The general quality of Doubs is good to very good compared to the majority of Swiss lowland rivers. It is however degraded by very low but significant concentrations of certain insecticides.
The micropollutants in the Doubs at St-Ursanne (JU) were continuously analyzed for two months by the Federal Institute for Water Science and Technology (Eawag). In addition, samples were also taken at the Ocourt station (JU), explains the canton of Jura. The study only relates to the Jurassic part of the Doubs.
Identify possible sources of these substances
No exceedance of either the requirements of the Federal Ordinance on the protection of water or the quality criteria was detected in the measurements carried out at St-Ursanne. On the other hand, the samples taken at Ocourt showed concentrations of insecticides (pyrethroids).
Jurassic authorities, in collaboration with the canton of Neuchâtel and the French partners bordering the Doubs, will study the follow-up to be given to the study. The identification of the possible sources of these substances will be the prerequisite for measures to slow or limit their diffusion in the Doubs, a river unique in Switzerland by its karst nature, its biodiversity and the presence of rare species.
(ATS / Le Matin)
Created: 19.05.2020, 09h42
–
