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• Grung, Merete; Vogelsang, Christian; Schwermer, Carsten Ulrich; Helgerud, Trine Christoffersen; Espvik, Heidi Johanne & Raasok, Cecilie [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). Resultater fra overvåking av legemidler i avløpsvann fra et sykehus og gjennom et avløpsrenseanlegg – tilstedeværelse og miljørisiko, 2019-2022. Vann. ISSN 0042-2592. 57(3), p. 164–189. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Legemiddelutslipp via avløpsvann fra sykehus kan forårsake negative miljøeffekter. I denne største norske studien siden 2007 undersøkte vi legemidler i påslipp fra sykehus til kommunalt avløpsnett, og i innløp og renset utslipp ved mot- tagende avløpsrenseanlegg. Vi inkluderte 157 legemidler. For åtte legemidler utgjorde tilførselen fra sykehuset 10-41% av totalmengden tilført renseanlegget. Disse brukes hovedsakelig i syke- hus (røntgenkontrastmidler, bedøvelsesmidler, visse antibiotikatyper). En enkel risikovurdering av utløpskonsentrasjonene fra avløpsrense- anlegget viste at de kvinnelige kjønnshormoner og legemidler østron og østradiol, representerte den største miljørisikoen. Risikokvotienten (RQ) for det betennelsesdempende midlet diklofenak og antibiotikatypene ciprofloksacin, azitromycin og sulfametoksasol var større enn 1, som betyr at negative effekter i miljøet ikke kan utelukkes. Manglende toksisitetsstudier av flere legemidler betyr at trygge miljøkonsentrasjoner ikke er ut- ledet. Flere studier av sykehusenes bidrag til mulige negative miljøeffekter i resipienten trengs for å gi informasjon om hvorvidt imple- mentering av punktrensing av påslippet fra sykehus er formålstjenlig.

• Mentzel, Sophie; Martínez-Megías, Claudia; Grung, Merete; Rico, Andreu; Tollefsen, Knut-Erik & Van den Brink, Paul J. [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). Using a Bayesian Network Model to Predict Risk of Pesticides on Aquatic Community Endpoints in a Rice Field—A Southern European Case Study. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. ISSN 0730-7268. 43(1), p. 182–196. doi: 10.1002/etc.5755. Full text in Research Archive
• Brooks, Steven; Gomes, Tania; Grung, Merete; Petersen, Karina & Macken, Ailbhe (2023). An integrated biological effects assessment of the discharge water into the Sunndalsfjord from an aluminium smelter. Science of the Total Environment. ISSN 0048-9697. 904. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166798. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  An integrated biological effects study using field transplanted mussels was applied to determine the potential biological effects of an effluent discharge from an aluminium smelter into a Norwegian fjord. Chemical body burden and biological effects were measured in mussels positioned downstream (1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 km) from the aluminium smelters discharge for a period of 6 weeks. A suite of biomarkers, from whole organism to subcellular responses were measured. Chemical concentrations in mussel tissues were low; however, a change in the PAC (polyaromatic compound) profile from high to low pyrogenic influence provided evidence of exposure to the smelter's effluent. Overall, the biological responses observed where greater in the mussels positioned closest to the smelter (1–5 km). Lowest chemical accumulation and biomarker responses were observed in mussels positioned 10 km from the smelter and were considered as the reference field population. Mussels located furthest from the smelter (20 km) exhibited significant biomarker responses and suggested a different contaminant source within the fjord. The integrated biological response index (IBR) was applied and reflected the expected level of exposure to the smelters discharge, with highest IBR calculated in mussels positioned closest to the discharge (1–5 km). Principal component analysis (PCA) also differentiated among mussel groups, with the most impacted located closest to the smelter. Not one chemical factor could explain the biological responses observed in mussels, but the presence of PAH16, PAH41 and metals Mn, Ni and Cr were the main contributors measured to the higher stress seen in the mussels from the 1 and 5 km groups.

• Welch, Samuel A.; Moe, S. Jannicke; Nouri Sharikabad, Mohammad; Tollefsen, Knut-Erik; Olsen, Kristine & Grung, Merete (2023). Predicting Environmental Risks of Pharmaceuticals from Wholesale Data: An Example from Norway. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. ISSN 0730-7268. 42(10), p. 2253–2270. doi: 10.1002/etc.5702. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Environmental risk assessment (ERA) of pharmaceuticals relies on available measured environmental concentrations, but often such data are sparse. Predicted environmental concentrations (PECs), calculated from sales weights, are an attractive alternative but often cover only prescription sales. We aimed to rank, by environmental risk in Norway, approximately 200 active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) over 2016–2019, based on sales PECs. To assess the added value of wholesale and veterinary data, we compared exposure and risk predictions with and without these additional sources. Finally, we aimed to characterize the persistence, mobility, and bioaccumulation of these APIs. We compared our PECs to available Norwegian measurements, then, using public predicted-no-effect concentrations, we calculated risk quotients (RQs) and appended experimental and predicted persistence and bioaccumulation. Our approach overestimated environmental concentrations compared with measurements for 18 of 20 APIs with comparable predictions and measurements. Seventeen APIs had mean RQs >1, indicating potential risk, while the mean RQ was 2.05 and the median 0.001, driven by sex hormones, antibiotics, the antineoplastic abiraterone, and common painkillers. Some high-risk APIs were also potentially persistent or bioaccumulative (e.g., levonorgestrel [RQ = 220] and ciprofloxacin [RQ = 56]), raising the possibility of impacts beyond their RQs. Exposure and risk were also calculated with and without over-the-counter sales, showing that prescriptions explained 70% of PEC magnitude. Likewise, human sales, compared with veterinary, explained 85%. Sales PECs provide an efficient option for ERA, designed to overestimate compared with analytical techniques and potentially held back by limited data availability and an inability to quantify uncertainty but, nevertheless, an ideal initial approach for identification and ranking of risks.

• Grung, Merete; Vogelsang, Christian; Schwermer, Carsten Ulrich; Helgerud, Trine Christoffersen; Espvik, Heidi Johanne & Raasok, Cecilie [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). Resultater fra 4 års overvåking av legemidler i avløpsvann fra et sykehus og gjennom et avløpsrenseanlegg – tilstedeværelse og miljørisiko. OSF Preprints. doi: 10.31219/osf.io/7v5db.
• Paus-Knudsen, Julie Sørlie; Sveinsson, Henrik Andersen; Grung, Merete; Borgå, Katrine & Nielsen, Anders (2023). The Neonicotinoid Imidacloprid Impairs Learning, Locomotor Activity Levels, and Sucrose Solution Consumption in Bumblebees (Bombus terrestris). Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. ISSN 0730-7268. 42(6), p. 1337–1345. doi: 10.1002/etc.5611. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Bumblebees carry out the complex task of foraging to provide for their colonies. They also conduct pollination, an ecosystem service of high importance to both wild plants and entomophilous crops. Insecticides can alter different aspects of bumblebee foraging behavior, including the motivation to leave the hive, finding the right flowers, handling flowers, and the ability to return to the colony. In the present study, we assessed how the neonicotinoid imidacloprid affects bumblebees' foraging behavior after exposure to four different treatment levels, including field-realistic concentrations (0 [control], 1, 10, and 100 μg/L), through sucrose solution over 9 days. We observed the behavior of several free-flying bumblebees simultaneously foraging on artificial flowers in a flight arena to register the bees' complex behavior postexposure. To conduct a detailed assessment of how insecticides affect bumblebee locomotor behavior, we used video cameras and analyzed the recordings using computer vision. We found that imidacloprid impaired learning and locomotor activity level when the bumblebees foraged on artificial flowers. We also found that imidacloprid exposure reduced sucrose solution intake and storage. By using automated analyses of video recordings of bumblebee behavior, we identified sublethal effects of imidacloprid exposure at field-realistic doses. Specifically, we observed negative impacts on consumption of sucrose solution as well as on learning and locomotor activity level. Our results highlight the need for more multimodal approaches when assessing the sublethal effects of insecticides and plant protection products in general.

• Welch, Samuel Alexander Stafford; Olsen, Kristine; Nouri Sharikabad, Mohammad; Tollefsen, Knut-Erik; Grung, Merete & Moe, Solveig Jannicke (2022). Pharmaceutical pollution: Prediction of environmental concentrations from national wholesales data. Open Research Europe. ISSN 2732-5121. 2. doi: 10.12688/openreseurope.14129.2. Full text in Research Archive
• Mentzel, Sophie; Martínez-Megías, Claudia; Grung, Merete; Rico, Anreu; Tollefsen, Knut-Erik & Van den Brink, Paul J. [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2022). Using a Bayesian network model to predict effects of pesticides on aquatic community endpoints in a rice field – A southern European case study. bioRxiv. ISSN 2692-8205. doi: 10.1101/2022.10.19.512688.
• Welch, Samuel Alexander Stafford; Lane, Taylor; Desrousseaux, Alizée O.S; van Dijk, Joanke; Mangold-Döring, Annika & Gajraj, Rudrani [Show all 24 contributors for this article] (2022). ECORISK2050: An Innovative Training Network for predicting the effects of global change on the emission, fate, effects, and risks of chemicals in aquatic ecosystems. Open Research Europe. ISSN 2732-5121. 1. doi: 10.12688/openreseurope.14283.2. Full text in Research Archive
• Mentzel, Sophie; Grung, Merete; Holten, Roger; Tollefsen, Knut-Erik; Stenrød, Marianne & Moe, S. Jannicke (2022). Probabilistic risk assessment of pesticides under future agricultural and climate scenarios using a bayesian network. Frontiers in Environmental Science. ISSN 2296-665X. 10. doi: 10.3389/fenvs.2022.957926. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The use of Bayesian networks (BN) for environmental risk assessment has increased in recent years as they offer a more transparent way to characterize risk and evaluate uncertainty than the traditional risk assessment paradigms. In this study, a novel probabilistic approach applying a BN for risk calculation was further developed and explored by linking the calculation a risk quotient to alternative future scenarios. This extended version of the BN model uses predictions from a process-based pesticide exposure model (World Integrated System for Pesticide Exposure - WISPE) in the exposure characterization and toxicity test data in the effect characterization. The probability distributions for exposure and effect are combined into a risk characterization (i.e. the probability distribution of a risk quotient), a common measure of the exceedance of an environmentally safe exposure threshold. The BN model was used to account for variabilities of the predicted pesticide exposure in agricultural streams, and inter-species variability in sensitivity to the pesticide among freshwater species. In Northern Europe, future climate scenarios typically predict increased temperature and precipitation, which can be expected to cause an increase in weed infestations, plant disease and insect pests. Such climate-related changes in pest pressure in turn can give rise to altered agricultural practices, such as increased pesticide application rates, as an adaptation to climate change. The WISPE model was used to link a set of scenarios consisting of two climate models, three pesticide application scenarios and three periods (year ranges), for a case study in South-East Norway. The model was set up for the case study by specifying environmental factors such as soil properties and field slope together with chemical properties of pesticides to predict the pesticide exposure in streams adjacent to the agricultural fields. The model was parameterized and evaluated for five selected pesticides: the three herbicides clopyralid, fluroxypyr-meptyl, and 2-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy) acetic acid (MCPA), and the two fungicides prothiocanzole and trifloxystrobin. This approach enabled the calculation and visualization of probability distribution of the risk quotients for the future time horizons 2050 and 2085. The risk posed by the pesticides were in general low for this case study, with highest probability of the risk quotient exceeding 1 for the two herbicides fluroxypyr-meptyl and MCPA. The future climate projections used here resulted in only minor changes in predicted exposure concentrations and thereby future risk. However, a stronger increase in risk was predicted for the scenarios with increased pesticide application, which can represent an adaptation to a future climate with higher pest pressures. In the current study, the specific BN model predictions were constrained by an existing set of climate projections which represented only one IPCC scenario (A1B) and two climate models. Further advancement of the BN modelling demonstrated herein, including more recent climate scenarios and a larger set of climate models, is anticipated to result in more relevant risk characterization also for future climate conditions. This probabilistic approach will have the potential to aid targeted management of ecological risks in support of future research, industry and regulatory needs.

