| 1. |
- Bergström, Per, 1980, et al.
(author)
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Identifying high‐density areas of oysters using species distribution modeling: Lessons for conservation of the native Ostrea edulis and management of the invasive Magallana ( Crassostrea ) gigas in Sweden
- 2021
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In: Ecology and Evolution. - : Wiley. - 2045-7758. ; 11:10, s. 5522-5532
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AimUnderstanding spatial patterns of the distribution of adult native oyster, Ostrea edulis, and the invasive Magallana (Crassostrea) gigas is important for management of these populations. The aim of this study was to use ensemble SDM’s to (a) identify and predict conservation hotspots, (b) assess the current level of protection for O. edulis, and (c) quantify the amount of overlap between the two species where interactions with M. gigas are most likely.LocationSkagerrak, Sweden.MethodsWe used data collected by video at depths from 0.5 to 10 m in 436 sites. Models of occurrence and densities >1 m−2 were fitted and assessed using ensemble methods (“biomod2” package). Models of high-density hotspots were used to predict, map, and quantify areal extent of the species in order to assess the degree of overlap with protected areas and the potential for interactions between the two species.ResultsBoth species were widely distributed in the region. Observations of high-density habitats, mainly occurring at depths of ≈3 and 0.5 m for O. edulis and M. gigas, respectively, were found in 4% and 2% of the sites. Models provided useful predictions for both species (AUC = 0.85–0.99; sensitivity = 0.74–1.0; specificity = 0.72–0.97). High-density areas occupy roughly 15 km2 each with substantial overlap between species. 50% of these are protected only by fisheries regulations, 44% are found in Natura 2000 reserves and 6% of the predicted O. edulis enjoys protection in a national park.Main conclusionsData collection by video in combination with SDM’s provides a realistic approach for large-scale quantification of spatial patterns of marine population and habitats. O. edulis and M. gigas are common in the area, but a large proportion of the most valuable O. edulis habitats are not found in protected areas. The overlap between species suggests that efforts to manage the invasive M. gigas need to be integrated with management actions to conserve the native O. edulis.
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| 2. |
- de los Santos, C. B., et al.
(author)
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Microplastic retention by marine vegetated canopies: Simulations with seagrass meadows in a hydraulic flume
- 2021
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In: Environmental Pollution. - : Elsevier BV. - 0269-7491 .- 1873-6424. ; 269:January
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Main finding: marine canopies with high shoot density might act as sinks for microplastics of high polymer density in areas of low flow velocity. © 2020 The Author(s) Marine canopies formed by seagrass and other coastal vegetated ecosystems could act as sinks of microplastics for being efficient particle traps. Here we investigated for the first time the occurrence of microplastic retention by marine canopies in a hydraulic flume under unidirectional flow velocities from 2 to 30 cm s−1. We used as model canopy-forming species the seagrass Zostera marina with four canopy shoot density (0, 50, 100, 200 shoots m−2), and we used as microplastic particles industrial pristine pellets with specific densities from 0.90 to 1.34 g cm−3 (polypropylene PP; polystyrene PS; polyamide 6 PA; and polyethylene terephthalate PET). Overall, microplastics particles transported with the flow were retained in the seagrass canopies but not in bare sand. While seagrass canopies retained floating microplastics (PP) only at low velocities (<12 cm s−1) due to a barrier created by the canopy touching the water surface, the retention of sinking particles (PS, PA, PET) occurred across a wider range of flow velocities. Our simulations revealed that less dense sinking particles (PS) might escape from the canopy at high velocities, while denser sinking particles can be trapped in scouring areas created by erosive processes around the eelgrass shoots. Our results show that marine canopies might act as potential barriers or sinks for microplastics at certain bio-physical conditions, with the probability of retention generally increasing with the seagrass shoot density and polymer specific density and decreasing with the flow velocity. We conclude that seagrass meadows, and other aquatic canopy-forming ecosystems, should be prioritized habitats in assessment of microplastic exposure and impact on coastal areas since they may accumulate high concentration of microplastic particles that could affect associated fauna. © 2020 The Author(s)
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| 3. |
- Flodén, Jonas, 1974, et al.
