Environmental contaminants

NIVA works with contaminants in all areas of aquatic ecosystems.

"The use and emissions of environmental contaminants comprise a serious and long-term threat to the environment and the health of future generations. The Government's goal is to ensure the continual reduction of the use and discharges of substances that threaten our health and environment and to halt such emissions by 2020."

Ministry of the Environment

Research on environmental contaminants is one of NIVA's main areas of work. We have performed nationwide monitoring of aquatic environments for decades and have accumulated long-term series of environmental data.

NIVA scientists are experts in how contaminants behave in water, sediments and food chains with fluctuations and changes in the environment, e.g. climate change.

NIVA activities include:

  • charting concentrations of contaminants and classifying environmental conditions
  • studying and modelling ways in which contaminants are dispersed in the environment
  • developing methods of analysis and measuring devices for contaminants
  • testing the effects of contaminants on cells, individuals and populations
  • evaluating the consequences of discharges to freshwater and marine environments
  • developing and testing technology for removing contaminants in seepage water from refuse facillities, industrial effluents and pollution from mines
  • developing techniques and decision-making tools to aid in the implementation of measures against polluted sediments

A developing research field

Research on contaminants is developing continually due to the increasing number of types and quantities of chemicals that are used every day.

National and international supplier of expertise

NIVA provides research-based knowledge to business and industry as well as to the public sector.

We participate in international monitoring programmes and supply expertise internationally, often for use in agreements, conventions and directives. Examples are: The Stockholm Convention, REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical Substances), CEMP (Co-ordinated Environmental Monitoring Programme) and the EU Water Framework Directive.

Contact:

Morten Thorne Schaanning, research manager, Contaminants in marine environments
Dominique Durand, research manager, Oceanography and remote sensing
Thorjørn Larssen, research manager, Contaminants in freshwater environments
Helge Liltved, research manager, Water supply and sanitation technology
Kristin MacBeath, research manager, Chemical analysis
Kevin Thomas, research manager, Ecotoxicology





Last updated 16.03.2012
Gaustadalléen 21
NO-0349 Oslo
Tlf.: 02348/(+47) 22 18 51 00
Fax: (+47)22 18 52 00
niva@niva.no

Org. nr: 855869942

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Max Lotternes