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

  • 2025-09-09

    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?
  • 2025-08-21

    SLU carries out lake restoration in Latvia

    Researchers from SLU have recently taken part in lake restoration in Latvia. Sweden is at the forefront of lake restoration using aluminium treatment in eutrophic lakes.
  • 2025-08-14

    SLU professor appointed Secretary General at the Swedish Research Council

    Stefan Bertilsson, professor of functional ecology in limnic systems at SLU, has been appointed as the Swedish Research Council's new Secretary General for Natural Sciences. He will take up the role on 1 October 2025.
  • 2025-06-03

    Climate changes threatens Lake Mälaren's ecosystem

    Lake Mälaren’s environmental condition continues to concern researchers. The Focus on Mälaren 2024 report shows that the lake’s surface water temperature continues to increase, which makes it harder to combat eutrophication.

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.