Academic interests
I have a broad experience in the fields of marine biology and (aquatic) ecotoxicology. My main field of research is the study of the disposition and effects of contaminants within marine food webs. The last five to ten years also in relation to climate change effects, both in Arctic and boreal areas. My experience includes work with plankton, benthic invertebrates, fish, birds and marine mammals. I also have extensive experience with large- and smaller scale bioaccumulation/distribution and effect studies involving experimental exposure systems for invertebrates and fish.
Courses taught
Background
My main employer is the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), where I work as a Senior Research Scientist.
Dr. scient in the field of marine biology/ecotoxicology
Publications
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Mcgovern, Maeve; Warner, Nicholas Alexander; Borgå, Katrine; Evenset, Anita; Carlsson, Pernilla Marianne & Skogsberg, Stina Linnea Emelie
[Show all 10 contributors for this article]
(2022).
Is Glacial Meltwater a Secondary Source of Legacy Contaminants to Arctic Coastal Food Webs?
Environmental Science and Technology.
ISSN 0013-936X.
doi:
10.1021/acs.est.1c07062.
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Schultze, Sabrina; Andersen, Tom; Hessen, Dag Olav; Ruus, Anders; Borgå, Katrine & Poste, Amanda
(2022).
Land-cover, climate and fjord morphology drive differences in organic matter and nutrient dynamics in two contrasting northern river-fjord systems.
Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science.
ISSN 0272-7714.
270.
doi:
10.1016/j.ecss.2022.107831.
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Mcgovern, Maeve; Borgå, Katrine; Heimstad, Eldbjørg Sofie; Ruus, Anders; Christensen, Guttorm & Evenset, Anita
(2022).
Small Arctic rivers transport legacy contaminants from thawing catchments to coastal areas in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard.
Environmental Pollution (1987).
ISSN 0269-7491.
304,
p. 1–7.
doi:
10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119191.
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Allan, Ian John; Vrana, Branislav; de Weert, Jasperien; Kringstad, Alfhild; Ruus, Anders & Christensen, Guttorm
[Show all 8 contributors for this article]
(2021).
Passive sampling and benchmarking to rank HOC levels in the aquatic environment.
Scientific Reports.
ISSN 2045-2322.
11.
doi:
10.1038/s41598-021-90457-3.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
The identification and prioritisation of water bodies presenting elevated levels of anthropogenic chemicals is a key aspect of environmental monitoring programmes. Albeit this is challenging owing to geographical scales, choice of indicator aquatic species used for chemical monitoring, and inherent need for an understanding of contaminant fate and distribution in the environment. Here, we propose an innovative methodology for identifying and ranking water bodies according to their levels of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) in water. This is based on a unique passive sampling dataset acquired over a 10-year period with silicone rubber exposures in surface water bodies across Europe. We show with these data that, far from point sources of contamination, levels of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and pentachlorobenzene (PeCB) in water approach equilibrium with atmospheric concentrations near the air/water surface. This results in a relatively constant ratio of their concentrations in the water phase. This, in turn, allows us to (i) identify sites of contamination with either of the two chemicals when the HCB/PeCB ratio deviates from theory and (ii) define benchmark levels of other HOCs in surface water against those of HCB and/or PeCB. For two polychlorinated biphenyls (congener 28 and 52) used as model chemicals, differences in contamination levels between the more contaminated and pristine sites are wider than differences in HCB and PeCB concentrations endorsing the benchmarking procedure.
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Eklo, Ole Martin; Boahene, Nana Yaa; Holth, Tor Fredrik; Klein, Michael; Dirven, Hubert & Engeset, Dagrun
[Show all 9 contributors for this article]
(2021).
Establishing the representativeness of available surface water scenarios for plant protection products in environmental risk assessment in Norway. Opinion of the Panel on Plant protection Products of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment .
VKM Report.
ISSN 2535-4019.
Full text in Research Archive
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Knudtzon, Nina C; Thorstensen, Helene; Ruus, Anders; Helberg, Morten; Bæk, Kine & Enge, Ellen Katrin
[Show all 7 contributors for this article]
(2021).
Maternal transfer and occurrence of siloxanes, chlorinated paraffins, metals, PFAS and legacy POPs in herring gulls (Larus argentatus) of different urban influence.
Environment International.
ISSN 0160-4120.
152.
doi:
10.1016/j.envint.2021.106478.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
Urban herring gulls (Larus argentatus) are exposed to contaminants from aquatic, terrestrial and anthropogenic sources. We aim to assess if differences in urbanisation affect ecological niche and contaminant concentrations in female herring gulls. Furthermore, we investigated maternal transfer from mothers to eggs for all the target compounds, including chlorinated paraffins (CPs) and cyclic volatile methyl siloxane (cVMSs), which to our knowledge have not been assessed in herring gulls previously. We compare concentrations of legacy and emerging contaminants and metals in blood and eggs between two herring gull colonies located 51 km apart, in the urban influenced Norwegian Oslofjord. While both colonies are within an urbanised area, the inner fjord is more so, as it is surrounded by Oslo, the capital and largest city in Norway Stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen indicated a more marine ecological niche in the outer than the inner fjord colony, although with overlap. Persistent organic pollutant (POP) concentrations were similar in the inner and outer fjord colonies, while the short-chained chlorinated paraffins (SCCP), which are recently added to the Stockholm convention and contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) varied, with higher concentrations of SCCP and the cVMS decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) in females and eggs of the inner fjord colony. Per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) concentrations were higher in the outer fjord colony, likely linked to releases from a point-source (airport and waste management facility with open access to food waste). In blood, chlorinated paraffins contributed most the total lipophilic contaminants (inner: 78%, outer: 56%), while polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were the most abundant lipophilic contaminants in eggs (inner: 62%, outer: 46%). Dechloranes and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) were detected in few samples. Maternal transfer, assessed by egg to blood ratios, of cVMSs were similar to the POPs with mean log ratio 0.39 (D5), while it was lower for SCCPs, with log ratios-0.77. Our results indicate comparable POP exposure of the herring gulls in the inner and outer Oslofjord, likely due to overlap in ecological niches between the colonies and wide distribution of POPs. The differences between the colonies in concentrations of PFAS, cVMS and CPs shows that point source exposures and urban influence may be more important than ecological niche for these compounds.
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Haarr, Ane; Mwakalapa, Eliezer B; Mmochi, Aviti J; Lyche, Jan L; Ruus, Anders & Othman, Halima
[Show all 8 contributors for this article]
(2021).
Seasonal rainfall affects occurrence of organohalogen contaminants in tropical marine fishes and prawns from Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Science of the Total Environment.
ISSN 0048-9697.
774.
doi:
10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145652.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
Seasonal differences in precipitation may affect contaminant dynamics in tropical coastal regions due to terrestrial runoff of contaminants to the marine environment after the rainy seasons. To assess the effect of seasonal rainfall on occurrence of organohalogen contaminants in a coastal ecosystem, marine fishes and prawns were collected off the coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania in January and August 2018, representing pre- and post-rainy season, respectively. Samples were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and emerging BFRs, as well as the dietary descriptors stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N). Across all species and seasons, mean contaminant concentrations ranged from below limit of detection (LOD) to 129 ng/g lipid weight (lw) ΣPCBs; 5.6–336 ng/g lw ΣOCPs; and < LOD –22.1 ng/g lw ΣPBDEs. Most of the emerging BFRs were below LOD. Contaminant concentrations generally increased with higher pelagic carbon signal (δ13C) and higher relative trophic position (δ15N). The ratio of DDE/ΣDDTs in fishes and prawns was lower in August than in January, suggesting runoff of non-degraded DDT into the marine system during or after the seasonal rainfall. Contaminant patterns of OCPs and PCBs, and concentrations of BFRs, differed between seasons in all species. A higher relative concentration-increase in lower halogenated, more mobile PCB and PBDE congeners, compared to higher halogenated congeners with lower mobility, between January and August aligns with a signal and effect of terrestrial runoff following the rainy season.
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Grung, Merete; Meland, Sondre; Ruus, Anders; Ranneklev, Sissel ; Fjeld, Eirik & Kringstad, Alfhild
[Show all 9 contributors for this article]
(2021).
Occurrence and trophic transport of organic compounds in
sedimentation ponds for road runoff.
Science of the Total Environment.
ISSN 0048-9697.