• Grung, Merete; Lindman, Sofie Jenny; Kringstad, Alfhild; Girardin, Viviane & Meland, Sondre (2022). Alkylated Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds in Road Runoff Are an Environmental Risk and Should Be Included in Future Investigations. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. ISSN 0730-7268. 41(8), p. 1838–1850. doi: 10.1002/etc.5399. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) and metals are important contaminants in road runoff. Vital mitigation measures against aquatic contamination from road runoff include the use of sedimentation ponds. However, it has been demonstrated that ecosystems in sedimentation ponds might be affected by road runoff. Sediments from six natural ponds and 27 sedimentation ponds were investigated to determine the environmental risk of contaminants. The amount of traffic on the respective roads associated with the sedimentation ponds was correlated with the environmental concentrations. Quantification included seven metals, the 16 US Environmental Protection Agency polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, alkylated PACs, dibenzothiophene, benzo[e]pyrene, and perylene. The environmental risk was assessed according to the European Union Water Framework Directive guidelines. Sedimentation ponds had a higher level of contaminants than natural ponds, and environmental risks were dominated by the concentration of PACs. Alkylated PACs contributed to the environmental risk posed by PACs and should be included in future monitoring. Only Cu and Zn were measured at concentrations above the environmental quality standards (EQSs), while 13 PACs exceeded the EQS. Sediment concentrations of Cu, Zn, and most PACs correlated significantly with the amount of traffic. The sources of PACs were determined by source apportionment ratios between PACs. Alkylation and pyrogenic indices showed that sources in natural ponds were of mostly pyrogenic origin, whereas in sedimentation ponds they were predominantly petrogenic. Asphalt was the probable main source of PACs. A hierarchical clustering technique was used to investigate both the environmental risks and the pattern of PACs in the ponds and revealed that a few sedimentation ponds were not protecting the environment as intended because the upper sediment layers had not been regularly dredged.

• Wennberg, Aina Charlotte; Meland, Sondre; Grung, Merete & Lillicrap, Adam David (2022). Unravelling reasons for variability in the OECD 306 marine biodegradation test. Chemosphere. ISSN 0045-6535. 300. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134476. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The recommended test for assessing if a chemical can be biodegraded in the marine environment is performed according to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Marine biodegradation test guideline (OECD 306). However, this test is known to generate highly variable test results when comparing interlaboratory test results for the same compound. One reason can be the relatively low bacterial content compared to the inoculum used for OECD readily biodegradation tests (OECD 301). Some of the variability in data obtained from OECD 306 tests can also be due to the flexibility on how to store the seawater inoculum before starting a test. Another variable in the seawater inoculum is the source of seawater used by different laboratories, i.e., geographical location and anthropogenic activities at the source. In this study, the effect of aging seawater and the source of seawater (sample time and depth) were investigated to determine differences in the biodegradation of the reference compound aniline. Aging the seawater before starting the test is recommended in OECD 306 to reduce the background levels of organic carbon in the water. However, it also functions to acclimatize the bacterial community from the environmental source temperature to the test temperature (normally 20 °C). Herein, the microbial community was monitored using flowcytometer during the aging process. As expected, the microbial community changed over time. In one experiment, aging significantly improved the biodegradation of aniline, while in two experiments, there was no significant difference in biodegradation. Interestingly however, there was significant variability in the biodegradation of aniline between sampling seasons and depths, even when all experiments were performed in the same lab, by the same operator and seawater obtained from the same source. This highlights the need for a more robust and consistent microbial inoculum source to reduce variability in seawater biodegradation tests.

• Mentzel, Sophie; Grung, Merete; Tollefsen, Knut-Erik; Stenrød, Marianne; Petersen, Karina & Moe, S. Jannicke (2021). Development of a Bayesian network for probabilistic risk assessment of pesticides. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management. ISSN 1551-3777. 18(4), p. 1072–1087. doi: 10.1002/ieam.4533. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Conventional environmental risk assessment of chemicals is based on a calculated risk quotient, representing the ratio of exposure to effects of the chemical, in combination with assessment factors to account for uncertainty. Probabilistic risk assessment approaches can offer more transparency by using probability distributions for exposure and/or effects to account for variability and uncertainty. In this study, a probabilistic approach using Bayesian network modeling is explored as an alternative to traditional risk calculation. Bayesian networks can serve as meta-models that link information from several sources and offer a transparent way of incorporating the required characterization of uncertainty for environmental risk assessment. To this end, a Bayesian network has been developed and parameterized for the pesticides azoxystrobin, metribuzin, and imidacloprid. We illustrate the development from deterministic (traditional) risk calculation, via intermediate versions, to fully probabilistic risk characterization using azoxystrobin as an example. We also demonstrate the seasonal risk calculation for the three pesticides.

• Steindal, Eirik Hovland & Grung, Merete (2021). Management of PFAS with the aid of chemical product registries—an indispensable tool for future control of hazardous substances. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management. ISSN 1551-3777. 17(4), p. 835–851. doi: 10.1002/ieam.4380. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The Nordic countries are in the forefront of international chemical regulation and management by actively developing the domestic policy framework, while simultaneously pushing for more stringent control internationally. Norway, Sweden, and Denmark have been particularly progressive in the regulation of the per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Restriction proposals have been developed under the EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and PFAS have been nominated for global restriction under the Stockholm Convention. A key tool in their work has been the product registries (PRs), where all chemicals imported and produced over a certain reporting limit must be registered by the importers and/or producers. In recent years these PRs have been facing opposition, predominantly from the industry. Simultaneously, and in some contrast, several EU countries are mobilizing for measures to control PFAS as a group. We explored the role of PRs in national and international chemical management. By analyzing the Norwegian PFAS data (2009–2017) reported by industry to the government we observed changes in use and temporal trends. A diversification in use and substitutions to alternative PFAS emerged when new policies were developed, representing a challenge for future control and reduction efforts. Instead of loosening up on reporting obligations, as advocated by some industry representatives, our analysis of the PFAS group argues that governments would benefit from a tighter reporting scheme of problematic compound groups. A comprehensive overview of use, production, and import would contribute to more effective control, thereby saving society and the environment from serious damage and tremendous costs. The Nordic PRs will continue to be important supplements to REACH registration and an indispensable tool for future both national and international regulation on PFAS and other hazardous substances.

• 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.

• Meland, Sondre; Hultman, Maria Thérése; Georgantzopoulou, Anastasia; Petersen, Karina; Brandt, Uta & Kringstad, Alfhild [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2020). Storskala utlekkingstest av bildekkrelevante forurensningsstoffer fra Huggenes støyvoll (E6, Råde). Vann. ISSN 0042-2592. 55(1), p. 53–66. Full text in Research Archive
• Girardin, Viviane; Grung, Merete & Meland, Sondre (2020). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: bioaccumulation in dragonfly nymphs (Anisoptera), and determination of alkylated forms in sediment for an improved environmental assessment. Scientific Reports. ISSN 2045-2322. 10. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-67355-1. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Road runoff carries a mixture of contaminants that threatens the quality of natural water bodies and the health of aquatic organisms. The use of sedimentation ponds is a nature-based solution for the treatment of road runoff. This study assessed the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their alkylated homologues in sediment from seven highway sedimentation ponds and three natural urban ponds. In addition, the study explored the bioaccumulation of PAHs in dragonfly nymphs (Anisoptera). Finally, biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) were estimated. The results revealed a significant difference in the concentrations of 16 priority PAHs in sediment, with overall higher levels in sedimentation ponds (2,911 µg/kg on average) compared to natural urban ponds (606 µg/kg on average). PAH levels increased substantially once alkylated homologues were considered, with alkylated comprising between 42 and 87% of the total PAH in sediment samples. These results demonstrate the importance of alkylated forms in the environmental assessment of PAHs. The bioaccumulation assessment indicates that dragonfly nymphs bioaccumulate PAHs to a certain degree. It is not clear, however, whether they metabolize PAHs. BSAF results ranged from approx. 0.006 to 10 and indicate that BSAFs can be a powerful tool to determine the functionality of sedimentation ponds.

