed that the pipe wall friction cannot be 

neglected at pipe diameters smaller than 200 mm (Pothof, 2008b). The experimental work to date has supported 


Entrainment of gas bubbles in 

the hydraulic jump in a declining 

section

dHgas (mwc) 

6 

5 

4 

3 

Effect of Surface tension 

y = 0.0797x 

R2 = 0.9857 

y = 0.0498x 

R2 = 0.85 

2 

y = 0.0197x 

R2 = 0.8669 

1 

y = 0.0064x 

R2 = 0.5009 

0 

-20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 

-1 

minimal value: 28 

Surface tension (mN/m) 

v'=0.62; Qg=7.10 nl/min v'=0.45; Qg=0.71 nl/min v'=0.63; Qg=1.42 nl/min 

v'=0.63; Qg=0.71 nl/min v'=0.72; Qg=0.71 nl/min Lineair (v'=0.62; Qg=7.10 nl/min) 

Lineair (v'=0.45; Qg=0.71 nl/min) Lineair (v'=0.63; Qg=0.71 nl/min) Lineair (v'=0.72; Qg=0.71 nl/min) 

Surface tension and gas pocket head loss are linearly correlated 

the formulation of the 

dominant momentum 

and energy balances 

in the numerical 

model. The guidelines 

for design and operation 

of pressurized 

wastewater mains are 

being drafted in close 

co-operation with the 

participants via a set of 

interactive WIKI pages 

on the Internet. 


The CAPWAT II project aims to contribute to closing an existing knowledge 

gap in multiphase flows: namely, the lack of knowledge on the multiphase 

flow behaviour in declining pipe sections. A numerical model will be developed 

for multiphase flow in declining circular conduits with superficial liquid 

velocities in the order of 1 m/s and superficial gas velocities in the order of 

1 cm/s. This model will be validated with tap water, wastewater and air. 


CAPWAT II aims to deliver a set of design guidelines for the design, maintenance 

and management of pressurized wastewater mains. These guidelines 

are not only based on the research activities to mitigate gas pockets, but also 

on a series of workshops with all participants on various critical aspects of 

the design and management of pressurized wastewater mains. The guidelines 

aim to improve the operation of existing and future wastewater mains, 

to reduce pumping energy and to prevent or postpone investments in the 

pumping stations’ capacity. 

Literature 

• Lubbers, C. L. (2007). On gas pockets in wastewater pressure mains and their 

effect on hydraulic performance. Delft, Delft University of Technology. PhD: 290. 

• Pothof, I., Clemens, FHLR (2008a). Detection of gas pockets in dendritic wastewater 

mains. 10th Int. Pressure Surges Conference. Surge Analysis – system 

design, simulation, monitoring and control, Edinburgh, UK, BHR Group Ltd 

• Pothof, I., Clemens, FHLR (2008b). On gas transport in downward slopes of 

sewerage mains. 11th International Conference on Urban Drainage. Edinburgh, 

UK 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 27 84 734 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: I.W.M.Pothof@TUDelft.nl 

ivo.pothof@deltares.nl 

www.riolering.tudelft.nl 

www.wldelft.nl/capwat 


Stevinweg 1 


Room 4.52 

Ivo Pothof 

Start date: Apr 2007 

Expected end date: April 2010 

key words: 

Wastewater pipelines, gas pocket, 

multiphase flow 


Deltares , Gemeentewerken Rotterdam, 

Waterboard Delfland, Waterboard 

Hollands Noorderkwartier, 

Waternet, Waterboard Brabantse 

Delta, Waterboard Reest en Wieden, 

Waterboard Rivierenland, Waterboard 

Zuiderzeeland, Waterboard Fryslân 

and Waterboard Hollandse Delta, 

Aquafin, Royal Haskoning, Grontmij 

Engineering Consultancy, ITT Flygt 

BV, Foundation Stowa and the Dutch 

Ministry of Economic Affairs. 


111


dynaMic Monitoring of in-sewer Processes 

This research project aims at developing and testing new methods for in-sewer wastewater monitoring. With 

the obtained data, in-sewer processes are studied. 



With the introduction of new sensor technology, in-sewer quality monitoring has gone one step forward. 

Compared to the ‘old’ sampling method, new on-line sensors produce high-frequency and -after careful calibration- 

reliable data on a wide variety of parameters. Such data on wastewater system behavior can be used 

for e.g. model calibration, as input for system operation decisions or to study in-sewer processes. The use of 

these modern sensors, however, is not off-the-shelf technology. Many aspects such as installation, maintenance 

and data interpretation still need careful consideration before a wide application of sensors is feasible. 

Approach 

In several monitoring campaigns on-line sensors have been installed in wastewater systems. At the wwtp 

Eindhoven UV/VIS sensors monitor influent quality of three distinct wastewater flows. This type of sensor uses 

light absorbance as indicator for parameters such as TSS, COD and NO . The measuring interval is two minutes 

3 

which allows a detailed study of water quality variations. In the municipality of Ede DTS monitoring systems 

have been installed in combined and separate sewer systems. DTS systems can measure temperature values 

along fiber-optic cables of several kilometers with spatial and temporal resolutions of 1 meter and 1 minute 

respectively. Using this technique, illicit connections can be detected in storm water systems. In combined 

systems, the formation and propagation of diluted wastewater after a storm event can be monitored. 

5 - 6 april 2008 

05/04 00:00 

06:00 

12:00 

18:00 

06/04 00:00 

06:00 

12:00 

18:00 

07/04 00:00 4 

200 400 600 800 1000 1200 

Figure 1 - Example of DTS monitoring results 


18 

16 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6

Results 

The figure shows an example of monitoring results with the DTS system. A 

fiber-optic cable of 1300m measured for a two-day period temperature val- 

ues in a storm water system. Warm water plumes are an indication of the 

inflow of relatively warm water, often wastewater from domestic or industrial 

premises. With these results, an effective campaign for illicit connection 

removal can be initiated. 


High frequency monitoring data allows a better understanding of fundamental 

processes in sewer systems. Also, calibration of wastewater quantity and 

quality models can be enhanced using this data. 


A better understanding of in-sewer processes ultimately leads to better wastewater 

system performance: a reduction in overflow spills and an optimization 

of wwtp efficiency. This results in better receiving water quality. 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 27 85 457 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: r.p.s.schilperoort@tudelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 


Remy Schilperoort 


Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.66 

Start date: Aug 2004 

Expected end date: May 2009 

key words: 

wastewater, sewer system, monitoring, 

UV/VIS, fiber-optic DTS, 

wwtp, sensor technology, calibration 


institutes: 


113



urban flood risk Quantification 

This research project aims to define a method to quantify urban flood risks for all possible causes of flooding. 

The results will provide a risk-based approach to cope with urban flooding. This approach improves current 

strategies that incorporate only one cause of flooding, sewer system overloading, and fail to take into account 

flooding consequences, uncertainties and its safety implications. 


Current methods focus on expected frequencies of flooding based on the modeled behavior of sewer systems 

for a series of historical rainfall data. They do not take into account flood occurrences caused by system deg- 

radation, e.g. blockages in sewer systems. Also, they are exclusively based on flooding frequencies and do 

not explicitly consider flooding consequences. As a result, current methods do not allow for an explicit weigh- 

ing of flood damage versus investment cost in order to support investment decisions. Another drawback is that 

models follow a deterministic approach and do not address the inevitable uncertainties that feature in model 

calculations. There is a need for a method that can overcome these deficiencies in order to aim improvement 

measures directly at the observed causes and to balance expected damage versus investment costs. 

Causes of flooding and flood probability 

Fault tree analysis is applied to the process of urban flooding to identify potential failure mechanisms that cause 

flooding (figure 1). A quantitative assessment of flood frequencies is made for each of the failure modes based 

on municipal call centre data, rainfall measurements and hydrodynamic model calculations. Ten years of call 

data on flood incidents in a Dutch city of about 150.000 inhabitants have been classified according to their 

causes and consequences. Based on these data the probability of urban flooding and the contributions of the 

various causes can be derived. The results provide insight into the main causes of flooding and a minimum 

number of citizens that call upon the municipality to solve their flooding problems. 

Consequences of flooding and flood risk 

Most urban pluvial flood incidents cause limited material damage; they mainly cause disruption of road traffic and 

inconvenience for pedestrians caused by pools in front of shops, on parking lots and sidewalks. Quantification 

of these tangible and intangible urban flood damages is based on municipal call data that contain detailed information 

on causes and consequences of urban flood incidents. Damage classes are defined based on common 

damage characteristics found in call data. 

Top event: 

The analysis incorporates quantification 

Urban pluvial 

flooding 

of direct and indirect damage and results 

in a set of risk curves that can be used to 

OR 

set priorities for urban flood risk management 

(Kaplan and Garrick, 1981). 

Rainfall on 

surface 

does not 

flow away 

Rainfall 

upstream 

flows to 

downstream 

location 


flows from 

sewer on to 

surface 

Drinking 

water 

pipe 

bursts 

Groundwater 

table above 

ground 

level 

Surface 

water 

flooding 


discharged 

onto 

surface 

Figure 1 - Basic features of a Fault tree for urban pluvial flooding that distin 

guishes 4 causes of urban pluvial flooding. These are the failure 

modes that are further decomposed to find the relevant for vari 

ables flood frequency calculations and uncertainty analysis. 

Results 

The results of the fault tree analysis show 

that component failures contribute significantly 

to urban flood probability: gully pot

lockage contributes 71%, gully pot manifold blockage 25% and pipe blockage 

1% in a complete fault tree analysis for the investigated case study. In another 

case study sewer flooding results in a flood frequency of 0.07 per week, where 

the contribution of sewer blockage is 73%. Heavy rainfall contributes only 3% to 

urban flood probability and 27% to sewer flooding in the presented cases. Similar 

results apply for selections of flood incidents that lead to flooding of buildings 

and of small flood incidents that only lead to pools on streets. The results justify 

further extension of research and monitoring in this field. 

The first results of risk quantification by construction of risk curves show that there 

is a correlation between different consequence classes, e.g flooding in buildings 

and flooding of streets, for those incidents that result in more than 5 calls made 

by citizens. The probability of individual consequence classes as revealed in call 

data seems to be dependent on three factors: consequence class frequency, 

consequence class severity (severe consequences generate calls more often) 

and consequence class definition (detailed class definition results in less calls 

per class). Still, the results indicate that even though flood in buildings is considered 

to be the severest type of flood consequence, the probability of this consequence 

class is the 2nd highest, after flooding of streets1 . 


Current methods lack the ability to assess causes of flooding related to sewer 

system condition and to explicitly incorporate flooding consequences. Current 

research addresses the latter by development of overland flow models and depthdamage 

functions; however, these methods incorporate only a part of urban flood 

causes and consequences. This research aims to provide a method that considers 

all possible causes of urban flooding, quantifies both tangible and intangible 

consequences and combines these in a quantitative flood risk assessment that 

will support urban flood management strategies. 

Literature 

• 

• 

• 

Ashley, R.M., Balmforth, D.J., Saul, A.J. and Blanksby, J.D. (2005). Flooding in the 

future - predicting climate change, risks and responses in urban areas. Water Science 

and Technology. 52 (5): 265-273 

Kaplan, S., Garrick, B.J. (1981). On the quantitative definition of risk. Risk Analysis, 

1(1), 11-27. 

