As part of The Dewatering Institute ‘s commitment towards knowledge sharing, TDI is developing a series of monthly interviews with industry leaders, and professionals from different parts of the world. One of the month’s editions features Niels Van Putte who will also be presenting ‘Real-time iFLUX sensors reveal rapidly changing groundwater flow dynamics in wetland ecosystems’ on the 13th of December 2023.
Can you tell us more about your work history and how you got into groundwater research?
My journey into groundwater research began with a background in biology, which piqued my interest in understanding how the natural world is intricately connected to various environmental factors. This fascination led me to pursue a Master’s degree in ecology and environment, during which I embarked on a master thesis project focused on tidal marsh restoration. It was during this thesis work that I realized the pivotal role played by groundwater dynamics in the development of these fragile ecosystems.
During my research, I met Goedele Verreydt, co-founder of iFLUX and the developer of the groundbreaking iFLUX technology. From this point, it was clear to me that there was immense potential in utilizing the iFLUX technology to enhance our understanding and management of ecosystems.
Building on this newfound insight, I decided to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Antwerp. My doctoral research focused on the incorporation of groundwater dynamics into tidal marsh restoration projects, with a specific aim to improve nutrient cycling within these ecosystems. The knowledge and expertise I gained during this time only reinforced my belief in the transformative power of iFLUX sensor technology in ecological research.
In 2023, I successfully completed my Ph.D. and took the next step in my career by joining iFLUX as a data scientist. In this role, I am dedicated to continuing the development of our sensor probes and ensuring that we extract the maximum insights from the data we collect. This journey has been a remarkable exploration of the nexus between ecology, technology, and environmental conservation, and I am excited to contribute to this field’s advancement through my work at iFLUX.
How do you see technology playing part in the industry in the future?
In my view, technology will play an increasingly vital role in our industry’s future. The advent of IoT sensors has opened up new horizons by granting us real-time insights into groundwater systems, a capability previously beyond our reach.
These technological advancements are revolutionizing our ability to comprehend and manage groundwater systems. With access to real-time data, I am sure that we can make well-informed, timely decisions that are paramount in safeguarding these invaluable resources and their associated ecosystem services. This empowers us to optimize our approach to groundwater management and conservation.
Looking forward, I envision a future where automatic management of groundwater systems based on real-time data becomes the standard practice. This could include automated control of pumps and other infrastructure, facilitating precise and efficient adjustments as conditions change.
Moreover, the integration of real-time data from IoT sensors into groundwater models, combined with other pertinent environmental parameters, holds great promise in my perspective. This integration enables us to develop predictive models that forecast how the groundwater system will react to various influences, including climate change and land use. By harnessing the power of technology in this manner, I believe we can make more accurate and proactive decisions to ensure the long-term sustainability of our groundwater resources.
What is your life motto?
Always keep improving!
