The Environmental Organic Chemistry Group
Group members
Related research projects
Related research topics
The Environmental Organic Chemistry Group aims to increase the knowledge about organic micropollutants in aquatic and terrestrial environments, their impacts, and solutions for a non-toxic and sustainable future.
Our research
Our research is conducted at the Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment and focuses on improving water quality and promoting the sustainable use of water resources. The work is carried out within our research group, the POP’s Lab, and within the SLU Center for Chemical Pesticides in the Environment (CKB), fostering interdisciplinary expertise in environmental organic chemistry and sustainable water management. Learn more about CKB’s research here and the POP’s Lab below.
The POP's lab
The POP’s Lab is dedicated to the trace analysis of organic micropollutants in the environment. Our research focuses on highly fluorinated substances (PFAS), pharmaceuticals, antimicrobial resistance, industrial chemicals, and other emerging pollutants that pose a potential risk to ecosystems and human health.
Using advanced target and non-target high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC/GC-MS/MS and LC-HRMS), we develop innovative analytical methods to detect contaminants at ultra-trace levels. A key objective of our work is to establish early warning methodologies and new strategies for identifying previously unknown chemical risks, with a particular emphasis on water environments.
Through prioritization and risk assessment strategies, cutting-edge analytical tools, and the development of innovative treatment methods, we aim to improve environmental monitoring, strengthen risk assessment frameworks, and advance practical solutions for mitigating current and emerging contaminants in the environment.

The POP's lab
Seniors
- Prof. Karin Wiberg, Faculty Professor and Division Manager
- Prof. Lutz Ahrens
- Assoc. Prof. Foon Yin Lai, Senior Lecturer
- Assoc. Prof. Oksana Golovko
- Dr. Uzair Akbar Khan
- Dr. Alina Koch
- Dr. Georgios Niarchos
Postdocs
PhD students
- Harold Flores Quintana
- Oscar Liljeström
- Svante Rehnstam
- Stephanie Casey
- Patrick Wong
- Maximilian Tyka
- Bent Speksnijder
Guest PhD students
Technical personnel
- Mia Lukaric, Laboratory Manager
Guest researcher/post-docs
- Dr. Pablo Gago Ferrero, August T Larsson Guest Researcher, IDAEA-CSIC, Spain
- Dr. Aleksandra Skrobonja, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Related links
- Institutionen för vatten och miljö (Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment)
- Avdelningen för ekologi och biodiversitet (Division for Ecology and Biodiversity)
- Avdelningen för geokemi och hydrologi (Division of Geochemistry and Hydrology)
- Avdelningen för mikrobiell ekologi (Division of Microbial Ecology)