University of Twente Student Theses

Enhancing Efficiency in Noorderzijlvest's Freshwater System : Analyzing Freshwater Utilization. How to deal with the increasing salinization in the northern part of the Netherlands between Lauwersoog and Noordpolderzijl?

Hofman, J.M. (2023) Enhancing Efficiency in Noorderzijlvest's Freshwater System : Analyzing Freshwater Utilization. How to deal with the increasing salinization in the northern part of the Netherlands between Lauwersoog and Noordpolderzijl?

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Abstract:	This research presents a comprehensive analysis of the freshwater management system on the west side of Water Authority Noorderzijlvest, focusing on the years 2021 and 2022 and the eleven water level compartments between Noordpolderzijl and Lauwersoog. The research aimed to determine water balances on an annual, monthly, and dry season basis (1 April to 31 August) and identify sources and extent of salinization to determine which waterways carry the highest salt load. By integrating both, the effectiveness of pumping stations was assessed and potential solution directions for enhancing efficiency in the freshwater management system were provided. The water balances were established using the bucket model, which accounted for all possible influxes and outfluxes, including quantification of meteorological data and all possible in- and outflow locations. When examining smaller time frames, ’other values’ such as infiltration and net storage of soil become more significant. However, the heterogeneity of soil compositions within the large study area hindered realistic and accurate quantification of ’other values’. Therefore, further research is recommended to investigate specific areas or selected plots in greater detail. To discover, identify and select waterways with high salt content, all EC measurements conducted in previous years were organized in Excel Tables and analyzed using pivot tables to determine average EC values per month, annually, and during the dry period. These average EC values were spatially distributed and visualized in maps, ranging from green (indicating good EC level) to red (indicating bad EC level). Qualitative proposed solutions were made based on these research findings, literature review, and expert consultations with various employees at Noorderzijlvest. Further research could be performed for the ’problem areas’ that were revealed in this study, such as the area around and in the northern region of Pieterburen. The main proposed solution directions involve maintaining well-dredged ditches with minimal vegetation along the waterways, constructing manual weirs, and conducting a pilot for pumping saltwater over the dike. It is crucial to assess the effectiveness of these solutions and secure stakeholder support for further research. This research report acknowledges limitations, such as the underestimation of the actual evapotranspiration during wet periods and overestimation during dry periods. This limitation is taken into account qualitatively, but to quantify it significantly further in-depth research is needed, including among other things investigating crop types and irrigation practices. Another limitation that necessitates further research is to investigate the dredging periods and to measure EC at different depths for studying the variations in EC content of the cross-section of a waterway. Quantifying salt seepage from the silt layer through EC measurements is also recommended. In conclusion, this research contributes to enhancing efficiency in Noorderzijlvest’s freshwater management system by providing new insights into freshwater utilization, salinization challenges, and potential solution directions.
Item Type:	Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:	ET: Engineering Technology
Programme:	Civil Engineering BSc (56952)
Link to this item:	https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/96209
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