Landmark biofilm study in the Netherlands, results due 2019 | Aqua-4D Water Solutions Blog

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Landmark biofilm study in the Netherlands, results due 2019

Along with partner firms WaterQ, Cindro, and Biotamax, Aqua-4D is participating in a landmark two-year study between KWR Watercycle Research Institute and Wageningen University.

The goal of the project is to integrate knowledge from the water technology and horticultural sectors to develop solutions for the greenhouse industry to manage the microbial quality of water and root environments, leading to more robust and more productive, zero emission (for water and nutrients) cropping systems.

The location of the study is particularly notable. Over the past few decades, the Netherlands has developed into an agricultural powerhouse which, according to a recent National Geographic profile, “shows what the future of farming looks like”. Wageningen University and KWR are academic leaders in their fields, the global benchmarks for agronomy and water science respectively.

The ultimate aim of the project is to develop strategies for zero emission greenhouse cropping systems to solve the problems caused by biofilm formation in irrigation lines, specifically for preventing the clogging of pipelines/drippers and distribution of pathogens through the irrigation system. The biofilm monitor developed by KWR will be used for researching the effect of disinfection and biocidal agents on biofilm removal, simulating conditions as they occur in a real crop situation. This will take into account, among other things, flow rate, downtime and temperature. It is set up at Wageningen University in Bleiswijk, and was unveiled at WaterEvent 2018 on 4 October.

by Chris Thomas | Oct 11, 2018 | Media - News |

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