751.
doi:
10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141808.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
Sedimentation ponds have been shown to accumulate several groups of contaminants, most importantly polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) and metals. But also, other urban organic pollutants have shown to be present, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organophosphate compounds (OPCs) and benzothiazoles (BTs). This investigation aimed at determining the occurrence of these four groups of contaminants in sedimentation ponds and determine their transport from water/sediment to organisms. PACs, including alkylated PACs, PBDEs; OPCs and BTs were determined in water, sediment, plants, dragonfly larvae and fish from two sedimentation ponds and one reference site. Fish were analysed for PAC metabolites.
Overall, higher concentrations of all four pollutant groups were detected in water and sediment from sedimentation ponds compared to two natural lakes in rural environments (reference sites). The concentration difference was highest in sediments, and >20 higher concentration was measured in sedimentation ponds (3.6–4.4 ng/g ww) compared to reference (0.2 ng/g ww) for sum BDE6. For PACs and PBDEs a clear transport from water/sediment to organisms were observed. Fish were the highest trophic level organism (3.5–5) in our study, and all four pollutant groups were detected in fish. For PBDEs a trophic biomagnification (TMF) was found both in sedimentation ponds and reference, but higher concentrations in all matrices were measured in sedimentation ponds. TMF was not calculated for PACs since they are metabolised by vertebrates, but a transfer from water/sediment to organisms was seen. For BTs and OPCs, no consistent transfer to plants and dragonfly larvae could be seen. One OPC and two BTs were detected in fish, but only in fish from sedimentation ponds. It is therefore concluded that sedimentation ponds are hotspots for urban and traffic related contaminants, of which especially PACs and PBDEs are transferred to organisms living there.
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Ruus, Anders; Allan, Ian J; Bæk, Kine & Borgå, Katrine
(2021).
Partitioning of persistent hydrophobic contaminants to different storage lipid classes.
Chemosphere.
ISSN 0045-6535.
263.
doi:
10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127890.
Full text in Research Archive
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Lipids generally represent the major matrix contributing to the absorptive capacity for hydrophobic organic contaminants in aquatic ecosystems. The aim of the present study was to determine whether contaminants partition to a different degree to the different storage lipid classes: wax ester (WE) and triacylglycerol (TAG). This was undertaken by studying experimentally the partitioning of organochlorine compounds between lipids (WE or TAG) and silicone rubber phase. Our results indicate that hydrophobic compounds have a slightly higher affinity for WE than for TAG. The findings thus corroborate earlier suggestions that contaminants accumulate to a greater extent in food webs with a higher reliance of on WE, such as in the Arctic. This knowledge is of interest since it implies that possible changes in planktonic community species composition, and thereby possible changes in the lipid composition, may have consequences for accumulation of hydrophobic contaminants in apex predators. However, the magnitude of these consequences remains unknown, and there may well be other factors of importance for previously observed higher accumulation of contaminants in Arctic systems. Thus, we have here identified aspects regarding partitioning of contaminants to lipids that need further scrutiny, and there is a need for further quantitative estimates of the suggested difference in absorptive capacities for hydrophobic contaminants between WE and TAG.
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Thorstensen, Helene; Ruus, Anders; Helberg, Morten; Bæk, Kine; Enge, Ellen Katrin & Borgå, Katrine
(2020).
Common Eider and Herring Gull as Contaminant Indicators of Different Ecological Niches of an Urban Fjord System.
Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management.
ISSN 1551-3777.
17,
p. 422–433.
doi:
10.1002/ieam.4340.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
Seabirds like gulls are common indicators in contaminant monitoring. The herring gull (Larus argentatus) is a generalist with a broad range of dietary sources, possibly introducing a weakness in its representativeness of aquatic contamination. To investigate the herring gull as an indicator of contamination in an urban‐influenced fjord, the Norwegian Oslofjord, we compared concentrations of a range of lipophilic and protein‐associated organohalogen contaminants (OHCs), Hg, and dietary markers in blood (n = 15), and eggs (n = 15) between the herring gull and the strict marine‐feeding common eider (Somateria mollissima) in the breeding period of May 2017. Dietary markers showed that the herring gull was less representative of the marine food web than the common eider. We found higher concentrations of lipophilic OHCs (wet weight and lipid weight) and Hg (dry weight) in the blood of common eider (mean ± SE ∑PCB = 210 ± 126 ng/g ww, 60 600 ± 28 300 ng/g lw; mean Hg = 4.94 ± 0.438 ng/g dw) than of the herring gull (mean ± SE ∑PCB = 19.0 ± 15.6 ng/g ww, 1210 ± 1510 ng/g lw; mean Hg = 4.26 ± 0.438 ng/g dw). Eggs gave opposite results; higher wet weight and lipid weight OHC concentrations in the herring gull (mean ± SE ∑PCB = 257 ± 203 ng/g ww, 3240 ± 2610 ng/g lw) than the common eider (mean ± SE ∑PCB = 18.2 ± 20.8 ng/g ww, 101 ± 121 ng/g lw), resulting in higher OHC maternal transfer ratios in gulls than eiders. We suggest that the matrix differences are due to fasting during incubation in the common eider. We suggest that in urban areas, herring gull might not be representative as an indicator of marine contamination but rather urban contaminant exposure. The common eider is a better indicator of marine pollution in the Oslofjord. The results are influenced by the matrix choice, as breeding strategy affects lipid dynamics regarding the transfer of lipids and contaminants to eggs and remobilization of contaminants from lipids to blood during incubation, when blood is drawn from the mother. Our results illustrate the benefit of a multispecies approach for a thorough picture of contaminant status in urban marine ecosystems. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;00:1–12. © 2020 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)
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Andvik, Clare Margaret; Jourdain, Eve; Ruus, Anders; Lyche, Jan Ludvig; Karoliussen, Richard & Borgå, Katrine
(2020).
Preying on seals pushes killer whales from Norway above pollution effects thresholds.
Scientific Reports.
ISSN 2045-2322.
10.
doi:
10.1038/s41598-020-68659-y.
Full text in Research Archive
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Ono, Kotaro; Knutsen, Halvor; Olsen, Esben M; Ruus, Anders; Hjermann, Dag Ø & Stenseth, Nils Chr
(2019).
Possible adverse impact of contaminants on Atlantic cod population dynamics in coastal ecosystems.
Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Biological Sciences.
ISSN 0962-8452.
286(1908),
p. 1–9.
doi:
10.1098/rspb.2019.1167.
Full text in Research Archive
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Grung, Merete; Ruus, Anders; Schneider, Susanne Claudia; Hjermann, Dag Øystein & Borgå, Katrine
(2016).
Toxicokinetics of pyrene in the freshwater alga Chara rudis.
Chemosphere.
ISSN 0045-6535.
157,
p. 49–56.
doi:
10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.04.128.
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Ruus, Anders; Øverjordet, Ida Beathe; Braaten, Hans Fredrik Veiteberg; Evenset, Anita; Christensen, Guttorm N. & Heimstad, Eldbjørg Sofie
[Show all 8 contributors for this article]
(2015).
Methylmercury biomagnification in an Arctic pelagic food web.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.
ISSN 0730-7268.
34(11),
p. 2636–2643.
doi:
10.1002/etc.3143.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
Mercury (Hg) is a toxic element that enters the biosphere from natural and anthropogenic sources, and emitted gaseous Hg enters the Arctic from lower latitudes by long-range transport. In aquatic systems, anoxic conditions favor the bacterial transformation of inorganic Hg to methylmercury (MeHg), which has a greater potential for bioaccumulation than inorganic Hg and is the most toxic form of Hg. The main objective of the present study was to quantify the biomagnification of MeHg in a marine pelagic food web, comprising species of zooplankton, fish, and seabirds, from the Kongsfjorden system (Svalbard, Norway), by use of trophic magnification factors. As expected, tissue concentrations of MeHg increased with increasing trophic level in the food web, though at greater rates than observed in several earlier studies, especially at lower latitudes. There was strong correlation between MeHg and total Hg concentrations through the food web as a whole. The concentration of MeHg in kittiwake decreased from May to October, contributing to seasonal differences in trophic magnification factors. The ecology and physiology of the species comprising the food web in question may have a large influence on the magnitude of the biomagnification. A significant linear relationship was also observed between concentrations of selenium and total Hg in birds but not in zooplankton, suggesting the importance of selenium in Hg detoxification for individuals with high Hg concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2636–2643. © 2015 SETAC
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View all works in Cristin
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Knudtzon, Nina Cathrine; Thorstensen, Helene; Ruus, Anders; Helberg, Morten; Bæk, Kine & Enge, Ellen Katrin
[Show all 7 contributors for this article]
(2021).
