Chemradar: high-risk contaminants on the radar?

More substances of more different types

The production of chemical compounds has been growing in size and diversity for decades. During their use and emission, these substances and particles can enter and alter the environment, which means that their behaviour in the water chain and the possible risks for humans and nature are difficult to predict. Many of these substances are not actively monitored. In addition, the impact on the water chain of the substances that are monitored is often still unclear.

Structured scanning

This project identifies and prioritises emerging chemical threats to water quality in line with previous Waterwijs research. It also scans new sources of information and methods. These activities are incorporated in a workflow to extract the information, depending on the research question, in a structured way and to seek relevant additional information.

Ultimately then, the project will deliver not only knowledge about currently relevant substances but also an understanding of how this continuous stream of information about use, permit procedures and emissions can be systematically addressed in order to keep relevant substances on the radar of drinking water utilities.

Image 1: Chemradar workflow

On the radar

The aim of the research is to develop a structured approach in order to establish a timely picture of new, relevant substances and an initial appraisal of their relevance. The approach provides information for monitoring and also for predicting future emissions and identifying substances or activities that result in emissions for consideration by the competent authority.

Image 2: Chemradar, radar for high-risk substances in water