• Meland, Sondre; Gomes, Tania; Petersen, Karina; Håll, Johnny; Lund, Espen & Kringstad, Alfhild [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2019). Road related pollutants induced DNA damage in dragonfly nymphs (Odonata, Anisoptera) living in highway sedimentation ponds. Scientific Reports. ISSN 2045-2322. 9. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-52207-4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Nowadays, stormwater sedimentation ponds are popular in stormwater management because of their ability to mitigate flooding and treat polluted runoff from e.g. roads. In addition, they may provide other ecosystem services such as biodiversity. These man-made habitats will inevitably be polluted and the organisms living therein may be negatively affected by the chemical cocktail present in both the water and sediment compartments. The present study explored DNA damage in dragonfly nymphs (Odonata, Anisoptera) living in highway sedimentation ponds in comparison with natural ponds. The concentrations of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), alkylated PAHs and metals were also determined in sediment samples from the different ponds. The results showed that DNA damage was significantly higher in dragonfly nymphs living in sedimentation ponds compared to nymphs living in natural ponds. DNA damage was also highly and significantly correlated with the pollution levels in the sediment, i.e., PAH and Zinc. Finally, we report the concentrations of various alkylated PAHs which appeared to be very dominant in the sedimentation ponds. Our results show that there may be a conflict between the sedimentation ponds’ primary function of protecting natural water bodies from polluted runoff and their secondary function as habitats for organisms. Overall, we suggest that this must be considered when planning and designing stormwater measures.

• Hultman, Maria Thérése; Løken, Katharina Bjarnar; Grung, Merete; Reid, Malcolm J & Lillicrap, Adam (2019). Performance of Three-Dimensional Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Hepatocyte Spheroids for Evaluating Biotransformation of Pyrene. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. ISSN 0730-7268. 38(8), p. 1738–1747. doi: 10.1002/etc.4476. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The aquatic bioconcentration of a chemical is typically determined using conventional fish tests. To foster the approach of alternatives to animal testing, a combination of computational models and in vitro substrate depletion bioassays (e.g., primary hepatocytes) can be used. One recently developed in vitro assay is the three‐dimensional (3D) hepatic spheroid model from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the metabolic competence of the 3D spheroids from rainbow trout when exposed to pyrene, using 2 different sampling procedures (SP1 and SP2). The results were compared with previously published intrinsic clearance (CL) results from S9 fractions and primary hepatocyte assays. Extraction of pyrene using SP1 suggested that the spheroids had depleted 33% of the pyrene within 4 h of exposure, reducing to 91% after 30 h. However, when applying SP2 a substantial amount (36%) of the pyrene was bound to the exposure vial within 2 h, decreasing after 6 h of exposure. Formation of hydroxypyrene‐glucuronide (OH‐PYR‐Glu) was obtained throughout the study, displaying the metabolic competence of the 3D spheroids. The 2 sampling procedures yielded different CLin vitro, where pyrene depletion using SP2 was very similar to published studies using primary hepatocytes. The 3D spheroids demonstrated reproducibile, log‐linear biotransformation of pyrene and displayed formation of OH‐PYR‐Glu, indicating their metabolic competence for 30 h or more.

• Dale, Karina; Müller, Mette Bjørge; Tairova, Zhanna; Khan, Essa Ahsan; Hatlen, Kristin & Grung, Merete [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2019). Contaminant accumulation and biological responses in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) caged at a capped waste disposal site in Kollevåg, Western Norway. Marine Environmental Research. ISSN 0141-1136. 145, p. 39–51. doi: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2019.02.003. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The aim of this study was to assess whether fish in Kollevåg, a sheltered bay on the western coast of Norway, previously utilized as a waste disposal site, could be affected by environmental contaminants leaking from the waste. Farmed, juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) were caged for six weeks at three different locations in Kollevåg bay and at one reference location. Sediments and cod samples (bile and liver) were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs), per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites, revealing a contamination gradient at the four stations. Furthermore, hepatosomatic index (HSI) and Fulton's condition factor (CF) were significantly lower in cod caged closest to the disposal site. Levels and activities of biomarker proteins, such as vitellogenin (Vtg), metallothionein (Mt), and biotransformation and oxidative stress enzymes, including cytochrome P450 1a and 3a (Cyp1a, Cyp3a), glutathione s-transferase (Gst) and catalase (Cat), were quantified in blood plasma and liver tissue. Hepatic Cat and Gst activities were significantly reduced in cod caged at the innermost stations in Kollevåg, indicating modulation of oxidative stress responses. However, these results contrasted with reduced hepatic lipid peroxidation. Significant increases in transcript levels were observed for genes involved in lipid metabolism (fasn and acly) in cod liver, while transcript levels of ovarian steroidogenic enzyme genes such as p450scc, cyp19, 3β-hsd and 20β-hsd showed significant station-dependent increases. Cyp1a and Vtg protein levels were however not significantly altered in cod caged in Kollevåg. Plasma levels of estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) were determined by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and showed elevated E2 levels, but only at the innermost station. We conclude that the bay of Kollevåg did not fullfill adequate environmental condition based on environmental quality standards (EQSs) for chemicals in coastal waters. Following a six weeks caging period, environmental contaminants accumulated in cod tissues and effects were observed on biomarker responses, especially those involved in reproductive processes in cod ovary.

• Harman, Christopher; Grung, Merete; Djedjibegovic, Jasmina; Marjanovic, Aleksandra; Fjeld, Eirik & Braaten, Hans Fredrik Veiteberg [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2018). The organic pollutant status of rivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina as determined by a combination of active and passive sampling methods. Environmental Monitoring & Assessment. ISSN 0167-6369. 190(5). doi: 10.1007/s10661-018-6667-6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  There is an overall lack of data concerning the pollution status of Bosnia Herzegovina, which is confounded by fragmented national environmental management. The present study aimed to provide some initial data for concentrations of priority substances in two major Bosnian Rivers, using two types of passive sampler (PS) as well as by using high volume water sampling (HVWS). Overall, concentrations of most persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and legacy pesticides, were shown to be low. However, around the town of Doboj on the Bosna River, concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) breached European standards for several compounds and reached 67 ng L−1 for freely dissolved concentrations and 250 ng L−1 for total concentrations. In general, contamination was lower in the Neretva River compared to the Bosna, although for brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), results suggested an active source of PBDEs at one location based on the ratio of congeners 47 and 99. Direct comparisons between the different sampling techniques used are not straightforward, but similar patterns of PAH contamination were shown by HVWS and PS in the Bosna River. There are both scientific and practical considerations when choosing which type of sampling technique to apply, and this should be decided based on the goals of each individual study.

• Grung, Merete; Vikan, Hedda; Hertel-Aas, Turid; Meland, Sondre; Thomas, Kevin V & Ranneklev, Sissel (2017). Roads and motorized transport as major sources of priority substances? A data register study. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A. ISSN 1528-7394. 80(16-18), p. 1031–1047. doi: 10.1080/15287394.2017.1352206.
• Grung, Merete; Kringstad, Alfhild; Bæk, Kine; Allan, Ian J; Thomas, Kevin V & Meland, Sondre [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2017). Identification of non-regulated polycyclic aromatic compounds and other markers of urban pollution in road tunnel particulate matter. Journal of Hazardous Materials. ISSN 0304-3894. 323, p. 36–44. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.05.036.
• Allan, Ian J; O'Connell, Steven G; Meland, Sondre; Bæk, Kine; Grung, Merete & Anderson, Kim A [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2016). PAH Accessibility in Particulate Matter from Road-Impacted Environments. Environmental Science and Technology. ISSN 0013-936X. 50(15), p. 7964–7972. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.6b00504.
• Grung, Merete; Petersen, Karina; Fjeld, Eirik; Allan, Ian; Christensen, Jan H. & Malmqvist, Linus M.V. [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2016). PAH related effects on fish in sedimentation ponds for road runoff and potential transfer of PAHs from sediment to biota. Science of the Total Environment. ISSN 0048-9697. 566-567, p. 1309–1317. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.05.191.
• Petersen, Karina; Bæk, Kine; Grung, Merete; Meland, Sondre & Ranneklev, Sissel Brit (2016). In vivo and in vitro effects of tunnel wash water and traffic related contaminants on aquatic organisms. Chemosphere. ISSN 0045-6535. 164, p. 363–371. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.08.108. Full text in Research Archive
• Lillicrap, Adam; Macken, Ailbhe; Wennberg, Aina Charlotte; Grung, Merete; Rundberget, Jan Thomas & Fredriksen, Lene [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2016). Environmental fate and effects of novel quorum sensing inhibitors that can control biofilm formation. Chemosphere. ISSN 0045-6535. 164, p. 52–58. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.08.083.
• 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.
• de Gelder, Stefan; Bakke, Marit J.; Vos, Joelle; Rasinger, Josef D.; Ingebrigtsen, Kristian & Grung, Merete [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2016). The effect of dietary lipid composition on the intestinal uptake and tissue distribution of benzo[a]pyrene and phenanthrene in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology - Part C: Toxicology & Pharmacology. ISSN 1532-0456. 185-186, p. 65–76. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2016.03.003.
• Thrane, Jan-Erik; Kyle, Marcia; Striebel, Maren; Haande, Sigrid; Grung, Merete & Rohrlack, Thomas [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2015). Spectrophotometric analysis of pigments: A critical assessment of a high-throughput method for analysis of algal pigment mixtures by spectral deconvolution. PLOS ONE. ISSN 1932-6203. 10(9), p. 1–24. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137645. Full text in Research Archive
• Grung, Merete; Lin, Yan; Zhang, Hua; Steen, Anne Orderdalen; Huang, Jun & Zhang, Gan [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2015). Pesticide levels and environmental risk in aquatic environments in China - A review. Environment International. ISSN 0160-4120. 81, p. 87–97. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.04.013. Full text in Research Archive

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• Grung, Merete; Vogelsang, Christian; Espvik, Heidi J.; Gravningen, Kirsten ; Helgerud, Trine Chr. & Schwermer, Carsten Ulrich (2023). Pharmaceuticals in hospital sewage effluents: Long-term surveillance & WWTP removal effectiveness. Show summary

  Background The proposed EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) requires monitoring of micropollutants in wastewater entering and leaving wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) that serve more than 100.000 pe, and at WWTPs treating wastewater from urban agglomerations >10.000 pe if the concentration or accumulation of micropollution poses a risk to human health or the environment. In anticipation of such legal requirements, the Ahus University Hospital in collaboration with the receiving WWTP and the municipality started already twelve years ago a monitoring campaign to document their discharges of up to 160 different pharmaceuticals to the public sewerage system and their fate at the WWTP. To our knowledge, this represents the most consistent and largest existing dataset for pharmaceutical residuals in Norwegian wastewaters. However, currently the dataset has not been exploited and interpreted. Despite of the upcoming EU regulation, knowledge about typical discharge concentrations from hospitals to the public wastewater system and from WWTPs to recipients, is currently lacking in Norway. Thus, our data set might be very valuable to provide knowledge on trends of the investigated compounds from long-term surveillance. Approach Three to four sampling events were conducted during 2019-2021. Hospital effluent and WWTP influent and effluent samples were collected as weeklong flow-proportional composite samples, while sludge samples at the WWTP were collected s composite grab samples over the same periods. The samples were analyzed for 130 - 160 pharmaceutical compounds. Environmental risk quotients, RQ (= predicted environmental concentration divided by predicted no-effect concentration), were determined for each individual compound, and the RQ of compounds with similar toxic effect were summed to consider the assumed cocktail effect. If RQ < 1, the effluent is assumed to pose no environmental harm. Results & Discussion Results from the last three years monitoring campaigns will be presented and discussed. This includes the quantitative and relative contribution of individual compounds in the hospital effluent to the observed levels in the inlet to the WWTP, where the compounds ended up (in the effluent, in the sludge or degraded/evaporated). In addition, we present whether the removal effectiveness was sufficient to comply with the requirements of the UWWTD. Furthermore, the results from an ecotoxicity risk assessment caused by the residual levels of the pharmaceutical residues in the effluent will be shown.