Maternal Transfer and Occurrence of Siloxanes, Chlorinated Paraffins and Legacy POPs in Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) of Different Urban Influence.
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Ruus, Anders; Wolf, Raoul; Petersen, Karina & Tollefsen, Knut-Erik
(2020).
CHARACTERISATION OF CUMULATIVE RISK OF CONTAMINANTS TO ORGANISMS EXPOSED TO STORMWATER IN OSLO, NORWAY.
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Ruus, Anders; Helberg, Morten; Knudtzon, Nina Cathrine; Bæk, Kine; Enge, Ellen Katrin & Borgå, Katrine
(2020).
Emerging and legacy contaminants in two urban herring gull colonies.
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Ruus, Anders; Helberg, Morten; Bæk, Kine; Enge, Ellen Katrin & Borgå, Katrine
(2020).
Common eider and herring gull as indicators of contaminants in an urban fjord system.
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Ruus, Anders; Wolf, Raoul; Petersen, Karina & Tollefsen, Knut-Erik
(2020).
Characterisation of cumulative risk of contaminants to organisms exposed to stormwater in Oslo, Norway.
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Petersen, Karina; Wolf, Raoul; Ruus, Anders & Tollefsen, Knut-Erik
(2020).
Characterisation of cumulative risk of pollutants to marine organisms in Sørfjorden, Norway.
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Thorstensen, H. S.; Ruus, Anders; Helberg, Morten; Bæk, Kine; Enge, Ellen Katrin & Borgå, Katrine
(2020).
Herring gull and common eider as indicators of contaminants in an urban fjord.
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Jarosz, Emil; Skipperud, Lindis; Teien, Hans-Christian; Ruus, Anders & Tollefsen, Knut Erik
(2018).
Complex mixture of coastal water pollutants: speciation, bioavailability and toxicokinetics.
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Rostkowski, Pawel Marian; Schlabach, Martin; Gundersen, Hans; Herzke, Dorte; Ruus, Anders & Nygård, Torgeir
(2017).
Monitoring of bisphenol A and its analogues in environmental samples from Norway.
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Keilen, Ellen Kristine; Borgå, Katrine; Ruus, Anders; Helberg, Morten; Reiertsen, Tone & Warner, Nicholas Alexander
[Show all 7 contributors for this article]
(2017).
Levels and effects of environmental contaminants in herring gull (Larus argentatus) from an urban and a rural colony in Norway.
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Schultze, Sabrina; Poste, Amanda; Ruus, Anders; Hessen, Dag Olav; Andersen, Tom & Borgå, Katrine
(2017).
Do high levels of terrestrial DOM uptake lead to higher contaminant concentration and changes in energy allocation and growth? A study on three marine lower food web taxa.
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Øxnevad, Sigurd; Schaanning, Morten & Ruus, Anders
(2017).
In situ sediment flux measurements of metals by using DGT-probes.
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Ruus, Anders; Øverjordet, Ida Beathe; Braaten, Hans Fredrik Veiteberg; Evenset, Anita; Christensen, Guttorm & Heimstad, Eldbjørg Sofie
[Show all 8 contributors for this article]
(2017).
Methylmercury in an Arctic food web - With focus on seabirds.
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Ruus, Anders; Øverjordet, Ida Beathe; Braaten, Hans Fredrik Veiteberg; Evenset, Anita; Christensen, Guttorm & Gabrielsen, Geir W.
[Show all 7 contributors for this article]
(2017).
Methylmercury in Arctic Seabirds - Seasonal inter-tissue differences.
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Poste, Amanda; Koppelle, Sebastiaan; Seuthe, Lena; Christensen, Guttorm; Braaten, Hans Fredrik Veiteberg & Borgå, Katrine
[Show all 8 contributors for this article]
(2017).
Riverine inputs to Norwegian fjords: Effects on lower food web structure and mercury bioaccumulation.
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Poste, Amanda; Allan, Ian; Arts, Michael T.; Borgå, Katrine; Carlsson, Pernilla Marianne & Christensen, Guttorm
[Show all 14 contributors for this article]
(2017).
The TerrACE project: Effects of terrestrial inputs on contaminant dynamics in Arctic coastal ecosystems.
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Ruus, Anders & Borchgrevink, Harald Bonaventura
(2016).
Urbane problemer for gråmåkene.
[Newspaper].
Nationen.
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Ruus, Anders; Allan, Ian; Bæk, Kine & Borgå, Katrine
(2014).
Partitioning of POPs into different lipid classes.
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Ruus, Anders; Øverjordet, Ida Beathe; Braaten, Hans Fredrik Veiteberg; Anita, Evenset; Gabrielsen, Geir Wing & Borgå, Katrine
(2014).
Methylmercury biomagnification in an arctic food web.
Show summary
The Arctic is considered an important area for mercury accumulation, because of long-range atmospheric transport and deposition. Following transformation to organic mercury (e.g. methylmercury, MeHg) the toxicity and bioaccumulative potential in Arctic biota is high. In the International Polar Year project "Contaminants in Polar Regions" (COPOL), the aim was inter alia to study how prospective climate changes may affect the dynamics of environmental contaminants in Arctic marine food chains.This aim was addressed by scrutinising bioaccumulation of contaminants across years, seasons and locations (i.e. locations affected by Arctic or Atlantic water masses). In the COPOL project we have shown that trophic magnification of lipid soluble organohalogen contaminants may vary across species, seasons and locations in an Arctic food web. The enrichment in organic contaminant concentrations from plankton to higher trophic organisms did, for instance, increase throughout the year, and the time for concentration peak differed between plankton, fish and birds, with a delay up through the food chain. In the present work, the food web biomagnification of mercury and methylmercury, and its comparability to organic halogens, was analysed.
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Granum, Berit; Laugsand Lillegaard, Inger Therese; Steffensen, Inger-Lise; Ruus, Anders & Amlund, Heidi
(2014).
Antiperspirants contribute considerably to the total systemic exposure to aluminium in humans.
Toxicological Sciences.
ISSN 1096-6080.
138.
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Jonsson, Henrik; Ruus, Anders & Staalstrøm, Andre
(2022).
Vurdering av miljøeffekter fra utslipp av thallium til sjø fra Boliden Odda.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-7466-0.
Full text in Research Archive
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Grung, Merete; Jartun, Morten; Bæk, Kine; Ruus, Anders; Rundberget, Thomas & Allan, Ian
[Show all 12 contributors for this article]
(2021).
Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord, 2020.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-7410-3.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
This programme, “Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord” has covered sampling and analyses of sediment and organisms in a marine food web of the Inner Oslofjord, in addition to samples of blood and eggs from herring gull. The programme also included inputs of pollutants via surface water (stormwater), and effluent water and sludge from a wastewater treatment plant. The bioaccumulation potential of the contaminants in the Oslo fjord food web was evaluated. The exposure to/accumulation of the contaminants was also assessed in birds. A vast number of chemical parameters have been quantified, in addition to some biological effect parameters in cod, and the report serves as a status description of the concentrations of these chemicals in different compartments of the Inner Oslofjord marine ecosystem.
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Ruus, Anders; Kristiansen, Trond; Mengeot, Caroline & Jonsson, Henrik
(2021).
Overvåking av kystvann i vannområde Hardanger 2020.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-7345-8.
Full text in Research Archive
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Overvåkingen av kystvann i vannområdet Hardanger i 2020 viste følgende: Oksygen ved største sondedyp (her antatt bunnvann)
viste moderat tilstand på stasjonene Sø7/2, Lind1 og S22Sør. Siktedypet på disse stasjonene tilsvarte hhv. dårlig, moderat og
dårlig tilstand. Vannregionspesifikke stoffer i vann (metaller; særlig sink) oversteg grenseverdiene (EQS) på alle stasjoner hvor
vann ble analysert (Lind1, Sø7/2, S22Sør og S1/4). Også prioriterte stoffer (bly) oversteg grenseverdiene (EQS) i sjøvann på
stasjon Sø7/2 og S22Sør og førte til at god kjemisk tilstand ikke ble oppnådd. Konsentrasjoner av kvikksølv i blåskjell var også for
høye til å klassifisere kjemisk tilstand som god på samtlige stasjoner hvor blåskjell ble analysert. På stasjon Sø10 ble høyeste
konsentrasjon av fluorid i ufiltrert sjøvann fra 2 m dyp målt til 600 μg/L. Thallium kunne detekteres i 2 av 14 sjøvannsprøver,
men dette ble ikke bekreftet av parallelle analyser på annet laboratorium. Tl ble funnet i blåskjell i konsentrasjoner på 4-6 μg/kg.
