Environmental monitoring and assessment

We collect, store, quality-assure, and make available water chemistry and biological data for lakes and watercourses to facilitate the detection of environmental issues, provide a basis for different restoration and water management measures, and to follow up on them.

Overview of aquatic environmental assessment

We primarily work with environmental analysis related to Swedish lakes and watercourses. Here is an introduction to our work.

This is what we do with the samples

Overview of how we handle the samples and sampling that are a part of the environmental analysis.

Freshwater monitoring subprogrammes we are responsible for

  • River mouths

    The results from the environmental monitoring within the River mouths Subprogramme aim to show the environmental status of the estuaries of Sweden’s largest watercourses. The data also serve as a basis for calculating the transport of substances from Sweden via rivers into the surrounding seas.
  • Cyclically low-intensity monitored lakes

    The results from the environmental monitoring within the subprogramme “Cyclically low-intensity monitored lakes” are intended to show the environmental status of all lakes in Sweden. It can, for example, be used to calculate the proportion of acidified lakes in different regions.
  • Trend lakes

    The results from the environmental monitoring within the Lake Trend Stations Subprogramme are intended to describe the environmental status of Sweden’s undisturbed lakes. They also serve as a basis for calculating measures and assessing environmental risks.
  • Trend watercourses

    The results from the environmental monitoring within the Trend River Stations Subprogramme aim to show the environmental status of undisturbed watercourses. The data also serve as a basis for evaluating environmental measures and assessing potential threats.

Other environmental monitoring programs at our department

  • Pesticides

    The Swedish national environmental monitoring program of pesticides is funded by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. The aim of the program is to track long-term environmental trends in agricultural areas due to the use of plant protection products.
  • Integrated Monitoring in natural ecosystems (IM)

    Integrated Monitoring in natural ecosystems (IM) creates time-series with high resolution, showing processes in defined areas covering different geographical, depositions, and climate gradients across the country. Large-scale impacts on ecosystems are also studied.
  • Liming effect monitoring (KEU)

    The environmental monitoring within the Lime Effect Monitoring (KEU) program aims to follow up on liming measures at regional and national level.
  • Integrated Studies of the Effects of Liming Acidified Waters, ISELAW

    Please see the Swedish version of the ISELAW pages.

Freshwater monitoring data - Environmental data MVM

Search among quality-assured data from Swedish lakes and watercourses.

The EMA programmes at SLU we contribute to

  • 2025-05-19

    A Non-Toxic Environment programme

    The programme for environmental monitoring and assessment A Non-Toxic Environment at SLU provides decision support and expertise in the work towards a non-toxic environment in Sweden. The data from our monitoring programmes contribute to the overall picture of the environmental status regarding hazardous substances.  We also assess the risks with hazardous substances and their effects, and support the work with Sweden's international commitments on environmental pollutants.
  • 2025-05-19

    Acidification programme

    The programme for environmental monitoring and assessment Acidification at SLU provides a platform for efforts to achieve Sweden's environmental objective Natural Acidification Only. We also help Sweden to meet its commitments under the UNECE/CLRTAP air pollution convention.
  • 2025-05-19

    Alpine/Arctic Landscapes programme

    The programme for environmental monitoring and assessment Alpine/Arctic Landscapes brings together SLU’s expertise on alpine and arctic landscapes and supports Sweden’s national and international commitments related to the environmental quality objective “A Magnificent Mountain Landscape” and the conservation of Arctic biodiversity.
  • 2025-05-19

    Eutrophication programme

    The programme for environmental monitoring and assessment Eutrophication at SLU is intended to provide data on which to base action to combat eutrophication of our aquatic systems. It should provide an up-to-date picture of the source and size of eutrophication sources and their development over time. A key element is to provide material for monitoring achievement of the environmental objectives and international commitments. The programme also provides assessment of the effectiveness of measures taken in various sectors of society.
  • 2025-05-19

    Lakes and Watercourses programme

    The programme for environmental monitoring and assessment Lakes and Watercourses at SLU provides data and expertise to further Sweden's environmental objective of Flourishing Lakes and Streams, as well as other objectives related to water quality. We also support various public agencies in their work under the EC Water Framework Directive and on Sweden's other international water quality commitments.