Edna Graneli

Edna Graneli

Professor emerita

Personal profile

Research

I am Professor Emeritus at the Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden, and Guest Professor at the University of Lund, Sweden. My research field is phytoplankton ecology, mainly in marine and brackish-water systems.

Within phytoplankton ecology I have especially devoted myself to the ecology and ecophysiology of harmful algae (HA) and the blooms they can form (HAB´s). This research involves HA interactions with nutrients, trace metals and DOM (dissolved organic matter), bacteria, other phytoplankton species, zooplankton and top predators, such as fish and jelly-fish. HAB’s seem to occur everywhere, and with increasing frequency, probably due to anthropogenic changes in coastal waters, e g eutrophication and climate change. My contributions to the study of phytoplankton-nutrient interactions in the Baltic Sea had a crucial role in restructuring sewage treatment policies in Sweden, emphasizing the important role of nitrogen in addition to phosphorus.

Other aspects of my research has been the question of why some species of HA are able to produce toxic and allelopathic compounds, and what biotic and abiotic factors that regulate the level of toxicity. I have been especially interested in mixotrophy, the ability of many HAB-forming species to both perform photosynthesis and ingest particles, act as predators on other algae or even on zooplankton.

In my research I have used state of the art chemical analyses, light microscopy, flow cytometry and DNA-techniques. I have combined field studies with laboratory (e.g. bioassays) and especially mesocosm experiments. I have worked at the top level in several international organizations dealing with HAB´s, bringing together persons of diverse nationalities and backgrounds, e.g. from developing counties. My research has thus been very international. I have collaborated with senior scientist and had PhD-students and post-docs from many countries in the EU, North and South America (especially Brazil), as well as Asia (e g Korea, Japan and China). I was the main editor of the 2006 Springer book “The Ecology of Harmful Algae,” from which until August 2013 more than 24 000 chapters have been downloaded.

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 13 - Climate Action
  • SDG 14 - Life Below Water

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Collaborations the last five years

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