• Mentzel, Sophie; Grung, Merete; Tollefsen, Knut-Erik; Stenrød, Marianne; Holten, Roger & Moe, S. Jannicke (2021). A Bayesian Network Approach to Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Pesticides Under Current and Future Agricultural and Climate Scenarios. Show summary

  Future weather patterns are expected to result in increased precipitation and temperature, in Northern Europe. These changes can potentially cause an increase in plant disease and insect pests which will alter agricultural practice amongst other things the used crop types and application patterns of pesticides. We use a Bayesian network to explore a probabilistic risk assessment approach to better account for variabilities and magnitudes of pesticide exposure to the aquatic ecosystem. As Bayesian networks link selected input and output variables from various models and other information sources, they can serve as meta-models. In this study, we are using a pesticide fate and transport models (e.g. WISPE) with specific environmental factors such as soil and site parameters together with chemical properties and climate scenarios that are linked to a representative Norwegian study area. The derived exposure of pesticide of the study area is integrated in the Bayesian network model to estimate the risk to the aquatic ecosystem also integrating an effect distribution derived from toxicity test. This Bayesian network model will allow to incorporate climate predictions into ecological risk assessment.

• Mentzel, Sophie; Martinez, Claudia; Rico, Andreu; Grung, Merete; Tollefsen, Knut-Erik & Moe, S. Jannicke (2021). A Bayesian Network Approach to Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Pesticides in Rice Fields. Show summary

  Today’s aquatic environment is constantly exposed to various pollutants resulting from anthropogenic activities, such as the use of plant protection products in agricultural practices. The traditional environmental risk assessment is usually based on a calculated risk characterisation such as a quotient representing a ratio of exposure to effects. This deterministic approach uses single values of predicted environmental concentration and predicted no effect concentration to calculate a risk quotient, and accounts for uncertainty by using an assessment factor. Contrary to this deterministic approach, we try to account for variability and uncertainty by integrating probability distributions for exposure and effects that are propagated throughout a Bayesian network model. We focus on the risk assessment of various pesticides in a representative study area and their potential risk to the aquatic ecosystem. This study is carried out for a rice field in Spain (Albufera region) and offers a transparent way of estimating the risk inside a rice paddy and drainage water. While facilitating the communication of estimates and uncertainties, the developed model can also predict the probability of several levels of the risk quotient.

• Mentzel, Sophie; Grung, Merete; Tollefsen, Knut-Erik; Stenrød, Marianne; Holten, Roger & Moe, S. Jannicke (2021). Probabilistic risk assessment of pesticides under present and future agricultural and climate scenarios using a Bayesian Network. Show summary

  In Northern Europe, future changes in land-use and weather patterns are expected to result in increased precipitation and temperature this may cause an increase in plant disease and insect pests. In addition, predicted population increase will change the production demands and in turn alter agricultural practices such as crop types and with that the use pattern of pesticides. Considering these variabilities and magnitudes of pesticide exposure to the aquatic environment still needs to be accounted for better in current probabilistic risk assessment. In order to improve ecological risk assessment, this study explores an alternative approach to probabilistic risk assessment using a Bayesian Network, as these can serve as meta-models that link selected input and output variables from other models and information sources. The developed model integrates variability in both exposure and effects in the calculation of risk estimate. We focus on environmental risk of pesticides in two Norwegian case study region representatives of northern Europe. Using pesticide fate and transport models (e.g. WISPE), environmental factors such as soil and site parameters together with chemical properties and climate scenarios (current and predicted) are linked to the exposure of a pesticide in the selected study area. In the long term, the use of tools based on Bayesian Network models will allow for a more refined assessment and targeted management of ecological risks by industry and policy makers.

• Mentzel, Sophie; Grung, Merete; Tollefsen, Knut-Erik; Stenrød, Marianne; Karina, Petersen & Moe, S. Jannicke (2021). Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Pesticides of a rice field in Spain: A Bayesian Network Approach . Show summary

  The aquatic environment is constantly exposed to various chemicals caused by anthropogenic activities such as agricultural practices using plant protection products. Traditional Environmental Risk Assessment is based on calculated risk estimations usually representing a ratio of exposure to effects, in combination with assessment factors to account for uncertainty. In this study, we explore a more informative approach through probabilistic risk assessment, where probability distributions for exposure and effects are expressed and enable accounting for variability and uncertainty better. We focus on the risk assessment of various pesticides in a representative study area in the south east of Norway. Exposure data in this research was provided by the Norwegian Agricultural Environmental Monitoring Programme (JOVA)/ or predicted exposure concentration from a pesticide exposure model and effect data was derived from the NIVA Risk Assessment database (RAdb, www.niva.no/radb). A Bayesian network model is used as an alternative probabilistic approach to assess the risks of chemical. Bayesian Networks can serve as meta-models that link selected input and output variables from several separate project outputs and offer a transparent way of evaluating the required characterization of uncertainty for ERA. They can predict the probability of several risk levels, while facilitating the communication of estimates and uncertainties.

• Mentzel, Sophie; Grung, Merete; Tollefsen, Knut-Erik; Stenrød, Marianne; Petersen, Karina & Moe, S. Jannicke (2020). A Bayesian Network approach to probabilistic risk assessment of pesticide mixtures .
• Mentzel, Sophie; Grung, Merete; Tollefsen, Knut-Erik; Stenrød, Marianne; Petersen, Karina & Moe, S. Jannicke (2020). Probabilistic risk assessment of pesticides for a Norwegian case study: A Bayesian Network approach .
• Mentzel, Sophie; Grung, Merete; Tollefsen, Knut-Erik; Stenrød, Marianne; Holten, Roger & Moe, S. Jannicke (2020). Probabilistic risk assessment of pesticides under future agricultural and climate scenarios: A Bayesian Network approach.
• Mentzel, Sophie; Grung, Merete; Tollefsen, Knut-Erik; Stenrød, Marianne; Petersen, Karina & Moe, S. Jannicke (2020). Probabilistic risk assessment of pesticides under future scenarios: A Bayesian Network approach.
• Mentzel, Sophie; Grung, Merete; Tollefsen, Knut-Erik; Stenrød, Marianne; Petersen, Karina & Moe, S. Jannicke (2020). A Bayesian network approach for probabilistic risk assessment of pesticides: expanding the binary outcome of risk assessment.
• Tollefsen, Knut-Erik; Andersen, Guri Sogn; Grung, Merete; Hauken, Marit; Mentzel, Sophie & Moe, S. Jannicke [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2020). Cumulative Hazard and Risk Assessment of Pesticides from agricultural activities.
• Lyche, Jan Ludvig; Dirven, Hubert; Låg, Marit; Nilsen, Asbjørn Magne; Borgå, Katrine & Eklo, Ole Martin [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2019). Risk Assessment of the Metabolite M44 of Bixafen, One of the Active Substancesin Aviator Xpro EC225. European Journal of Nutrition and Food Safety. ISSN 2347-5641. 9(4), p. 317–318. doi: 10.9734/EJNFS/2019/v9i430077.
• Eklo, Ole Martin; Almvik, Marit; Hole, Halvard; Nyborg, Åge Arild; Stenrød, Marianne & Borgå, Katrine [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2019). Degradation and Mobility of Pesticides in Norwegian Soils. European Journal of Nutrition and Food Safety. ISSN 2347-5641. 9(3), p. 303–305. doi: 10.9734/EJNFS/2019/v9i330071.
• Dirven, Hubert; Lyche, Jan Ludvig; Låg, Marit; Nilsen, Asbjørn Magne; Borgå, Katrine & Eklo, Ole Martin [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2019). Genotoxic Assessment of the Metabolite M-11 of Mepanipyrim, the Active Ingredient in the Plant Protection Product FRUPICA SC. European Journal of Nutrition and Food Safety. ISSN 2347-5641. 9(3), p. 306–307. doi: 10.9734/EJNFS/2019/v9i330072.
• Källqvist, Torsten; Grung, Merete; Borgå, Katrine; Dirven, Hubert; Eklo, Ole Martin & Lyche, Jan Ludvig [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2019). Risk Assessment of Malakite with the Active Substances Dithianon and Pyrimenthanil. European Journal of Nutrition and Food Safety. ISSN 2347-5641. 9(4). doi: 10.9734/EJNFS/2019/v9i430075.
• Paus-Knudsen, Julie Sørlie; Nielsen, Anders; Grung, Merete & Borgå, Katrine (2018). Sub-lethal effects of imidacloprid, a neonicotinoid pesticide, on bumblebees.
• Dale, Karina; Karlsen, Odd Andre; Yadetie, Fekadu; Eide, Marta; Goksøyr, Siri Øfsthus & Aranguren Abadía, Libe [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2018). Ecotoxicological responses in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) after caging at a capped waste disposal site in Kollevåg, Western Norway .
• Dale, Karina; Karlsen, Odd Andre; Yadetie, Fekadu; Eide, Marta; Goksøyr, Siri Øfsthus & Aranguren Abadía, Libe [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2018). Ecotoxicological responses in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) after caging at a capped waste disposal site in Kollevåg, Western Norway .
• Tairova, Zhanna; Müller, Mette Helen Bjørge; Lyche, Jan Ludvig; Mayer, Ian; Berg, Vidar & Blaser, Nello [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2018). Adverse health effects related to chemical exposure in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) from Norwegian fjords.
• Tairova, Zhanna; Müller, Mette Helen Bjørge; Lyche, Jan Ludvig; Mayer, Ian; Blaser, Nello & Brun, Morten [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2017). Adverse effects in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) due to environmental exposure to pollutant mixtures from the Oslofjord, Norway.
• Dale, Karina; Karlsen, Odd Andre; Yadetie, Fekadu; Eide, Marta; Goksøyr, Siri Øfsthus & Aranguren, Libe [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2017). Ecotoxicological responses in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) following caging near a previously capped waste disposal site in Kollevågen, Askøy, Norway .
• Dale, Karina; Karlsen, Odd Andre; Yadetie, Fekadu; Eide, Marta; Goksøyr, Siri Øfsthus & Aranguren, Libe [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2017). Ecotoxicological responses in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) following caging near a previously capped waste disposal site in Kollevågen, Askøy, Norway .
• Dale, Karina; Karlsen, Odd Andre; Yadetie, Fekadu; Eide, Marta; Goksøyr, Siri Øfsthus & Aranguren, Libe [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2017). Ecotoxicological responses in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) following caging near a previously capped waste disposal site in Kollevågen, Askøy, Norway .
• Skarsjø, Mathilde; Dybwad, Ingvild; Holth, Tor Fredrik; Grung, Merete; Ranneklev, Sissel Brit & Meland, Sondre [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2015). Ecotoxicological effects in brown trout (Salmo trutta) exposed to tunnel wash water.
• Skarsjø, Mathilde; Dybwad, Ingvild; Holth, Tor Fredrik; Ranneklev, Sissel Brit; Grung, Merete & Meland, Sondre [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2015). Sub-lethal effects of the water soluble fraction of tunnel wash water on brown trout (Salmo trutta).
• Hylland, Ketil; Holth, Tor Fredrik; Grung, Merete & Thomas, Kevin V (2015). Effekter av olje på fisk.
• Schøyen, Merete; Grung, Merete; Lund, Espen; Hjermann, Dag Øystein; Ruus, Anders & Øxnevad, Sigurd [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2024). Contaminants in coastal waters 2022. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7648-0. Full text in Research Archive
• Grung, Merete; Röhler, Laura & Bæk, Kine (2024). Karakterisering og kildesporing av polysykliske aromatiske substanser (PAC) i sediment rundt Mongstad. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978‐82‐577‐7660‐2. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Polysykliske aromatiske substanser (PAC) ble målt i sedimentprøver fra 16 stasjoner i Fensfjorden nær Mongstad oljeraffineri. PAC‐konsentrasjoner ble vurdert mot klassegrenser i vannforskriften, både AA‐EQS og MAC‐EQS. Ingen stasjoner overskred klassegrense 3 for sumPAH16, men enkelte PAC overskred klassegrense 3. Ingen PAC overskred MAC‐EQS. Ved en hierarkisk gruppering ble det identifisert 3‐4 hovedgrupper av stasjoner basert på konsentrasjon og PAC‐mønster. Ulike indekser viste statistiske forskjeller mellom noen av gruppene, spesielt med henblikk petrogene og pyrogene PAC. Ved stasjon Mo55 ble det påvist høyt innhold av krysener (C) relativt til andre PAC. En C‐ratio (krysener/andre PAC) viste at ratioen var høy ved Mo55. C‐ratio var lavere i området rundt Mongstad, og lavest for stasjoner på dypet og stasjoner lengre unna Mongstad. Resultatene fra sedimentanalyser antyder at Fensfjorden har en pyrogen bakgrunn av PAC som blandes med et petrogent innslag fra Mongstad. Også i utslippsvann fra Mongstad var krysen dominerende. Lignende ratioer av krysener mot tunge PAC ble gjenfunnet i nærstasjoner av sediment til Mongstad, men ikke fra sedimentstasjoner dypt i Fensfjorden. Dette styrker konklusjonen fra sedimentanalysene med en pyrogen bakgrunn i Fensfjorden som blandes med et petrogent innslag fra Mongstad.

