All our environmental pollution by contaminants reaches the sea at one point or the other. Today we consider this as a problem, since we know they can harm the marine environment and the ecosystem services it provides. The Baltic Sea is particularly sensitive to pollution since the area is enclosed and lack mixing which prevents dilution. That is why the Baltic Sea is considered one of the most polluted areas in the world.
At the Baltic Sea Centre we calculate the distribution patterns of toxins in a model, gather knowledge on the effects of pollution on the ecosystem and try to map sources of microplastics.
Research area goals:
Increase knowledge about the supply and levels of hazardous substances and plastics and their effects on the ecosystem by:
- Mapping sources and transport routes for pollutants that are discharged into or transported into the catchment area, taking into account the effects of climate change and eutrophication
- Developing a basis on how to prioritize measures to reduce the effects of hazardous substances in the sea
- Identifying deficiencies in decision making and implementation of legislation related to chemicals
Läs om detta på svenska