(author)
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Shipping in the EU emissions trading system: implications for mitigation, costs and modal split
- 2024
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In: Climate Policy. - Stockholm : IVL Svenska Miljöinstitutet. - 1752-7457 .- 1469-3062. ; In Press
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- EU recently decided to include shipping, meaning all intra-European shipping and 50% of extra-European voyages, in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) beginning in 2024. This article provides an early assessment of the impacts of the EU ETS on the shipping sector’s potential reductions in greenhouse gas emissions for different types of ships. It further examines selected mitigation measures and the impact on modals split and costs. The study employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative estimates (based on data from the EU monitoring, reporting and verification system) with qualitative data and information from interviews with key actors and from previous literature. This approach aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impacts of the EU ETS. The inclusion of shipping in the EU ETS is expected to introduce significant incentives to reduce emissions. We estimate that switching to bio-methanol at an emissions allowance price of €90–100/tCO2 will be cost-effective for a minor share of shipping segments (representing about 0.5-5% of all ships), whereas at a price above €150/tCO2 it could be cost-effective for a considerable share (potentially 75%) of ships. In the short term, the costs incurred by the EU ETS will be passed on to transport customers as a surcharge. The increased cost may, unless properly addressed, drive carbon leakage. Meanwhile, a modal shift away from shipping may occur in the roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) and roll-on passenger (RoPax) segments due to direct competition with road and rail transport and the relative ease of shifting to other modes of transport.
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Johansson, Julia M., et al.
(author)
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The European heat wave of 2018 and its promotion of the ozone climate penalty in southwest Sweden
- 2020
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In: Boreal Environment Research. - 1239-6095 .- 1797-2469. ; 25, s. 39-50
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The ozone concentration ([O-3]), temperature (T) and vapour pressure deficit (VPD) during the 2018 heat wave (HW) was compared with conditions from 2013-2017. The study included one coastal and two inland sites in southwest Sweden. The positive relationship between [O-3] and T was stronger in 2018. The average daytime T from April-September was higher by 2.0-2.4 degrees C in 2018. The VPD was strongly and positively affected by the 2018 HW. The daytime mean [O-3] was enhanced by 7-12% in 2018. The relationship between hourly daytime [O-3] and T, as well as that between the daily maximum [O-3] and daily maximum T, was steeper in 2018. The stronger promotion of [O-3] by T in 2018 was possibly partly a result of dry conditions causing stomatal closure of vegetation and thus a weaker O-3 sink. If HWs like that in 2018 become more common, they can be expected to promote higher [O-3] and risk larger health and ecosystem effects.
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| 6. |
- Johnsson, Filip, 1960, et al.
(author)
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The framing of a sustainable development goals assessment in decarbonizing the construction industry – Avoiding “Greenwashing”
- 2020
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In: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. - : Elsevier BV. - 1879-0690 .- 1364-0321. ; 131
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this paper is to contribute to the establishment of a robust framework for the assessment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in businesses, using the construction industry as an example and with the primary focus on combating climate change (SDG 13). We provide a critical analysis of a selection of relatively widely used SDG impact assessment tools, combined with a case study from the construction industry to explore how a meaningful SDG assessment can be framed with linkages between SDG 13 and other related SDGs. Our analysis points towards the importance of framing SDG assessments in a way that discourages “Greenwashing”. Any SDG assessment that relates to climate targets in line with the Paris Agreement should identify the processes and activities that can be expected to be particularly challenging in terms of their abatement. In our road construction work case, we identify four such hard-to-abate activities: 1) introducing biomass for renewable transportation fuels for use in construction equipment and heavy transport; 2) electrification of transport and industrial processes; 3) substitution as part of transitioning from fossil fuel use; and 4) applying carbon capture and storage technologies in the production of basic materials, such as cement and steel. The approach applied will avoid that businesses only focus on SDGs in situations where they are already performing well or can apply low-cost measures or that they only relate to the part of the supply chain that pertains to their own business (Scope 1 emissions). For an SDG assessment to provide basis for informed decisions regarding real change towards more sustainable and equitable corporate practices it should: (i) identify and include concrete measures to align with the terms of the Paris Agreement; (ii) include relevant value chains; and (iii) consider both the short-term and long-term effects of strategic choices.
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| 7. |
- Karlsson, Per Erik, et al.
