eDNA

ALGECO (Cost-effective algae technology to promote circular economy development of Norwegian wastewater treatment plants) provides a scientific blueprint for a new paradigm of bioeconomy for Norwegian wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). We aim to transform municipal treated wastewater from waste into algae-based products by developing and implementing innovative, cost-effective and viable algae technologies.

The overarching goal of OOMYCOAST is to identify and characterise the diversity of oomycetes associated with three ecologically important species of rockweed in the intertidal and upper subtidal along the Norwegian coast: bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus), serrated wrack (Fucus serratus) and knotted wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum).

Detection of environmental DNA from marine invasive species can be done using quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and droplet digital Polymerase Chain Reaction. Here we compare these two platforms for 17 very different organisms and show that ddPCR provides higher precision and can reduce sample analysis time.

eDNAqua-Plan is a European consortium project that focuses on the development of a digital ecosystem for reference libraries and data management of eDNA data from aquatic environments. 

Using species-specific detection of environmental DNA (abbreviated as ‘eDNA’), we report here on findings in Danish waters of non-indigenous marine species for the period 2017 to 2023.

NIVA leads the task “Climate and environmental interactions” and will evaluate effects of industrial kelp cultivation on marine ecosystems and assess interactions between cultivated and natural seaweeds.

This Horizon EU project will identify and develop innovative tools to monitor, map and describe marine organisms, from microbes to mammals and coastal vegetation, across different habitat types in European coastal and marine waters. OBAMA-NEXT will support sustainable marine conservation strategies and policies. Existing and emerging technologies are studied, including satellites, drones, ROVs, drop-video, acoustics, eDNA, and Citizen Sciences.

Can new filter types provide better results in environmental DNA monitoring? In the SAFIPO project, researchers are investigating whether alternative filters and pore sizes can contribute to better monitoring of environmental DNA.

NIVA leads the task “Monitoring and assessing environmental interactions”, and will evaluate the ecosystem effects of large-scale offshore seaweed farming.

The section covers all aspects of environmental hazards and risk assessments of chemicals. We are continuously developing new systems and improving existing methods, to better assess the effects of chemical substances in both freshwater and marine environments. 

NIVA's sections on Freshwater Ecology have expertise in the monitoring and restoration of freshwater ecosystems and their biodiversity. We develop knowledge and understanding that provide a basis for applied, evidence-based freshwater management. 

The section contributes to increased understanding of how marine ecosystems are affected by human activities and how they should be managed. We are commissioned and cooperate with the public administration on the development of mapping and monitoring methods and tools for classifying environmental status in coastal areas.