Background and aim of the research:
Paddehavet is a small, shallow (max. 15m deep) basin, surrounded by many small islands in the northeastern part of Bunnefjorden, inner Oslofjord. Due to its enclosed nature, intense use as a port area for small boats and related pollution sources, the basin has had severe oxygen problems for decades.
Recently, pumping experiments have been carried out to increase the basin’s oxygen concentration in the water column and especially in the sediments. The aim is to achieve oxygen conditions that allow recolonization of the sea bottom. To evaluate what remediation measures would be necessary to improve the oxygen conditions and thus, the environmental status of the basin, it is essential to have some knowledge of the natural status/reference conditions in the area.
The objectives of the present master thesis project will be to determine the temporal development of the oxygen development in Paddehavet over the last hundred years and to assess the natural status (reference conditions) of the area. Based on sediment organic carbon- and trace metal concentrations, sediment accumulation rates, and micropaleontological analyses of dated sediment cores, the local pollution history of the last century will be determined. The proposed master's thesis will be of interest to the local municipality and collaboration partners at NIVA.
Research methodologies:
The study will be based on the analyses of sediment cores from Paddehavet. The project will focus on the student’s analyses of organic carbon, contaminants and fossil benthic foraminiferal assemblages of dated sediment cores.
Learning outcomes:
The master's student will be involved in marine fieldwork and laboratory work. The student is asked to produce her/his data and to describe and summarize the results scientifically. The student should be able to determine local ecological status changes over time, define reference conditions, and link and compare the results with existing studies of the area.
The project is suitable for students with a geological or biological background and an interest in the marine environment. We are very happy to adapt project ideas to individual interests or wishes.