• Slinde, Gøril Aasen; Mæhlum, Trond; Ranneklev, Sissel Brit; Mjelde, Marit; Trannum, Hilde & Grung, Merete [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2023). Vurdering av sigevann fra deponier i Norge - Faktagrunnlag. Norges Geotekniske Institutt.
• Jartun, Morten; Økelsrud, Asle; Bæk, Kine; Rundberget, Thomas; Øxnevad, Sigurd & Ruus, Anders [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2023). Monitoring of environmental contaminants in freshwater food webs (MILFERSK) 2022. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7611-4. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Samples of a benthic food chain in Lake Mjøsa have been collected, and the concentrations of emerging contaminants such as Siloxanes, PFAS, UV-compounds, Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, Musks, Benzothiazoles and Chlorinated paraffins in addition to legacy contaminants such as Mercury, other Metals and PBDEs have been determined. For comparison, samples of the top predator brown trout have been collected and analysed from Lake Femunden, a rural counterpart to the more urban Lake Mjøsa.

• Ruus, Anders; Grung, Merete; Jartun, Morten; Bæk, Kine; Rundberget, Thomas & Beylich, Bjørnar [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2023). Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord, 2022. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7609-1. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This report presents data from the second year of a new 5-year period of the Urban Fjord programme. The programme started in 2013 and has since been altered/advanced. In 2022 the programme covers sampling and analyses of sediment, polychaetes, krill, shrimps, blue mussels, herring, cod, eider, and herring gull from the Inner Oslofjord. In addition, samples of Harbour seals from the Outer Oslofjord are analysed. A total of ~300 single compounds/isomers were analysed, and frequent detection was found of certain PFAS compounds (such as PFOS) in most matrices, certain QACs in sediment, MCCPs in most matrices (also SCCPs in birds and seals, as well as LCCPs in seals), D5 (siloxane) in all matrices, certain PBDEs (such as BDE 100) in most matrices, PCBs in all matrices, BCPS (phenolic) in seals and certain metals in all matrices. Biomagnification was observed for 28 PCB congeners and 6 PBDEs (lipid wt. basis). Furthermore, biomagnification was observed for 5 PFAS compounds, as well as for the metals As, Ag and Hg (wet wt. basis).

• Jartun, Morten; Økelsrud, Asle; Bæk, Kine; Ruus, Anders; Rundberget, Thomas & Vogelsang, Christian [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2022). Environmental contaminants in freshwater food webs, 2021. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7530-8. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This report presents monitoring data from freshwater food webs and abiotic samples from Lake Mjøsa and Femunden within the Milfersk programme. Studies and monitoring of legacy and emerging contaminants have been carried out through this programme for several years, focusing on the pelagic food web. This is the first report in the monitoring program focusing on a benthic food chain (Chironomids, ruffe, roach and perch) in addition to inputs to Lake Mjøsa by analysis of lake sediments, surface waters, stormwater, effluent and sludge from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The analytical programme includes the determination of a total of ̴ 260 single components.

• Brooks, Steven; Gomes, Tania; Grung, Merete & Macken, Ailbhe (2022). Integrated biological effects assessment of the discharge water into the Sunndals fjord from an aluminium smelter. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7515-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The following study describes an integrated biological effects monitoring programme using field transplanted mussels to determine the potential biological effects of the effluent discharge from Hydro’s aluminium smelter in the Sunndals fjord. Chemical body burden (PAH and metals) and a suite of biological effects markers were measured in mussels positioned at known distances (1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 km) from the aluminium smelter for 6 weeks. Overall, the biological responses observed where greater in the mussels positioned closest to the smelters discharge (1 – 5 km), although the chemical concentrations in mussel tissues were low and below the expected threshold levels. The lowest chemical accumulation and biomarker responses were observed in mussels positioned 10 km from the smelter. Mussels located furthest from the smelter exhibited significant biomarker responses, probably associated with a different contaminant source. The integrated biological response index (IBR) reflected the expected level of exposure to the smelters discharge and the Principal component analysis (PCA) differentiated between the mussel groups, with the most impacted located closest to the smelters discharge. Not one chemical factor explained the biological responses in mussels, correlations were found between certain measured contaminants (i.e. PAH, Mn, Ni and Cr) and distance from the smelter, although the concentrations of these contaminants were low and unlikely to have caused the biological effects observed in the mussels (1 and 5 km).

• Ruus, Anders; Grung, Merete; Jartun, Morten; Bæk, Kine; Rundberget, Thomas & Vogelsang, Christian [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2022). Environmental Contaminants in an Urban Fjord, 2021. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7498-1. Full text in Research Archive
• Schøyen, Merete; Grung, Merete; Lund, Espen; Hjermann, Dag Øystein; Ruus, Anders & Øxnevad, Sigurd [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2022). Contaminants in coastal waters 2021 / Miljøgifter i kystområdene 2021 . Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7520-9. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The Norwegian environmental monitoring programme “Contaminants in coastal waters” (Miljøgifter i kystområdene - MILKYS) examines levels, trends, and effects of contaminants in biota. The 2021 investigation included analyses of more than 180 different contaminants or biological effect parameters in five species (blue mussel, cod, dogwhelk, common periwinkle, and common eider). The contaminants measured include metals, TBT, PCBs, PAHs, PBDEs, PFAS, HBCDs, chlorinated paraffins, siloxanes, and pesticides. Biological effect parameters investigated include imposex (VDSI) and intersex (ISI), PAH-metabolites, ALA-D, and EROD. In this report, 27 contaminants and in addition, biological effect parameters were chosen for in-depth presentation. EQSs (environmental quality standard) were exceeded in samples of blue mussel (21%), cod (36%), and eider (23%). Contaminants above EQSs were sumPBDE6, mercury (Hg), sumPCB7, and fluoranthene. PROREF (Norwegian provisional high reference contaminant concentration) was exceeded for 35% in blue mussel and 11% in cod, and exceedances were higher in mussel (up to >20x PROREF) than cod (2-5x PROREF). Even though decreasing time trends dominated both long-term (>10 years) and short-term (≤ 10 years) where trends could be detected, notably increasing trends were observed which are discussed here. Notably increasing short-term trends for blue mussel were lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As) and some PCBs, and for cod were mercury (Hg), and silver (Ag).