(author)
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The vulnerability of northern European vegetation to ozone damage in a changing climate An assessment based on current knowledge
- 2021
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The potential vulnerability of vegetation at northern latitudes to ozone damage was assessed based on current knowledge with regard to air ozone concentrations and leaf ozone uptake as well as to plant traits affecting ozone tolerance. The focus was on the northern European arctic, alpine and northern boreal vegetation zones, with a special focus on high-altitude vegetation. In particular, we analysed if there are increasing risks for ozone impacts on northern vegetation due to high spring ozone concentrations in relation to climate change induced shifts such as e.g. an earlier start of the growing season. The ozone concentrations in these regions are characterized by the influence of a combination of conditions caused by high latitudes and high altitudes. Ozone concentrations increase with altitude and the difference in ozone concentrations between day and night are smaller at high-altitude and high-latitude sites. Summer periods with long daylight conditions potentially promote the leaf ozone uptake through the open stomata. The aims of this report were: • To assess the current state of knowledge regarding the potential vulnerability of far northern vegetation to ozone damage, today and in the future • To provide advice for policy implications regarding necessary ozone precursor emission abatement • To provide advice for future research and monitoring of ozone impacts on the vegetation at northern latitudes Ongoing environmental changes affecting far northern latitude ecosystems were reviewed. Current and novel methods were described for how to estimate the time of year during which the ozone exposure for vegetation should be accumulated. Time trends for ozone concentrations at northern latitudes were analysed. Ozone episodes with high concentrations at far northern latitudes were described. Source attributions of northern ozone concentrations were analysed. Environmental conditions at far northern latitudes that might be important for ozone damage were evaluated. Plant traits that can influence the ozone vulnerability were discussed. Current experimental results for ozone injury on northern plant species were evaluated. Future scenarios for ozone impact on northern vegetation were discussed. Some important results from the analyses are described below. At high altitudes and high latitudes, the ozone concentrations are relatively similar during day- and night-time. Furthermore, at high latitudes, the long daylight duration during the summer has the potential to increase the duration of the daily period with plant gas exchange and leaf ozone uptake. Therefore, the absorption of ozone through the stomata may potentially be higher at northern latitudes. However, measurements of light intensity and quality at northern sites in combination with a simple calculation example illustrated that this probably was not the case, since the potential added ozone uptake in the early morning and late evening at northern sites may be cancelled out by a lower ozone uptake in the middle of the day, as compared to southern sites. Both data on budburst and data on ecosystem CO2 exchange as well as meteorological observations show that there has been a development towards an earlier start of the growing season during the year, with approximately 0.5 – 1 day per year. Thus, there is clear evidence for an earlier start of the growing season, which is likely to continue. However, the timing of the spring ozone maximum is also shifted towards earlier in the year. There is presently no evidence for an increasing overlap between the growing season and the ozone peak. Despite this, there is a potential for increased ozone uptake to vegetation in spring due to the earlier growing start of vegetation and increased uptake of ozone to vegetation in May. The impact of this on the accumulated phytotoxic ozone dose for northern vegetation needs to be investigated further. The overall conclusions about the present and near future ozone vulnerability of northern vegetation were: • There remain uncertainties regarding to what extent northern vegetation is affected by ozone exposure. • According to current knowledge, we could not find evidence that expected changes in ozone concentrations and climate would make the northern arctic, alpine and subalpine vegetation substantially more vulnerable to ozone than other types of European vegetation. • The risk of significant and lasting negative impact of the current exposure to ozone on northern boreal forests is most likely not greater than for boreonemoral and nemoral forests in southern Fennoscandia. • However, peak ozone concentrations occurring in spring and early summer may affect vegetation at northern latitudes in Fennoscandia since the start of the growing season in the future may occur earlier during the year. The policy implications that can be derived from these conclusions were: • The current state of knowledge implies that ecosystems in the far north are not more susceptible to ozone than vegetation in other parts of Europe. Hence, we cannot advocate for a stronger reduction of ozone precursors emissions based exclusively on the ozone sensitivity of vegetation in the far north. • Policies designed to reduce emissions of ozone precursors to protect vegetation in other parts of Europe as well as in the entire northern hemisphere are likely to suffice to protect vegetation in northern Fennoscandia. There are important remaining knowledge gaps. Our conclusions are based on important, but limited observations. Experimental evidence from investigations specifically designed to study ozone sensitivity of high-altitude vegetation in northern Europe are to a large extent lacking. It is recommended that further experimental research is undertaken to directly compare the ozone sensitivity of plants of high-latitude/high-altitude origin with that of plants (species, genotypes) representative of regions of the southern part of the Nordic region. This research should include the characteristics of the high-latitude climate and other conditions. A specific research question is if the new ozone critical levels for European vegetation based on PODYSPEC (Mapping Manual, 2017) are correct, both regarding calculation methodology as well as impact assessments? In particular, there is a lack of information about the degree of stomata closure during nights in high-latitude area plants. This is important for the modelling of ozone uptake (dry deposition) in these areas and requires coordinated measurement campaigns in close cooperation with modelers. Further research questions may be related to the future development of the northern regions – e.g. oil and gas extraction including flaring, shipping, more tourism and climate change – how will that affect the ozone exposure of in the northern vegetation? Do future ozone precursor emission scenarios describe this correctly? Will warm and dry summers like 2018 become more frequent in connection with climate change, and how will this affect ozone impacts on vegetation? There are currently very few, long term ozone monitoring stations in the arctic and alpine vegetation zones, in particular at high altitudes. Given the expected increase in anthropogenic activities in these areas in combination with climate change, it is strongly recommended to increase the number of high-altitude ozone monitoring sites in these regions.
