MSc Thesis Project: Tracking Plastic Pollution in Rotterdam waters

Plastic pellets, also known as nurdle, are rapidly becoming one of the most pressing and under-addressed forms of microplastic pollution in our waterways. Recent international reports estimate that up to 10 trillion nurdles enter the ocean each year, contaminating coastlines, harming wildlife, and threatening ecosystems around the world.

As an intern, you will contribute to this growing body of research by investigating how nurdles travel through aquatic system, where they originate, how they disperse, and where they accumulate. Your findings will help fill critical data gaps and support environmental management strategies aimed at mitigating this invisible yet pervasive threat.

This is more than just a research project. It’s a chance to be part of a global movement tackling plastic pollution at its source. If you're passionate about environmental science, water quality, or ecological resilience, we invite you to join us in making a tangible impact.

Wat ga je doen?

Objective

In this internship, you’ll take the lead in mapping, the origin and spread of nurdles within our port area. Using advanced flow modeling and particle tracking tools like Ocean Parcels, you’ll explore the dynamics of how these pellets travel, accumulate, and impact the environment. Your research will directly inform monitoring strategies and policy recommendations, making your work not just relevant, but impactful.

What makes this project truly exciting is its flexibility: you’ll have the opportunity to shape the direction of the research based on your own interests and expertise. Whether you're passionate about data analysis, environmental modeling, or policy development, this internship offers a meaningful way to contribute to cleaner waters and smarter environmental management.

Wat bieden we jou?

What do we offer?

• This internship provides the opportunity to work on a socially relevant and scientifically engaging project, guided by experts in water quality and environmental modeling
• You’ll be part of a team that values curiosity, initiative, and impact
• Your research will contribute directly to real-world policy and practice in the Port of Rotterdam, one of Europe’s most dynamic and complex aquatic environments.
• There is room to explore your academic interests in depth
• An internship for the period of six months (the exact period is negotiable)
• A flexible workplace in our head office on the Wilhelminakade with a beautiful view over Rotterdam
• A behind-the-scenes look at the smartest port in the world
• Opportunities to develop yourself through our internal learning platform Port Academy
• Fun outings through our YoungPOR group which organises events, workshops, drinks and other activities that contribute to an internal and external port network in an informal way. YoungPOR focuses mainly on the group of colleagues up to 35 years old, but everyone is welcome.

Afdelingsinformatie

This project is a joint effort between the Asset Management and Environmental Management departments of the Port of Rotterdam Authority.

Asset Management focuses on maintaining and optimizing the port’s extensive infrastructure using smart technologies, data, and innovation to ensure safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Environmental Management works on key themes such as spatial development, climate, circular economy, and accessibility—contributing to a healthier living environment and a future-proof port. Together, these departments combine technical excellence with strategic environmental planning to shape the port of tomorrow.

Wat vragen wij van jou?

Who are we looking for?

• We’re looking for an enthusiastic MSc student from a relevant field such as Hydraulic Engineering, Water Management, Hydrology, Climate Physics, Environmental Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• You should be comfortable working with Python, particularly for particle tracking tools like Ocean Parcels or similar software.
• A basic understanding of flow models and hydrodynamics is a plus and will help you get the most out of the project.

The competences you will develop for a successful start in this role:

Organisational sensitivity: As an intern, you will adopt an organisational sensitivity attitude. This means that you recognise the impact of your own decisions or activities on other parts of the organisation. You ensure pleasant cooperation and oversee the consequences and know how to adjust where necessary.

You show interest in others: You are not afraid to approach unfamiliar people and you move around effortlessly in company. You get on well with different types of people and make contact in a way that others find pleasant.

Collaboration: You are a team player and can work well with others. You are open to the opinions and insights of others and take them seriously. You keep appointments and show interest in others. This helps you, in interaction with others, to contribute effectively to a common goal.

An integrity test and online screening are part of the selection procedure. Valicare carries out this screening on behalf of the Port Authority.