• Brooks, Steven; Gomes, Tania; Grung, Merete & Macken, Ailbhe (2022). Determining the effects of the discharge effluent from the Karmøy aluminium smelter using an integrated biological effects approach. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7508-7. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The report describes a monitoring programme using field transplanted mussels to determine the potential biological effects of the effluent discharge from the Karmøy aluminium smelter operated by Hydro Aluminium in Norway. Chemical body burden (54 PAH and metal concentrations) and a suite of biological effects markers were measured in mussels positioned at known distances and at two depths from the aluminium smelters discharge for a period of 8 weeks. In addition, chemical concentrations of the sediment were also measured within the fjord to evaluate the impact of the aluminium smelter on the local marine environment. The highest PAH and metal contamination of the sediment was observed at station 4, a sheltered lagoon 1-1.5 km south of the smelter (Nordalsvågen), and also elevated at station 3, 500 m south of the smelter. PAH contamination in mussels at the closest stations to the aluminium smelter reflected the PAH profiles of the sediment concentrations at each station. This was not true for metals, which were relatively low in all mussels. The PAH concentration in mussels 2 m above the seafloor (bottom), were higher than mussels 5 m from the surface (top/surface) for three out of the four stations. Despite the accumulation of PAH in the mussels, the five biomarker responses were low and overall did not differentiate significantly between the mussel groups. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) found no clear association between the impact of PAHs and metals with the biological responses in mussels, even in mussels placed closest to the aluminium smelter.

• Green, Norman Whitaker; Schøyen, Merete; Hjermann, Dag Øystein; Øxnevad, Sigurd; Ruus, Anders & Grung, Merete [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2022). Contaminants in coastal waters of Norway 2019. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7477-6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This monitoring programme examines levels, trends and effects of contaminants in biota along the coast of Norway. The 2019- investigation included analyses of more than 176 different contaminants or biological effect parameters in six species (blue mussel, dogwhelk, common periwinkle, cod, flounder and common eider). The contaminants measured includes metals (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ag, As, Ni, Cr and Co), tributyltin (TBT), organochlorines (e.g. PCBs (PCB-7), DDT, HCB, OCS and QCB), PAHs, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS), as well as contaminants that have recently received much attention such as hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), chlorinated paraffins (SCCP, MCCP) and siloxanes (D4, D5 and D6). Biological effects parameters includes the imposex parameter VDSI, OH-pyrene metabolites, ALA-D and EROD. In the report, 30 contaminants or biological effects parameters were chosen for statistical analyses of 670 time series (last 10 years). Of these, there were statistically significant trends in 100 cases: 72 were downwards and 28 upwards. The upward trends were associated with metals (67.9 %), primarily Cr (14.3 %). The downwards trends for TBT-concentrations and effect parameter VDSI confirmed that the legislation banning the use of TBT has been effective. Of the 2019-medians (last year) for all 670 time series, there were 346 cases that could be classified against EQS, of which 232 (67.1 %) were below the EQS and 114 (32.9 %) were above the EQS. Of the 2019-medians for the 670 time series, 582 cases could be classified using Norwegian provisional high reference contaminant concentrations (PROREF). Of these, 407 were below PROREF and 175 exceeded PROREF: 82 by a factor of less than two, 51 by a factor between two and five, 31 by a factor between five and 10, four by a factor between 10 and 20, and seven 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. Results of analyses of stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen are presented to investigate the role of food origin and trophic levels for observed concentrations of contaminants. Results from supplementary studies that investigated geographical trends in contaminants and trophic levels are also presented.

• Schøyen, Merete; Lund, Espen; Hjermann, Dag Øystein; Ruus, Anders; Beylich, Bjørnar & Jenssen, Marthe Torunn Solhaug [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2021). Contaminants in coastal waters of Norway 2020. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7422-6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The monitoring programme “Contaminants in coastal waters of Norway” (Miljøgifter i norske kystområder - MILKYS) examines levels, trends and effects of contaminants in biota. The 2020-investigation included analyses of more than 176 different contaminants or biological effect parameters in six species (blue mussel, cod, dogwhelk, common periwinkle, flounder and common eider). The contaminants measured includes metals (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ag, As, Ni, Cr and Co), tributyltin (TBT), organochlorines (e.g. PCBs (PCB-7), DDT, HCB, OCS and QCB), PAHs, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS), hexabromocyclododecane (α-, γ- and β HBCD), chlorinated paraffins (SCCP, MCCP) and siloxanes (D4, D5 and D6). Biological effects parameters includes imposex (VDSI) and intersex (ISI), OH-pyrene metabolites as a marker of PAH-exposure, ALA-D as a marker of exposure to lead, and EROD as a marker to exposure to planar PCBs, PAHs and dioxines. In this report, 30 contaminants or biological effects parameters were chosen for statistical analyses of 739 time series (short-term trends for the last 10 years). Of these, there were statistically significant trends in 96 cases: 67 (9.1 %) were downwards and 29 (3.9 %) upwards. The dominance of downward trends indicated that contamination was decreasing. The downward trends were primarily accociated with metals, α-HBCD and PBDEs, and the upward trends with metals. Of the 2020-medians for all 739 time series, 380 cases could be classified against EQS, of which 264 (35.7 %) were below the EQS and 116 (15.7 %) were above. Of the 739 time series, 644 cases could be classified using Norwegian provisional high reference contaminant concentrations (PROREF). Of these, 447 (69.4 %) were below PROREF. The remaining 197 (30.6 %) cases exceeded PROREF: 105 (16.3 %) by a factor of less than two, 57 (8.9 %) by a factor between two and five, 30 (4.7 %) by a factor between five and 10, three (0.5 %) by a factor between 10 and 20, and two (0.3 %) 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.

• 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.

• Sandin, Leonard; Thrane, Jan-Erik; Persson, Jonas; Kile, Maia Røst; Bækkelie, Knut Andreas Eikland & Myrvold, Knut Marius [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2021). Overvåking av referanseelver - Utprøving av klassifiseringssystemet for basisovervåking i referansevassdrag. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7376-2. Show summary

  Overvåkingsprogrammet for referanseelver har pågått siden 2017, og 2020 var andre år med undersøkelser i de 33 vannforekomstene som første gang ble undersøkt i 2018. Vannforekomstene dekker mange ulike elvetyper i flere økoregioner. I tillegg til økologisk og kjemisk tilstandsklassifisering av lite påvirkede vannforekomster, har programmet som mål styrke datagrunnlaget for fastsettelse av referanseverdier; fange opp langsiktige endringer i vanntilstand; og teste ut metodikk for tilstandsklassifisering. Basert på en samlet vurdering av alle biologiske og fysisk-kjemiske kvalitetselementer oppnådde 13 av 34 stasjoner god økologisk tilstand, og ingen svært god tilstand. Om vi ser bort fra fiskeindeksen (som i dag ikke er godt egnet til klassifisering i alle typer vannforekomster) oppnår 12 vannforekomster god tilstand og 6 svært god tilstand. Moderat eller dårligere tilstand for bunndyrindeksen for organisk belastning (ASPT), forsuringsindeksen for påvekstalger (AIP), samt forhøyede nivåer av PCB7 i fisk, er hovedårsakene til at ikke flere vannforekomster oppnår miljømålet samlet sett. Det er knyttet relativt stor usikkerhet til flere av indeksene og den samlede klassifiseringen, og det er usikkert i hvilken grad mange av vannforekomstene faktisk avviker fra referanse-tilstand. Det ble observert lave konsentrasjoner av de fleste miljøgiftene, med unntak av kvikksølv og polybromerte difenyletere (PBDE), som lå over grenseverdiene for alle 11 vannforekomster der disse var målt. For PCB7 lå 4 av 11 vannforekomster over grenseverdiene og PFOS oversteg grenseverdiene i to vannforekomster.

• Garmo, Øyvind Aaberg; Bæk, Kine; Grung, Merete; Håll, Johnny Peter & Thrane, Jan-Erik (2021). Undersøkelse av miljøgifter i abbor og ørret fra innsjøen Store Åklungen. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 1894-7948. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  I forbindelse med prøvefiske for estimering av bestandsstatus for fisk i Store Åklungen ble det tatt ut prøver til miljøgiftundersøkelser. Gjeller ble analysert for metaller (og halvmetaller), lever for metaller og PFAS, gallevæske for omdannede PAH-forbindelser og muskelvev for kvikksølv. Konsentrasjoner av PFAS, omdannet PAH og metaller i fisk betegnes som lave til moderate. Et unntak var kadmium som viste relativt høy konsentrasjon både i vann, gjeller og lever. Konsentrasjonen i muskel var likevel trolig langt under omsetningsgrensen.

• 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 Show summary

  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.

• Grung, Merete; Holmlund, Per; Johannesson, Linnea; Meland, Sondre & Macken, Ailbhe (2020). Analyses of polyaromatic compounds (PACs) and metals in sediment and mussels near Kubal aluminium smelter. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7282-6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  In 2019 analyses of polyaromatic compounds (PACs) and metals was conducted in coastal waters around the Kubal smelter and surrounding waterbodies. Levels in both sediments (19 stations) and mussels (Limecola balthica, 5 stations) were investigated. More than 50 different PACs (including alkylated PACs) and 8 metals were analysed. The concentrations of most PACs correlated negatively with distance from Kubal, but this pattern was not observed for metals. PACs that did not correlate negatively with distance from Kubal probably had other sources in addition or instead of Kubal. The PAC pattern in sediments and mussels correlated well, indicating an uptake of PAC from sediment. Concentrations of PACs and metals in sediment were compared with data from 2002 and showed an overall reduction in concentrations for PACs. A mean of 62% reduction of PAC was observed, and a reduction was observed for 75% of the stations investigated both years (n=12). For metals, increasing concentrations were found for As, Mn and Hg, while Cu, Cr and Vn concentrations were decreased. The stations associated with the greatest increase in concentrations were not close to the discharge points of Kubal.

• Gundersen, Cathrine Brecke; Lund, Espen & Grung, Merete (2020). Monitoring TCM 2020 - Aquatic. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7247-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Aquatic monitoring of three lakes, including drinking water sources, located in close vicinity to the Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) was conducted to look for traces of amine-discharges from CO2 capture activities. Lake water was collected in January 2020, just after the completion of a longer test campaign at TCM, and analysed for the presence of amines, nitrosamines, and nitramines, in addition to selected water chemical parameters (pH, total organic carbon, phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll A), and nutrient content and composition). Results from the lakes were compared to results from two reference lakes and to results previously obtained during earlier monitoring work. In conclusion, no traces of amine-discharges from TCM was detected: finding no amines, nitrosamines, nor nitramines at or above their respective analytical limits for quantification, and no clear trends of increase in any of the chemical parameters anticipated to be sensitive to amine-discharges.