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Ruus, Anders; Beyer, Jonny & Green, Norman Whitaker
(2021).
Proposed Environmental Quality standards (EQS) for blue mussel (Mytilus edulis).
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 1894-7948.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
The Norwegian Environment Agency recognizes the need to further develop Environmental
Quality Standards (EQSs) under EU’s Water Framework Directive. As one step in this
direction the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) was tasked to propose EQSs for
a selection of contaminants in blue mussel (Mytilus edulis). The proposed EQS are derived
either from the current EQS for coastal water, using a bioconcentration factor (BCF) or
bioaccumulation factor (BAF) that is most relevant for blue mussel, or from the current EQS
for biota, e.g. by correcting for a lower trophic level than fish. EQS are proposed for 24
selected contaminants that included six metals, 16 PAH compounds and two perfluorinated
alkylated substances. The practical applicability of a few are questionable.
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Frigstad, Helene; Gundersen, Hege; Andersen, Guri Sogn; Borgersen, Gunhild; Kvile, Kristina Øie & Krause-Jensen, Dorte
[Show all 13 contributors for this article]
(2021).
Blue Carbon – climate adaptation, CO2 uptake and sequestration of carbon in Nordic blue forests. Results from the Nordic Blue Carbon Project. .
Nordic Council of Ministers.
ISSN 978-92-893-6861-2.
Show summary
This report presents the main findings of the Nordic Blue Carbon Project (2017–2020) on the areal distribution and carbon budget of blue forests (kelp forests, seagrass meadows and rockweed beds) in the Nordic region. We have identified the main ecosystem effects of climate change and other human pressures on Nordic blue forests, tested the effect of moderating some of these pressures, and give scientific advice on management measures aimed at safeguarding these important coastal ecosystems for the future. Recently, there has been an increased focus on salt marshes as a blue forest habitat, however salt marshes were not covered in the Nordic Blue Carbon Project.
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Green, Norman Whitaker; Schøyen, Merete; Hjermann, Dag Øystein; Øxnevad, Sigurd; Ruus, Anders & Beylich, Bjørnar
[Show all 14 contributors for this article]
(2021).
Contaminants in coastal waters of Norway 2018.
Norsk insitutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-7316-8.
Full text in Research Archive
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This programme examines the levels, trends and effects of contaminants in biota along the coast of Norway. The 2018-investigation included
analyses of more than 133 different contaminants or biological effect parameters in five species (blue mussel, dogwhelk, common periwinkle, cod
and the common eider). The contaminants include metals (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ag, As, Ni, Cr and Co), tributyltin (TBT), organochlorines (e.g. PCBs
(PCB-7), DDT), PAHs, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS), as well as contaminants that have
recently received much attention such as hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDs), chlorinated paraffins (SCCP, MCCP), bisphenol A (BPA),
tetrabrombisphenol A (TBBPA), alkyphenols, siloxanes (D4, D5 and D6) and dechlorane plus. Biological effects parameters included VDSI, OHpyrene
metabolites, ALA-D and EROD. In the report, 30 representative substances or parameters were chosen for analyses of 713 time series (last
10 years). Of these there were statistically significant trends in 102 cases: 79 were downwards and 23 upwards. The upward trends were also
associated with metals (78.3 %), primarily Hg (17.4 %).The dominance of downward trends indicated that contamination is decreasing for the
measured substances. The downwards trends for TBT-concentrations and effect parameter (VDSI) confirmed that the legislation banning the use
of TBT has been effective. Of the 2018-medians (last year) for all 713 time series, there were 323 cases that could be classified against EQS, of
which 203 (62.8 %) were below the EQS and 120 (37.2 %) were above the EQS. Of the 2018-medians for the 713 time series, 641 cases could be
classified using Norwegian provisional high reference contaminant concentrations (PROREF). Of these, 463 were below PROREF and 173 exceeded
PROREF: 117 by a factor of less than two, 45 by a factor between two and five, eight by a factor between five and 10, four by a factor between 10
and 20, and four by a factor greater than 20. Some cases warrant special concern, such as high concentrations of several organic contaminants in
cod liver from the Inner Oslofjord. High concentrations of DDE in mussels from the Sørfjord were related to earlier use of DDT as pesticide in
orchards along the fjord. Concentrations of an expanded list of PFAS in cod liver from the Inner Oslofjord sampled since 1990 are presented.
Results of analyses of stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen are presented to investigate the role of food origin and trophic levels for observed
contaminant concentrations.
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Green, Norman Whitaker; Schøyen, Merete; Hjermann, Dag Øystein; Øxnevad, Sigurd; Ruus, Anders & Lusher, Amy
[Show all 13 contributors for this article]
(2021).
Contaminants in coastal waters of Norway 2017.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-7315-1.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
Overvåkingsprogrammet «Miljøgifter i norske kystområder 2017 - MILKYS» omhandler nivåer, trender og effekter av miljøgifter langs norskekysten. Undersøkelsen gir grunnlag for bestemmelse av miljøstatus langs norskekysten.
Resultatene viser at det hovedsakelig var nedadgående trender for konsentrasjon av de undersøkte miljøgiftene. Indre Oslofjord er et område med flere miljøgifter med relative høye konsentrasjoner som gir grunnlag for bekymring og behov for nærmere undersøkelser. I dette området observeres det tillegg oppadgående langtidstrend for kvikksølv (Hg) i torskefilet og for mellomkjedete klorparafiner i torskelever. Det var ingen korttidstrender for kvikksølv i torskefilét fra Oslofjorden. Ingen langtids- eller kortidstrend ble funnet når konsentrasjoner i torsk fra indre Oslofjord var justert for fiskelengde.
Undersøkelsen inngår som en del av OSPARs koordinerte miljøovervåkingsprogram Coordinated Environmental Monitoring Programme (CEMP). I 2017 omfattet overvåkingen miljøgifter i blåskjell (Mytillus edulis) fra 33 stasjoner, purpursnegl (Nucella lapillus) fra 8 stasjoner, strandsnegl (Littorina littorea) fra én stasjon, torsk (Gadus morhua) fra 17 stasjoner og ærfugl (Somateria mollissima) fra én stasjon. Stasjonene er plassert i områder med kjente eller antatt kjente punktkilder for tilførsler av miljøgifter, i områder med diffus tilførsel av miljøgifter slik som byens havneområder og i fjerntliggende områder med antatt lav eksponering for miljøgifter. Overvåkingen i 2017 omfattet analyser av metaller [kvikksølv (Hg), kadmium (Cd), bly (Pb), kobber (Cu), sink (Zn), sølv (Ag), arsen (As), nikkel (Ni), krom (Cr) og kobolt (Co)], tributyltinn, polyklorerte bifenyler (PCBer), pestisider (DDE), polysykliske aromatiske hydrokarboner (PAHer), polybromerte difenyletere (PBDEer), perfluorerte alkylforbindelser (PFAS), heksabromsyklododekan (HBCD), korte- og mellomkjedete klorparafiner (SCCP og MCCP), bisfenol A (BPA), tetrabrombisfenol A (TBBPA), alkyfenoler, siloksaner, samt biologiske effekt parametere (VDSI, OH-pyren, ALA-D, EROD) og i tillegg mikroplast. (...)
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Green, Norman Whitaker; Schøyen, Merete; Øxnevad, Sigurd; Ruus, Anders; Hjermann, Dag Øystein & Severinsen, Gunnar
[Show all 12 contributors for this article]
(2021).