Veldhuis, J.A.E. ten, Clemens, F.H.L.R., van Gelder, P.H.A.J.M. (2008). Fault tree 

analysis for urban flooding. In: Proc. of 11th Internat. Conference on Urban Drainage, 

Edinburgh, UK. 

1 If flooding of basements and crawl spaces is included, otherwise basement flooding is 4th and flooding in buildings 

is 5th in terms of highest probabilities. 

Marie-Claire ten Veldhuis 



Geosciences 



Tel.: +31 15 27 84 734 

Fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

e-mail: J.E.A.tenVeldhuis@TUDelft.nl 



P.O. BOX 5048 



Stevinweg 1 



Room 4.52 

Start date: Aug 2006 

Expected end date: Dec 2009 

key words: 

Flooding, risk, urban drainage, 

fault tree 


institutes: 

RIONED 

Cities/water company: Haarlem, 

Breda, Apeldoorn, Waternet 


115


c. 

a. 

d. 

b. 

a. MSc thesis defense Perry van 

Overveld 

b. Students on study trip in Argentina 

c. Excursion during lectures in Curacao 

d. Stuident windmill excursion 

education 

117

Students listening attentively to company presentation 


Students on excursion

TU Delft offers several possibilities to study water related topics. Within the BSc programme 

on civil engineering, students are introduced into hydrology, water management and sanitary 

engineering. In the MSc programme, students can choose specialized programmes in 

hydrology, water management and sanitary engineering. Within sanitary engineering several 

courses on drinking water infrastructure are taught, including treatment processes, practicals 

and design exercises. Students include Dutch and international BSc-graduates, but also 

BEng-graduates and “mid careers”, who are already working at water companies and follow 

a part-time intensive course. The courses are given by academics working at the university 

and at Kiwa Water Research and sometimes by special guest lectures, like the Dutch crown 

prince Willem-Alexander. In the final MSc thesis the students have to prove that they are able 

to study a scientific or engineering subject. The MSc thesis is defended in a public presentation 

and always many specialists from water companies are present. 

BSc courses involving drinking water engineering 

CT3011 - Introduction watermanagement 

CT3420 - Sanitary Engineering 

MSc courses involving drinking water engineering 

CT4471 - Drinking water 1: technology 

CT5520 - Drinking water 2: design 

CT5550 - Water transport and pumping stations 

CT5420 - Public hygiene and epidemiology 

MSc thesis presentation 


general 

119

OpenCourseWare 

In July 2006 the central board of the university initiated discussions on OpenCourseWare at TU Delft for the 

following reasons (quote rector Fokkema): 

“The university’s core tasks include delivering know-how and building knowledge networks in an international 

context. Who we are and what we do should be visible for anyone. What we are doing nowadays in separate 

institutions worldwide, should be done in collaboration with the rest of the world. Branding and visibility are 

extremely important: we should be recognized as a source of knowledge, as a creative pool’. Open Educational 

Resources (OER) contribute to that thought, by connecting TU Delft to the rest of the world. Investing in these 

kinds of projects is also a way to find out how we have to deal with all new technologies and trends influencing 

the university of tomorrow.“ 

Target groups of the OpenER project include scientists from outside TU Delft, potential students and ‘lifelong 

learners’, former students who wish to continue learning. Educators from around the world may upgrade their 

classes; students may enhance their course work or pursue self study; the general public may glimpse the 

depth and breadth of what leading universities are offering and benefit from reading lists and lectures. 

Peter de Moel, project leader of the pilot project in the Faculty of Civil Engineering notes: ‘Many people who 

have had higher professional education and several years of working experience are employed at waterworks 

or waterboards. For this group we are offering a part-time Water Management Master’s programme. With the 

Open Educational Resources these people are able to get a better idea of what is being taught in Delft, before 

they actually register as students; they can get a feel for the material. This lowers the threshold, students are 

better prepared, and that makes the programme more efficient. OCW improves the exchange of information 

with such companies, who are not only our clients for teaching and research, but who also provide the working 

environment for graduates and our working field for study and graduation projects.’ 

The TU Delft OCW initiative has started with a pilot phase (2007/2008). During this period MSc material from 

six different disciplines have been published. This phase has now been completed. The project will be continued 

in 2009. Over time TU Delft wants to make all its teaching materials available digitally without charge, 

including lectures, books, tests and video recordings. 

One of the six pilot projects dealt with drinking water engineering. The objectives of the chair of Drinking Water 

Engineering to participate in the OpenCourseWare pilot were: 

• to attract more (international) students and life long learners (LLL); 

• to experiment with modern forms of education. 

The OCW drinking water project started in September 2007 when the lectures of the course CT4471 Drinking 

Water Treatment began. All the lectures have been recorded with Collegerama. Collegerama is a new tool 

developed by the Multi Media Studio of TU Delft. It combines streaming video recordings of the lectures with 

Powerpoint presentations. Recordings are available online within 24 hours after the lectures. In this way the 

lectures are available for all students in case they have missed the lecture or when they want to hear (parts of) 

the lecture again. Especially for foreign students (due to language problems) and life long learners (because 

of travel times) the recording of the lectures with Collegerama is a very interesting option. 


Furthermore all lecture notes and PDF’s of the PowerPoint presentations have been made available 

to access online. Special on-line assignments have been developed to test the students 

understanding of a treatment processes. Students are encouraged to do the assignment before 

following the next lecture. Additionally several old examinations have been placed on the web 

site. For students interested in one of the treatment technologies advanced literature is offered. 

The advanced literature is pre selected by the lecturer. This advanced literature should give the 

student more up to date back ground information. It consists of chapters of hand books, but 

also of recent journal articles on certain topics. During the lecturing period many excursions 

are made to water companies to see treatment facilities in field practice. Some video recordings 

of these excursions have been made and are placed on the OCW site. 

For more information visit the OCW site: 

- www.drinkwater.tudelft.nl and click on the OCW banner on the right side of the screen 

- www.tudelft.nl and click on the OCW logo oPen course ware 

Screen shot of Collegerama of the course CT4471 - Drinking water 1: technology 


121

Ongoing MSc thesis 

Josanne Derks: Reuse potential of Heineken’s brewery wastewater 

The process of brewing beer requires large volumes of high quality water. Apart from brewing, water is used 

in a range of other processes such as cleaning the plant, cooling, heating, washing yeast, cleaning returnable 

bottles etc. Heineken is interested in the re-use potential of the wastewater originating from the brewing process. 

Reusing the effluent can reduce the required intake of drinking water and reduce the volume of discharge 

to the natural environment. 

The reuse of wastewater in general will become an increasingly important aspect of the water supply; society 

can no longer afford to use water only once. Water reuse can offer an alternative water supply that is consistently 

available in urban areas. However, the acceptance of reclaimed water as an alternative water source 

has to overcome some hurdles: its genesis from municipal wastewater (sewage) creates a negative perception 

amongst the public. Even though brewery wastewater contains no sewage, a similar reluctance could be 

expected from the customers and employees. Heineken is interested in the re-use potential of waste water 

outside the main beer production stream. 

This project requires a multidisciplinary approach: water treatment technology and chemistry, corporate and 

public policy making, managerial-economics as well as socio-economics are all part of the project. Besides 

the typical engineering aspects, I will also include the mentioned technology-related aspects. This broad view 

was the main focus of my Bachelor studies in Technology, Policy and Management and I think that it could add 

extra value to my Master Thesis research. 

Y. Mikkers: Ammonium removal from anaerobe ground water by zeolites – 

Impact of competing ions on the reusability of regenerant 

Ammonium is present in most groundwater and some surface water bodies which act as drinking water 

source. Traditional treatment consists of a sand filter where nitrifying bacteria convert ammonium into nitrate. 

Research performed by Kiwa Water Research has shown that zeolites used as ion-exchange medium can produce 

water with ammonium concentrations low enough to meet the water quality standards. The main reason 

why the system isn’t implemented yet, is that regeneration of the zeolites is too costly. The amount of chemicals 

necessary is high and the waste stream can’t be disposed of easily because of the high ammonium levels. 

Scope of this research project is to see whether it is possible to strip the regenerant of the ammonium 

and then re-use it several times. Key question in this situation is: ‘What impact do other cat 

ions absorbed on the zeolite have on the regeneration process and the quality of the regenerant?’ 

Xiaoyu Yuan: Model based optimization of the control of the pellet softening process 

The objective of the thesis work is to develop the new control strategies of the softening process for treatment 

plant Heemskerk and Wim Mensink in company PWN based on the technology of nonlinear model-predictive 

control (NLMPC) with Stimela under Matlab 6.5.2. 


3-10-2008 13:55 Pagina 1 

The current control strategy they are operating now can achieve the normal function of the 

softening process and mix the conventional treated water flow with the reverse osmosis (RO) 

permeate flow coming from treatment plant Heemskerk at a fixed ratio. However, this fixed ratio 

will lead to almost 10% water loss of the RO permeate water to the dune area aquifer and this 

process needs to be improved to low down the RO permeate flow to the extent of 0%. 

In the meantime, the fluidised bed, the caustic soda dosage and grain dosage also need to be 

well-controlled under the situation of the new developed control strategies with a variable ratio 

to fit the different RO permeate flow. The graduation thesis work will show a description of the 

current softening process in Wim Mensink and the parameters to be calibrated. Different control 

strategies are elaborated and compared with each other. The results with relating discussions 

and model limitations will also be presented as well. 

Harmen van der Laan: Accelerating the ripening of a Subsurface Arsenic 

Removal (SAR) well 

The SAR technique involves the injection of aerated water into an anaerobic aquifer through 

a tube well. Iron in the aquifer is oxidized by the aerated water and precipitates. The freshly 

formed ferric oxides surfaces are effective absorbents for dissolved species, through which 

arsenic ions are removed. Typical for the SAR treatment is that the removal efficiency increases 

of the successive injection-extraction cycles. 

This research focuses on the question how to speed up this increasing efficiency i.e. how to 

accelerate the ripening process of a SAR well, in order to reach the required water quality standard 

as soon as possible. Column experiments are performed to obtain sufficient experimental 

data to provide insight into the dominant mechanism, aiming to establish some operational optimization 

parameters for the daily practice. 

Countering threats to drinking water quality Perry van Overveld 

2008 Perry van Overveld 

Department of Multi Actor Systems 

Policy Analysis Section 

Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management 


Sanitary Engineering Section 

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences 

Countering threats to drinking 

water quality 

Strategy formulation for enhanced protection of drinking water interest 

regarding organic micropollutants in the course of European Union 

decision-making 


Msc theses 

123

Completed MSc thesis in 2008 

E. Rabinovitch: Drinking with the wind 

Sea water is often the only available water source in arid, remote areas. Reverse osmosis (RO) desalination is 

the most energy efficient technology to treat saline water for drinking water purposes. Nevertheless it is still an 

energy intensive process, traditionally powered by fossil energy sources. Due to increasing costs and environmental 

drawbacks of fossil energy sources it becomes economically feasible to use renewable energy sources. 

In this project wind energy is used to power an RO installation. Direct, mechanical drive is used instead of an 

electric drive to prevent energy losses by conversion and expensive electrical energy storage. The first prototype 

of a small scale RO installation mechanically driven by wind power was designed, built and tested. The 

operation was variable due to the characteristics of the wind power supply. The process controls were operating 

mechanically/hydraulically without the use of electricity. To prevent delaminating of the RO membranes a 

fresh flush was included. The fresh flush was activated hydraulically when the wind speed dropped below a 

certain level and the recovery was controlled mechanically as well. 

