Project background:
In 2023, 75 billion kg of manure was produced in the Netherlands, with 84% originating from the 3.85 million cows in the country. The total phosphorus (P) content in this manure amounted to 73.4 million kg. Due to nutrient surpluses, 30 million kg of phosphorus was exported to other countries.
At Wetsus, phosphorus removal from animal manure through anaerobic digestion is already a well-established process. However, until now, experimental setups have relied on manure from a single farm, despite chemical and physical analyses indicating variation in manure composition across different farms.
The project will explore the composition and characteristics of manure from different dairy farms, looking into key parameters important for resource recovery. The main focus is identifying manure best suited for calcium phosphate (CaP) recovery with the help of anaerobic digestion but other resource recovery possibilities will be considered.
Candidate profile:
- MSc or BSc student with a background in water technology, environmental engineering, agricultural engineering or related field
- Enrolment in an EU university, for non-EU residents, enrollment in a Dutch university is obligatory
- Practical laboratory experience is desired
- Curiosity, proactiveness
Tasks:
- Sample collection at different farms across north Netherlands (driver’s license is preferred)
- Performing and preparing a broad variety of lab analyses
- Preparing and evaluating a series of batch tests
- Help designing novel processes
Benefits:
- Developing practical lab skills
- Opportunity to be a part of a project helping improve agricultural circularity and resource recovery
- First-hand experience getting to know dairy farm operations
