The chemical character of organic carbon in Swedish surface waters – is it changing and why? (Bachelor/Master)

Last changed: 07 September 2023

This project will use a decades of long-term surface water monitoring data from hundreds of sites across Sweden to determine whether the chemical properties of dissolved organic carbon have been changing and the eventual causes of those changes.

Organic carbon is a key constituent of Swedish surface waters. Brownification –increases in the amount of this carbon in surface waters across Sweden and the Northern hemisphere has attracted considerable international scientific attention. Changes in the chemical character of this carbon have received less attention, despite the profound importance of this chemistry for aquatic ecosystems. Two key features of this carbon, its absorbance (the ability to absorb light) and its acidity (the degree of dissociation of acid functional groups) are critical to the ecosystem. This project will use 25 years of national water chemistry monitoring (regular observations from hundreds of stations across Sweden) to determine the degree to which these key constituents have changed, and the drivers of any such changes (e.g. climatic drivers).

Facts:

  • Main subject area: Environmental Science
  • Level and length: basic level (Bachelor, 15 hp / 10 weeks) or advanced level (Master, 30 hp / 20 weeks or 60 hp / 40 weeks)
  • Language: Swedish or English (for Master)