P. van Overveld: Countering threats to drinking water quality 

I have studied European Union decision-making regarding threats from organic micro pollutants to drinking 

water quality (e.g., pesticides and pharmaceuticals), with a focus on the strategies that stakeholders employ to 

influence the decision-making processes to protect their interests by lobbying the formal European Union institutions. 

By reconstructing the Water Framework Directive dossiers “Priority Substances” and “Environmental 

Quality Standards” I have identified factors that have a decisive impact on the final decision-making outcome 

(European Union legislation, e.g., a list of Priority Substances and according Environmental Quality Standards). 

By comparing the current lobby strategy of the European drinking water sector with these factors I have developed 

recommendations to enable a more important role of drinking water interests in the decision-making processes 

- and ultimately the European Union legislation - in order to counter threats from organic micro pollutants. 

L. Gao: Post-treatment for desalinated water 

Desalinated water provides an increasing portion of the total drinking water supply in a growing number of 

countries. However, it can not meet all relevant drinking water standards due to a very small amount of ions 

and minerals. The aggressive water also has corrosive properties towards piping material. As a result, a posttreatment 

is necessary to improve chemical stability and to fulfill the health requirements. In this research, 

various types of limestone pellets which are obtained from different pellet softening reactors are used to condition 

the desalinated water. Carbon dioxide is used to dissolve the softening pellets to produce a solution 

- 2+ with high concentration of HCO and Ca . The drinking water is then produced by mixing the solution with the 

3 

aggressive water. The kinetics of the dissolution process and the consumption of CO and softening pellets 

2 

are investigated, the optimal operational condition is determined finally. 

R. Doekhie: Low cost drinking water treatment for rural Suriname 

The aim of this research is to develop a water treatment concept for the inlands of Suriname, which produces 

bacteriological safe water using sustainable materials trough innovative methods. The concept must not conflict 

with there daily way of living. 

The design consists of a slow sand filter combined with UV-disinfection by sunlight. In order to formulate an 

optimal concept the following will be studied: 


• 

• 

• 

Maintenance of the slow sand filter using a protective layer. 

Characterizing/model of the UV-disinfection using sunlight. 

Innovative/sustainable implementation of the slow sand filter and UV-disinfection using mostly locally avail- 

able materials. 

In order to establish if this concept (slow sand filter (with protective layer) and UV-disinfection (sun)) produces 

safe drinking water the removal of E.Coli K12 will be tested. 

A. Salmin: Water treatment in Suriname 

Drinking water sources in Suriname are characterised by low hardness and low pH values. This has consequence 

for corrosion of pipes and dissolution of copper. To increase the hardness, filters filled with sea shells 

are applied. To investigate the kinetics of dissolution of calcium, lab scale tests will be executed. The project 

will lead to improved design and operation of water conditioning installations in Suriname. 

A. Kaeocha: Removal of NOM by ion exchange 

In this research the different NOM fractions removed by ion exchange are studied, as well as the effect of 

removing NOM by activated carbon filters. The research will take place on batch and pilot scale level. 

Anushka Salmin answers questions during the presentation 

of her MSc.-thesis 

Raheena Doekhie and Prof. van Dijk 


125

MSc thesis projects Drinking Water Engineering 

Evgenia Rabinovitch Drinking with the wind 2008 

Perry van Overveld 2 Countering threats to drinking water quality 2008 

Li Gao Reuse of softening pellet for remineralizing desalinated 

water 


Raheena Doekhie Low cost water treatment for rural communities 

in Suriname 


Anushka Salmin Conditioning of aggressive water in Suriname 2008 

Anurat Kaeocha Ion exchange for NOM removal in drinking water 

treatment 


Hanning Guo Drinking water treatment under a high nanofiltration 

recovery with zero liquid discharge 

2007 

Karen Shao Degradation of 4TBP by AOP 2007 

Karin Teunissen2 Iron removal at groundwater pumping station 2007 

Doris van Halem2 Ceramic filters for developing countries 2006 

Petra Ross Clogging of biological activated carbon filters 2006 

Sheng Li IEX-UF-NF-GAC treatment 2006 

Qing Wang Characterization of sediment 2006 

David de Ridder UV-H O treatment - Research and design 2 2 2006 

Leo Meijer Reuse of wastewater for Amsterdam 2006 

Sharleen Alberga OLM/Asset management 2005 

Anke Grefte Test-rig research distribution 2005 

Jan-Hendrik Vos Sediment transport in distribution network 2005 

Menno van Leenen Influence NOM on ozone 2005 

Maarten Lut Laboratory research distribution 2005 

Christiaan Kivit Q21 – distribution 2004 

Michiel van der Meulen Particles in distribution network 2004 

Sawan Raktoe1 Backwashing leads to fouling 2004 

Guy Heijnen Capillary NF for horticulture 2002 

Martijn Kramer UV-disinfection Andijk 2002 

Angela Puts Risk analysis Legionella 2002 

Michel Bretveld Ozonation Weesperkarspel 2002 

Remco Keijser Real-time control Loosdrecht plant 2002 

Colette de Roo Airflush of capillary membranes 2002 

Pepijn Koenders Nanofiltration Twentekanaal water 2001 

Maaike Glastra MBR in drinking water treatment 2001 

S.G. Tan Modeling WRK-treatment 2001 

Jan Post1 Concentrate treatment with cNF 2000 

Anton van Rosmalen Risk analysis water market 2000 

Ignaz Worm3 Air/water backwash UF 2000 

Johannis Vijlbrief Urban water chain company Overijssel 2000 

René van der Aa1,2 Nitrification in rapid filters 1999 


Jeroen Boel Microfiltration Philips Nijmegen 1999 

Bram Martijn Ultrafiltration Biesbosch water 1999 

Jeroen Krijgsman Industrial water project Roermond 1999 

Alex van de Helm 3 Modeling gas transfer systems 1998 

Bonne Hylkema Hybrid membrane filtration Nuland 1998 

Siebe van de Zel Sludge treatment and disposal Gelderland 1998 

Joukje Klomp Anaerobic membrane filtration 1997 

Martijn Riemersma Modeling nanofiltration 1997 

Martin de Koning Electrodialysis Leiduin 1997 

Steven Oterdoom Reservoir Drentsche Aa 1997 

Weren de Vet Riverbank filtration Panheel 1997 

Jan-Dik Verdel Modeling groundwater filtration 1997 

Eelco Trietsch See weed membrane filtration 1996 

Eric Schwencke Water treatment Achterhoek 1996 

Joukje Keuning Flocculation Brakel 1996 

Marije Hendriks Dynasand filtration WRK III 1996 

Francois van Ekkendonk 2 Industrial water project Philips Nijmegen 1996 

Martijn Nijsse Industrial water project Cerestar 1996 

Ernst-Jan Hageman Membrane filtration backwash water 1996 

Piet-Hein Spaans Dynasand filtration Loenderveenseplas 1996 

Maarten Keuten Optimization treatment swimming pools 1996 

Jasper Verberk Optimization treatment plant WRK I/II 1996 

Mark Brieskorn Design Bergen op Zoom treatment plant 1996 

Peter Tienhooven Expansion Lake water supply Amsterdam 1995 

Edgardo Valeriano Design backwash gutters 1995 

Mark Eikens Drinking water project for the Veluwe 1995 

Mireille Beumer Industrial water project Parenco 1995 

Marieke van Winkelen Industrial water reuse Akzo Amsterdam 1995 

Gert-Jan Schoterman Biesbosch water treatment 1995 

Jan Leen van de Vlies Industrial water South West Netherlands 1995 

Bas van Efferen Large-scale membrane filtration 1995 

Patrick Smeets Virus removal through infiltration 1995 

Martijn Bakker Real-time control of water production 1995 

Örjan van Drongelen Reliability study for Panheel 1995 

Hella van de Maarel Removal of micro-organisms 1995 

Ronald van de Berg Design Aalsterweg treatment plant 1995 

David Visscher Activated carbon filtration Bergambacht 1995 

Petra Holzhaus Riverbank filtration along the Lek 1995 

Patrick van de Wens Distribution strategy PIM 1994 

Roel Bronda Reuse backwash water WMO 1994 

Ellen van Duikeren Deep infiltration South East Netherlands 1994 

Nico Versteeg Use of surface water for Overijssel 1994 

Peter Wessels Use of Biesbosch water for Gelderland 1993 


overview Msc theses since 1991 

127

Jenne van de Velde Reuse backwash water WMN 1993 

Georgina Martinez Ortiz Industrial water project Veendam 1993 

Jan Timmer Softening with lime 1993 

Carel Aeyelts Averink Modeling of membrane filtration 1993 

Idsart Dijkstra Water supply of Vlieland 1992 

Robert Willemse AOC-removal in filters 1992 

Gertjan Schers Flotation: theory and practice 1991 

1 Gijs Oskam Award for best young researcher, 

2 Graduation with honours (cum laude), 

3 Faculty Award for best graduation 

All thesis can be downloaded from www.drinkwater.tudelft.nl (=> research, => MSc research completed) 

International dinner after the course drinking 

water treatment 1 


Changing membranes on the excursion 

to Hatenboer Water

BSc theses Drinking Water Engineering 

Bart Bergmans: Resuspension Potential Method 

In the last lecture period I did my Bachelor Thesis on the Resuspension Potential Method 

(RPM). The subject caught my interest due to the coarse character of the development phase 

wherein the method currently is. 

A large part of the customer complaints that arrive at the Dutch drinking water companies concern 

the color of the water: brown water complaints. Brown water originates from sediment 

that precipitated on the bottom of a pipe and comes in resuspension caused by a hydraulic 

disturbance. The RPM is a young method which focuses on quantification of the resuspension 

risk in drinking water pipelines and to gain more insight in the factors which influence the 

process. For this method a standardized disturbance is applied during a specified time in an 

isolated part of the pipeline. The turbidity of the water is measured in front, during and after this 

disturbance. Because the RPM is still developing, there are a lot of indistinctness’s concerning 

the validity, interpretation and the processing of the measure ments. Besides, different water 

companies are using different adjusted versions of the RPM. 

The objective of this bachelor thesis was the validation of the adjusted version of the RPM like 

it is applied by Waterleiding Maatschappij Limburg and to evaluate the measurement results 

obtained with this adjusted version. The first few weeks I studied the theory behind the method. 

Afterwards I visited WML for a day to see how the measurements were executed and to see how 

the drinking water pipes were drained. On this instructive day everybody was enthusiastically 

answering my questions, I saw brown water for the first time and definitely got enough coffee. 

The rest of the period I have been busy with analyzing the measurement results of several 

production areas which were gathered by WML. I looked particularly to the differences in measurement 

results between these production areas and to possible relations between resuspension 

potential en the pipe material. 

The most important conclusion from this thesis is that the extent to which an area is sensitive 

to precipitation of resuspendable material can strongly differ and that in cast iron pipes no 

enlarged risk in sediment suspension is present compared to pipes of other materil. This last 

part is noticeable, because cast iron pipes are often indicated as biggest wrongdoer of the 

brown water problem. The recommendation to WML coupled to this conclusion is to research 

the composition and origin of the precipitated sediment in the distribution system. 

After all the ‘designing’ in previous courses, I like it a lot to be able to do some ‘research’ now. 

