Research agency Deltares conducts source research on dinoterb

Research agency Deltares is investigating possible sources of dinoterb in surface water. Deltares is an independent applied knowledge institute in the field of water, subsurface, and infrastructure. The agency is investigating possible explanations for the recently detected elevated levels of dinoterb and the exact source of the contamination. It is not yet clear how, when, and where dinoterb entered the surface water. No direction or explanation is being ruled out at this stage.

The source research consists of the following components:

• Literature review on the substance and measuring the substance
• Interviews with stakeholders and experts
• Data analysis
• The use and possible routes of distribution of dinoterb (how can it end up in surface water? Via the air, water, sediment, or other means).

A report with preliminary conclusions is expected in September. The report will also contain recommendations for follow-up research. This mainly concerns sampling to test the preliminary conclusions and adjust them if necessary. Taking water and waterbed samples only makes sense once the report with preliminary conclusions is ready, because a hypothesis is needed in order to carry out targeted sampling. If, for example, the source investigation shows that the elevated values are the result of soil disturbance, then different samples must be taken than if the substance occurs 'freely' in the surface water or if recent pollution is seen as the cause.