Nikki van Bel PhD

Nikki van Bel is a medior scientific researcher in the field of microbiological water quality and health, with over 10 years of experience in microbiology. The aim of her research is to generate and monitor safe and reliable water quality. In doing so, the research focuses on: (1) Counteracting the growth of opportunistic pathogens such as Legionella pneumophila and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in water systems. (2) Determining virus removal from water during drinking water production to make safe drinking water. Due to the low concentration of pathogenic viruses in raw water for drinking water production, virus removal cannot be properly demonstrated. To this end, Nikki identifies, characterises and tests indicator viruses, which are present in high concentrations. This reveals how they can best be applied to ensure the safety of drinking water. (3) Testing, validation and application of rapid microbiological sensors in order to use them in practice in addition to classical microbiological methods, such as culture. She also looks at the possibilities of applying sensors to ensure the quality of e.g. drinking water (production), bathing water and industrial water. This sheds light on when microbiological sensors are of added benefit and when they are not. Nikki regularly presents her research at international conferences and clients. She collaborates with partners inside and outside KWR, in The Netherlands and abroad, in order to find answers to research questions and problems.
Key projects:
Opportunistic pathogens
Effect of temperature on the growth of opportunistic pathogens – KWR (kwrwater.nl)
https://www.tkiwatertechnologie.nl/projecten/betrouwbare-detectie-en-beheersing-van-legionella-pneumophila-in-afvalwater/
Viruses
AMVD research – KWR (kwrwater.nl)
Sensors:
Fast alternative for the heterotrophic plate count at 22°C (HPC22) following interventions in the drinking water distribution system – KWR (kwrwater.nl)
Rapid detection of faecal pollution in bathing water – KWR (kwrwater.nl)
https://www.tkiwatertechnologie.nl/projecten/microbiologische-waterkwaliteit-snel-in-beeld/