Chemical assessment of the environment

Many chemicals pollute our environment. The extent and severity of the situation are not always well known if hard facts are lacking. The environmental state of affairs depends very much on the industrial production modes, the consumer habits, the enforcement of environmental protection regulations, and the end-of-pipe installations to limit harmful emissions.

In developing economies some of the limiting factors for environmental protection are not optimal. This may lead to excess exposure with harmful substances to flora and fauna, including humans.

Universities can play an important role in raising public awareness on the local, regional, and national problems, as well as providing theoretical framework for better environmental protection. The universities may often help in providing basic knowledge and hard facts on environmental presence and fate of chemicals, toxicity and risk, and local/regional conditions. The universities may gain reputation for competent and independent counselling through participation in public life, and through publicising their findings.

Objectives

The objectives of the network are:
• To increase impact of university research through focusing manpower and equipment on elucidation of pertinent local/regional contamination problems
• To increase capacity and quality of chemical analysis
• To improve methodology for assessing the chemical status of the environment
• To improve the basis for risk assessment in relation to chemicals in the environment
• To increase inter-university collaboration on selected chemical contamination topics

Methods and approach

The base for a successful implementation to reach these objectives is the availability of well qualified staff capable of formulating and carrying through the concrete joint activities, and as well the presence of adequate and functioning physical possibilities for the practical research. Environmental assessment methodology in pollution research and chemical analytical capability of the involved researchers will be enhanced and strengthened through exchange of research staff (academics) and graduate students between universities for participation in topics of joint interest. This goes both ways, as studying at Danish universities should improve the analytical experience, while studying in DEA countries should strengthen undertaking of much needed fieldwork and improve laboratory analytical capacity and quality.

The diversity of problems encountered in chemical assessment of the environment has called for creation of four sub-networks focusing on the joint practical collaboration.

An additional approach is to support creation of “centres of excellence” at the involved universities. The remedies for this upgrading of existing activities are staff exchange and training at other LUCED universities, and exchange of experienced staff for help in solving problems of importance.