Contaminants in coastal waters of Norway 2016.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-7314-4.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
This programme examines the levels, trends and effects of contaminants in biota along the coast of Norway. The 2016-
investigation included analyses of 104 different contaminants or biological effect parameters in five types of samples (blue mussel, dog whelk, common periwinkle and cod). The contaminants include metals (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ag, As, Ni, Cr and Co), tributyltin (TBT), organochlorines (e.g. PCBs, DDT), PAHs, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS) as well as contaminants that have recently received much attention such as hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDs), chlorinated paraffins (SCCP, MCCP), phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs), bisphenol A (BPA), tetrabrombisphenol A (TBBPA) and alkyphenols. Biological effects parameters included VDSI, OH-pyrene metabolites, ALA-D and EROD. In the report, 30 representative substances or parameters were chosen for analyses of 800 time series (last 10 years). Of these there were statistically significant trends in 135 cases: 107 were downwards and 28 upwards. The dominance of downward trends indicated that contamination is decreasing for the measured substances. The downwards trends for TBT-concentrations and effect parameter (VDSI) confirmed that the legislation banning the use of TBT has been effective. Of the 2016-medians for all 800 time series, there were 403 cases that could be classified against EQS, of which 254 (63 %) were below the EQS and 149 (37 %) were above the EQS. All of the 2016-medians from the 800 time series could be classified using a new concept denoted provisional high reference concentrations (PROREF). Of these 594 were below PROREF and 206 exceeded PROREF: 124 by a factor of less than two, 59 by a factor between two and five, 11 by a factor between five and 10, six by a factor between 10 and 20, and six by
a factor greater than 20. Some cases warrant special concern, such as high concentrations of several organic pollutants in cod liver from the Inner Oslofjord. High concentrations of DDE in mussels from the Sørfjord were related to earlier use of DDT as pesticide in orchards along the fjord. The influence of fish length on contaminant concentration was examined. Results of analyses of stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen are presented to investigate the role of food origin and trophic levels for observed contaminant concentrations.
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Ruus, Anders; Ranneklev, Sissel Brit; Golmen, Lars Gunder; Grung, Merete; Allan, Ian & Øxnevad, Sigurd
(2020).
Utredning av konsekvenser av uhellsutslipp av PAH fra Tizir Titanium & Iron AS.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-7270-3.
Full text in Research Archive
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Tizir Titanium & Iron AS hadde et uhellsutslipp av 217 kg PAH-forbindelser i løpet av 28 timer i juni 2020. Kortsiktige
og langsiktige effekter av utslippet ble vurdert. Tidligere modellering av fortynning og spredning av bedriftens
regulerte utslippspunkt ble benyttet. Beregnede konsentrasjoner av PAH-forbindelser i vannsøyle ved diffusor og
ca. 1 km fra diffusor (nordvestlig retning) viste at grenseverdier for flere PAH-forbindelser ble oversteget i løpet av
de 28 timene uhellsutslippet vedvarte. Beregnede kortvarige konsentrasjoner kan gi akutte toksiske effekter på
organismer inntil 1 km fra diffusor. Blåskjell innsamlet ca. to måneder etter uhellsutslippet hadde tilsvarende
konsentrasjoner av PAH som i blåskjell samlet inn i 2019. Konsentrasjonene var godt under grenseverdier gitt i
vannforskriften. En konservativ og teoretisk beregning av tilførsler av PAH til sedimenter utenfor Tizir Titanium &
Iron AS, indikerer at tilførslene av PAH er beskjedne i forhold til de eksiterende konsentrasjonene i sedimentene.
NIVA kan ikke se at det noen tiltak som kan iverksettes for å motvirke konsekvenser av utslippet. En blåskjellstasjon
ved Apold bør følges opp videre.
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Ruus, Anders; Bæk, Kine; Rundberget, Thomas; Allan, Ian; Beylich, Bjørnar & Vogelsang, Christian
[Show all 10 contributors for this article]
(2020).
Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord, 2019.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-7290-1.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
This programme, “Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord” has covered sampling and analyses of sediment and organisms in a marine food web of the Inner Oslofjord, in addition to samples of blood and eggs from herring gull. The programme also included inputs of pollutants via surface water (storm water), and effluent water and sludge from a sewage treatment plant. The bioaccumulation potential of the contaminants in the Oslo fjord food web was evaluated. The exposure to/accumulation of the contaminants was also assessed in birds. A vast number of chemical parameters have been quantified, in addition to some biological effect parameters in cod, and the report serves as a status description of the concentrations of these chemicals in different compartments of the Inner Oslofjord marine ecosystem.
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Ruus, Anders; Ledang, Anna Birgitta & Kristiansen, Trond
(2020).
Monitoring of coastal waters in the Hardanger River Basin, 2019.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-7236-9.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
DIHVA IKS designed a monitoring program for coastal water in the Hardanger river basin for 2017-
2021, on behalf of the companies Boliden Odda AS and Tizir Titanium & Iron AS. The program was
approved by the Norwegian Environment Agency in a letter of 22.12.2016. The program for 2019 was
carried out by NIVA, in collaboration with Hardanger Miljøsenter.
In this program (2017-2021), measurements of the following quality elements should be carried out
at certain stations in the water bodies Sørfjorden inner part (ID 0260040900-1-C), Sørfjorden outer
part (ID 0260040900-2-C) and Samlafjorden (ID 0260040800-C):
In the water column: Secchi depth, temperature, salinity, oxygen, metals and fluoride.
On the sea bottom: Benthic fauna and sediments habitat characteristics, metals and PAHs in
sediment.
In biota: Metals in fish (tusk), metals and PAHs in mussels.
In 2019, the program comprised stations in Sørfjorden inner part (ID 0260040900-1-C) and
Sørfjorden outer part (ID 0260040900-2-C), as well as the following quality elements:
In the water column: Secchi depth, temperature, salinity, oxygen, metals and fluoride.
In biota: Metals and PAHs in mussels.
Biological quality elements were not evaluated in 2019. (...)
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Ruus, Anders; Borgersen, Gunhild; Ledang, Anna Birgitta & Kristiansen, Trond
(2019).
Monitoring of coastal waters in the Hardanger River Basin, 2018.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-7073-0.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
DIHVA IKS designed a monitoring program for coastal water in the Hardanger river basin for 2017-
2021, on behalf of the companies Boliden Odda AS and Tizir Titanium & Iron AS. The program was
approved by the Norwegian Environment Agency in a letter of 22.12.2016. The program for 2017 was
carried out by NIVA, in collaboration with Hardanger Miljøsenter.
In this program (2017-2021), measurements of the following quality elements should be carried out
at certain stations in the water bodies Sørfjorden inner part (ID 0260040900-1-C), Sørfjorden outer
part (ID 0260040900-2-C) and Samlafjorden (ID 0260040800-C):
In the water column: Secchi depth, temperature, salinity, oxygen, metals and fluoride.
On the sea bottom: Benthic fauna and sediments habitat characteristics, metals and PAHs in
sediment.
In biota: Metals in fish (tusk), metals and PAHs in mussels.
In 2018, the program comprised stations in all above mentioned water bodies, as well as all the
mentioned quality elements. In addition, fluoride in bone of fish (from the Sørfjord and a reference
locality) is analysed. (...)
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Ruus, Anders; Bæk, Kine; Petersen, Karina; Allan, Ian; Beylich, Bjørnar & Schlabach, Martin
[Show all 9 contributors for this article]
(2018).
Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord, 2017.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-7103-4.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
This programme, “Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord” has covered sampling and analyses
of sediment and organisms in a marine food web of the Inner Oslofjord, in addition to samples of
blood and eggs from herring gull and eider duck. The programme also included inputs of pollutants
via surface water (storm water), and effluent water and sludge from a sewage treatment plant. The
bioaccumulation potential of the contaminants in the Oslo fjord food web was evaluated. The
exposure to/accumulation of the contaminants was also assessed in birds. A vast number of chemical
parameters have been quantified, in addition to some biological effect parameters in cod, and the
report serves as valuable documentation of the concentrations of these chemicals in different
compartments of the Inner Oslofjord marine ecosystem.
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Ruus, Anders; Kristiansen, Trond & Staalstrøm, Andre
(2018).
Monitoring of coastal waters in the Hardanger River Basin, 2017.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-6986-4.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
DIHVA IKS designed a monitoring program for coastal water in the Hardanger river basin for 2017-2021, on behalf of the companies Boliden Odda AS and Tizir Titanium & Iron AS. The program was approved by the Norwegian Environment Agency in a letter of 22.12.2016. The program for 2017 was carried out by NIVA, in collaboration with Hardanger Miljøsenter. In this program (2017-2021), measurements of the following quality elements should be carried out at certain stations in the water bodies Sørfjorden inner part (ID 0260040900-1-C), Sørfjorden outer part (ID 0260040900-2-C) and Samlafjorden (ID 0260040800-C): In the water column: Secchi depth, temperature, salinity, oxygen, metals and fluoride.
