Photo of Teresia Svensson

Teresia Svensson

Deputy Head of Department, Associate Professor, Docent

My research explores the occurrence and cycling of halogenated compounds in nature and society. I also a strong commitment to advancing quality in higher education.

Rethinking halogens in nature and society

My research examines the complex role of halogenated compounds in ecosystems and society.

Our work shows that chlorine is not only an industrial contaminant but also a fundamental part of biogeochemical cycles, particularly through natural chlorination in soils—challenging long‑held assumptions.

Organohalogen compounds are widely known for their toxicity, persistence, and historical association with industrial pollution, yet many are also produced naturally in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Despite their broad distribution and potential implications for human health, we still know surprisingly little about how these compounds move through the environment and ultimately enter the food we consume.

Quality in higher education

I have a strong commitment to advancing quality in higher education. My work focuses on PBL, information literacy, interdisciplinary learning, student empowerment, and strengthening educational quality through student‑centred and active learning approaches.

Publications

2023

Teresia Svensson, Anders Löfgren, Peter Saetre, Ulrik Kautsky, David Bastviken (2023) Chlorine Distribution in Soil and Vegetation in Boreal Habitats along a Moisture Gradient from Upland Forest to Lake Margin Wetlands Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 57, p. 11067-11074 (Article in journal) Continue to DOI

2022

Teresia Svensson, Yves Thiry, Bueno Maïté, Yvonne Oelmann (2022) Halogens in soil Elsevier Reference Collection in Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences (Chapter in book) Continue to DOI
Teresia Svensson, Julie Wilk, Kajsa Gustafsson Åman (2022) Information literacy skills and learning gaps: Students' experiences and teachers' perceptions in interdisciplinary environmental science The journal of academic librarianship, Vol. 48, Article 102465 (Article in journal) Continue to DOI
Teresia Svensson, Paul-Olivier Redon, Yves Thiry, Malin Montelius, David Bastviken (2022) Chlorination of soil organic matter: The role of humus type and land use Science of the Total Environment, Vol. 806p2, Article 150478 (Article in journal) Continue to DOI

2021

Teresia Svensson, David Bastviken, Anders Löfgren (2021) Cl distribution in different terrestrial habitats along hill slope gradients in Forsmark

Research

News

CV

CV 

  • 2017
    Docent 
  • 2010-2011
    Post doc University of British Columbia, Water Air and Soil Laboratory at Faculty of Land and Food Systems and Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability (IRES), Vancouver, Canada
  • 2006
    Guest researcher at Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies (Former Institute of Ecosystem Studies (IES), USA 
  • 2006
    Lecturer
    Department of Thematic studies/Environmental Change, Linköping University
  • 2006 
    Ph.D Biogeochemistry
    Department of Thematic studies - Water and Environmental Studies, Linköping University, Thesis title: Chlorine transport in a small catchment

 

Mission

  • 2019-
    Programme director of the bachelor’s programme in Environmental Science, Linköping University

  • 2011-2018
    Programme director of the MSc program Science for Sustainable development, Linköping University, (2011-). This MSc program was in 2013 top-ranked by the Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ) and got the highest grade.


 

Teaching

  • Course responsibility for 20 courses in environmental science the last 8 years on both BSc and MSc level (ranging from 7.5-30 ECTS credits with 20-70 students per course).

Environmental Change