Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment

We develop knowledge about environmental changes and their causes through research, education, and environmental analysis. The department takes a broad and interdisciplinary approach to water issues, focusing on monitoring, understanding, and contributing to improved quality in Sweden’s aquatic environments.

Education

If you are interested in delving deeper into water-related issues, welcome to explore our information on courses at undergraduate, advanced, and research levels we are involved in. Also, we offer a certification course for water sampling.

Research

Our research concerns everyone in Sweden, as water is a vital resource that affects everything from our health and food production to biodiversity and climate adaptation.

Environmental analysis

Environmental analysis of freshwater provides long-term data series from our lakes and watercourses. This is crucial for making well-informed decisions on the management, protection, and sustainable use of our water resources.

Environmental data

Discover environmental monitoring data – track changes in Sweden’s soil, water and ecosystems over time.
Data base Environmental Data
News & Events

News

  • 2025-10-15

    Designing resilient cities: Daniel Valentini on why urban waterscapes matter more than ever

    Cities around the world are under increasing pressure from water-related climate risks. Daniel Valentini, researcher at SLU, and hub coordinator at SLU Urban Futures, shares his insights on how the concept of urban waterscapes can help shape resilient cities of the future.
  • 2025-10-14

    From individual wetlands to multifunctional wetland landscapes

    Researchers from SLU are exploring how wetlands can serve multiple functions – from supporting biodiversity and storing carbon to purifying water and creating attractive environments. With knowledge from various projects, municipalities are better equipped to design the wetlands of the future.
  • 2025-10-02

    Exploring seascapes through taste, memory, and stories

    Professor Maggie Roe from Newcastle University recently visited SLU in Alnarp to share insights from the UK-based research initiative Seascapes: Tyne to Tees, Shores to Seas, a multi-year project focused on reconnecting local communities with the coastal and marine landscapes of northeast England.
  • 2025-09-09

    What is actually a ditch?

    Ditches are found everywhere, and humanity needs them. Yet they are often ignored, both in land management and in research. But what does it mean when we disregard them? Could it have consequences?

Calendar

Discover scientific findings – explore our publications!

Curious about new knowledge? Dive into our scientific publications and uncover the insights behind the research!
Find our publications

Microplastics impact aquatic environments

Microplastics are long-lasting. They are found everywhere. They can move within and between different environments, and they can affect both soil- and water-dwelling organisms. In this short film, you’ll meet Kong and Mareile, whose research focuses on microplastics in aquatic environments and in soil.