Research firm Deltares conducts source research dinoterb

Research firm Deltares conducts research into possible sources of dinoterb in surface water. Deltares is an independent applied knowledge institute in the field of water, subsoil and infrastructure. The agency is investigating what possible explanations there may be for the recently found elevated values of dinoterb and where exactly the contaminations come from. It is as yet unclear how, when and where dinoterb entered surface waters. No direction or explanation is ruled out in advance.

The source research consists of the following components:

• Literature research on the substance and measuring the substance
• Interviews with stakeholders and experts
• Data analysis
• The use and possible dispersal routes of dinoterb (how can it get into surface water? Via air, water, sediment or otherwise).

A report with preliminary conclusions is expected in September. The report will also contain a recommendation for follow-up research. This mainly involves sampling to test and, if necessary, adjust the preliminary conclusions. Taking water and sediment samples does not make sense until the report with preliminary conclusions is ready, because a hypothesis is needed for targeted sampling. For example, if the source investigation shows that the elevated values are due to soil disturbance, then different samples should be taken than if it is "free" in the surface water or if recent contamination is considered the cause.