In the Doetinchem area, two decentralized water cycle system innovations have been implemented by Nijhuis Saur Industries. Ultimately, we want to develop new local solutions to address increasing societal water challenges due to climate change and expected demographic developments. The innovations aim to gain experience with local circular water systems and to collect data for optimising and scaling up the implemented systems for future projects

One of these innovations is in the new, highly sustainable neighborhood of Heuvelstraat in the Dutch village Silvolde for 13 houses. Drinking water is produced on neighborhood level from rainwater collected from roofs, with nanofiltration and UV as key barriers for contaminants. Collected sewage water is purified on neighborhood level with a membrane bioreactor, activated carbon and UV, and the purified water will be infiltrated into the soil.

The second innovation is located at the Zone college, a school in Doetinchem. Here, wastewater from the school is treated by a moving bed biofilm reactor, ultrafiltration and UV and will be used for toilet flushing

Your goal 

The goal of this internship is to monitor and evaluate the two innovations for performance on water quality and energy usage. The assignment will comprise gathering and evaluating data on the systems.  Data will come from various sources; own laboratory analyses, external laboratory analyses, and on-line monitoring. Evaluation of data will also allow you to discover optimisations of the systems. Giving support to our operating engineers will allow you to get a deep insight into the technologies used.

Who are you?

• Enrolled in a Dutch BSc or MSc Chemical, (Bio) Process, Civil or Environmental Engineering study.

• Available for an internship for a minimal period of 4 months.  

• Flexible and independent.

• Curious and analytical.

• Professional command of the English language in words and writing. 

Working for us means

• An internship allowance of € 350,- per month based on full-time employment.

• Possibility of a contract after your graduation.

• A buddy who will show you around in our organization.

• Reimbursement of travel expenses of €0.23 cents per km up to a maximum of 75 km if you live further than 10 km from our office and do not have an Ov-card.

• Learn from knowledgeable and dedicated people.

• Create impact and contribute to critical water challenges.

• Become part of an inclusive and collaborative culture.

• Contribute to sustainability.

Join our #missionwater