1.
2.
Drake, Henrik, 1979-, et al.
(author)
Ancient microbial activity in deep hydraulically conductive fracture zones within the Forsmark target area for deep geological nuclear waste disposal, Sweden
2018
In: Geosciences. - : MDPI AG. - 2076-3263. ; 8
Journal article (peer-reviewed) abstract
Recent studies reveal that organisms from all three domains of life—Archaea, Bacteria, and even Eukarya—can thrive under energy-poor, dark, and anoxic conditions at large depths in the fractured crystalline continental crust. There is a need for an increased understanding of the processes and lifeforms in this vast realm, for example, regarding the spatiotemporal extent and variability of the different processes in the crust. Here, we present a study that set out to detect signs of ancient microbial life in the Forsmark area—the target area for deep geological nuclear waste disposal in Sweden. Stable isotope compositions were determined with high spatial resolution analyses within mineral coatings, and mineralized remains of putative microorganisms were studied in several deep water-conducting fracture zones (down to 663 m depth), from which hydrochemical and gas data exist. Large isotopic variabilities of 13Ccalcite (?36.2 to +20.2‰V-PDB) and 34Spyrite (?11.7 to +37.8‰V-CDT) disclose discrete periods of methanogenesis, and potentially, anaerobic oxidation of methane and related microbial sulfate reduction at several depth intervals. Dominant calcite–water disequilibrium of 18O and 87Sr/86Sr precludes abundant recent precipitation. Instead, the mineral coatings largely reflect an ancient archive of episodic microbial processes in the fracture system, which, according to our microscale Rb–Sr dating of co-genetic adularia and calcite, date back to the mid-Paleozoic. Potential Quaternary precipitation exists mainly at ~400 m depth in one of the boreholes, where mineral–water compositions corresponded.
3.
Bobrowski, Nicole, et al.
(author)
Multi-component gas emission measurements of the active lava lake of Nyiragongo, DR Congo
2017
In: Journal of African Earth Sciences. - : Elsevier BV. - 1879-1956 .- 1464-343X. ; 134, s. 856-865
Journal article (peer-reviewed) abstract
Between 2007 and 2011 four measurement campaigns (June 2007, July 2010, June 2011, and December 2011) were carried out at the crater rim of Nyiragongo volcano, DR Congo. Nyiragongo is one of the most active volcanoes in Africa. The ground-based remote sensing technique Multi-Axis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (MAX-DOAS), which uses scattered sunlight, the in-situ Multi-Component Gas Analyzer System (Multi-GAS) and alkaline impregnated filter were simultaneously applied during all field trips. The bromine monoxide to sulfur dioxide (BrO/SO2) and carbon dioxide to sulfur dioxide (CO2/SO2) molar ratios were determined, among other ratios. During the different field trips variations of the level of the lava lake up to several tens of meters were observed during intervals of the order of minutes up to days and also between the years. The measured gas ratios presented covariations with the lava lake level changes. BrO/SO2 ratios and CO2/SO2 ratios showed similar behavior. Annual CO2/SO2 and BrO/SO2 average values are generally positively correlated. In June 2011 increased BrO/SO2 as well as increased CO2/SO2 ratios have been observed before a sudden decrease of the lava lake. Overall the Cl/S ratio, determined by filter-pack sampling, shows an increasing trend with time, which is accompanied by a decreasing sulfur dioxide flux, the later measured nearly continuously by automated MAX-DOAS instruments since 2004. Mean gas emission fluxes of CO2, Cl and ‘minimum-BrO’ fluxes are calculated using their ratio to SO2. The first two show an increase with time, in contrast to the SO2 fluxes. A simple conceptual model is proposed which can explain in particular the June 2011 data, but as well our entire data set. The proposed model takes up the idea of convective magma cells inside the conduit and the possible temporary interruption of part of the cycling. We propose than two alternatives to explain the observed gas emission variation: 1. It is assumed that the diffuse and fumarolic degassing could have significant influence on measured gas composition. The measured gas composition might rather represent a gas mixture of plume, diffuse and fumarolic degassing than only representing the volcanic plume. 2. It is proposed that the interruption of the convection has taken place in the upper part of the conduit and deep degassing of CO2 and bromine initially continues while mixing already with gas emissions from an ageing source, which is characterized by an already diminishing sulfur content. These complex process but as well as the gas mixing of different sources, could explain general features of our dataset, but can unfortunately neither be confirmed nor disproven by the data available today.