• Thrane, Jan-Erik; Persson, Jonas; Kile, Maia Røst; Bækkelie, Knut Andreas Eikland; Myrvold, Knut Marius & Garmo, Øyvind Aaberg [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2020). Overvåking av referanseelver 2019. Basisovervåking i henhold til vannforskriften. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7220-8. Show summary

  Rapporten presenterer resultatene fra 2019, som var andre år med overvåking i 40 vannforekomster. Vannforekomstene dekket alle økoregioner og mange ulike elvetyper, men det er knyttet relativt stor usikkerhet til en del av resultatene. Basert på en samlet vurdering av alle biologiske og fysisk-kjemiske kvalitetselementer oppnådde kun fem av 40 vannforekomster miljømålet om god eller svært god økologisk tilstand. Det var fiskeindeksen og forsuringsindeksen for påvekstalger som var bestemmende for at miljømålet ikke ble nådd for hoveddelen av vannforekomstene. Med hensyn til eutrofieringspåvirkning nådde alle vannforekomstene (bortsett fra ett leirvassdrag) miljømålet. Med unntak av fire vannforekomster ble miljømålet nådd med hensyn til organisk belastning (ASPT-indeksen for bunndyr). For forsuringsparameterne oppnådde kun 10 av 26 forsuringsfølsomme vannforekomster miljømålet. De fleste av de 16 som viste tegn til forsuring (og dermed ikke oppnådde miljømålet) lå på Sørlandet og i Midt-Norge. Det er behov for mer data og en sammenstilling av referanseverdier for de ulike forsuringsindeksene/parameterne før vi konkluderer med at såpass mange vannforekomster faktisk er forsuret. For fiskeindeksen er det tydelig at det er behov for mer data og en revidering av indeksen, da kun to vannforekomster havnet i svært god tilstand, og hele 22 vannforekomster ikke nådde miljømålet. Det ble observert lave konsentrasjoner av de fleste miljøgiftene i biota (fisk), med unntak av kvikksølv, polybromerte difenyletere og PCB7, som alle lå over grenseverdiene i alle vannforekomster der disse ble målt. I vann ble det i hovedsak målt lave konsentrasjoner av metaller, med unntak av de tre leirvassdragene, hvor enkelte prøver overskred grenseverdiene.

• Garmo, Øyvind Aaberg; Bråte, Inger Lise Nerland; Buenaventura, Nina Tuscano; Bæk, Kine; Carlsson, Pernilla Marianne & Grung, Merete [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2020). Miljøgiftundersøkelse av fisk fra Mærradalsbekken og Hovinbekken i 2019. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978‐82‐577‐7216‐1. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Til sammen 63 ørret og 20 bekkerøye fra fem stasjoner i Hovinbekken og Mærradalsbekken ble analysert for innhold av utvalgte grunnstoffer i gjelle‐ og levervev, omdannede PAH‐forbindelser i galle, samt mikroplast i magen. Konsentrasjonen av kobber og sink i gjelle‐ og levervev var svært høy sammenlignet med undersøkelser i andre vassdrag. Også aluminium, jern, mangan og arsen viste relativt høye nivåer i gjellevev. Konsentrasjonen av omdannede PAH‐forbindelser var høyere enn bakgrunnsnivåer. I gjennomsnitt ble det funnet mindre enn én mikroplastpartikkel per fisk, hovedsakelig små (< 1mm) svarte gummifragmenter.

• Staalstrøm, Andre; Ranneklev, Sissel Brit; Schaanning, Morten; Mengeot, Caroline & Grung, Merete (2020). Miljørisikovurdering ved utslipp av renset prosessavløpsvann til Samlafjorden. Norsk insitutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7192-8. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  For å redusere utslipp av gass til luft, skal Elkem Bjølvefossen installere nytt renseanlegg, som medfører endring i utslippstillatelse av prosessavløpsvann til sjø. Prosessavløpsvannet vil inneholde metaller, polyaromatiske hydrokarboner, sterke syrer, inert mikrosilika og næringssaltet NO3-N. Renset prosessavløpsvannet vil slippes ut i Samlafjorden på 20 m dyp. Innlagringsdyp og fortynning av prosessavløpsvann ble beregnet med modellen Visual Plumes. Innlagringsdypet ble beregnet til å være fra 14 til 21 meter. Midlet fortynning av prosessavløpsvannet 200 m og 500 m fra utslippspunktet ble beregnet til å være 100 og 343, henholdsvis. Utslipp av sterke syrer vil påvirke pH ≤ 0,5 etter 25x fortynning av prosessavløpsvannet (30-40 m fra utslippspunktet). Utslippet vil ha små pH-effekter på organismer lokalisert nærmere enn 50 m fra utslippspunktet, og vil i første rekke omfatte fastsittende organismer på 14-21 m dyp. Tilførsler av metaller, PAH-forbindelser, mikrosilika og SO4 fra prosessavløpsvannet er beregnet å være lave i forhold til antatte bakgrunnskonsentrasjoner og grenseverdier gitt i vannforskriften. Prosessavløpsvannet tilfører næringssalter i form av NO3-N til Samlafjorden, og 500 m fra utslippspunktet antas konsentrasjonene i innlagringsdypet å være nær «God/Moderat» økologisk tilstand.

• Nielsen, Anders; Aarønes, Malin Røyset; Borgå, Katrine; Grung, Merete & van Bavel, Bert (2019). Accumulation of the neonicotinoid insecticide clothianidin in bumblbees (Bombus terrestris). universitetet i oslo.
• Moe, Therese Fosholt; Persson, Jonas; Bækkelie, Knut Andreas Eikland; Myrvold, Knut Marius; Garmo, Øyvind Aaberg & Grung, Merete [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2019). Surveillance monitoring of reference rivers in 2018. Norsk Insitutt for Vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-7113-3. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Overvåking av referanseelver har vært gjennomført over to år, og i andre år (2018) ble 34 antatte referansevannforekomster undersøkt. Vannforekomstene dekket mange ulike elvetyper i økoregionene Finnmark, Vestlandet og Østlandet (resten av landet ble dekket med 47 vannforekomster i 2017). Det er knyttet usikkerhet til en del av resultatene, men med tanke på påvirkniger som fører til eutrofiering nådde alle vannforekomstene miljømålet, med unntak av to leirvassdrag. Det kan også se ut til å være noe organisk belastning i enkelte vannforekomster. For forsuringsparameterne var det 8 vannforekomster som ikke nådde miljømålet. Det er behov for mer data og en sammenstilling av de ulike forsuringsparameterne før vi kan konkludere med årsakene. For fiskeindeksen var resultatene for 2018 noe bedre enn i 2017, og 19 vannforekomster nådde miljømålet. Det er fortsatt behov for mer data og en revidering av denne indeksen. Det ble observert lave konsentrasjoner av de fleste miljøgiftene, med unntak av kvikksølv, polybromerte difenyletere og PCB7, som lå over grenseverdiene for alle 11 vannforekomster der disse var målt (i 10 av 11 for PCB7). Også nikkel og PFOS oversteg grenseverdiene for henholdsvis 1 og 2 vannforekomster.

• Ranneklev, Sissel Brit; Haande, Sigrid; Walday, Mats Gunnar & Grung, Merete (2018). Eksempelsamling for tiltaksorientert overvåking. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-6993-2. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Denne rapporten gir en innføring i tiltaksorientert overvåking i henhold til de krav som stilles i vannforskriften. Rapporten viser elementer som bør inngå under utformingen av et tiltaksorientert overvåkingsprogram. I rapporten er det lagt vekt på påvirkninger fra næringssalter, organisk belastning og miljøgifter. Valg av kvalitetselementer, plassering og antall overvåkingsstasjoner, frekvens og antall år mellom prøvetakning omhandles i rapporten, samt tips til hvor informasjon kan innhentes. I rapporten vises syv eksempler på tiltaksorienterte overvåkingsprogrammer fra innsjø, elv og kystvann. Her er valg av kvalitetselementer, stasjonsplasseringer og frekvens for prøvetaking begrunnet, og informasjon om hvor kunnskap er innhentet.

• Garmo, Øyvind Aaberg; Bråte, Inger Lise Nerland; Bæk, Kine; Carlsson, Pernilla Marianne; Grung, Merete & Lusher, Amy (2018). Monitoring pollutants in brown trout from River Akerselva and River Lysakerelva 2018. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978‐82‐577‐7050‐1. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  In the period August‐September a total of 90 trout were caught from three stations in River Akerselva and three stations in River Lysakerelva. The fish were dissected, and analysed for selected elements in gill and liver tissue, PAH metabolites in bile as well as microplastics in the digestive channel. The concentration of copper, arsenic, lead, zinc and chromium in trout gills increased down one of or both the rivers, indicating that the levels in trout to some extent were affected by pollution from the densely populated and trafficked lower parts of the rivers’ catchment. The same trend was observed for the PAH metabolite 1‐OH‐pyrene in trout bile. However, the levels of most of the metals as well as arsenic and selenium were similar to what has been found in fish from waters without local pollution sources of significance. Some of the fish from the lower parts of River Akerselva had high levels of lead. Moreover, the zinc level was high in gill samples from all the stations, especially the lowest station in River Lysakerelva. The concentrations of the PAH metabolites 1‐OH‐ phenanthrene and 1‐OH‐pyrene were also higher than what is considered background levels, but was with few exceptions below concentrations considered toxic to marine species of fish. This means that the fish to some extent have been exposed to the PAH substances phenanthrene and pyrene. Traffic and road runoff are potential sources of copper, zinc, and PAH. None of the 90 fish had mercury concentration higher than threshold levels for human consumption. This was probably also the case for cadmium and lead although these were not measured in muscle tissue. Mercury levels was not higher than those usually found in other Norwegian trout of the same size. Microplastic particles were found in the digestive channel of trout from all three stations in River Akerselva and from two of the three stations in River Lysakerelva. The number of microplastic particles varied from 0‐13 per fish. More microplastic particles were found in the trout from Akerselva (0.46 particles/individual) than in those from River Lysakerelva (0.11 particles/individual). These are amounts that can be considered low even if there is little data to compare with. In both rivers 95‐100 % of the microplastic particles were categorised as fibres, and most of them were of blue colour.