On the sea bottom: Benthic fauna and sediments habitat characteristics, metals and PAHs in sediment. In biota: Metals in fish (tusk), metals and PAHs in mussels. In 2017, the program comprised stations in the water bodies Sørfjorden inner part (ID 0260040900-1-C) and Sørfjorden outer part (ID 0260040900-2-C), as well as the following quality elements: In the water column: Secchi depth, temperature, salinity, oxygen, metals and fluoride.
In biota: Metals and PAHs in mussels. Biological quality elements were not evaluated in 2017. The results showed the following: Ecological status was not classified as there were no data on biological quality elements. With regard
to the physico-chemical support elements, oxygen at the deepest probe depth (here regarded as bottom water) showed very good condition (with the reservation that lower oxygen concentrations may exist even closer to the bottom) at Sø7/2 and Lind1 stations. The secchi depth at these stations
corresponded to moderate condition. (...)
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Ranneklev, Sissel Brit; Green, Norman Whitaker; Allan, Ian; Grung, Merete; Garmo, Øyvind Aaberg & Ruus, Anders
[Show all 8 contributors for this article]
(2017).
Monitoring methods for river basin specific pollutants and priority substances in transitional waters.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-6959-8.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
Although that environmental hazardous substances have been monitored in brackish water in Norway for decades, no common monitoring strategy has been established, equivalent to those used in coastal waters, rivers, and lakes. In this report we provide examples of monitoring methods for river basin specific substances pollutants and priority substances in transitional waters. Recommendations for the selection of monitoring methods are given.
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Ruus, Anders
(2017).
Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord, 2016.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-6934-5.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
This programme, “Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord” has covered sampling and analysis of sediment and organisms in a marine food web of the Inner Oslofjord, in addition to samples of blood and eggs from herring gull. The programme also included inputs of pollutants via surface water (storm water). The bioaccumulation potential of the contaminants in the Oslo fjord food web was evaluated. The exposure to/accumulation of the contaminants was also assessed in herring gull, as an indicator of an urban fjord inhabitant. A vast number of chemical parameters have been quantified, in addition to some biological effect parameters in cod, and the report serves as valuable documentation of the concentrations of these chemicals in different compartments of the Inner Oslofjord marine ecosystem. Furthermore, this report presents relationships between the contaminant concentrations and various biological variables.
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Amlund, Heidi; Lillegaard, Inger Therese L.; Brantsæter, Anne Lise; Eriksen, Gunnar Sundstøl; Fæste, Christiane Kruse & Knutsen, Helle Katrine
[Show all 11 contributors for this article]
(2016).
Dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic in the Norwegian population. Assessment of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety.
Norwegian Scientific Committe for Food Safety.
ISSN 978-82-8259-201-7.
Full text in Research Archive
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Skaar, Ida; Asare, Nana Yaa Ohene; Klein, Joern; Okoli, Arinze Stanley; Ruus, Anders & Gjøen, Tor
[Show all 10 contributors for this article]
(2016).
Health and environmental risk evaluation of microorganisms used in bioremediation. Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Microbial Ecology of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety.
Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM).
ISSN 978-82-8259-232-1.
Full text in Research Archive
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Green, Norman W.; Schøyen, Merete; Øxnevad, Sigurd; Ruus, Anders; Allan, Ian & Hjermann, Dag
[Show all 13 contributors for this article]
(2016).
Contaminants in coastal waters of Norway 2015. Miljøgifter i norske kystområder 2015.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-6822-5.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
This programme examines the levels, trends and effects of contaminants in biota along the coast of Norway. The 2015-investigation included analyses of 108 different contaminants or biological effect parameters in five types of samples (blue mussel, dog whelk, common periwinkle, cod and passive samplers). The contaminants include metals (Ag, As, Hg, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn), tributyltin (TBT), organochlorines (e.g. PCBs, DDT), PAHs, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS) as well as contaminants that have recently received much attention such as hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDs), chlorinated paraffins (SCCP, MCCP), phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs), bisphenol A (BPA), tetrabrombisphenol A (TBBPA) and alkyphenols. Biological effects parameters included VDSI, OHpyrene metabolites, ALA-D and EROD. In the report, 30 representative substances or parameters were chosen for analyses of 829 time series (last 10 years). Of these there were statistically significant trends in 98 cases: 81 were downwards and 17 upwards. The dominance of downward trends indicated that contamination is decreasing for the measured substances. The downwards trends for TBT-concentrations and effect parameter (VDSI) confirmed that the legislation banning the use of TBT has been effective. Of the same 829 cases, 431 could be classified by the environmental classification system used by the Norwegian Environment Agency. 378 were classified as insignificantly polluted, 48 as moderately polluted, four as markedly polluted and one as severely polluted. Some cases warrant special concern, such as upward trend for mercury in cod fillet and high concentrations of several organic pollutants in cod liver from the Inner Oslofjord. High concentrations of
DDE in mussels from the Sørfjord were related to earlier use of DDT as pesticide in orchards along the fjord. The relation
of fish length on contaminant concentration was examined. Application of quality standards in biota were discussed.
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Ruus, Anders; Bæk, Kine; Petersen, Karina; Allan, Ian; Beylich, Bjørnar & Schlabach, Martin
[Show all 8 contributors for this article]
(2016).
Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord, 2015.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-6808-9.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
This programme, “Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord” has covered sampling and analysis of sediment and organisms in a marine food web of the Inner Oslofjord, in addition to samples of blood and eggs from herring gull. The programme also included inputs of pollutants via surface water (storm water). The bioaccumulation potential of the contaminants in the Oslo fjord food web was evaluated. The exposure to/accumulation of the contaminants was also assessed in herring gull, as an indicator of an urban fjord inhabitant. A vast number of chemical parameters have been quantified, in addition to
some biological effect parameters in cod, and the report serves as valuable documentation of the concentrations of these chemicals in different compartments of the Inner Oslofjord marine ecosystem. Furthermore, this report presents relationships between the contaminant concentrations and various biological variables.
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Fagerli, Camilla With; Ruus, Anders; Borgersen, Gunhild; Staalstrøm, Andre; Green, Norman Whitaker & Hjermann, Dag Øystein
[Show all 7 contributors for this article]
(2016).
Tiltaksrettet overvåking av Grenlandsfjordene i henhold til
vannforskriften. Overvåking for konsortium av 11 bedrifter i Grenland.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-6784-6.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
NIVA har gjennomført tiltaksrettet overvåking i Grenlandsfjordene for et konsortium bestående av 11 bedrifter som har eller har hatt utslipp til Grenlandsfjordene. Overvåkingsprogrammet er utarbeidet av NIVA i henhold til vannforskriften og godkjent av Miljødirektoratet. Programmet er utformet på bakgrunn av bedriftenes utslippskomponenter til Grenlandsfjordene. I overvåkingen er det gjort undersøkelse av de biologiske kvalitetselementene bløtbunnsfauna, makroalger og planteplankton. Fysisk-kjemiske støtteparametere inngår i vurderingen av økologisk tilstand. For vurdering av kjemisk tilstand er sediment og biota (blåskjell, torsk og krabbe) undersøkt for EUs prioriterte miljøgifter og for vannregionspesifikke stoffer, som inngår i vurdering av økologisk tilstand. Supplerende undersøkelser av strandsonesamfunn, konsentrasjon av cyanid i vann og tidstrender er integrert i rapporten. Tre av fire stasjoner for bløtbunnsfauna oppnår ikke god økologisk tilstand. Planteplankton oppnår moderat økologisk tilstand på en stasjon, mens klassegrenser ikke er utviklet for vannforekomsten Frierfjorden, der den andre planteplanktonstasjonen er lokalisert. Makroalger oppnår god økologisk tilstand på begge stasjonene som ble undersøkt i vannforekomsten Langesundsfjorden. Fem sedimentstasjoner ble undersøkt, ingen av dem oppnår god kjemisk tilstand. Det var særlig PAH-forbindelser, kvikksølv, TBT og klororganiske forbindelser (som dioksiner) som ble oversteget i sedimentene. TBT og kvikksølv oversteg grenseverdiene også i blåskjell. Flere vannregionspesifikke stoffer oversteg grenseverdiene i sediment (PAH-forbindelser og enkelte metaller). Økologisk og kjemisk tilstand i Grenlandsfjordene var «ikke god» i 2015. Overskridelsene skyldes særlig tidligere utslipp. Tilførselsbidragene fra Skienselva, renseanlegg og avrenning fra urbane flater er også viktige.
