Environmental Contaminants

We work with environmental toxins and microplastics in all parts of Norwegian nature; from land to sea, and how chemical substances are distributed in different organisms. NIVA's section for environmental toxins has pure research projects in addition to projects for the authorities and for private industry, especially for industrial enterprises. Our scientific expertise ranges from source tracing and dispersion assessments to studies of bioaccumulation and effects of pollutants. 

Our knowledge of where the pollutants come from, how they are spread and absorbed in the environment and in food chains, their effects and the ecological consequences of them, makes it possible to implement measures that mitigate their negative impacts on nature and people. 

We cooperate closely with industry, other research institutes, universities, and authorities. The methods we develop for field work, research include how to track sources, map environmental impact, monitor the state of the environment and assess the effects of pollution. 

Development of methods is a central part of NIVA's work with environmental toxins and microplastics. The methods we develop for field work, laboratories and reporting are used in environmental surveys and monitoring programmes, assessment of consequences and chemical condition according to the water regulations, identification of risk-reducing measures and development of action plans. 

Our geographical scope of work on environmental toxins and microplastics covers the whole of the Norway and the Nordic countries, the Arctic and Europe, in addition to research projects with laboratories all over the world. 

Our results are reported in NIVA reports, reports for the Norwegian Environment Agency and for business actors, in addition to publishing in scientific journals, presentations, lectures and popular science texts.