A colleague conducting research with microbiology facilities
A colleague conducting research with microbiology facilities

MicroSafe: Safe Climate-Resilient Engineered Water Systems

Duration
March 2026 until now
Project member(s)
Prof. L.A.M.P. van Niftrik (Laura) Dr R.S. Jansen (Robert) , Emile Sylvestre (TUDelft) , Paul van der Wielen (KWR) , Welington Araújo (University of São Paulo, Brazil)
Project type
Research

MicroSafe commits to making water systems safer by controlling the growth of pathogenic microbes like Legionella in cooling towers and irrigation systems. As cities expand and climates shift, preventing emissions of contaminated aerosols by these systems is crucial to protect vulnerable populations. 

We monitor real systems to understand how water conditions and microbial communities drive pathogen spread. These data enable early warning tools and new treatment strategies that use beneficial microbes to suppress pathogens. By integrating microbiome research with innovative monitoring and risk assessment, MicroSafe commits to reducing disease risks with proactive water safety management in the Netherlands and Brazil.

Funding

The MicroSafe project is funded through the Merian Fund call “Extreme heat and water events.” This call promotes international research that develops innovative and practical solutions to the health impacts of climate change. In total, MicroSafe receives €700,000 from NWO and 4,000,000 Brazilian reais from FAPESP.
 

Contact information