I learned a lot from the comments and advise from my supervisors and WML. For me it was 

a very interesting and instructive period and I am looking forward to do more of these projects 

in the coming years. 


bsc theses 

129

David Moed: Conditioning and storage of water in developing countries 

There are places in the world where the only source for water is either seawater or heavily contaminated 

groundwater. Treatment of such sources in order to produce drinking water is complicated and expensive. 

Considering the fact that these places usually harbor the poorest people on the planet, it is obvious that there 

is a drinking water problem. 

A newly developed and sustainable technique to produce fresh water from sea water or contaminated groundwater 

is called pervaporation. This is a form of membrane filtration, driven solely by the energy of the sun. 

The company which has developed this membrane is Solar Dew and they are now seeking to implement this 

technique in developing countries on house-hold level, by placing the membranes on roofs. 

The product of pervaporation is desalinated water. Desalinated (or demineralized) water has some serious 

disadvantages which make it unsuitable for consumption. First of all, the water is aggressive and can therefore 

dissolve concrete and metal piping. Secondly, demineralized water is considered a health risk, because our 

body needs the salts that are usually found in drinking water. On top of that, the usage of demineralized water 

for cooking in aluminum pans dissolves the aluminum. This is a very serious health risk because consumption 

of aluminum causes Alzheimer’s disease. The water doesn’t taste very good either. Before consumption of 

the effluent of pervaporation is possible, the water has to be conditioned (or rehardened). The techniques that 

are know for rehardening are dosing of chemicals (lime), aeration and limestone filtration. For this situation, 

limestone filtration turned out to be the most applicable solution. The idea was to make a cylinder containing 

calcium carbonate (i.e. shells, softening pellets), and letting the water filtrate through this medium, thereby 

bringing the water in carbonic acid equilibrium. 

The kinetics of the disslution of calcium carbonate in water have been investigated in literature and practice. It 

could be concluded that the conditioning process is a slow one. Without the presence of an acid in the water, 

the calcium carbonate was hard to dissolve. In order to produce 40 L/day long contact times were required. 

The only way to achieve this was by making a very large cylinder with calcium carbonate. The conditioned 

water would eventually be stored in a drum inside the house. The entire system had to be made of plastic in 

order that make sure that the aggressive water did not dissolve the piping or storage. 


Udo Ouwekerk: aQa Pickwick water system 

In the past lecture period, lecture period 3, I did my Bachelor Thesis on the aQa Pickwick water system. The 

aQa Pickwick water system is like the name already gives away, a water system and is developed by Sara 

Lee/DE. 

The concept of water systems is present at the market for already a while in the form of systems with replaceable 

water containers. Sara Lee/DE developed a new type of water system that can directly be connected to 

the water distribution network. Present substances in the water are removed by a Reverse Osmosis filter. A 

specific amount of minerals is added to the water to provide a constant taste of the water irrespective of the 

location of the system. 

The big advantage of this system is that there is no storage required for the water containers, there is storage 

required for the minerals however. The volume of minerals is much smaller than a water container and more 

water can be produced (400 liter) with these minerals than is present in a water container. It turned out that 

the current system is using a severe amount of water. For the production of 1 liter water, 3 liter is flushed away 

in the sewerage. Paying attention to durability and the conscious use of raw materials this is unacceptable. 

Therefore the water use needs to be reduced. 

A water analyses was made for the current system to localize the water losses. Based on this analyses several 

alternatives were created, from which the best one was experimentally investigated. 

Experimental set-up 


131

From the analysis it became clear that the sources of water losses are: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Flushing the Reverse Osmosis filter 

Ventilating the membrane 

Overflow of the cold water tank 

Oveflow fresh water tank 

Leakage water during tapping of the water 

Production of water by the Reverse Osmosis filter for the system 

The biggest source of water loss is the production of water for the system. To reduce these losses several 

solutions were considered, from which finally is chosen to experimentally investigate the recirculation of the 

concentrate (see picture). 

Point of interest for the research is that with a high recovery the chance on scaling increases, This effect is 

not desirable and the risk on scaling can be decreased by the application of ion exchange. From the experimental 

research is found that it is possible to obtain a recovery of 94% by recirculation of the concentrate. 

Scaling did not have a negative influence on the production of the system, given that there were no scaling 

ions present in the water anymore. At the same time it it possible to reduce the other water losses to zero by 

means of transporting the water of the leakage tank back to the pre-filter. 

It was very interesting doing research on this subject. Normally Reverse Osmosis is applied on larger scale 

which was not the case in this thesis and therefore it was questioned whether the principles of the installations 

on macro level were also valid on micro level. It was also very nice and instructive to pass trough the whole 

process from collecting data about the subject to analyzing and the setting –up and execute experiments. Finally 

it was a huge amount of work for the limited amount of time available but is was definitely worth the effort. 


Mid-careers of Vitens 

In September 2007 we started the master Sanitary Engineering of the Department of Water 

Management as part time students. We are Frank Schoonenberg and Bas Rietman, both 

working as expert water treatment for Vitens. Let’s introduce ourselves: 

Frank: Iam 43 years old. In 1991 Ifinished my HTS study ChemicalTechnology. Since 2001 Iwork for 

Vitens at the department of process technology. At Vitens I am active in new estate, research 

and process optimisation. Vitens disposes of 100 production locations where drinking water is 

produced. Therefore Vitens is able to provide enough challenging projects. 

Bas: I am 40 years old, married and we have two daughters (2.5 years and 0.5 years). After 

finishing my MTS Proces en Mileutechniek I did not feel the need to study further. Trough 

manure processing I ended up in the drinking water world at Vitens (then still WMO). I started 

as a process technological employee (process technologist). After doing several projects in 

the first few years, I started in 1994 with pilot research to nanofiltration. As a process technologist 

I designed and started up anaerobic nanofiltration installations in Overijssel. From 2000 till 

2004 I finished the study HTS Chemical Technology as a part time student. Since June 2008 

I am an expert water treatment for the department of process technology inside the region of 

Overijssel and I am leading one of the spearheads of the department, membrane filtration. 

Following a study is a nice and interesting variation on our daily job. With this study we are 

able to broaden and deepen our knowledge. 

And last but not least: for some functions an 

academic degree is required. Above all it’s 

an opportunity and an extra stimulus that our 

employer makes this study possible by granting 

us study leave and bearing the costs. 

We experienced the first study year as really 

positive. We consciously chose courses that 

were close to our expertise, drinking water and 

wastewater. In this manner we could get to 

know the university. Our big study efforts were 

rewarded with good results. Furthermore we 

liked the fact that we were stimulated to look 

to problems form a new prospective. 

Frank Schoonenberg (r) en 

Bas Rietman (l) 


Mid-careers 

133

Internship BES-islands (Dutch Antilles): Rick Reijtenbagh 

Within the framework of the cooperation 

between the University of the Netherlands 

Antilles (UNA) and the Caribbean Water 

Technology Research Institute (CWTRI) a project 

concerning the constitutional reformation 

of the BES-islands has been formulated. The 

goal of this project is to define the technical, 

policy and legal consequences for the drinking 

water companies on Bonaire, Saba and 

St Eustatius once these islands have become 

public entities of the Netherlands. 

The research has been conducted by Rick Rick Reijtenbagh visiting the government of St. Eustatius 

Reijtenbagh (TPM, SEPAM) during the summer 

holidays at the head office of GEBE NV at St Maarten. GEBE NV is the local utility company for both St 

Eustatius and Saba, WEB NV is the water and electricity company for Bonaire. 

Field visits have been made to all BES-islands to inspect the local drinking water supply systems, take quality 

samples and conduct interviews with the actors concerned. The research contains the current drinking water 

supply situation on the BES-islands from a technical, policy and legal perspective. Emphasis has been put 

on the deviations from the current drinking water legislation. These deviations exist of, among others, lack of 

governmental concessions for both production and distribution of drinking water, no adequate inspection systems 

and no designated drinking water council as prescribed in the Landsverordening. A scenario-analysis 

has been formulated in order to define potential future legislation. Based on the latter findings recommendations 

have been put forward for the drinking water companies in order for them to anticipate on the new constitutional 

situation. 

Internship PWN: Lucy Magda 

I started my internship at Water Technology Department at PWN water supply company North Holland in 

Septermber 2008. The idea was to make a short research about “self-calibrating” flow meters and make suggestions 

on their application in PWN system. My supervisor- Ignaz Worm, inspired with the publication from 

Measurement journal from 2002, titled: Keeping Meters on Line. Accurately measuring Drinking Water and 

Sewage [1] thought the subject is worth more insight. 

After one or two weeks we both found out that only the name sound promising, because there is no such thing 

as self-calibrated flow meters. There are all sorts of verification systems, which are often referred as in-situ 

calibration [3], applied to an existing or a new instrument (footprinted), which perform a periodical diagnostic 

expanded to several parameters. It was intriguing finding as it seemed that in the era of automated control there 

is still lot of room for improvements. Having said that thought, it may seem surprising that, according to numerous 

press issues from water networks process control, flow meters are already used to measure the influent 

water, to calculate the available storage and sometimes also to calculate payments and taxes [2]. However, not 


much is being said that most of the water networks 

are consigned with reliability problems. 

In 2006 the quality of the historical flow data at 

PWN, has been examined. For this purpose the 

whole water network has been divided into 6 main 

schemes, each of them was investigated more in 

detail by breaking down to small water balances. 

The flow values were collected from the flow meters 

readings. For 6 investigated schemes, up to 70% of 

balances was doubtful. Furthermore: all of the balances 

showed systematic error and bias with 

the total order of magnitude of 3000 m3 Measurement in an electromagnetic 

flowmeter 

/day. In 

the light of such results it was clear that only flow 

meters are not enough to justify the decisions on 

water levels and discharge. What was interesting is 

that according to my small research some sources 

of errors claimed in the PWN <strong>report</strong>s and typically 

stipulated like: 

• Inaccuracy of the flow meters, 

• System jammings, 

• Impact of the infiltration and extraction on the 

total water balance, 

Universal inline ultrasonic flowmeter 

• Possible leakage, 

have in fact insignificant influence on the biggest errors in water. According to my verification, 

the fouling, pollution, flow meters’ surrounding have much bigger impact on inconsistency of 

the data. To conclude: it is difficult to verify the flow meters performance. In situ calibration of 

the flow meters has potential of improving the daily operations therefore the subject calls for 

more research and experiments. 

Sources: 

[1] R. Johnson: Keeping Meters On Line, Measurements, 2002. 

[2] D.W. Spitzer On site flow calibration is painful but necessary, Retrieved September 16, 2008, from 

Process Automation Technologies:http://www.controlglobal.com/article/2005 

[3] D.W. Spitzer Flowmeters clean and dirty, Retrieved October 16, 2008, from Process 

Automation Technologies: http://www.controlglobal.com/article/2006 


internshiPs 

135

Development of a drinking water module for secondary schools 

The chair of drinking water engineering not only gives education to students on universitiy level, but is also 

active in encouraging the next generation of students to study water engineering. To make pupils with an age 

of 16 or 17 year old at secondary schools interested in drinking water engineering a so called NLT course 

has been developed. NLT stands for Nature, Life and Technology (Natuur, Leven en Techniek) and it is a new 

elective course pupils with the profiles Nature & Technology and Nature & Health can do at secondary schools 

(HAVO and VWO). In the NLT course the students have to select 13 different modules out a large number of 

available modules. NLT focuses on the Beta courses and more specific on the domains geography, biology, 

mathematics, chemistry and physics. The course NLT shows pupils how to apply fundamental theory from the 

beta courses into day to day applications. NLT is a course for curious pupils that want to know more about 

recent developments in applied science and technology. 

