News from the Working Group

Start pollutants analysis at Heiligendamm pier and mouth of Mühlenfliess river [31.03.2026]

Within the IOW long-term analysis at the Baltic Sea coast site Heiligendamm pier we have started to regularly take water samples for the analysis of pollutants from the group of emerging concern. We are also including samples from the site where the small river Mühlenfliess discharges into the Baltic Sea.

Ocean Science Meeting Glasgow [08.03.2026]

Tassiana Serafim and Jann Müller, our PhD candidates, participated in the Ocean Sciences Meeting 2026 in Glasgow. Tassiana presented her work on thermogenic dissolved organic matter in the Indian Ocean, combining polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dissolved black carbon, and molecular dissolved organic matter data. One of the main take-home messages was that these thermogenic tracers show contrasting patterns, indicating different controls on their distribution and persistence in the ocean. Jann presented the first results of an experiment investigating the role of dissolved organic matter composition in the photodegradation of contaminants of emerging concern. Among other findings, the intricate relationship between direct and indirect effects of composition suggests compound-specific dynamics in contaminant photodegradation, with only limited matrix-specific implications. The conference presentations sparked valuable interdisciplinary discussions, with an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas with the community.

 

Sampling at Sea [06.02.2026]

Ines Hand is currently busy on board FS Elisabeth Mann Borgese, taking samples during cruise EMB387 as part of the Baltic Sea monitoring program. Despite the freezing cold, surface sediments are being collected for pollutant analysis using tools such as van Veen grabs, and expedition leader Jörg Dutz has to lend a hand. The team will be at sea for another two weeks - we wish fair winds and a safe journey!

 

First day at IOW for Noah Boest [02.02.2026]

Today, Noah Boest joins the team of organic trace substance analysts. Noah will first familiarize himself with the IOW and the laboratories and learn all about pollutant analysis in the monitoring program. His future responsibilities will also include sampling at sea, laboratory organization, and the development of analytical methods. Welcome!