Young Water Professionals at IWA YWP BeNeLux 2024 in Antwerp

Sharing research and networking

Participants had the opportunity to attend presentations by leading water sector experts, engage in workshops, and participate in discussions on pressing issues and challenges within the water sector. The program featured a variety of oral presentations across 15 sessions, covering topics such as Water Quality Analysis and Monitoring, Water Policy and Governance, Resource Recovery and Circular Economy, and Water Reuse and Recycling. The opening ceremony, city walk through Antwerp, and conference dinner provided ample opportunities for networking. The IWA YWP BeNeLux 2024 conference was a successful event, attracting over 130 participants from universities, research institutes, water companies, and more.

Exploring future visions in the water sector (Janine de Wit, Ecohydrology)

The first time I participated in a young international congress. Monday morning I took the train with Chuan Jiet from Utrecht to Antwerp. Arrived in Antwerp, we registered ourselves and participated in the poster session. In the afternoon we gained insight into Water Quality. Refreshed which sampling method is used and which new techniques are developing. Tuesday morning it was time for my own presentation in the ‘water reuse and recycling’ session. We first got an interesting presentation from Sam Van Nevel about the (drinking) water system in Belgium, and how reuse of water could fit into this.

My own presentation was about GRROW (Generational Radical Rethinking of Water Sector Paradigms). The project in which young drinking water professionals engage in conversation with experienced professionals, and work on visions of the future for the drinking water sector in 2070. The scientific method as developed in the project was presented, and we even discussed dilemmas with the audience in the room. It was an inspiring session with diverse responses afterwards! In the afternoon we followed two more interesting workshops about Circular Economy and Sustainability. Interesting to discuss how various challenges come together in the areas of economy, social and environment. Also how to fit current challenges within sustainability assessments. In the evening we enjoyed a delicious conference dinner with the entire conference group. Wednesday was already the last day in which we gained various insights into governance issues and European (water) law. For example, how does a challenge fall within the Circle of Concern (circle of control, circle of influence and external)? It was very inspiring to be there. It gave me a good dose of new inspiration and valuable new people I met: back to work on further interesting research!

Presenting WEFE Nexus Governance (Caro Mooren, Innovation & Valorisation)

At the IWA YWP BeneLux 2024 conference I had the opportunity to present my work on water, energy, food and ecosystem (WEFE) nexus governance assessments: Insights From The Lielupe And Nestos-Mesta River Basin. Great discussions with a diverse group of young researchers – always inspiring to learn from different backgrounds. The conference offered interesting sessions on various water-related topics, from behavioral sciences looking into water saving measures to technical solutions to reuse water.

Presenting rapid detection methods and broadening perspectives in water research (Frits van Charante, Microbiological Water Quality)

I presented on using faster methods to detect microbiological contamination in drinking water after work activities in the network. Although it was sadly in a bit less populated session there was still some good discussion afterwards. Overall, there was a decent variety of topics. For me it was nice to be able to attend presentations and talk to people on topics that I’ve been interested in but haven’t been able to work on. It’s not always easy or possible to turn research lines that are still in early stages into projects, so it was nice to indulge in them a little bit and get caught up on the development. It was also a good chance to get out of my bubble a bit and speak with people that work on topics I normally don’t interact with often. I do sometimes need a reminder that there’s more to water than just bacteria.

Nutrient Recovery and Potassium Mapping in the KNAP Project (Josje Brouwers, Energy and Circular Systems)

Recovering nutrients from wastewater and process water provides several opportunities for creating more sustainable and self-sufficient water and food systems. The KNAP project (2023-2026) aims to fill knowledge gaps and overcome technological, economical, and legal barriers to nutrient recovery by researching integrated closure of nutrient cycles from municipal and industrial wastewater systems. At IWA YWP Benelux 2024 conference I presented a poster highlighting recent progress in this project, including my own project on mapping and quantifying potassium in waste streams in the Netherlands. The importance of potassium recovery gets little attention compared to the other primary macronutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), so I was happy to discuss this finite but incredibly vital resource with my peers at the conference.

Exploring cross-industry water reuse: Insights from the IWA YWP Benelux Conference in Antwerp (Chuan Jiet Teo, Water Treatment and Resource Recovery)

I recently attended a highly insightful conference, the IWA YWP Benelux Conference in Antwerp, . The event was a gathering of academics, experts, researchers, and industry leaders dedicated to addressing the critical challenges and innovative solutions in water management. I gave a poster presentation on cross-industry water reuse, a topic that has gained significant traction in recent years due to its potential to alleviate water scarcity and promote sustainable practices across various sectors.

Antwerp, with its diverse industrial landscape, proved to be an ideal backdrop for discussions on water reuse. The city is not only a hub for maritime activity but also a beacon of innovative water management practices. During the conference, several case studies were presented, highlighting the recycling of wastewater and recovery of resources for different uses to the integration and retrofitting of advanced treatment technologies to existing system to be for resilient. One of the standout practices demonstrated in Antwerp was the collaborative approach adopted by different industries within the harbor. Companies in the chemical, petrochemical, and logistics sectors have developed synergistic partnerships to optimise water use. For instance, wastewater from local wastewater treatment plants is treated and repurposed for cooling processes in the port indsutries, significantly reducing the overall freshwater demand. This cross-industry collaboration not only conserves water but also reduces the environmental footprint of industrial activities.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the organising and scientific committee for their exceptional efforts in making the conference a resounding success. Their fantastic planning and dedication ensured a seamless experience for all attendees, fostering an environment of learning and collaboration. The diverse range of presentations and discussions provided valuable insights and spurred meaningful conversations on the future of water management.

Closing thoughts on IWA YWP BeNeLux 2024 conference

The IWA YWP BeNeLux 2024 conference in Antwerp was a success, offering a unique opportunity for young water professionals to connect, share knowledge, and explore new ideas. The event’s diverse presentations and workshops provided valuable insights into current and emerging water sector challenges. The conference fostered an environment of collaboration and learning, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing the complex issues facing the water sector. The experience was enriching to further inspire participants in their research and careers in the water sector.