Delft University of Technology, chair of drinking water engineering and TULO (TU lerarenopleiding), has 

developed this NLT course in collaboration with teachers from two secondary schools (Hofstad Lyceum and 

Sorghvliet, both located in the Hague). 


NLT-module 

Drinkwater, lekker belangrijk! 

Promotion poster of the drinking water NLT module

NLT module “Drink water, quite important!” 

Setup of module “Drink water, quite important!” 

In the general part of this module examples are given about the importance of safe drinking 

water for humans based on the availability of safe drinking water in different places in the world. 

Thereafter information is given of the different available treatment processes to treat water to 

drinking water. The focus is on treatment technologies as used in the Netherlands. What processes 

are used and why? The description and explanation of the treatment processes is supported 

by theory of chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics. 

The theory is further explained by performing experiments. In groups of 4 pupils, the pupils 

have to do simple water treatment experiments, like cascade aeration, filtration, conditioning 

or the calculation of a simple distribution system. The pupils have to work out the experiments 

and present the results to each other. 

The module is closed with a discussion about the worldwide challenges in water treatment and 

how the pupils can contribute to solve these challenges. 

Experiments NLT module “Drink water, quite important!” 

In simple experiments the theory of chemistry, physics and mathematics is used to calculate 

for example (reaction constants), like Henry constant, calcium carbonic acid equilibrium or 

friction factor. This obtained information is used to make a design of treatment processes. 

All experimental installations are made with material that is easily available, like PET bottles, 

measuring cylinders, shells. 

In the experiments the “engineering thinking” is emphasised. The pupil should think as an engineer 

in search of practical solutions of a water problem. 

Experimental setup used in the NLT module, left cascade aeration, middle conditioning with shells, right 

filtration experiment 


secondary schools 

137

SWaRM: student exchange with Australia 

To train the next generation of specialists in the field of sustainable water resources five Australian universities 

(all founding partners of the International Centre of Excellence in Water Resources Management – ICE WaRM) 

and three European leading water universities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to exchange 

90 post graduate students in the coming three years. In total a grant of over AU$ 1,000,000 (500,000 euro) 

for travel expenses and living allowances is available for students and staff members to share best practice 

and to improve global understanding of the importance of sustainability in water resources. This exchange is 

funded by the Australian government and the European Union. 

Over the next three years, 45 post graduate students from the University of Dundee (Scotland, UK), Delft 

University of Technology (The Netherlands) and the Technical University of Dresden (Germany) will study for 

one semester at one of the participating universities in Australia. In return, 45 post graduate students from 

Flinders University, University of South Australia, Deakin University, CQUniversity and the University of Adelaide 

will come to Europe to study at one of the three participating European universities. 

As well as exchanging students, staff members will visit the universities in the other continent to give guest 

lectures, to start joint PhD research projects and to develop joint courses. 

The representatives of the participating universities in the SWaRM project preparing the MoU. 

From left to right (top row) Prof Graeme Dandy, A/Prof Bas Baskaran, Prof Simon Beecham, Dr. 

Adrian Werner, A/Prof Larelle Fabbro, (bottom row) Cristopher Bustin, Richard Hopkins and A/Prof 

Jasper Verberk. 

Information on this exchange programme can be obtained form Mr Richard Hopkins of ICE WaRM, 

+61882365200, rhopkins@icewarm.com.au, Christopher Bustin, +441382388031, 

c.m.bustin@dundee.ac.uk or Jasper Verberk, +31152785838, J.Q.J.C.Verberk@TUDelft.nl 

More detailed information about the exchange programme can be found on the web portal of SWaRM, 

http://www.icewarm.com.au/page.php?pId=346 


Books Drinking water can be ordered online 

The books about Drinking water can be ordered on the web site: http://drinkwater.tudelft.nl 

Book : DRINKING WATER - Principles and Practices 

(English) 

ISBN : 981-256-836-0 

Prize : Euro 50,00 

Book : DRINKWATER - Principes en praktijk (Nederlands, 

2e editie) 

ISBN : 90-12-10946-9 

Prize : Euro 50,00 (incl. BTW en verzendkosten) 


other activities 

139


in ons drinkwater: 

b. a. Cartoon medicines in drinking water 

b. De Delta, the news paper of the 

onvenient truth 

University 

yme MTBE 

ibuprofen 

rozac 

NDMA 

a. 

DIRCES 

Robustness in drinking-water safety 

drinking water engineering in the Media 

141

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Vechten tegen arseen 

Doris van Halem geeft uitleg aan de bewoners in Manikanj. (Foto: Suze Ann Bakker) 

In Bangladesh ontwik - 

kelt promovenda Doris 

van Halem een methode 

om grondwater van 

arseen te zuiveren. 

Eén op de tien mensen 

dreigt er te sterven aan 

kanker. 

x SUZE ANN B AKKER 

Het kankerverwekkende arseen 

komt in Bangladesh van nature voor 

in de bodem. Doordat het makkelijk 

oplost in water, komt het in drink - 

water terecht. De Wereldgezond 

heidsorganisatie WHO spreekt van 

een ‘massavergiftiging’. Wereldwijd 

worden naar schatting meer dan 

zeventig miljoen mensen bedreigd 

- 

door met arseen besmet drink 

water in onder meer India, China, 

- 

Spanje, Italië en de Verenigde Sta 

ten. Ir. Doris van Halem, werkzaam 

bij de sectie gezondheidstechniek 

- 

van Civiele Techniek en Geoweten 

schappen, noemt arseenvergiftiging 

een probleem op wereldschaal. 

DELTA. In de jaren 35 20-11-2008 zestig en zeventig stierf 

een groot deel van de kinderen in 

Bangladesh aan diarree en andere 

- 

142 ziekten <strong>Annual</strong> veroorzaakt <strong>report</strong> door het DWE drin 2008 - 

ken van onveilig oppervlaktewater. 

Internationale hulpverleningsor - 

cent van de putten verontreinigd is. 

Bestaande verwijderingtechnieken, 

zoals de in het Westen gebruikte 

kunststof membranen of adsorptie - 

�lters, zijn duur. Bovendien kunnen 

ze de extreem hoge concentraties 

arseen zoals die in Bangladesh 

voorkomen niet aan. 

Van Halem komt met een eenvoudig 

en goedkoop alternatief. Haar tech - 

niek is verrassend simpel: eerst 

wordt zuurstofrijk water in de aarde 

gepompt. Vervolgens oxideert de 

zuurstof in het water het ijzer in 

de grond. Geoxideerd ijzer (roest) 

Momenteel zijn er 

tweeduizend dorpen 

waar elke waterput 

gevaarlijk hoge 

concentraties arseen 

bevat 

absorbeert het arseen in de bodem 

en bindt het, zodat het weer opge - 

pompte water arseenvrij is. Aange - 

zien arseenrijke grond vaak ook ijzer 

bevat, lijkt het idee levensvatbaar. 

Het is ook hoopgevend dat Unicef en 

het departement voor gezondheids - 

techniek in Bangladesh (DPHE) als 

partners in het project staan en erg 

enthousiast zijn. 

Arseen uit grondwater halen blijkt 

WETE NSCH AP 

parasieten, zorgt wereldwijd voor 

nog veel meer slachto�ers.” 

Hoe veelbelovend idee het idee van 

de arseenbinding ook is, er moet 

nog heel wat onderzocht worden. 

“Het moet geen black box worden”, 

zegt Van Halem. “We moeten precies 

weten wat er in de grond gebeurt.” 

Daarom wil ze de komende twee 

jaar van haar promotie een aantal 

vragen beantwoorden. De belang - 

rijkste vragen zijn hoeveel ijzer er 

nodig is voor een betrouwbare �l - 

ter, hoe arseen zich in de bodem 

gedraagt en hoeveel water geïnjec - 

teerd moet worden. 

Van Halem noemt het verwijderen 

van hoge concentraties de grootste 

uitdaging: “Een veilige norm ligt op 

minder dan tien microgram arseen 

per liter water, maar in Bangladesh 

is vijfhonderd microgram per liter 

geen uitzondering. Als ons grond�l - 

ter deze concentraties naar enkele 

tientallen microgram per liter kan 

terugbrengen, is dat een enorme 

verbetering.” 

Tests ter plaatse moeten de 

komende tijd uitwijzen of Van 

Halems methode de hoge concen - 

traties arseen kan verwijderen. Ze 

heeft nu bij twee pompen proef - 

opstellingen gebouwd en de grond 

met duizend liter zuurstofrijk water 

doordrenkt. Wekelijks krijgt ze nu 

analyses binnen, maar ze vindt het 

nog te vroeg om er wat over te zeg - 

gen. “We weten dat de techniek na 

gaatje 

Delta en De 

innovatieve 

komst. Maa 

gebeurd? H 

maal-invas 

gen ingewi 

uitvoeren? 

“Wat een ingew 

Dat moet toch ve 

nen.” Dat dacht 

toen hij in de Da 

het Universitair 

(UMC) Utrecht. D 

een apparaat wa 

sleutelgatoperat 

“Een van mijn sto 

het niet ingewik 

dan nodig is. Ik p 

Jaspers bedacht 

Amsterdams Med 

was hij klaar. Het 

van de peperdur 

eenvoudiger te b 

pers maakte geb 

doorgeeft aan he 

“De Da Vinci he 

een computer”, z 

fysica is bij medis 

verder opzij bew 

tuurlijk en het ma 

bij sleutelgatope 

raken.” 

Twee jaar geled 

operaties met de 

tieve inschatting 

hadden een aant 

zouden oplossen 

De afgelopen tw 

versie zaten ach 

aansturing van d 

een beweging n 

dat allemaal op e 

omdat het hand 

we nu nog maar 

is dus vereenvou 

“Het probleem is 

dus naar nieuwe 

matig bij mij hoe 

Ik verwacht dat w 

L EUK B ED

Avontuur / Mens & Lichaam 

Edward Kean vangt ijsbergen 

voor de kust van Canada. Een 

producent maakt er luxe drinkwater 

van. Is dat wel gezond? 

7 TEKST: RIK KUIPER 

Slokje 

Noordpool 

80 

10/2008 


84 

10/2008 

Toen er nog geen 

happende kraan op 

de boot stond, 

probeerden de ijsberg- 

jagers met bijlen en 

kettingzagen brokken 

ijs los te maken van de 

ijsberg. Die takelden ze 

vervolgens aan boord. 

Hoe vangt een 

Canadees een ijsberg? 

T 

ienduizend jaar geleden A Kraan hapt ijs 

sneeuwde het nog boven Kean kent zijn prooi. ‘IJsbergen 

Groenland. De atmos- zijn niet alleen groot, maar ook 

feer was niet vervuild heel onberekenbaar. Een kleine 

door industrie en auto’s, en de verstoring kan een berg laten 

schone sneeuw werd opgenomen kantelen. Dan ontstaan golven, 

in een ijskap. Millimeter voor kleine tsunami’s, die de boten in 

milli meter duwde de Petermann- gevaar brengen. Eén keer maakte 

gletsjer het ontstane ijs richting een ijsberg een gat in onze grote 

zee. Daar braken grote brokken boot. We moesten snel terug naar 

af: met elke plons werd een ijsberg de haven om hem te laten maken. 

geboren. 

Het was een close call.’ 

