HHNK concludes: no dinoterb in surface water
HHNK and Waterproef stop measuring dinoterb.After new investigations, commissioned by HHNK and water board laboratory Waterproef, HHNK concludes that there is no dinoterb in the surface water. Despite the fact that the method of measurement is correct and all accreditation rules for laboratories are met, research shows that with the current measurement method dinoterb cannot always be reliably measured. HHNK therefore stops measuring dinoterb and also withdraws all reported dinoterb readings for the period 2020-present.
Deepening research Deltares
The independent study conducted by Deltares shows that Waterproef performs the analysis of plant protection products (GBM) according to the applicable standards and accreditation requirements. Deltares concludes that at Waterproef dinoterb measurements are occasionally affected by false positive measurements. This means that the measurement indicates that dinoterb is present, while in reality this need not be the case. In all likelihood, this is caused by the materials used, such as glassware, during sampling and/or analysis. The actual source cannot be determined, despite in-depth research. Deltares' research shows that a substance like dinoterb is very difficult to measure. Especially when measured in combination with other substances. HHNK monitors more than 200 crop protection agents. Follow-up research into whether the findings also apply to other crop protection agents shows that this is unique to dinoterb.
Follow-up surveys dinoterb HHNK
The 2024 dinoterb source survey already showed that no single source or cause could be identified for dinoterb measurement data. There is no evidence that dinoterb is still in use. Dinoterb is a banned substance that was in use as a plant protection product until 1998. The in-depth research now conducted by Deltares is a follow-up to the source research dinoterb 2024. Following this report, HHNK also conducted two studies in the past year, as recommended in the source study. The results of these, no dinoterb has been found so far due to nal delivery from the water bottom or in wastewater, contribute to the decision to stop measuring dinoterb.
Stop measuring dinoterb
Waterproef and HHNK have therefore jointly decided to stop measuring dinoterb.
Jos Beemsterboer, high water board member and portfolio holder for water quality at HHNK: "There was a lot of social unrest about finding the substance at completely different locations, such as Het Zwanenwater and polder de Drieban. Dinoterb is one of the most extensively investigated substances. The results of multiple investigations show unequivocally that nowhere is dinoterb in the surface water. The results are clear and definitive. As far as we are concerned, this concludes the research into dinoterb. HHNK therefore stops measuring dinoterb and also removes all published dinoterb measurement data from 2020 onwards. We remain fully committed to improving water quality together."
Working on water quality
HHNK is working unabatedly hard to achieve the WFD goals, and is doing so together with other parties. Chemicals are everywhere in our living environment and end up in surface water in many different ways. Industry, agriculture, ministries and residents are also required to make their contribution. HHNK is committed to source control, preventing pollution and reducing substances in the water. Everything that does not end up in the water is profit for the water quality.
