Environmental Dynamics
The research and teaching of the environmental dynamics group deals with changes in the environment in time and space, whether these changes occur because of natural factors or because of human activities. The group works with:
- Processes on the large, global scale, such as climate change.
- Processes on the ecosystem and population scale, such as the effects of environmentally harmful substances.
- Processes on the molecular scale, such as stress-related gene expression, including how new types of organisms and forms of production can be utilized in biological production.
Much of the group's research is based on aquatic ecology, but the group also works in terrestrial ecology and physical geography. In particular, the group works in the following areas:
- Ecotoxicology, plastic pollution and risk assessment.
- Marine ecology, including nutrient cycles in coastal areas.
- Plankton ecology.
- Plant ecophysiology.
- Biological production, especially based on copepods and microalgae.
- Soil processes.
A large part of the group’s research is application-oriented, and takes place in close collaboration with external partners in all categories: e.g. public authorities, institutions as well as private companies.

Insights
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The Environmental Dynamics Section is equipped with modern analytical facilities, as well as with facilities for growing plants and algae and assessing their physiological status. The latter include:
- Photobioreactors (PBRs) for the production of microalgae
The PBRs include two bubble-column PBRs, each of 50 L, and two tubular PBRs, each of 250 L. - Equipment for PAM fluorometry
This equipment include a basic Hansatech FMS-1, as well as a Walz Image-Pam and a Walz Microscopy-PAM. - IRGAs
We have two infrared gas analyzers, a CIRAS-3 single channel system for absolute measurement and a CIRAS-3 dual channel system for differential measurements. - Field spectroradiometer
For field as well as laboratory measurements of plant and vegetation light reflection, we have an ASD FieldSpec spectroradiometer.
The workshops at the Department of Science and Environment design and develop advanced equipment for use in teaching and research, in close collaboration with staff and students. The workshops have many facilities and have both manual and CNC-controlled machines, as well as advanced equipment for electronics development.
- Photobioreactors (PBRs) for the production of microalgae
Publications
A not so circular healthcare economy: A review of challenges with plastic associated chemicals
Ramos, T. M., Christensen, T. B., Bour, A., Almroth, B. C., Kristensen, D. M., Selck, H. & Syberg, K., Sept 2023, In: TrAC - Trends in Analytical Chemistry. 166, 117191.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review › peer-review
Cigaretskod udleder giftige kemikalier i havmiljøet
Sandgaard, M. H., Palmqvist, A. & Syberg, K., 19 Jan 2023, Forskerzonen.Research output: Other contribution › Net publication - Internet publication › Communication
Earthworms shape prokaryotic communities and affect extracellular enzyme activities in agricultural soil
Buivydaitė, Ž., Lilja, M. A., Sapkota, R., Hansen, B. W., Ellegaard-Jensen, L., Hendriksen, N. B., Krogh, P. H. & Winding, A., 1 Mar 2023, In: European Journal of Soil Biology. 115, 103474.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
Activities
Microorganisms’ climate adaptation could slow down global heating
Carla Cruz Paredes (Participant)
16 May 2023Activity: Other
Applied Sciences (Journal)
Praveen Ramasamy (Editor)
30 Dec 2021Activity: Editorial work and peer review › Editor of Research journal › Research
Sustainability (Journal)
Praveen Ramasamy (Editor)
30 Dec 2021Activity: Editorial work and peer review › Editor of Research journal › Research
Press-media
Tjærelignende klatter fundet langs danske strande – ingen kan sige, hvad det er
26/08/2023
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Press / Media
Centralt EU-agentur siger god for verdens mest brugte sprøjtemiddel
03/08/2023
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Press / Media
FN-forhandlinger om plastikforurening afslører store uenigheder mellem verdens lande
06/06/2023
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media: Press / Media
Our master programme
Focus on environmental issues and nature at our new master programme. Get close insight into Environmental Dynamics' research.

Base at Roskilde University
The research group is based at Department of Science and Environment
Participating research units and networks: Molecular and Medical Biology research group // METRIK research group // Roskilde Environmental Plastic Society research network
PhD Programme: Doctoral School of Science and Environment
Relevant degree programmes: Environmental Biology // Environmental Science // International Bachelor in Natural Sciences
Research from Roskilde University

More information
Find additional information about Environmental Dynamics:
Research group website at Roskilde University Research Portal

Contact
Research group leader
Kristian Syberg
Associate professor
Phone +45 4674 3776
ksyberg@ruc.dk