Utrecht University has found 170 locations with abnormal PFAS concentrations in Dutch surface water. This is evident from an exploration commissioned by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT). The ILT tracks down companies responsible for PFAS pollution to take appropriate measures.
PFAS are harmful substances found throughout the environment and unfortunately barely degrade. Guido van der Meij is the PFAS project leader at the ILT: “Because PFAS are present in many products and can be dangerous, the ILT monitors the use of these substances. We asked Utrecht University to research PFAS in surface water because we want to know where PFAS anomalies originate. We track down these polluting sources and address them. Of course, we prefer that companies are aware of their contribution to pollution and take steps to prevent emissions.”
Research into PFAS Sources
Utrecht University took a first step towards identifying PFAS sources. For this exploration, measurement data from Rijkswaterstaat on concentrations in the Rhine and Meuse and data from Dutch water boards on regional and inland waters between approximately 2018 and 2023 were used. The data was searched for abnormal concentrations in an attempt to locate local sources.
The analysis shows approximately 170 locations with abnormal concentrations. This suggests that there is or has been a PFAS source nearby these locations.
According to PFAS researcher Chiel Jonker from Utrecht University, it has been a challenging exercise because PFAS are used in so many different processes and products. “Some cases of increased concentrations in the major rivers and inland waters could be linked to companies known to discharge PFAS. But in many other cases, it was difficult to identify a specific source, and suggestions for potential sources were made. Because the research was based on limited available data up to 2023, the current research should mainly be seen as a step towards extensive follow-up research into PFAS sources in the Netherlands.”
Further Research in 2025
Companies using PFAS can expect targeted inspections. The ILT will continue research into PFAS sources this year based on more current data, in collaboration with Rijkswaterstaat, water boards, and environmental services. In this way, appropriate measures will be taken at the responsible companies. Additionally, the ILT wants to encourage companies to responsibly switch to fully PFAS-free firefighting foam in a timely manner.
PFAS in Sight
The ILT aims to expose the environment to less PFAS. With the help of the exploration from Utrecht University, the inspectorate and other competent authorities gain insight into where within the Netherlands PFAS are applied, used, discharged, and emitted.