Bridging the water

In May 2021 the Living Lab: Water quality measurements in the Rotterdamse Schie river and Liesbeek river have been kicked off. The goal of this living lab is to bring Dutch and South African students, researchers and lecturers together to discuss the current water quality of these two rivers, compare international and European water quality standards and their application in South African and Dutch rivers. The students will perform several measurements regarding water quality, ecology and hydrology in their local river. Also, additional data from other authorities is collected to supplement the field measurements and allow a more profound data analysis. At the end of this research assignment, the students will present their results and have a dialogue about common factors but also major differences with regard to river typologies, monitoring techniques, water management and legislation.   

Last week, six Dutch students performed their first monitoring campaign in the Rotterdamse and Delftse Schie river. Similarly, six South African students went into the field with prof. Kevin Winter to measure several parameters such as nutrients and discharge in the Liesbeek river. During an interactive online session the students got to know each other by discussing their favorite water spots before diving more into the theory. After getting more insights into the European Water Framework Directive, the Dutch students presented briefly their first field day.