Publikasjoner

Advancing FAIRness in the Atmospheric Subdomain:​ Implementing FAIR Principles in the ACTRIS Data Centre

Ground based observations:​ Practical session on case studies

Anthropogenic particles in surface waters from Adventfjorden (Svalbard)

The ubiquitous presence of microplastics and other anthropogenic compounds in the marine environment are unfortunately not surprising anymore. Recent publications are revealing the occurrence of those synthesized particles in even remote and/or pristine areas in different marine matrices like biota, water and sediment. Nevertheless, the knowledge about sources and transport mechanisms of those anthropogenic particles (APs) is still lacking, especially in the Arctic. In this study we investigated surface waters from Isfjorden and the branching Adventfjorden, where Longyearbyen the largest settlement of Svalbard is located. Here, untreated wastewater is released into the fjord system. At two sample sites upstream and two sample sites downstream, three replicates at each location have been collected in June 2021. APs larger than <50μm were investigated regarding size, shape, and polymer type via μFTIR spectroscopy. At each sampling station, APs were present. The highest concentration of APs was found upstream and downstream Isfjorden; whereas lower concentrations were found within Adventfjorden, closest to the wastewater outlet. Additives and polypropylene showed the highest frequencies. Besides local sources like the untreated wastewater, freshwater inputs, ship traffic or the northwards long-range transport from the south into the Arctic needs to be considered.

ACTRIS

MIKRONOR 2024 Monitoring of microplastics and tyre wear particles in the Norwegian environment

The 2024 MIKRONOR campaign, coordinated by NIVA and NILU on behalf of the Norwegian Environment Agency, signifcantly expanded the national monitoring framework for microplastics (MPs) to encompass diverse environmental compartments, including surface waters (Oslofjord and Lake Mjøsa), urban runoff, marine sediments, atmospheric deposition, and coastal beach sediments. Urban stormwater runoff was identifed as a predominant source of MPs, particularly tyre wear particles (TWP). Sediment samples from stormwater traps in Oslo exhibited high TWP concentrations up to 240 mg/g, constituting approximately 25% of the total sediment mass. Corresponding runoff water samples revealed MP concentrations as high as 733 ± 142 particles/L, indicating substantial episodic fuxes of MPs into receiving aquatic or marine systems. Inner Oslofjord sediments contained 0.6–3.5 % TWP by mass, confrming the high levels found in 2023. Microplastic concentrations in surface waters were generally low, ranging from 0 to 0.6 MP/m³. However, two hydrodynamic accumulation zones within the Oslofjord exhibited anomalously high concentrations, with levels approximately two orders of magnitude greater than outside the accumulation zones. One net tow recovered >7,000 fragments of expanded polystyrene, highlighting localized retention. Atmospheric deposition peaked in urban Sofenbergparken (1514 µg/m²/d; 68 % TWP) and showed a clear urban-to-remote gradient. Beach sediments at Akerøya remained low in MPs, with most samples below detection limits. The findings highlight urban runoff, especially TWP, as a dominant source to the Oslofjord, and reveal critical hotspots in both water and air pathways.

Norsk institutt for vannforskning (NIVA)

National E-waste Monitor 2025 - Norway

The National E-waste Monitor 2025 – Norway provides a detailed assessment of the current situation of e-waste statistics and legislation, and an outlook on e-waste statistics up to 2050.

Norway is the world’s leading nation in Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) generation per capita, producing 27.5 kg per person in 2022, equivalent to 149 kt.

However, the country has established an efficient collection system, successfully gathering 72% of generated e-waste, with 107 kt tons collected in 2022 (approximately 19.5 kg per capita).

The country’s WEEE stock has seen significant growth over the past decade, expanding from 14 million tons in 2010 to nearly 20 million tons in 2022. However, based on the monitor’s results, the implementation of robust Circular Economy measures could help EEE Put on the Market in Norway reaching, by 2050, half of the to 2010 levels (67 kt). The big drop is explained by more repairability and improved durability of EEE products; by contrast, the projection in a Business as Usual scenario would be 5 times higher (294 kt) than in the Circular Economy scenario.

In terms of international trade, Norway reported 20 kt of used EEE exports for reuse, primarily within the European Union. Legal WEEE exports saw an increase from 27 kt in 2022 to 38 kt in 2023. Authorities intercepted 15.5 t of illegal exports due to inadequate documentation and functionality testing.

Upcoming country investments may go in the direction of recycling technologies for rare earth metals and precious materials recovery, improved small electronics collection systems, stricter labelling requirements for recyclable components and hazardous substances.

While Norway’s e-waste management system is already considered exemplary, the monitor’s results emphasize the need for more ambitious targets aligned with the WEEE Directive to create a truly sustainable and circular electronics management system. The focus is now shifting toward public awareness campaigns to encourage repair over replacement and the development of more efficient collection methods for small electronic devices.

Citation: E. D’Angelo, M. Schubert, T. Yamamoto, C.P. Baldé, E. Bourgé and G. Abbasi, United Nations Institute for Training and Research, NILU, “National E-waste monitor 2025 - Norway”, 2025, Bonn/Oslo, Germany and Norway.

NILU

Field investigation of perceived indoor environment quality: Study case in Norwegian secondary school with Demand-Controlled Ventilation

Surveys in Norwegian schools showed that some students experienced health problems, such as headaches or concentration issues which have been linked to indoor environment quality (IEQ). This research investigates the relationship between measured IEQ and students’ perceived IEQ as user-feedback in one lower secondary school. This study explores the factors contributing to the connection with certain parameters such as carbon dioxide (CO2), volatile organic compounds (VOC), and temperature levels with perceived IEQ. Despite achieving good IEQ levels according to standards, there is a notable discrepancy between measured IEQ and how students perceive the air quality. Two classrooms served by a demand-controlled ventilation system were monitored with IEQ measurement sensors and online questionnaires were given individually to students in each classroom. This enables to provide real-time students’ perception of indoor air and room temperature quality. Measurement results showed IEQ are of good quality, but students’ responses on perceived IEQ vary and showed over 25% are dissatisfied, indicating mixed feelings and dissatisfaction about perceived IEQ. Future research should focus on refining ventilation systems to bridge the gap between measured and perceived IEQ.

DIGG-MIN-SKOLE: prosjektgjennomgang for Standard Norge

Proposal for Restriction on Difluoromethylene Substances aka “Universal PFAS Restriction”: Chemical Analysis

Screening and monitoring of siloxanes in air at NILU​ (and method development)​

Nanoparticles & Nanomaterials: Interferences in In Vitro Colorimetric & Fluorometric Assays

CE-RISE Information System Introduction