Environmental Challenge – Substance flows and pollution

Many of the chemicals that we often use are toxic to humans and ecosystems or cause environmental problems in other ways. Within this environmental challenge fits research on pollutants, on substances that affect ecosystems in other ways, and greenhouse gases from both natural habitats and society.

Small bottles in a lab environment — Photographer: Ingrid Leo

We focus on various chemicals that cause problems. Many of the chemicals that we often use every day are toxic to humans and ecosystems. Other substances, such as nutrients and greenhouse gases, are not exactly toxic but can cause major environmental problems in other ways.

Concerns about the large amount of substances that society disseminates and their impact on the environment requires better analytical methods and strengthened monitoring and control, as well as further knowledge about their flows and interaction with organisms. It is also vital to study substances’ natural cycles to understand and prevent environmental problems. Substance emissions are difficult to evaluate on a large scale and methodological development is therefore important.

We also study the biological, chemical and physical processes and cycles. Our research ranges from the molecular to the global scale, and aims to identify the mechanisms that drive biogeochemical cycles and their effects in time and space. We want to create new knowledge that can lead to effective measures.

Research project

Towards a comprehensive understanding of transport of energy and greenhouse gases in lacustrine ecosystems (GHG-LAKE)

In this project, researchers from four countries collaborate to develop measurement methods and models in order to better measure greenhouse gas emissions form lakes, rivers and ponds. This area of knowledge is incomplete.

A camera for visualizing methane sources

The greenhouse gas methane is more powerful than carbon dioxide and has large effects on the climate. It is not clear where all methane emissions occur and how big they are. This could be changed with a sensitive infra red camera.

The behavior of radioactive chlorine in soils

Radioactive chlorine is part of the waste from nuclear power plants. It has a long half-life of 300 000 years, is highly mobile and bioavailable. In cooperation with e.g. French Nuclear Safety Authority, we examine the chlorine cycling in nature.

Researchers and contact

Contact

Researchers in the field

David Bastviken

Professor

Åsa Danielsson

Senior Associate Professor

Professor, Head of Unit

Teresia Svensson

Deputy Head of Department, Associate Professor, Docent

Organisation

Bilden visar stenar i vatten. Picture shows water

Environmental Change (TEMAM)

Almost all nature bears traces of human activity. Its condition is strongly linked to social development. This creates a need for scientific breadth and problem-solving skills. Education and research at Environmental Change respond to this challenge.

Drone image of the Tema building at Campus Valla

Department of Thematic Studies (TEMA)

In an increasingly complicated world, there is a need for researchers that can handle both breadth and depth, and can collaborate across disciplinary borders. Major societal questions are studied from an interdisciplinary perspective at TEMA.

Studenthuset on Campus Valla in Linköping

About LiU

Linköping University, LiU, offers innovative education and boundary-crossing research. The students are among the most desirable in the labour market and international rankings consistently place LiU as a leading global university.

Environmental challenge — Substance flows and pollution

Research project