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Ruus, Anders; Borgersen, Gunhild; Ledang, Anna Birgitta; Fagerli, Camilla With; Staalstrøm, Andre & Norli, Marit
(2016).
Operational monitoring of coastal waters in the Hardanger River Basin, 2015.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-6731-0.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
The Norwegian Environment Agency sent a letter dated 05.28.2014 to several Norwegian companies
regarding required operational monitoring in accordance with the Water Framework Directive. Earlier,
DIHVA IKS had designed a coordinated monitoring program for coastal water in the Hardanger river
basin for 2015, on behalf of the municipalities Odda, Kvam and Ullensvang, and the companies Boliden
Odda AS and Tizir Titanium & Iron AS. This program was approved by the Environment Agency and
conducted by NIVA in collaboration with Hardanger Miljøsenter.
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Knutsen, Helle Katrine; Amlund, Heidi; Brantsæter, Anne Lise; Engeset, Dagrun; Fæste, Christiane Kruse & Holene, Edel
[Show all 15 contributors for this article]
(2015).
Risk assessment of dietary cadmium exposure in the Norwegian population. Opinion of the Panel on Contaminants of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety.
Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM).
ISSN 978-82-8259-167-6.
Full text in Research Archive
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Brantsæter, Anne Lise; Knutsen, Helle Katrine; Lillegaard, Inger Therese L.; Amlund, Heidi; Eriksen, Gunnar Sundstøl & Fæste, Christiane Kruse
[Show all 12 contributors for this article]
(2015).
Risk assessment of dietary exposure to acrylamide in the Norwegian population. Opinion of the Panel on Contaminants of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety.
Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM).
ISSN 978-82-8259-187-4.
Full text in Research Archive
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Ruus, Anders; Arp, Hans Petter Heinrich; Oen, Amy M P; Grung, Merete & Breedveld, Gijs D.
(2015).
PAH in contaminated sediment: review of suitability of PAH-
components/groups for assessment of remediation needs.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-6662-7.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
The Norwegian Environment Agency has described the purpose of review/study follows: It
should be investigated which PAH components or PAH groups in contaminated sediments that
are best suited to assess the need for remedial measures.
In Norway limit values (marginal values/quality standards) are developed for a total of 16 PAH
compounds in sediment and water. The limit values are based on knowledge of the toxicity of
individual compounds, and acceptable exposure in the environment. In addition to the limit
values for individual compounds, Norwegian environmental authorities operate with limit
values for SUM PAH-16 in sediment. These limit values are based on excess concentrations
(relative to background) and not ecotoxicological data. Risk assessment of PAH-contaminated
sediments is done using all individual PAH components. However, SUM PAH-16 is used to
assess the need for remedial actions in PAH-contaminated sediments. The purpose of this
review/study has been to provide alternatives to SUM PAH 16 in the assessment of need for
remedial measures in PAH-contaminated sediments, either using individual PAH-components
or appropriate groups of PAHs. To this end, important criteria have been the risk for human
health, risk of ecological effects or practical considerations with regard to “Vannforskriften”
(Norwegian law on water).
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Green, Norman Whitaker; Schøyen, Merete; Øxnevad, Sigurd; Ruus, Anders; Allan, Ian & Hjermann, Dag Øystein
[Show all 12 contributors for this article]
(2015).
Contaminants in coastal waters of Norway 2014.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-6652-8.
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This programme examines the levels, trends and effects of contaminants in biota along the coast of Norway. The 2014-investigation included analyses of 136 different contaminants or biological effect parameters in five types of samples (blue mussel, dog whelk, common periwinkle, cod and passive samplers). The contaminants include metals (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ag, As, Ni, Cr and Co), organochlorines (e.g. PCBs, DDT), PAHs, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS) as well as contaminants that have recently received more attention such as hexabromcyclododecane (HBCDs), chlorinated paraffins (SCCP, MCCP), phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs),bisphenol A (BPA), tetrabrombisphenol A (TBBPA), alkyphenols, phthalates, triclosan, Diuron and Irgarol. Biological effects parameters included VDSI, OH-pyrene metabolites, ALA-D and EROD. In the report, thirty representative substances or parameters were chosen for analyses of 759 time series (last 10 years). Of these there were statistically significant trends in 104 cases: 86 were downwards and 18 upwards. The dominance of downward trends indicated that contamination is decreasing for the measured substances. The downwards trends for TBT-concentrations and effect parameter (VDSI) confirmed that the legislation banning the use of TBT has been effective. Of the same 759 cases, 403 could be classified by the environmental classification system used by the Norwegian Environment Agency, 374 were classified as insignificantly polluted, 26 as moderately polluted, two as markedly polluted and one as extremely polluted. Some cases warrant special concern, such as upward trend for mercury in cod fillet and high concentrations of several organic pollutants in cod liver from the Inner Oslofjord. Very high concentrations of DDE in mussels from the Sørfjord were related to earlier use of DDT as pesticide in orchards along the fjord. The relation of fish length on mercury concentration and affect of different sizes of pooled samples were examined. Alternatives to using cod liver as a target tissue was discussed.
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Ruus, Anders; Allan, Ian; Beylich, Bjørnar; Bæk, Kine; Schlabach, Martin & Helberg, Morten
(2015).
Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord, 2014.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-6619-1.
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This programme, “Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord” has covered sampling and analysis of organisms in a marine food web of the Inner Oslofjord, in addition to samples of sediment, blue mussel and polychaetes at selected locations in the fjord. The programme also included inputs of pollutants via surface water (storm water). Results from other monitoring programmes such as "Contaminants in coastal areas" (MILKYS) and "Riverine inputs and direct discharges to Norwegian coastal waters" (RID), as well as results from other input measurements to the inner Oslofjord, and measurements of contaminants at Bekkelaget sewage treatment plant are referred and placed in context with the results of the present programme. A vast number of chemical parameters have been quantified, and the report serves as valuable documentation of the concentrations of these chemicals in different compartments of the Inner Oslofjord marine ecosystem. Furthermore, this report presents relationships between the contaminant concentrations and various biological variables.
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Green, Norman Whitaker; Schøyen, Merete; Øxnevad, Sigurd; Ruus, Anders; Allan, Ian & Hjermann, Dag Øystein
[Show all 11 contributors for this article]
(2014).
Contaminants in coastal waters of Norway 2013.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-6463-0.
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This programme examines the levels, trends and effects of contaminants in biota along the coast of Norway. The 2013-investigation included analyses of 120 different contaminants or biological effect parameters in five types of samples (blue mussel, dog whelk, common periwinkle, cod and passive samplers). The contaminants include metals, organochlorines (e.g. PCB, DDT), PAH, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), perfluroinated alkylated substances (PFAS) as well as contaminants that have recently received more attention such as hexabromcyclododecane (HBCD), chlorinated paraffins (SCCP, MCCP), phosphorus flame retardants (PFR), bisphenol A (BPA), tetrabrombisphenol A (TBBPA), phthalates and akylphenols. In the report, thirty representative substances or parameters were chosen for analyses of 750 time series (last 10 years). Of these there were statistically significant trends in 90 cases: 66 (9 %) were downwards and 24 (3 %) upwards. The dominance of downward trends indicated that contamination is decreasing for the measured substances. The downwards trends for TBT-concentrations and effect parameter (VDSI) confirmed that the legislation banning the use of TBT has been effective. Of the same 750 cases, 399 could be classified by the environmental classification system used by the Norwegian Environment Agency, 360 (90 %) were classified as insignificantly polluted, 27 (7 %) as moderately polluted, 10 (3 %) as markedly polluted, 1 (<1 %) as severely polluted and 1 (<1 %) as extremely polluted. Some cases warrant special concern, such as upward trend for mercury in cod fillet and high concentrations of several organic pollutants in cod liver from the Inner Oslofjord. Very high concentrations of DDE in mussels from the Sørfjord were related to earlier use of DDT as pesticide in orchards along the fjord.
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Ruus, Anders; Allan, Ian; Beylich, Bjørnar; Bæk, Kine; Schlabach, Martin & Helberg, Morten
(2014).
Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-6449-4.
