Jens Fölster

I am the head of the Department of Geochemistry and Hydrology and responsible for the implementation of the water chemistry components of the national environmental monitoring programs. My work in research and environmental analysis is largely based on the results from national and other environmental monitoring efforts. It aims to understand the conditions and changes in lakes and watercourses, what is natural, and what is caused by human impact. I work in close collaboration with authorities to provide relevant decision-making support and guidance for water management.

My research is closely linked to my work in environmental analysis. Key areas include:

• Reference conditions for water quality
• Trend analysis of long-term water chemistry time series
• High-frequency measurements using in-situ sensors
• Browning (of surface waters)
• Relationships between water chemistry and biology

I work with environmental monitoring in lakes and watercourses, as well as with the development of decision support and other documentation for water management, environmental objectives follow-up, and international reporting. I collaborate closely with authorities such as the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, County Administrative Boards, and municipalities.

In addition to traditional methods involving regular sampling of water chemistry, we are developing methods for using high-frequency measurements (every 15 minutes) with in-situ sensors in environmental monitoring.

Assignments:

• Responsible for the implementation of the water chemistry components of the national environmental monitoring programs for freshwater, commissioned by the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management
• Coordinator for SLU's environmental monitoring program on Eutrophication
• Representative in ECOSTAT under the EU Commission
• National contact person for ICP-WATERS under the UNECE Air Convention

I lecture in various courses on acidification, eutrophication, time series analysis, environmental monitoring, and ecological status classification.