Research Goedele Verreydt

Abstract

Leaching losses of phosphorus (P) are a potential threat to almost half of the Flemish soil. Recent measurements suggest that phosphorus, faster than expected, migrates through groundwater to surface water and thus, in relatively short time, can pose a major threat to the quality of ground- and surface water. The amount of phosphorus determines the growth of algae in surface waters (eutrophication). In the fertilizer action plan Flanders in consultation with Europe, standards are determined on manure application with respect to P-intake. In the absence of a rapid improvement in water quality with regard to phosphorus, the Commission will take drastic measures. This PhD thesis will focus on field studies to quantify P transport at field and landscape scale in P-saturated basins in Flanders. The research will focus on the execution and interpretation of flux measurements to estimate P losses from soil to groundwater and surface water. Hereby, different measurement techniques will be applied. To do this, passive sampling techniques will be used including the innovative iFLUX sampler which will then be compared with conventional sampling methods. Research objectives are 1) the validation of a methodology to determine P fluxes across interfaces between soil-groundwater-surface water, 2) the validation of the iFLUX sampler at field sites with different soil type, agricultural practice and hydrological setting; 3) the development of a methodology to calculate field-scale P mass balances to assess (i) the importance of historical sources, (ii) effect of mitigating measures and (iii) relative importance of agricultural sources compared to other emissions for management.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Seuntjens Piet Dfe
• Co-promoter: Verreydt Goedele

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In an attempt to restore the water quality in tidal rivers, governments around the world invest a lot of money in reconverting reclaimed agricultural land to tidal marshes. In North-West Europe, more than 140 tidal marshes have already been restored and scientists predict that many more will follow in the coming decades. Nevertheless, there is growing evidence that restored tidal marshes do not contribute to the water quality improving function to the same extent as natural marshes. Researchers found that due to the historical agricultural land use, the soil got compacted, hindering the flow of groundwater in the area. The reduced groundwater flow is thus probably the reason for the observed difference in water quality improvement. Nevertheless, the differences in groundwater dynamics between restored and natural tidal marshes are still poorly understood. In this research, we want to unravel this missing link. We will study the soil properties, the groundwater flow and the nutrient fluxes at the same time in both a natural and a restored marsh along the Scheldt estuary in Belgium. We will use these results to develop a computer model. With this model, we will determine the optimal soil properties of restored marshes in order to optimize their effect on water quality improvement. In cooperation with the water engineering sector, we will translate the optimum to viable design criteria that will ameliorate the water quality improving function of future restored tidal marshes.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Temmerman Stijn
• Co-promoter: Meire Patrick
• Co-promoter: Seuntjens Piet Dfe
• Co-promoter: Verreydt Goedele
• Fellow: Van Putte Niels

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The proof-of-concept project includes the scalable prototyping of the iFLUXProspector, an integrated modular passive flux sampler for environmental research and management, designed for direct installation in the subsoil. The project results from the IOF-SBO project 'IFLUX'. It frames in the valorization of the iFLUX technology as a spin-off business venture, developed by the University of Antwerp and the Flemish Institute for Technological Research.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meire Patrick
• Co-promoter: Goethijn Frank
• Co-promoter: Verreydt Goedele

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

An increasing demand from different sectors for the combined determination of multiple parameter mass fluxes led to the development of an integrated flux measuring instrument, the I flux sampler. The I flux technology focuses on the total mass flux determination of multiple parameter types. This project aims to prepare for the launch of Iflux as a spin-off

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meire Patrick
• Fellow: Verreydt Goedele

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The proof-of-concept project includes the prototyping of the iFLUXsampler, an integrated modular passive flux sampler for environmental research and management, designed for use in a groundwater monitoring well. The project results from the IOF-SBO project 'IFLUX'. It frames in the valorization of the iFLUX technology as a spin-off business venture, developed by the University of Antwerp and the Flemish Institute for Technological Research.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Meire Patrick
• Co-promoter: Goethijn Frank
• Co-promoter: Verreydt Goedele

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VITO. UA provides VITO research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Diels Ludo
• Fellow: Verreydt Goedele

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project