4.
Ledesma, Jose, et al.
(author)
Aquatic DOC export from subarctic Atlantic blanket bog in Norway is controlled by seasalt deposition, temperature and precipitation
2016
In: Biogeochemistry. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0168-2563 .- 1573-515X. ; 127, s. 305-321
Journal article (peer-reviewed) abstract
Comprehensive and credible peatland carbon budgets, needed for global carbon accounting, must include lateral aquatic organic carbon export. Here, we quantify aquatic dissolved organic carbon (DOC) export for an Atlantic bog in subarctic Norway, the Andøya peatland, and test for sensitivity to climatic drivers. Hydrology, DOC concentrations and DOC export were simulated for 2000–2013 using the process-based catchment model Integrated Catchments model for Carbon(INCA-C), calibrated to site-specific water chemistry and hydrology (2011–2014) using readily-available data on temperature, precipitation and seasalt deposition. Measured streamwater DOC declined under seasalt episodes and was strongly positively related to temperature. Model calibrations successfully reproduced the water balance, variation in runoff (R2=0.67; Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency NS=0.67) and DOC concentrations (R2=0.85; NS=0.84). The most sensitive model parameters related to temperature-sensitivity of DOC production and DOC (de)sorption sensitivity to seasalts. Model uncertainty related to parameter space was similar to interannual variation in DOC export. Mean annual modelled DOC export was 7.2±0.7g C m−2 year−1, roughly 35% of the net land–atmospheric CO2 exchange at Andøya from 2009 to 2012 (estimated elsewhere). Current and antecedent mean temperature and precipitation were strong drivers of seasonal modelled DOC export, implying that warmer and wetter summers will lead to more DOC export. Evaluation of similar climate impacts on net peatland carbon accumulation requires additional exploration of the climate-sensitivity of land–atmosphere fluxes of CO2 and methane. Process-based models are valuable tools to account for lateral DOC exports in carbon balances of northern peatlands, especially where long-term monitoring data are lacking.
5.
Hassellöv, Ida-Maja, 1974, et al.
(author)
Miljörisker sjunkna vrak II. Undersökningsmetoder och miljöaspekter
2015
Reports (other academic/artistic) abstract
During 2015 the Swedish Maritime Administration continued the second phase of thegovernmental task Environmental risks from sunken wrecks which first report was finalized2014-10-31 (Dnr: 1399-14-01942-6).The main conclusions from the 2014 report remain; for future handling of potentially pollutingshipwrecks it is recommended that the Swedish Agency for Water and Marine Management isgiven a coordinating responsibility in close cooperation with other competent nationalauthorities, such as Swedish Maritime Administration, Swedish Coastguard, Swedish NationalMaritime Museums, the Geological Survey of Sweden, SMHI, Swedish EPA, and SwedishCivil Contingencies Agency. Through coordination of wreck related operations and activitieswithin the concerned competent authorities’ ordinary areas of responsibility, resourceefficiency is improved. The estimated extra cost for implementation of a national strategy forhandling of the wrecks are estimated to be 10-15 MSEK which should be allocated to thecompetent authorities by the Swedish Agency for Water and Marine Management.The conclusions from 2014 was reinforced during 2015, e.g. through the validation of the riskassessment model VRAKA, which is now available in a first operative version. Additionalecotoxicological experiments on the development of tolerance against PAHs in meiofauna andmicroorganism communities were conducted in a field study in Brofjorden. The mainconclusions from this work is that comprehensive analyzes of PAHs should include alkylatedPAHs, and that exposure to PAHs over time can lead to tolerance development in ammoniumoxidizing bacteria, at the expense of their ability to perform the essential ecosystem servicenitrification.Continued measurements of the bottom currents were made at the wrecks Villon and Skytteren,and at the dumping area west of Måseskär. Measurement series yielded important informationon how measuring equipment at the wreck can be deployed in an optimized way in futuremonitoring program; to calculate the possible spreading of pollution from a wreck, currentmeasurements should be performed upstream from the wreck site, while sensors for thedetection of, for example, oil should be put into the turbulence downstream of the wreck.The current measurement instruments (RDCP) deployed at the Måseskär dump site was trawledup after only three weeks of measurements, but still gave valuable information on the extensivebottom trawling that resuspend (stir up) sediments. Earlier geochemical surveys have shownsignificantly elevated arsenic concentrations in the area and sediment resuspension greatlyincreased the risk for spread of any contaminants in the area. Trawling is not prohibited in thearea, and the current lack of knowledge regarding potential effects on human health whenconsuming seafood from dump areas calls for reflection upon the suitability of trawling in thearea.In addition to the current measurements Swedish Maritime Administration and the SwedishNavy conducted hydrographic survey with multibeam and side scan sonar and ROVinvestigation of the wrecks in the dumping area at Måseskär. 