‘IJsbergen komen in verschillende Om gevaar te vermijden, kijkt 

kleuren voor’, vertelt Edward Kean goed naar de vorm van een 

K e a n . ‘ D e m e e s t e z i j n w i t . D i e z i j ijsberg. n Platte ijsbergen zijn het 

het beste. Je kunt er eenvoudig beste. Ze zijn stabiel en hebben 

stukken vanaf breken. Bergen steile wanden. Daardoor is de 

met een blauwe kap zijn minder kans klein dat de berg onder het 

goed. Het ijs is gesmolten en wateroppervlak tentakels heeft 

opnieuw aangevroren. Daardoor waar het schip op kan vastlopen. 

is het water minder puur. Het Heeft Kean een goed exemplaar 

ergst zijn de transparante bergen. gevonden, dan neemt hij een touw 

Die zijn bijna niet te doen. Sla je en vaart in een kleine boot om de 

er met een bijl tegen, dan stuitert berg heen. Met de grote boot 

hij net zo hard weer terug.’ sleept hij zij prooi naar een baai. 

Elk jaar, zo rond maart, wordt ‘Daar kunnen we rustiger werken.’ 

Kean onrustig. Het oogstseizoen Zijn schip gaat langszij liggen, de 

komt eraan. Hij tuigt zijn boot, de berg op een paar meter afstand. 

Mottak, op en maakt zich klaar Dan brengt Kean zijn monster in 

om te vertrekken. Met vier of vijf stelling: een kraan die naar voren 

andere zoutwatercowboys verlaat buigt en met zijn bek naar het ijs 

hij zijn woonplaats, de Canadese hapt. Duizend kilo per keer. De 

havenstad St. John’s. Hij vaart nek van de kraan draait en spuugt 

over de Labradorzee, en gaat op het ijs in een crusher aan boord. 

zoek naar ijsbergen om drink- Die vermorzelt het, waarna het in 

water van te maken. Want, zo een opslagtank terechtkomt. Op 

beweert Kean, ijsbergen bevatten een goede dag hapt de kraan 500 

het puurste natuurlijke water dat bollen ijs. Wat Kean tegenwoordig 

op aarde te vinden is. 

in een uur binnenhaalt, kostte 0 

Touroperators klagen over de ijsbergjacht. Toeristen krijgen geen prachtig dobberende 

ijsberg meer te zien, maar eentje die aan stukken is gereten. Kean vindt dat hij geen 

schade aanricht. ‘Als wij ze niet vangen, zijn ze een paar weken later gesmolten.’ 

Piek 

bestaan). Daarbij door - 

Moleculair verschilt ijsbergwater Met één of niet meerdere spitse van punten. kruiste ander hij wateren vol ijs - water 

Canada 

Labradorzee 

ijsbergvanggebied 

St. Johns 

IJsland 


De Saoedische prins Al Faisal 

wilde in de jaren 70 een ijsberg 

naar zijn land brengen 

Herken de 

0 hem voorheen een paar dagen. 

Zonder happende kraan moest 

ijsberg! 

hij vreemde capriolen uithalen om 

de ijsberg aan boord te krijgen. 

Soms schoot hij met een geweer 

sbergen zijn er in soorten en op een berg. Of hij draaide kei - 

IJ maten. Dit zijn de meest hard hardrockmuziek, in de hoop 

voorkomende vormen: 

dat de geluidsgolven het ijs in 

brokken zouden breken. Maar 

Tafel 

meestal benaderden Kean en zijn 

Vlakke plaat met steile wanden. mannen een ijsberg in kleine 

bootjes. Met een bijl en ketting - 

zaag probeerden ze brokken ijs 

los te maken van de berg. Dreef 

een brok ter grootte van een auto 

in zee, dan sloegen ze er een net 

omheen. Vervolgens takelden ze Edward Kean heeft 

het ijs aan boord. 

een vergunning voor 

het oogsten van 

A Zeelui dronken ijsberg ijsbergen. Jaarlijks 

Koepel 

De Canadees is niet de eerste die mag hij 300.000 ton 

Met een ronde top. 

van ijsbergen drinkwater maakt. 

In januari van het jaar 1773 voer 

de ontdekkingsreiziger 

James Cook met zijn 

schip The Resolution 

ergens tussen Afrika en 

Antarctica. Hij was op 

zoek naar een nieuw con - 

tinent met een gematigd 

klimaat (dat niet bleek te 

ijs uit zee vissen. 

: 

bergen. Omdat het drink - 

water aan boord op 

dreigde te raken, besloot 

0 stappen in de fles zit, nog verschil 

met ander water? ‘De watermoleculen 

in ijsberg water verschillen 

niet van watermoleculen in ander 

water’, zegt Alex van der Helm. 

Hij is drinkwateronderzoeker aan 

de TU Delft. ‘Het verschil zit hem 

in de hoeveelheid gassen, mineralen 

en organische stoffen die in 

het water zitten. Hoe minder dat 

Wig 

Een steile en een minder steile 

wand. 

Cook kleinere boten in 

het water te zetten en 

brokken ijs aan boord te Een grote ijsberg weegt 

hijsen. Ideaal was het niet. 

De bemanningsleden die zo’n 2 miljoen ton. Volgens 

IJsbergwater is 

ervan dronken, kregen Kean zou het een half uur 

veel duurder dan 

last van opgezette klieren 

ander gebotteld water. 

in de keel. duren om al het water dat 

Ruim 200 jaar daarna 

waren er grootschaliger erin plannen opgeslagen het Midden-Oosten zit van vervoeren. de Arabië af te leveren. Die belofte 

in omloop om ijsbergen Niagara als drink - Falls De berg te zou gooien, duizenden de mensen kon hij niet nakomen. 

water te gaan gebruiken. In 1977 jarenlang van drinkwater kunnen 

kwamen zo’n 175 wetenschappers grootste voorzien. waterval En bovendien: van het zou A ‘Je proeft de Noordpool’ 

bijeen in de Amerikaanse staat goedkoper Noord-Amerika. 

zijn dan het ontzilten Na een dag of tien hard werken 

Iowa voor een ijsbergconferentie. van water, zo beweerde de prins. zit de buik van het schip van 

Een van de meest opvallende Niet iedereen geloofde daarin. Edward Kean vol. Hij keert met 

er zijn, hoe puurder het water is.’ 

Een testrapport van het Canadese 

watermerk Berg geeft inzicht in 

de ingrediënten van het ijsbergwater. 

We lezen onder meer het 

volgende: Calcium: 0,7 milligram 

per liter. Magnesium: 0,1 milligram 

per liter. Maar is dat nou 

veel of weinig? De etiketten van 

twee andere flesjes water geven 

uitsluitsel. Spa Blauw, een bronwater, 

bevat ruim zes keer zo veel 

calcium en dertien keer zo veel 

magnesium als het ijsbergwater. 

En in Evian, een mineraalwater, 

zitten meer dan honderd keer zo 

veel calcium en meer dan 250 

keer zo veel magnesium. 

Het ijsbergwater uit de Labrador- 

sprekers was de Saudi-Arabische Wilford Weeks van het Ameri - 1,2 miljoen liter ijswater terug 

prins Mohammed al Faisal. Zijn kaanse leger voorspelde tegen - naar huis. In de haven laat hij het 

Droogdok 

bedrijf, Iceberg Transport Inter - over een verslaggever van week - geoogste ijs smelten. Hij verkoopt 

IJsberg die zo is uitgesleten dat national, was van plan een ijsberg blad Time ‘Zo gauw je boven de het aan producenten van gebot - 

een u-vormig zijaanzicht ontstaat. bij Antarctica in zeil te verpakken. evenaar komt, hangt er alleen nog teld water. Die �lteren het nog 

Vervolgens zouden sterke sleep - een touw achter je sleepboot.’ een keer of vier en desinfecteren 

boten de 100 miljoen ton wegende Toch beweerde Al Faisal binnen het met UV-licht. Want het water 

kolos in een maand of acht naar drie jaar een ijsberg in Saoedi- kan tijdens het transport besmet 

zee is dus inderdaad opvallend ‘Dat is ook minder belastend voor te drinken. ‘Er zitten wel heel kraanwater dronken. Conclusie: 

zuiver. Maar maakt dat het water het milieu. Want slepen met ijs- weinig mineralen in. Al heel lang op plekken waar water met weinig 

bijzonder? Volgens Van der Helm bergen en flesjes distribu eren over zijn er aanwijzingen dat het beter magnesium uit de kraan kwam, 

niet. Want voor de productie van de hele wereld kost veel energie.’ is om water met meer calcium en bleken meer hart- en vaatziekten 

zuiver water heb je geen ijsberg 

nodig. ‘Met een ontziltingsinstal- A Is ijsberg ongezond? 

magnesium te drinken.’ 

In 2005 verscheen het rapport 

voor te komen. (Ter geruststelling: 

het Nederlandse kraanwater 

latie kun je zeewater omzetten in Het mag dan zeer zuiver zijn, Nutrients in Drinking Water. De is rijk aan magnesium.) 

water dat even weinig mineralen sommige kenners beweren dat ijs- Wereld gezondheidsorganisatie Edward Kean zal het allemaal 

bevat als dit ijsbergwater.’ Op veel bergwater niet goed is voor de WHO waarschuwt daarin voor worst wezen. Hij gaat volgend jaar 

plaatsen ter wereld gebeurt dat gezondheid. Zo raadt drinkwater- overmatige consumptie van gede- weer gewoon verder met zijn jacht 

ook. In het Midden-Oosten wordt, expert Ans Versteegh van het mineraliseerd water, ofwel demi- op ijsbergen. ‘Er is een markt 

op plaatsen waar dat nodig is, Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondwater. Het rapport verwijst naar voor luxe water. Ik heb me laten 

meer dan de helft van het drinkheid en Milieu (RIVM) af om proefdierstudies met ratten die vertellen dat in Hollywood filmwater 

op die manier gewonnen. grote hoeveelheden ijsbergwater last kregen van nieren en darmen sterren zijn die duizend dollar 

als ze langere tijd demiwater te per week uitgeven aan gebotteld 

De meeste ijsbergen die voor Petermann 

drinken kregen. De WHO noemt water voor hun huisdieren. Prima, 

de kust van Newfoundland 

gletsjer 

ook onderzoek waarin de gezond- toch?’ 7 

drijven, komen van de Peter- 

heid van mensen die kraanwater 

manngletsjer in het noorden 

van Groenland. Ze doen 3 tot 

5 jaar over de reis. 

Groenland 

met weinig mineralen dronken, 

werd vergeleken met de gezondheid 

van mensen die mineraalrijk 

rik.kuiper@quest.nl 

MET DANK AAN PINC (WWW.PINC.NL) 

Win een 

ijsberg 

elf proeven hoe een ijs- 

Z berg smaakt? Quest liet 

een treetje ijsbergwater uit 

Canada overvliegen. Stuur 

vóór 16 oktober een mailtje 

naar ijsberg@quest.nl MEER INFORMATIE en 

www.bergwater.com: beschrijf in maximaal website 25 van 

ijsbergwaterfabrikant woorden wat je met Berg 500 milli- Water. 

tinyurl.com/2bjsg4: liter ijsberg gaat doen. rapport De van 15 de 

WHO origineelste over drinkwater. inzenders krijgen 

een flesje thuisgestuurd. 

