Forest streams and the associated riparian zones are sensitive to disturbances and changes that occur within these riparian areas. Particularly sensitive are small streams of low order, which will have large impacts down-stream. The disturbances that occur in the riparian zones are reflected quickly in the stream. Driving with forestry machines in the riparian zone will have detrimental effects to the soil and water. Driving the machines will lead to changes in the mineral soil composition, resulting in the reduction of porosity, less infiltration, compaction, and an increased bulk density.

A literature review of contaminants; cadmium, Methylmercury, dioxins, and PCB, for eleven different fish species (Greenland halibut, gilt headed bream, sea bass, wolffish, hoki, ocean perch, angler, Nile perch, pangasius, red snapper and tilapia) that were selected in concurrence with the National Food Administration. The result can be used by the National Food Administration to gain further knowledge about the different fish species to be able to continue to give advice to varied risk category and the public. The gilt headed bream and sea bass were the only fishes whose values for mercury exceeded the limit of 0,5 mg/kg (EU Reg. 1881/2006). In the angler, Nile perch and pangasius the mean value of mercury didn?t exceed the limit, however in some individuals the mercury content did exceed what is allowed.

The limit for mercury in fish, set by health authorities, is exceeded in about half of the lakes in Sweden. Methyl mercury (MeHg) is the most toxic form of mercury and accumulates in fish. Therefore transformation of inorganic mercury (Hg) to Methylmercury (MeHg) is an important process that we need to understand in order to possibly counteract the negative effects of mercury in the environment. The seasonal dynamics of mercury biogeochemistry is likely of great importance for the accumulation of MeHg in the aquatic food web. In thesis the chemical speciation and transformations of Hg and MeHg in bottom waters and sediments is followed in Ängessjön, a small lake located on the east coast in the middle of Sweden. The lake is not directly affected by any industrial pollution and concentrations of Hg in the sediment reflect the atmospheric deposition in this area, as well as processes taking place along the hydrological pathways from soil to lake. Samples from sediment, bottom- and streamwater were collected in average every second month during the period Feb.

Metylkvicksilver (MeHg) är en form av tungmetallen kvicksilver och det är den form som är farligast för djur och människor. Det beror på dess organiska egenskaper som gör att det biomagnifieras genom födokedjan, effektivt absorberas från föda, distribueras till många organ, koncentreras i levande organismer, passerar blod-hjärnbarriären och ackumuleras, samt orsakar skador även vid låga doser. Det har neurotoxiska och immunologiska effekter på djur i alla åldrar, men djur i prenatalperioden är känsligast för exponering av MeHg och kan drabbas av utvecklingsstörningar. Effekterna skiljer sig något mellan hanar och honor, men är även individuella. Dessutom skiljer sig tidpunkter för utveckling hos olika djur och organ är olika känsliga.