28 wrecks were found, and ROVinvestigation showed cargo holds with dumped torpedoes or mines and other containers in some SjöfartsverketDnr: 1399-14-01942-156of the wrecks. There is some discrepancy between the previously measured elevated arsenicconcentrations in the Måseskär area and recently presented data from historical archives thatdoes not support the theory that chemical weapons were dumped in the area. However, there isa very good correlation between the dominant current direction in the area, and the highestmeasured arsenic concentrations in the area downstream of the wrecks, suggesting some formof arsenic source in the area.
6.
Sonesten, Lars
(author)
Miljöövervakningen av Sveriges sjöar och vattendrag : Representativiteten av den kontrollerande miljöövervakningen
2013
Reports (other academic/artistic) abstract
Samtliga ytvattenkategorier inom ett vattendistrikt ska omfattas av övervakningsprogram inklusive övervakningsnät för kontrollerande övervakning som upprättas enligt kap. 7 VFF. En översyn av hur representativt Sveriges kontrollerade övervakningsnät är har tidigare inte kunnat utföras på grund av omfattande kvalitetsbrister i länsstyrelserna och vattenmyndigheternas datasystem VISS (VattenInformationsSystem Sverige). Kvaliteten på informationen i VISS har under senare år genomgått en omfattande kvalitetssäkring, vilket har gett förutsättningarna för att nu kunna genomföra den sammanställning och översyn över den svenska miljöövervakningen av sjöar och vattendrag. Denna översyn har varit starkt önskad under flera år, då det finns ett stort behov av att se över och analysera hur ett representativt samordnat kontrollerande övervakningsprogram skulle kunna se ut. Översynen sker mot bakgrund av den samlade vatten övervakning som bedrivs i Sverige, bland annat för att optimera befintlig övervakning och att kunna förstärka den där brister har identifierats. Arbetet är också viktigt för att säkerställa att kommande rapporteringar såväl internationellt som nationellt blir så bra som möjligt.Uppdraget för projektet Representativ kontrollerande miljöövervakning (RepKöp) syftar till att ta fram ett förslag på hur ett representativt kontrollerande övervakningsprogram med avseende på (vattentyper), kvalitetsfaktorer och statusklasser bör se ut på nationell och distriktsnivå i Sverige. Förslaget tas fram mot bakgrund av den samlade vattenövervakningen som bedrivs i Sverige idag och mot bakgrund av vad behövs för att uppfylla vattendirektivets krav på kontrollerande övervakning av vattenförekomster.Resultaten från översynen är tänkta att dels fungera som underlag för att underlätta Havs och vattenmyndighetens och Vattenmyndigheternas arbete inför rapporteringen 2012, men framför allt ska projektet ge underlag för att ta fram optimerade övervakningsprogram för sjöar och vattendrag till en långsiktig plan med en första anhalt 2016. För att RepKÖP ska få praktisk betydelse i övervakningsSverige skall projektet resultera i ett underlag för framtida revision av befintliga övervakningsprogram för respektive distrikt.Arbetet inom RepKöp är uppdelat i flera delar, vilka tillsammans ska fungera som vägledning till:• Vattenförvaltningens arbete med kontrollerande övervakning• Upplägg av nationell och regional miljöövervakningMålgruppen för arbetet är i första hand:• Vattenmyndigheter• Länsstyrelserna• Naturvårdsverket• Havs och vattenmyndigheten• Datavärdar och utförare av miljöövervakningFöreliggande rapport är en sammanställning och analys av miljöövervakningen av svenska sjöar och vattendrag så som de beskrevs i VISS vid datauttaget för sjöar i oktober 2011 och vattendrag i maj 2012. Sammanställningen av informationen från VISS har initierat en hel del korrigeringar i systemet, men tyvärr har det inte av praktiska skäl varit möjligt att ta hänsyn till dessa i arbetet. Man skall vara medveten om att VISS är en levande databas som ständigt uppdateras och korrigeras, vilket gör att endast en ”ögonblicksbild” kan analyseras. Detta gör att när analysen är färdig har verkligheten med stor sannolikhet redan till viss del hunnit förändrats.