10/2008 81 

in the media 

raken. Uiteindelijk komt het als kosten om het water te winnen. 

een luxeproduct op de markt. Op Andere mineraalwaters komen 

hun stijlvolle �esjes met transpa - uit een bron. Direct daarnaast 

rante etiketten noemen de produ - wordt het gebotteld. Wij moeten 

centen van Berg en Iceberg met het op zee oogsten, laten smelten 

trots de herkomst van het water: en naar de fabriek brengen.’ 

‘Source: North Atlantic Icebergs’. Ondanks de hoge prijs verovert 

De consument moet er wel voor het ijsbergwater de wereld. Het 

in de buidel tasten. De productie - merk is onder meer in Nieuwkosten 

van ijsbergwater zijn circa Zeeland, Dubai en het Verenigd 

twee euro per liter. De verkoop - Koninkrijk verkrijgbaar. Wat is 

prijs ligt nog veel hoger. ‘Dit is het succes? Medellin-Kenny: ‘Het 

waarschijnlijk het duurste water is een ervaring om ons water te 

dat er is’, laat Gabriela Medellin- drinken. Je proeft een stukje 

Kenny van producent Berg Water Noordpool. Ons water smaakt 

per e-mail weten. ‘Wij maken veel schoon en puur als sneeuw.’ Ze 

denkt dat het niet lang duurt 

voordat het lichtgroene �esje ook 

in de Nederland in de schappen 

staat. ‘We hebben al contact met 

een distributeur.’ De prijs? Circa 

vijf euro voor een halve liter. 

A Water bevat mineralen 

Het ijsbergwater doet het natuur - 

Edward Kean ving lijk leuk op de menukaart van 

zijn eerste ijsberg sjieke restaurants. Maar is het 

begin jaren 70. 

meer dan een mooi verhaal? Is er, 

als de ijsberg na al die zuiverings - 0 

Brokken ter grootte van een auto 

kunnen aan boord gehesen worden. 

10/2008 83 

143

t een ‘�ets - 

ten binnen 

en stallen 

paar verdie - 

voor twee - 

e komst van 

tion Park, 

eidsplaatsen 

het aantal 

uid reist 

nderdeel 

fose dat 

p de korte 

venhonderd 

n 32 extra 

n 

ok eigen - 

nsen hoef 

vriendin 

ordert de 

en. Ik draai 

em over 

DELTA. 39 18-12-2008 

R egen 

De Vereniging voor Delftse Fysisch 

Technologen heeft ir. Eric Woittiez 

onderscheiden met haar jaarlijkse 

studieprijs. De student technische 

natuurkunde kreeg de prijs van 

1500 euro voor zijn afstudeeronder - 

zoek naar regenvorming. Op school 

leert iedereen hoe water verdampt, 

opstijgt, afkoelt en weer als regen 

neerdaalt. Maar welke processen 

zich precies in de wolken afspelen 

is nog onduidelijk. Woittiez vatte 

de botsende waterdruppeltjes in 

een wolk in een computermodel. 

Zo verrootte hij het fundamentele 

begrip van het ontstaan van regen. 

NIE UWS 

Open Course hoogte Ware van in zijn the schouders media, te ope Delta - 40 mer (2008), in kaart en doet 4, 31 voorzetten Janauri om 2008 

www.dutracing.nl 

Slechte ergonomie in operatiekamer 

Het is niet best gesteld 

met de ergonomie van 

operatiekamers. Dr.ir. 

Arma ^ gan Albayrak pro - 

moveerde dinsdag op 

dit onderwerp bij Indus - 

trieel Ontwerpen. 

x JOS WASSINK 

Operatietafels zijn niet ingericht 

voor kijkoperaties met lange instru - 

menten, zodat ze niet laag genoeg 

gezet kunnen worden. De chi - 

rurg staat dan met zijn handen ter 

reren en moet vaak schuin omhoog 

kijken naar een vaak te vaag plaatje 

op de monitor. En bij gewone of open 

operaties staat de chirurg vaak 

urenlang over de tafel gebogen. Het 

gevolg? Oncomfortabele werkhou - 

Vijftien TU-studenten 

mogen de komende drie 

jaar een half jaar naar 

Australië. Op drie uni - 

versiteiten, in Adelaide, 

Melbourne en Brisbane, 

kunnen ze vakken vol - 

gen over water. 

De TU is, samen met de universiteiten 

van Dresden (Duitsland) en Dundee 

(Groot-Brittannië), een uitwisselings - 

Neus 

Het Delftse racing team DUT-09 

presenteerde woensdagavond zijn 

nieuwe ontwerp. In vergelijking met 

de winnende auto van afgelopen 

jaar wordt de racer iets groter en 

toch lichter, aldus teammanager 

Stef de Jong. Nieuwe voorschrif - 

ten vereisen een binnenruimte die 

gelijk is aan Formule 1-wagens. 

Voor het Delftse team, dat de klein - 

ste en lichtste wagens maakt in 

de Formula Student Racing Com - 

petitie, betekende dat vooral een 

hogere beenruimte. De neus werd 

verhoogd en de wielophanging naar 

beneden verplaatst. 

ding, klachten over pijn in rug en 

nek bij open operaties en schouder - 

klachten bij laparoscopische (kijk) 

operaties. 

Dr.ir. Arma ^ gan Albayrak (industrial 

design bij Industrieel Ontwerpen) 

heeft het de afgelopen jaren vaak 

van dichtbij mogen zien. Ook merkte 

ze dat het tegen de cultuur is om 

over de ongemakken van het ope - 

reren te klagen: “Ze denken vaak 

‘pijn is �jn’ en verder zijn ze heel 

geconcentreerd met hun vak bezig, 

waardoor ze de eigen lichamelijke 

ongemakken vergeten.” 

In haar proefschrift ‘Ergonomics in 

the operating room’ brengt Albay - 

rak de problemen rond houding en 

beeldschermen in de operatieka - 

de situatie te verbeteren. Zo ontwik - 

kelde ze een prototype chirurgen - 

kruk, die de operateur steun geeft 

tegen de billen en borstkas, zodat 

de rugspieren ontlast worden. Ook 

kan het platform waarop de chi - 

programma gestart met een groep 

Australische universiteiten. De Euro - 

pese Unie en de Australische over - 

heid subsidiëren het ticket en verblijf 

van vijfenveertig Europese studenten 

in Australië. Eenzelfde aantal Austra - 

liërs komt in Europa studeren. 

“Delft mag vijftien studenten stu - 

ren”, aldus de initiatiefnemer van 

de uitwisseling, dr.ir. Jasper Verberk 

(Civiele Techniek en Geowetenschap - 

pen). Studenten van alle Delftse 

faculteiten kunnen zich inschrijven, 

mits ze zich met water bezighouden. 

Mogelijk kunnen zelfs meer studen - 

ten afreizen. “De andere twee Euro - 

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(Foto: DUT-09) 

rurg staat op verschillende hoogten 

ingesteld worden, wat bij laparos - 

copische operaties een comforta - 

belere werkhoogte biedt. 

Het prototype werd door enkele chi - 

rurgen van het Erasmus Medisch 

Centrum, waar het praktische deel 

van het onderzoek plaatsvond, uit - 

geprobeerd. De ervaringen waren 

positief. Ook stonden de medici 

‘Ze denken vaak ‘pijn 

is �jn’ en verder zijn ze 

heel geconcentreerd 

met hun vak bezig’ 

open voor het ergonomisch onder - 

zoek. Maar verder dan een proto - 

type is het nooit gekomen. Waarom 

blijft onduidelijk. 

Misschien hadden ze een medisch 

bedrijf erbij moeten betrekken, 

denkt Albayrak. Of misschien wer - 

Vijftien waterstudenten naar Australië 

pese universiteiten zijn veel kleiner. 

De plekken die zij niet vullen, mogen 

wij gebruiken.” 

Verberk, die zelf enige tijd in Austra - 

lië werkte, diende het voorstel voor de 

subsidie in omdat hij denkt dat Euro - 

peanen en Australiërs veel van elkaar 

kunnen leren op watergebied. “De 

problematiek is heel anders. Kortweg 

heeft Australië een tekort aan water 

en Europa heeft water in overvloed”, 

zegt Verberk. “Het verbreedt de hori - 

zon van de studenten als ze eens aan 

de andere kant gaan kijken.” 

In de subsidiepot zit ook geld voor 

medewerkers. Zij mogen drie weken 

Engels 

Meer bacheloropleidingen moeten 

Engelstalig worden. Studenten - 

raden van de Idea League-univer - 

siteiten waren het hierover eens 

tijdens de Idealistic-conferentie. 

Ze zien graag veranderingen in 

het Engelstalige onderwijs. Idea 

League is een samenwerkings - 

verband tussen vijf Europese 

technische universiteiten. Deze 

staan in Londen, Zürich, Aken, 

Parijs en Delft. Veel studenten 

zijn geïnteresseerd in studeren in 

het buitenland, maar de drempels 

zijn vaak nog te hoog. Nu moeten 

uitwisselingsstudenten de moe - 

den de medici afgeschrokken door 

het protheseachtige uiterlijk van 

het prototype. Haar promotor prof. 

dr. Huib de Ridder denkt dat het 

gewoon nog te vroeg is. “We hebben 

nu een eerste generatie onderzoe - 

kers die vanuit de TU in het Erasmus 

Medisch Centrum werkt aan de ope - 

ratiekamer van morgen. Dat gaat 

over beeldtechniek, ergonomie, 

werkvormen en andere zaken. Ze 

brengt de problemen en de behoef - 

ten in kaart. Pas in de tweede gene - 

ratie kun je oplossingsgericht werk 

verwachten.” 

De komende jaren zal de samenwer - 

king tussen de TU en het Erasmus 

MC daarom onverminderd worden 

voortgezet. Maar, waarschuwt De 

Ridder, meer en betere techniek is 

niet altijd de oplossing. De opera - 

tiemaker staat vaak al bomvol met 

apparatuur. “Medici vragen soms 

alleen om een soort checklist met 

tien geboden.” 

naar Australië om samen te werken 

met onderzoekers daar. “We willen 

met die contacten zorgen dat we, 

ook na de subsidieperiode van drie 

jaar, door kunnen gaan met het pro - 

gramma.” 

Verberk kreeg inmiddels drie aanvra - 

gen van studenten. De eerste, David 

Moed (vierdejaars CiTG) vertrekt in 

februari van volgend jaar. De eerste 

of�ciële aanvraag van medewerkers 

moet nog komen. Verberk: “Maar veel 

van mijn directe collega’s hebben al 

interesse getoond. Ik heb ineens veel 

vrienden.” (MM) 

05 

dertaal van e 

De meeste m 

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uitwisseling 

bacheloropl 

de moederta 

omdat stude 

eigen taal m 

latere loopb 

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van de gron 

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kendheid va 

maken. 

DELTA 

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Promovendi 

De Tweede 

unaniem ee 

die de reger 

zorgen. De u 

de beurspro 

bij af. 

Tijdloos 

De Zigzagst 

zenstoel of 

mige stoelen 

ze telkens 

worden. Dr 

(Bouwkunde 

historie van 

Meer, m 

Sinds 1995 

in Nederland 

men met 29 

nog forser k 

tal jongeren 

was gedaald 

Teleurge 

Delftse ge 

geven de T 

hen bestem 

regelingen. 

reageert tele 

B espare 

De TU is van 

cent energie 

Dat staat in 

Plan. Hierin 

regelen de u 

te bereiken. 

