Comparable data over time is the key success factor

Accurate measurements over time and professional handling. These were some of the most important parameters when Jakob Walve and his colleagues sought a laboratory partner for the valuable samples collected every two years. The choice fell on IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute.

How is the seawater affected by the operations of steel manufacturer SSAB? This is the question that marine ecologist Jakob Walve and his colleagues from the Department of Environment, Ecology and Plant Sciences at Stockholm University have been tasked with finding out, and why they go to Ålöfjärden outside Oxelösund every two years to take samples. Jakob Walve and his colleagues collect sediment, mussels and small perch, which are then sent to IVL's laboratory for detailed analysis.

Above all, the levels of metals and PAHs are measured. Encouragingly, there is a long-term downward attributed to improvements in process purification and stormwater management. However, some metals and PAHs can still escape via water and air, and SSAB wants to keep an eye on this to act quickly if anything changes. The County Administrative Board also wants to see the results of the samples to ensure that emissions do not increase.

Setting nets and snorkelling

The perch are collected by setting nets by Jakob Walve and his colleagues, while mussels and sediment are collected by snorkelling and special sediment samplers. Perch is collected because it does not swim around much in the first few years.

“In recent years, the levels of PAHs have decreased, which is positive to see,” says Jakob Walve.

His team has access to its own accredited laboratory, where many nutrient analyses are carried out, but when it comes to metal analyses and PAH analyses, an external lab is required, which is why IVL has been hired.

Initially, we turned to IVL because they have carried out some national environmental monitoring and were known to deliver good results. We wanted the same quality in these analyses.
Jakob Walve

Reliable measurements and professional handling

No systematic errors must creep in because the data must be comparable over time. It is also necessary that the laboratory partner can measure really low levels - something that the laboratory at IVL can do.

"The results from IVL feel very credible, and I appreciate that they are handled very professionally. They're often sent by courier, so it's good to have a personal contact to confirm they arrived. The samples are valuable - they take us at least a week to get them, and if something goes wrong, it may be too late to take new samples. I also appreciate the pleasant treatment we always receive,” says Jakob Walve.

Continued collaboration with IVL

However, the most important thing is that the measurements are taken correctly and that you get good analyses over time so that it is possible to compare with older samples in a credible way.

"We are very pleased with IVL and grateful for the results they deliver, the pleasant reception and the good service in general. We will continue to use IVL's laboratory,” says Jakob Walve