7.
8.
Ledesma, Jose, et al.
(author)
Boreal forest riparian zones regulate stream sulfate and dissolved organic carbon
2016
In: Science of the Total Environment. - : Elsevier BV. - 0048-9697 .- 1879-1026. ; 560-561, s. 110-122
Journal article (peer-reviewed) abstract
In boreal forest catchments, solute transfer to streams is controlled by hydrological and biogeochemical processes occurring in the riparian zone (RZ). However, RZs are spatially heterogeneous and information about solute chemistry is typically limited. This is problematic when making inferences about stream chemistry. Hypothetically, the strength of links between riparian and stream chemistry is time-scale dependent. Using a ten-year (2003-2012) dataset from a northern Swedish catchment, we evaluated the suitability of RZ data to infer stream dynamics at different time scales. We focus on the role of the RZ versus upslope soils in controlling sulfate (SO42-) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). A priori, declines in acid deposition and redox-mediated SO42- pulses control sulfur (S) fluxes and pool dynamics, which in turn affect dissolved organic carbon (DOC). We found that the catchment is currently a net source of S, presumably due to release of the S pool accumulated during the acidification period. In both, RZ and stream, SO42- concentrations are declining over time, whereas DOC is increasing. No temporal trends in SO42- and DOC were observed in upslope mineral soils. SO42- explained the variation of DOC in stream and RZ, but not in upslope mineral soil. Moreover, as SO42- decreased with time, temporal variability of DOC increased. These observations indicate that: (1) SO42- is still an important driver of DOC trends in boreal catchments and (2) RZ processes control stream SO42- and subsequently DOC independently of upslope soils. These phenomena are likely occurring in many regions recovering from acidification. Because water flows through a heterogeneous mosaic of RZs before entering the stream, upscaling information from limited RZ data to the catchment level is problematic at short-time scales. However, for long-term trends and annual dynamics, the same data can provide reasonable representations of riparian processes and support meaningful inferences about stream chemistry. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.
9.
Oni, Stephen, et al.
(author)
Using dry and wet year hydroclimatic extremes to guide future hydrologic projections
2016
In: Hydrology and Earth System Sciences. - : Copernicus GmbH. - 1027-5606 .- 1607-7938. ; 20, s. 2811-2825
Journal article (peer-reviewed) abstract
There are growing numbers of studies on climate change impacts on forest hydrology, but limited attempts have been made to use current hydroclimatic variabilities to constrain projections of future climatic conditions. Here we used historical wet and dry years as a proxy for expected future extreme conditions in a boreal catchment. We showed that runoff could be underestimated by at least 35% when dry year parameterizations were used for wet year conditions. Uncertainty analysis showed that behavioural parameter sets from wet and dry years separated mainly on precipitation-related parameters and to a lesser extent on parameters related to landscape processes, while uncertainties inherent in climate models (as opposed to differences in calibration or performance metrics) appeared to drive the overall uncertainty in runoff projections under dry and wet hydroclimatic conditions. Hydrologic model calibration for climate impact studies could be based on years that closely approximate anticipated conditions to better constrain uncertainty in projecting extreme conditions in boreal and temperate regions.
10.