Studying and understanding the complex relationships between animals, microorganisms, nutrients and other chemicals in water helps us find ways to minimize our impact on the environment. SNR researchers involved in this area are:

• studying the occurrence of cyanotoxins and ways to control toxic algae in lakes
• the dependence of wetlands on groundwater flow
• occurrence and effects of pesticides, endocrine disruptors and other chemicals in surface water
• transformation of chemicals in soils and surface water
• new ways to measure and monitor the health of aquatic habitats