Full text in Research Archive
Show summary
This programme, “Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord” has covered sampling and analysis of organisms in a marine food web of the Inner Oslofjord, in addition to samples of sediment, blue mussel and polychaetes at selected locations in the fjord. The programme also included inputs of pollutants via surface water (storm water). Results from other monitoring programmes such as "Contaminants in coastal areas" (MILKYS) and "Riverine inputs and direct discharges to Norwegian coastal waters" (RID), as well as results from other input measurements to the inner Oslofjord, and measurements of contaminants at Bekkelaget sewage treatment plant are referred and placed in context with the results of the present programme. A vast number of chemical parameters have been quantified, and the report serves as valuable documentation of the concentrations of these chemicals in different compartments of the Inner Oslofjord marine ecosystem. Furthermore, this report presents relationships between the contaminant concentrations and various biological variables.
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Bernhoft, Aksel; Eriksen, Gunnar Sundstøl; Sundheim, Leif; Berntssen, Marc; Brantsæter, Anne Lise & Brodal, Guro
[Show all 39 contributors for this article]
(2013).
Risk assessment of mycotoxins in cereal grain in Norway.
Opinion of the Scientific Steering Committee of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety.
Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM).
ISSN 978-82-8259-090-7.
Full text in Research Archive
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Amlund, Heidi; Granum, Berit; Ruus, Anders; Lillegaard, Inger Therese L.; Steffensen, Inger-Lise & Alexander, Jan
[Show all 20 contributors for this article]
(2013).
Risk assessment of the exposure to aluminium
through food and the use of cosmetic products in
the Norwegian population.
Opinion of the Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings,
Processing Aids, Materials in Contact with Food and Cosmetics and of the
Panel on Contaminants of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food
Safety.
Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM) .
ISSN 978-82-8259-088-4.
Full text in Research Archive
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Knutsen, Helle Katrine; Brantsæter, Anne Lise; Fæste, Christiane Kruse; Ruus, Anders; Thomsen, Cathrine & Amlund, Heidi
[Show all 9 contributors for this article]
(2013).
Risk assessment of lead exposure from cervid
meat in Norwegian consumers and in hunting
dogs.
Opinion of the Panel on Contaminants of the Norwegian Scientific
Committee for Food Safety.
Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM).
ISSN 978-82-8259-096-9.
Full text in Research Archive
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Oug, Eivind; Ruus, Anders; Norling, Karl & Bakke, Torgeir Heggelund
(2013).
Classification of environmental status in fjords with heavy industry – do chemical pollutants and soft bottom fauna correspond?
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-6329-9.
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The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) has been implemented in Norway and will form the basis for the management of environmental quality in freshwater and marine coastal areas. The national authority for the directive is the Norwegian Ministry of Environment. The implementation is carried out by a Committee of Directorates that has been delegated the task of preparing national guidance and the development of classification systems. For coastal waters, national guidelines for classification of chemical pollutants (chemical status) and biological parameters (ecological status) have been developed. The guide for chemical pollutant status incorporates the list of 33 prioritised substances (45 substances as of 2013) identified by the EU that will form the basis for assigning the chemical status. To assign ecological status, classifications have been developed for phytoplankton, benthic algae and soft bottom fauna. The classifications systems are to be considered provisional (‘first generation tools’) and will be updated at intervals as new knowledge is obtained. The presently used guidelines were developed and taken into use in 2007 for chemical classification (SFT TA 2229) and in 2009 for ecological status (Veileder 01:2009), respectively.
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Green, Norman Whitaker; Schøyen, Merete; Øxnevad, Sigurd; Ruus, Anders; Allan, Ian & Høgåsen, Tore
[Show all 10 contributors for this article]
(2013).
Contaminants in coastal waters of Norway 2012.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-6317-6.
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This programme examines long term changes for legacy and some emerging contaminants in biota along the coast of Norway from the Oslofjord and Hvaler region in the southeast to the Varangerfjord in the northeast, in both polluted areas and areas remote from point sources. The 2012-investigation included the monitoring of blue mussel (23 stations), dog whelk (8 stations), common periwinkle (1 station) cod (14 stations) and seawater (passive samplers, 3 stations). Thirty contaminants were chosen for this report as reasonable representation of the chemicals investigated. This selection has 272 time series of which there were statistically significant trends in 50 cases: 34 (12.5 %) were downwards and 16 (5.9 %) upwards. The dominance of downward trends indicates that contamination is decreasing. Of the 272 cases, 156 could be classified by the environmental classification system used by the Norwegian Environment Agency, 81.4 % were classified as insignificantly polluted, 13.5 % as moderately polluted, 4.5 % as markedly polluted, 0 % as severely polluted and 0.6 % as extremely polluted. Analyses of HBCD, SCCP, MCCP, PFRs, BPA, and TBBPA and the use of passive samplers were included in this programme for the first time. Some cases warrant special concern. These were for example upward trend for mercury in cod fillet from the inner Oslofjord, high concentrations of hexabromocyclododecane (a-HBCD) in cod liver from the same area, and high concentrations of medium chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCP) in cod liver from Sørfjord
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Ruus, Anders; Bakke, Torgeir Heggelund; Bjerkeng, Birger & Knutsen, Halvor
(2013).
Monitoring of contaminants in fish and shellfish from Grenlandsfjordene 2012 .
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-6306-0.
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This report presents and discusses the results from the 2012 monitoring of contaminants in fish and shellfish from the fjords in the Grenland region, Telemark county, southern Norway. The monitoring is an element of the Norwegian Pollution Monitoring Programme and is performed jointly by the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) and the Institute of Marine Research (IMR). For this report a detailed statistical analysis has been made on all available time series data on dioxins and non-orto PCB (non-orto PCB) in cod liver, sea trout, edible crab hepatopancreas, and blue mussel. The statistical analysis is presented in annex 1 to the report. Map of the area with sampling sites is found in Figure 1.
The environmental conditions in the Grenland fjords have been monitored more or less annually since the early 1970ies. The focus has been on the overall pollution state of the fjord system and on contaminants in fish and shellfish. Large reductions in the industrial effluents resulted in a strong decline in contaminant levels in fish and shellfish around 1990, but still the dioxin concentrations in seafood are too high for the Norwegian Food Safety Authority to annul present food consumption advisories.
The aim of the program is partly to assess the temporal development in dioxin pollution (and other contaminants) in selected, important species of fish and shellfish, and partly to describe the contamination status in other species of commercial interest in various parts of the fjord system.
The 2012 programme was intended to comprise the following:
• Time series on lipid content, dioxins (PCDF/PCDD) and non-orto PCBs in liver of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), hepatopancreas of edible crab (Cancer pagurus), blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) and fillet of sea trout (Salmo trutta).
• Dioxins and non-orto PCBs in fillet of cod, crab claws, tail tissue of Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis).
• Mercury in fillet of cod
• Brominated flame retardants (PBDE), perfluoro (PFAS), and organotin compounds in cod liver.
The samples were collected by IMR from Frierfjorden, Langesundsfjorden, Langesundsbukta and areas outside (Jomfruland, Såstein, Klokkartangen) during 12. - 17. November 2012. The shrimp sample was taken by local fishermen in January 2013. Dioxins, non-orto PCB, PBDE, and PFAS were analysed by the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU). Mercury and organotin compounds were analysed by Eurofins.
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Ruus, Anders; Kvassnes, Astri J.S.; Ledang, Anna Birgitta; Green, Norman Whitaker & Schøyen, Merete
(2013).
Monitoring of environmental quality in the Sørfjord 2012.
Metals in the water masses, Oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorus in the water masses, Contaminants in organisms
.
Norsk institutt for vannforskning.
ISSN 978-82-577-6284-1.
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The monitoring of the Sørfjord in 2012 represents the last year of the governmentally initiated monitoring of the Sørfjord, administered by the Klif, now the Norwegian Environment Agency. In the future, the Norwegian Environment Agency will instruct the local industry to organise environmental monitoring according to the Water Framework Directive. The 2012 monitoring is somewhat reduced, compared to earlier years. The program is mainly a continuation of the earlier monitoring, with the objective of describing the present environmental status and assessing this in relation to the remedial actions done in the area. Furthermore, the monitoring has the aim of detecting possible irregular discharges and needs for further remedial actions. The monitoring also produces a foundation for the Norwegian Food Safety Authority in their work of evaluating the edibility of fish and shellfish.
The present report gives a description of water quality and content of contaminants in blue mussel and fish.
The monitoring of the Sørfjord has shown considerable improvement in the pollution situation on several areas over the years, but that the fjord still is influenced by several forms of pollution.
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Published Nov. 22, 2016 12:33 PM
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