Environmental context. Studying the mechanism of binding between metals and natural organic matter is fundamental to understanding the transport and availability of these contaminants in the environment. The influence of sample treatment on the purification of organic matter showed significant differences in the interaction with metals. The results will contribute to improved modelling of metal binding to organic matter in soils, thereby providing a basis for a more realistic risk assessment.

Environmental context. Ocean acidification can affect marine microalgae, which can produce climate-active trace gases such as dimethylsulfide and various halocarbons. We conducted monoculture experiments simulating future ocean acidification, and showed that trace gas emissions are affected by elevated pCO₂ to different degrees. The responses of trace gases to elevated pCO₂ are compound- and species-specific.

Environmental context. To aid the transition to sustainable chemistry there is a need to improve the degradability of chemicals and limit the use of organic solvents. Singlet oxygen, ¹O₂, is involved in organic synthesis and photochemical degradation; however, information on its aqueous-phase reactivity is limited. We developed cheminformatics models for photooxidation rate constants that will enable accurate assessment of aquatic photochemistry without experimentation.

Environmental context. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are widespread environmental contaminants of human health concern because of their carcinogenicity. The compounds have low water solubility and thus their measurement in water requires an efficient preconcentration step. We report a simple method for concentrating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from environmental water samples based on their absorption onto a silver fibre.

Environmental context. Mercury (Hg) is a major environmental contaminant due to its toxicity, accumulation and biomagnification along the food chain. We demonstrate that Hg accumulation by biofilms, one possible entry point for Hg into food webs, is rapid and depends on biofilm structure and composition. These findings have important implications for the understanding of Hg bioavailability and effects towards aquatic microorganisms.