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Flows and Pollution

Interdisciplinary research

Voullelite, södra Lapland
Voullelite, part of Ångermanälven in the north of Sweden. Photographer: Monica Westman

Since the inception of the interdisciplinary TEMA Department, researchers at LiU have specialised in studying biological, chemical and physical processes and cycles – from the molecular to the global scale.

Human beings contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases, but greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide also come from lakes, running water and ponds. Until now, this is a contribution that has not been taken into account in the calculations. New techniques are now being tested in order to obtain more reliable estimates that give us a better understanding of how both natural processes and human activities affect the climate. 

The flows and interactions of various chemicals is another important area for research, especially in the light of concerns about the increasing impact of chemicals on humans and the environment. For example, new discoveries about the substance chlorine and its cycle through plants, soil and water is of major significance to the future storage of nuclear waste. 

Research is also being conducted into the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea and how environmental toxins are being dispersed in the Third World.

Research

Virtual Worlds: digital technologies in climate and biodiversity governance

Virtual Worlds explores the role of digital technologies in managing climate change and biodiversity loss. The program reviews how technology can improve environmental governance and include local knowledge for sustainable development.
soccer game.

Sustainable football pitches

In this project, we focus on the environmental impact of both artificial and natural grass pitches, as well as their energy usage throughout their life cycle.

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.

News

Lake with many islands, drone photage.

Lakes worldwide emit less methane than believed

Lakes emit globally approximately 42 million tonnes of the greenhouse gas methane each year, according to a new study from NASA and LiU. This is less than previously believed, but even so, lakes are one of the largest natural sources of methane.
Northern lake

Higher day-time methane emissions from northern lakes

Methane fluxes from lakes are higher during the day than the night, according to a study conducted by LiU researchers. Consequently, the contribution of northern lakes to global methane emissions is 15 per cent lower than previously estimated.
Methane

Make your own greenhouse gas logger

Researchers at Department of Thematic Studies, Environmental Change have developed a simple logger for greenhouse gas flows. It is built using inexpensive parts, and provides data on levels of methane, carbon dioxide, temperature and humidity.

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