In a recent publication in the prestigious journal Physical Review Letters, a team of researchers from Utrecht University and Wetsus show that the temperature changes slightly when salty water meets a solid surface. The interface of water with solid surfaces crucially determines many processes in water technology, such as the recovery of valuable nutrients and minerals from water, the interactions of biological molecules, and methods for water desalination and energy recovery from water. The experiments show that the interaction of salty water with solid surfaces produces a tiny amount of heat, and thus with precise temperature measurements, a welcome new piece of information is obtained about what goes on at the atomic level at the solid/water interface.
The Wetsus Congress 2017 is still open for registration. We prepared an interesting program around the congress theme ‘Synergy in Research and Innovation’ and our scientific themes.
On day one, Monday October 9, we present a plenary program in the morning and an equally interesting plenary program in the afternoon. Speakers are Robert-Jan Smits, Director-General Research & Innovation, European Commission, prof. Jean Fréchet, Vice President for Research, KAUST University, Saudi Arabia, prof. George Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager, DC Water, USA, prof.dr. Emmo Meijer, Advisory council for science, technology and innovation (AWTI), prof.dr.ir. Wim van Saarloos, Vice President, The Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), dr.ir. Rik Siebers, REDstack, ir. Kees Hoogendijk, co-founder of The Vital4Life Foundation, ir. Roelof Kruize, CEO Waternet and dr. Peter Fiske, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, USA.
On Tuesday October 10, the focus is on science. Keynote speeches will be delivered by prof.dr. Alexander Kuhn, Institute of Molecular sciences, University of Bordeaux, France, and prof.dr. Daniel Bond, Department of Microbiology and BioTechnology Institute, University of Minnesota, USA.The parallel sessions on day 2 are based on the research themes of Wetsus. A broad range of interesting topics will be addressed by about 35 international speakers.
The Dutch Waste Management Association (www.verenigingafvalbedrijven.nl / www.wastematters.eu) has become a participant of Wetsus. They are connected to the new ‘Soil’ research theme. Representing the waste sector in the Netherlands and Europe, The Dutch Waste Management Association (DWMA) represents the national and international interests of waste companies active in the Netherlands. With more than 50 members, the DWMA is an important discussion partner for government departments, regional and local authorities and other organizations.
The research theme ‘Biopolymers from water’ welcomes N.V. Slibverwerking Noord-Brabant(SNB, www.SNB.nl). SNB was founded in 1994 by the North Brabant water boards and processes most of the sludge produced by the shareholding water boards in an environmental responsible manner. SNB also processes sludge from a number of external customers.
Recently, the World Water Week took place in Stockholm. As part of this conference the Stockholm Junior Water Prize is being organized. A prestigious award for youngsters from all over the world with brilliant ideas to solve world water issues. Wetsus and Platform WOW selected the project AntiOxirice to represent the Netherlands during this week. Margot Knapen and Niels Bouman presented their idea to an international jury. From 36 countries, the project of the United States of America was selected as best idea. Margot and Niels experienced a great week where they got the chance to meet many interesting persons like the Crown princess and King of Sweden and the Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Environment.