• Moe, Therese Fosholt; Thrane, Jan-Erik; Persson, Jonas; Bækkelie, Knut Andreas Eikland; Myrvold, Knut Marius & Olstad, Kjetil [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2018). Surveillance monitoring of reference rivers in 2017. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-6994-9. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Monitoring of reference rivers began in May 2017 and is part of the Norwegian authorities' surveillance monitoring. This report shows the results from the start-up year, when a total of 47 water bodies were monitored. A complementary range of water bodies will be monitored in 2018, and then there will be a turnover so that each water body is examined every other year. In each water body, one location has been monitored in the lower part of the stream/catchment, where water chemistry was measured monthly and biology has been monitored once. Water chemistry includes nutrients, acidification parameters, metals and a variety of supporting parameters. Biology includes benthic algae, macroinvertebrates and fish (fish were monitored at 1-7 locations in each water body). Environmental pollutants in fish have been measured in nine of the water bodies. The purpose is to strengthen the data foundation for the determination of reference values in different river types, to test methodology for status classification in Norwegian rivers, to contribute to Norway's reporting requirements in accordance with the Water Framework Directive (WFD), as well as to spot long-term changes in Norwegian waters. (...)

• 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.

• Källqvist, Torsten; Dirven, Hubert; Rivedal, Edgar; Sæthre, May; Wendell, Micael & Borgå, Katrine [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2017). Risk assessment of the biological plant protection product Nemasys C with the active organism Steinernema carpocapsae. Opinion of the Panel on Plant Protection Products of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM). ISSN 978-82-8259-258-1.
• Källqvist, Torsten; Dirven, Hubert; Rivedal, Edgar; Sæthre, May; Wendell, Micael & Borgå, Katrine [Show all 12 contributors for this article] (2017). Risk assessment of the biological plant protection product Montyline with the active organism Amblyseius montdorensis. Opinion of the Panel on Plant Protection Products of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM). ISSN 978-82-8259-259-8.
• Garmo, Øyvind Aaberg; Fjeld, Eirik & Grung, Merete (2017). Monitoring of selected pollutants in Lake Mjøsa 2016. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-6876-8. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Metals (lead, nickel, cadmium, zinc, chromium, copper, arsenic, and mercury) and metabolites of PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) were determined in burbot (Lota lota) and ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus L.) caught in Lake Mjøsa outside Helgøya and waste water treatment plants at HIAS, Lillehammer, and Gjøvik. Furthermore, 16 PAH substances were determined in duck mussel (Anodonta anatina) caught at Helgøya and HIAS.

• Källqvist, Torsten; Dirven, Hubert; Gjøen, Tor; Tronsmo, Arne; Yazdankhah, Siamak Pour & Rivedal, Edgar [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2016). Risk assessment of the biological plant protection product Turex 50 WG, with the organism Bacillus thuringiensis ssp. aizawai CG-91. Opinion of the Panel on Plant Protection Products of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM). ISSN 978-82-8259-210-9. Full text in Research Archive
• Källqvist, Torsten; Dirven, Hubert; Gjøen, Tor; Tronsmo, Arne; Yazdankhah, Siamak Pour & Rivedal, Edgar [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2016). Risk assessment of the biological plant protection product Serenade ASO, with the organism Bacillus subtilis QST 713. Opinion of the Panel on Plant Protection Products of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM). ISSN 978-82-8259-211-6. Full text in Research Archive
• Berge, John A; Borgersen, Gunhild; Gitmark, Janne Kim & Grung, Merete (2016). Tiltaksrettet overvåking i Håøyfjorden for Chemring Nobel AS. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-6752-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Ved implementeringen av vannforskriften er det krav om at minimum «god tilstand» skal oppnås i alle vannforekomster. Chemring Nobel AS er lokalisert på Hurum med utslipp i 38 m dyp til Håøyfjorden i vannforekomst 0101020601-C Oslofjorden. Bedriften har årlig tillatelse til å slippe ut 135 t Tot. N og 260 t KOF. Bedriften har også utslipp av en del kjemikalier som ikke er regulert. Overvåkingen som er gjennomført omfatter analyse av klorofyll a, bunnfauna, makroalger (nedre voksegrense) og fysisk-kjemiske støtteparametere. Resultatene viser at den økologiske tilstanden var god for både klorofyll-a og bunnfauna på alle stasjoner før en tar hensyn til støtteparametere. Tar man hensyn til støtteparameterne blir tilstanden redusert til moderat på de 4 bunnfaunastasjonene og på klorofyllstasjonen. Nedre voksegrense for makroalger kunne ikke bestemmes på stasjonen 60 m fra utslippet pga. mangel på alger. På en stasjon 740 m fra utslippet ga imidlertid undersøkelsene av nedre voksegrense for makroalger god tilstand. Resultatene fra denne undersøkelsen tyder på at en har eutrofieffekter lokalt. Toksikologiske vurderinger av forbindelser i utslippet tilsier også giftvirkninger i det lokale området av vannforekomsten. Vår konklusjon er derfor at det bør igangsettes tiltak for å redusere de eutrofirelaterte utslippene, dvs. Tot-N og KOF, så vel som utslippene av spesielt HMX, RDX, NTO og toluen.

• Dirven, Hubert; Lyche, Jan Ludvig; Låg, Marit; Nilsen, Asbjørn Magne; Borgå, Katrine & Eklo, Ole Martin [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2015). Genotoxic assessment of the metabolite M-11 of mepanipyrim, the active ingredient in the plant protection product FRUPICA SC. Opinion of the Panel on Plant Protection Products of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM). ISSN 978-82-8259-156-0. Full text in Research Archive
• Låg, Marit; Dirven, Hubert; Lyche, Jan Ludvig; Nilsen, Asbjørn Magne; Borgå, Katrine & Eklo, Ole Martin [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2015). Risk assessment of the plant protection product PROMAN – with the active ingredient metobromuron. Opinion of the Panel on Plant Protection Products of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM). ISSN 978-82-8259-157-7. Full text in Research Archive
• Nilsen, Asbjørn Magne; Dirven, Hubert; Lyche, Jan Ludvig; Låg, Marit; Borgå, Katrine & Eklo, Ole Martin [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2015). Risk assessment of the active plant protection product ingredient MCPA (4-chloro-2methylphenoxyacetic acid). AOEL and ADI determination. Opinion of the Panel on Plant Protection Products of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM). ISSN 978-82-8259-158-4. Full text in Research Archive
• Källqvist, Torsten; Sæthre, May; Borgå, Katrine; Dirven, Hubert; Eklo, Ole Martin & Grung, Merete [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2015). Risk assessment of Macrolophus pygmaeus as biological control product. Opinion of the Panel on Plant Production Products of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM). ISSN 978-82-8259-161-4. Full text in Research Archive
• Lyche, Jan Ludvig; Dirven, Hubert; Låg, Marit; Nilsen, Asbjørn Magne; Borgå, Katrine & Eklo, Ole Martin [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2015). Risk assessment of the metabolite M44 of bixafen, one of the active substances in Aviator Xpro EC 225. Opinion of the Panel on Plant Protection Products of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM). ISSN 978-82-8259-165-2. Full text in Research Archive
• Källqvist, Torsten; Grung, Merete; Borgå, Katrine; Dirven, Hubert; Eklo, Ole Martin & Lyche, Jan Ludvig [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2015). Risk assessment of Malakite with the active substances dithianon and pyrimethanil. Opinion of the Panel on Plant Protection Products of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM). ISSN 978-82-8259-166-9. Full text in Research Archive
• Låg, Marit; Dirven, Hubert; Lyche, Jan Ludvig; Nilsen, Asbjørn Magne; Borgå, Katrine & Eklo, Ole Martin [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2015). Re-assessment of the plant protection product PROMAN – with the active ingredient metobromuron. Opinion of the Panel on Plant Protection Products of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM). ISSN 978-82-8259-188-1. Full text in Research Archive
• Eklo, Ole Martin; Almvik, Marit; Hole, Halvard; Nyborg, Åge Arild; Stenrød, Marianne & Borgå, Katrine [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2015). Degradation and mobility of pesticides in Norwegian soils. Opinion of the Panel on Plant Protection Products of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food Safety (VKM). ISSN 978-82-8259-189-8. Full text in Research Archive
• 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).

• Brooks, Steven; Pampanin, Daniela M.; Harman, Christopher Peter & Grung, Merete (2015). Water Column Monitoring 2014: Determining the biological effects of an offshore platform on local fish populations. Norsk institutt for vannforskning. ISSN 978-82-577-6470-8. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The biological effects of an offshore oil platform on local fish populations were assessed as part of the Water Column Monitoring (WCM) programme for 2014. The Njord A platform was chosen as the study location, which was not in operation and had no current discharge of produced water. Demersal fish species were targeted since they were believed to be less likely to migrate away from the platform than pelagic fish. By targeting organisms deeper in the water column and selecting a platform currently not in operation, the impact of drill cuttings and other sediment sources including leakages from well deposits were the main sources of contamination. Wild fish including ling (Molva molva), tusk (Brosme brosme), redfish (Sebastes sp.) and saithe (Pollachius virens) were caught with baited rod and line from within the 500 m safety zone of the Njord A platform during the summer of 2014. Reference fish were caught on a separate research cruise by trawling from a region of the Norwegian Sea less impacted by oil and gas activities. Limited numbers of reference ling were obtained and the reference data for ling collected from the North Sea as part of the WCM2013 programme were used for comparison of the biomarker responses. Contaminant body burden and a suite of biological effects endpoints were measured in all fish groups and included DNA adducts, DNA strand breaks by comet assay, acetylcholine esterase (AChE) inhibition, ethoxyresorufin 0-deethylase (EROD), vitellogenin (VTG), lysosomal membrane stability (LMS), liver and gill histopathology, PAH metabolites, and PAH body burden. The biomarker data were integrated using the integrated biological response index (IBR/n). Despite low and/or undetected concentrations of PAH and PAH metabolites in fish fillet and bile respectively significant responses in AChE, comet and DNA adducts were found. The biomarker responses indicated exposure to both neurotoxic and genotoxic chemicals in fish inhabiting the lower water column with influence from sediment sources around the Njord A platform. Integration of the biomarker responses (IBR/n) found that all four fish species that were caught from around the platform had markedly higher IBR/n values than their respective reference population. The study shows the advantage of using a suite of biomarkers for assessing the biological effects of low concentrations of complex mixtures with biological effects observed despite low concentrations of PAH measured.

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