Niet vija 

De Delftse 

sualiteit be 

renblad Exp 

onderzoek 

homovriend 

studentenst 

helemaal nie 

B loemp 

Ouderen zo 

mogen bew 

Albaina. Vo 

wikkelde hij 

bejaarden s 

een lachend

mpong 

des - 

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in de 

een 

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rtelt 

en er 

zijn. 

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heel 

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lden: 

slop - 

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en te 

ver - 

d van 

r een 

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voor 

hun 

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andel, 

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en in 

ar de 

huren 

ders 

n van 

bewo - 

omst 

rs en 

onen 

n van 

leven 

ver - 

liever 

otels 

x 

en kantorenpanden te bouwen. Het 

komt regelmatig voor dat maf�aachtige 

organisaties brand stichten 

in de kampong, zodat mensen hun 

huizen kwijtraken en het land kan 

worden ingenomen door bedrijven. 

De Indonesische overheid staat ech - 

ter onder druk van internationale 

organisaties en ziet zich genood - 

zaakt om meer en meer rekening te 

houden met de rechten van de kam - 

pongbewoners. Er worden daarom 

programma’s op poten gezet om de 

kampongbewoners te stimuleren 

om te verhuizen door bijvoorbeeld 

huisvesting aan te bieden aan de 

rand van de stad. 

Volgens Tunas is dat geen goede 

oplossing. “Kampongbewoners zijn 

in hun levensonderhoud afhankelijk 

van de locatie van de kampong en 

van de sociale structuren. Ver weg 

van het economische centrum en 

zonder hun sociale netwerk kun - 

nen zij geen handeltjes opzetten. 

Buiten de kampong verliezen zij de 

mogelijkheid om inkomsten te ver - 

werven.” 

Volgens Tunas moet het probleem 

bij de wortel worden aangepakt: 

“Mensen trekken naar de kam - 

pong omdat ze op het platteland 

niet �nancieel kunnen rondkomen. 

Jakarta is hét economische centrum 

van Indonesië. De overheid zou de 

welvaart beter moeten spreiden en 

de groei van andere economische 

centra moeten stimuleren. Dan 

hebben mensen minder motivatie 

om naar de kampongs van Jakarta 

te trekken.” 

Devisari Tunas promoveerde maan - 

dag 24 november bij Bouwkunde. De 

titel van haar proefschrift luidt: ‘The 

Spatial Economy in the Urban Informal 

Settlement’. 

Drinkwater van 

astronautenplas 

Deze week haperde hij nog. Maar het nieuwe uri - 

nezuiveringsapparaat in het internationale ruim - 

testation ISS moet straks astronautenplas zuive - 

ren tot drinkwater. 

Wie de ruimte in gaat, weet dat hij daar niet op culinaire hoogstandjes hoeft 

te rekenen. Maar straks krijgen astronauten, naast hun vijf jaar houdbare 

maaltijd uit een zak, een glaasje met hun eigen plas te drinken. Door van 

urine drinkwater te maken, moeten ruimtevaarders langere tijd in het inter - 

nationale ruimtestation ISS kunnen blijven, zonder dure aanvoer van water 

per ruimteveer. 

Drinkwater maken van urine is prima mogelijk, zegt dr.ir. Jasper Verberk 

(Civiele Techniek en Geowetenschappen) desgevraagd. “Schadelijke stof - 

fen in urine zijn daar met bestaande technologieën uit te zuiveren.” Hoe, 

daar wil hij met collega’s van de afdeling gezondheidstechniek wel even over 

brainstormen. In een uurtje verzinnen de onderzoekers een vier-stappenzuiveringssysteem. 

Om van een plasje tot een glas drinkbaar water te komen, moeten eerst 

de ziekmakende micro-organismen eruit. “In ons systeem zitten drie stap - 

pen die micro-organismen en bacteriën verwijderen”, vertelt Verberk. Een 

membraan met poriën van honderd nanometer tot een micrometer moet het 

grotere vuil verwijderen. Na deze ‘ultra-�ltratie’ is het aan een nano�lter 

om nog kleinere deeltjes te �lteren. Uiteindelijk maakt ultraviolet licht het 

DNA van de nog overgebleven organismes kapot. 

“Zo’n double of tripple treatment is normaal in drinkwaterzuivering”, vertelt 

Verberk. “Als een van de stappen niet goed werkt, zorgen de andere �lters 

ervoor dat het water veilig is.” Bovendien verstopt het kleinere �lter niet zo 

snel, als een ander �lter het grootste vuil al heeft verwijderd. 

“In ons systeem zitten twee stappen om ook medicijnsporen uit urine te 

halen.” Het eerder genoemde nano�lter heeft ook deze taak. Om nog klei - 

nere deeltjes te verwijderen gaat de urine, vóór de UV-desinfectie, nog door 

een kolom met korrels. Dit ‘actieve kool�lter’ absorbeert de allerkleinste 

moleculen. 

Het systeem is klein uit te voeren en dus makkelijk mee te nemen de ruimte 

in, meent Verberk. Maar ook op aarde zou met de techniek drinkwater uit 

afvalwater gewonnen kunnen worden. Het �lter verwijdert ook de gele kleur 

van plas. “Maar sociale acceptatie blijft een probleem. Wil je je eigen urine 

drinken?” 

Om mensen het gevoel te geven dat gezuiverd afvalwater prima drinkwater 

kan zijn, is goede marketing nodig, meent Verberk. “In Singapore staat al 

een installatie, waar alle waterzuiveringsonderzoekers van de wereld graag 

Delta 

een kijkje 

40 

nemen”, 

(2008), 

vertelt 

36, 26 

Verberk. 

November 

Het water 


uit die zogeheten NEWaterinstallatie 

komt van afvalwater. “Het wordt daar verkocht in �esjes, zoals bij 

ons Spa wordt verkocht. Als mensen een paar jaar hebben kunnen wennen, 

kun je er vanuit gaan dat dit uit afvalwater geproduceerde water het drink - 

waternet in gaat.” 

In Singapore wil de overheid minder afhankelijk worden van wateraanvoer 

in the media 

Glaz 

Niemand kan 

de glasplaten 

dertien meter 

gevel bevesti 

maar bij storm 

de façade tot 

timeter heen 

De nieuwbou 

Hogeschool I 

op de TU-cam 

een unieke en 

dunne glasge 

x J OS WASSINK 

Architect Rijk Rietv 

vend haar en een g 

was op zoek naar ve 

vertelt hij via een 

zijn vestigingsplaat 

wondering wilde h 

een volkomen gla 

zonder kolommen o 

ontwerp voor de Ho 

land aan de Leeghw 

gebouw bestaat uit 

blokken, met als blik 

staande auditoriu 

ook als ‘frietzak’ 

aan drie zijden doo 

wordt. Daardoor on 

atrium. 

Tussen begin 200 

145


in the media 

147

Drinking water without chlorine in Canada? 

As most of you will know, historically a great schism exists in drinking water treatment between (North) America 

and Europe. In the USA and Canada drinking water companies have always relied heavily on chlorine for disinfection, 

as a result of which some Americans consider a strong chlorine taste as proof of proper disinfection. 

In Europe the drinking water companies have taken a more cautious approach regarding chlorine and have 

relied more on the multi barrier approach with physical treatment processes, including soil passage. 

Obviously the debate between Americans and Europeans on drinking water treatment has been intensified by 

the discovery of chlorinated disinfection byproducts such as THMs by the chemist from the Rotterdam Water 

company Joop Rook in the 1970s and outbreak of Cryptosporidium in Milwaukee in the 1990s, which proved 

that some organisms are highly resistant to chlorine. In the international literature this debate is referred to 

as “balancing of the risks”, i.e. choosing between the advantages and disadvantages of using chlorine for 

disinfection. 

Two years ago I gave a talk at the University of Waterloo in Canada on “ The Dutch secret, safe drinking water 

without chlorine”. This helped to create interest in Canada for the Dutch experiences. Moreover the internet 

and European travel experiences of Canadians, have lead to an increased interest by Canadian citizens and 

municipalities for drinking water without chlorine. 

As a result the Advisory Council on Drinking Water Quality of the Canadian Ministry of Health organized an 

international workshop on “Alternative Approaches to Disinfection” on September 22-23, 2008 in Toronto, 

Canada. 

Panel discussion 


The workshop comprised of invited talks by experts from Canada (prof. Robert Andrews, prof. Steve Hrudley), 

the USA (dr. Mark Lechevalier), Australia (dr. Mary Drikas), Norway (prof. Hallvard Ődegard), Switzerland (dr. 

Daniel Urfer) and the Netherlands (prof. Hans van Dijk) and was meant to provide an overview of alternatives 

to chlorine that might form a basis for a modification of the Canadian Drinking Water Act (in which at the 

moment the use of chlorine is mandatory). 

For me it was quite a surprise to experience the huge interest by both the speakers and the invited audience 

(consisting of some 100 representatives of water companies, regulators and government) in the Dutch experiences. 

Almost all the questions during the panel debate were directed to me! It made me realize that we 

have quite a unique feature to offer to the international drinking water community: since the renovation of the 

Berenplaat and Andijk plants with UV/H2O2 , we can state that the Netherlands has completely abolished the 

use of chlorine! We are the only country that has gone all the way and is completely chlorine free! 

The interest in Canada to pursue this approach is high and many municipalities would like to start experiments. 

Of course there are many differences between the Netherlands and Canada so they still have a long road 

ahead. During the workshop there was general consensus that UV replace chlorine for primary disinfection 

and so most of the discussion focused on the secondary disinfection, i.e. the practice to provide some residual 

chlorine in the distribution network. Mark Le Chevalier showed results of research that proved that ingress of 

contaminants in the distribution network could occur as a result of negative pressures. In the discussion I found 

out that in these systems they did not have any water hammer provisions or frequency controlled pumps, so 

obviously the chances of negative pressure are higher in such cases. He also showed some interesting results 

of using household water meters to measure back flow from the house into the network, again indicating negative 

pressures on many locations. Also in this case the situation is different as they do not use any non return 

valves and break tanks. Another striking difference is that the AOC levels in the treated drinking water were in 

the order of 100 mg/l, which would of course be unthinkable in the Netherlands. Nevertheless I discussed with 

Mark the possibilities to repeat his research in the Netherlands, which might be an interesting way to show 

the impact of the differences and prove (once again) that our distribution systems are intact, both physically, 

hydraulically and regarding water quality. 

in the media 

149


Dagelijkse douchebeurt kost 

58 cent 

Dagelijks gaan we onder de douche, 

maar eigenlijk hebben we geen idee 

wat deze vanzelfsprekendheid kost. 

Alex van der Helm is drinkwatertechnoloog 

aan de TU Delft en 

heeft de milieubelasting van 

douchen beeldend gemaakt. door 

dit om te rekenen naar de milieubelasting 

van een kilometer 

autorijden. “De productie van een 

jaar lang drinkwater voor een 

persoon, kan uitgedrukt worden in 

33 kilometer autorijden.’, aldus van 

der Helm [www.bright.nl].

151

Section Sanitary Engineering, <strong>Chair</strong> Drinking Water Engineering 


Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences 


Visiting adress Postal adress: 

Stevinweg 1 PO BOX 5048 

2628 CN Delft 2600 GA Delft 

telephone: +31 15 27 84 732 

fax: +31 15 27 84 918 

email: m.a.j.hubert@tudelft.nl 

url: www.drinkwater.tudelft.nl

Annual report Chair on Drinking Water Engineering 2008 - TU Delft

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