Substance Flows and Pollution

Small bottles in a lab environment
Photographer: Ingrid Leo

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.

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 projects

Two paper bags with groceries

Exposure of halogenated organic compounds via food

The project maps how halogenated organic compounds, naturally occurring yet sometimes harmful, spread through food. The aim is to understand the extent of exposure and potential health effects.

Dirt pile and backhoe

Managing PFAS-Contaminated Soil Sustainably - Co-Creating a Comprehensive Decision Support Tool

The project is developing a cost-effective tool for measuring PFAS concentrations in soil. The aim is to promote sustainable land use through improved decision support, standardised methods, and guidance for professionals working in planning.

hyperspectral imaging

Reliable validation of greenhouse gas models and assessments

The project develops new methods to improve the validation of greenhouse gas models and assessments. The focus is on creating cost-effective, mobile, and high-resolution methods for measuring greenhouse gas fluxes and land use.

Researchers and contact

Organisation