Koen Zuurbier obtains doctorate with dissertation on Aquifer Storage & Recovery

On 10 May 2016 Koen Zuurbier was awarded his doctorate by  TU Delft for his research into the temporary subsurface storage of surplus fresh water for subsequent recovery during a drought. This technique contributes towards a sustainable freshwater supply and is known internationally as Aquifer Storage and Recovery or ‘ASR’. In the Netherlands as well as in other coastal zones, ASR yields are often disappointing because the lighter freshwater “floats” in the more brackish groundwater. In his research, Zuurbier has shown that it is possible and how it is possible to largely recover freshwater using ASR in such brackish coastal zones, where the reuse of freshwater is very much needed. Selecting the correct locations, improved well designs and understanding the change in water quality during subsurface storage play major roles in this. Amongst other things, Zuurbier has acquired the understanding needed for this during long-term field trials in Nootdorp, Westland en Ovezande.

In the predominantly brackish to saltwater substratum of the low-lying Netherlands, as well as in many coastal zones elsewhere, the yields from freshwater stored using ASR are often disappointing. This is primarily due to the “floating” of the lighter freshwater in the more brackish groundwater. Despite frantic attempts, ASR has not therefore provided any consolation for a long time in coastal zones, while the demand for freshwater has specifically increased in those zones. Within the framework of the  Kennis voor Klimaat, and the Joint Research (BTO) programmes and the EU’s  DESSIN and SUBSOL bij KWR projects, Zuurbier therefore conducted research into improving the yield of ASR.