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

visualization of greenhouse gases in wastewater treatment plants

Unexpected greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment

New technology reveals hidden greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment plants. The research shows 90% of emissions are missed in standard measurements. This project aims to identify effective ways to reduce emissions.

rippling water in a forest environment

Sources and fates of methane and carbon dioxide in water discharge areas

This research explores how methane from radioactive waste moves through groundwater and whether it reaches the atmosphere or converts to carbon dioxide—key knowledge for risk assessment.

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