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| 8. |
- Lagerström, Maria, 1986, et al.
(author)
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Are silicone foul-release coatings a viable and environmentally sustainable alternative to biocidal antifouling coatings in the Baltic Sea region?
- 2022
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In: Marine Pollution Bulletin. - Stockholm : Elsevier BV. - 0025-326X .- 1879-3363. ; 184
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To combat unwanted fouling on immersed hulls, biocidal antifouling coatings are commonly applied to vessels trafficking the Baltic Sea. Here, the efficacy, environmental sustainability and market barriers of silicone foul-release coatings (FRCs) was assessed for this region to evaluate their viability as replacements for biocidal coatings. Coated panels were exposed statically over a 1 year period at three locations in the Baltic Sea region to assess the long-term performance of a biocide-free FRC and two copper coatings. The FRC was found to perform equally well or significantly better than the copper coatings. Even though most silicone FRCs on the market are biocide-free, a review of the literature regarding toxic effects and the identity and environmental fate of leachables shows that they may not be completely environmentally benign, simply for the lack of biocides. Nonetheless, FRCs are substantially less toxic compared to biocidal antifouling coatings and their use should be promoted. © 2022 The Authors
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| 9. |
- Langer, Sarka, 1960, et al.
(author)
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Impacts of fuel quality on indoor environment onboard a ship: From policy to practice
- 2020
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In: Transportation Research Part D-Transport and Environment. - : Elsevier BV. - 1361-9209 .- 1879-2340. ; 83
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Environmental considerations, concerning the negative impacts of ship exhaust gases and particles on ambient air quality, are behind the requirements of cleaner marine fuels currently applied in designated emission control areas (ECAs). We investigated the impact of a ship operating on two types of fuel on the indoor air quality onboard. Gaseous and particulate air pollutants were measured in the engine room and the accommodation sections on-board an icebreaker operating first on Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO, 1%-S), and later Marine Diesel Oil (MDO, 0.1%-S). Statistically significant decrease of SO2, NOx, PM2.5 and particle number concentration were observed when the ship was operating on MDO. Due to the higher content of alkylated PAHs in MDO compared to HFO, the concentration of PAHs increased during operation on MDO. The particulate PAHs classified as carcinogens, were similar to or lower in the MDO campaign. Chemical analysis of PM2.5 revealed that the particles consisted mainly of organic carbon and sulfate, although the fraction of metals was quite large in particles from the engine room. Principal Component Analysis of all measured parameters showed a clear difference between HFO and MDO fuel on the indoor environmental quality on-board the ship. This empirical study poses a first example on how environmental policy-making impacts not only the primary target at a global level, but also brings unexpected localized benefits at workplace level. The study emphasizes the need of further investigations on the impact of new marine fuels and technologies on the indoor air environments on board.
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| 10. |
- Lindén, Jenny, et al.
(author)
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Air pollution removal through deposition on urban vegetation: The importance of vegetation characteristics
- 2023
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In: Urban Forestry and Urban Greening. - Göteborg : Elsevier BV. - 1618-8667 .- 1610-8167. ; 81
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Urban vegetation has the potential to improve air quality as it promotes pollutant deposition and retention. Urban air quality models often include the effect vegetation have on pollution dispersion, however, processes involved in pollution removal by vegetation are often excluded or simplified and does not consider different vegetation characteristics. In this systematic review, we analyze the influence of the large interspecies variation in vegetation characteristics to identify the key factors affecting the removal of the major urban pollutants, particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from the air through vegetation deposition. The aim is to identify key processes needed to represent vegetation characteristics in urban air quality modelling assessments. We show that PM is mainly deposited to the leaf surface, and thus representation of characteristics affecting the aerodynamics from canopy down to leaf surface are important, such as branch/shoot complexity and leaf size, leaf surface roughness and hairiness. In addition, characteristics affecting PM retention capacity, resuspension and wash-off, include leaf surface roughness, hairiness and wax content. NO2 is mainly deposited through stomatal uptake, and thus stomatal conductance and its responses to environmental conditions are key factors. These include response to solar radiation, vapour pressure deficit and soil moisture. Representation of these vegetation characteristics in urban air quality models could greatly improve our ability to optimize the type and species of urban vegetation from an air quality perspective.
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