NEWS What does a fjord in northern Norway have in common with the climate challenges of the future? More than you might think. In the new documentary Fjords Frontiers: Digging into the Future of Climate Change, researchers Eric Capo and Erik Björn take us on a journey through the fjord. Here, under the ice-covered surface of Rossfjordsvatnet, we explore how toxic compounds are formed in oxygen-free environments and what clues these waters can provide about our future in an increasingly warmer world.
Photo from the film Fjords Frontiers: Digging into the future of climate change
ImageEric CapoA sharp breeze sweeps over Rossfjordsvatnet in northern Norway. On the surface, the fjord is still and seemingly untouched, but beneath its surface hides a history that stretches back tens of thousands of years – and which may provide clues to what our future will look like. Right here, researchers Eric Capo and Erik Björn, both at Umeå University, have dug deep into the fjord's sediments and water masses to investigate one of climate research's most burning topics: how toxic compounds such as methylmercury are formed and spread in oxygen-free ecosystems.
Their work is not only documented in scientific articles but also in films. The documentary Fjords Frontiers: Digging into the Future of Climate Change premiered on December 12 at Curiosum, and the researchers are looking forward to sharing their research with a wider audience.
At the heart of their research is the question of how oxygen deprivation in aquatic ecosystems, which is exacerbated by climate change and eutrophication, affects the formation of methylmercury. This extremely toxic compound can be produced by microorganisms in oxygen-free environments and accumulate in fish, which can ultimately pose a health risk to humans.
"We see that oxygen depletion in coastal zones and oceans increases with global warming, and this can lead to an increase in methylmercury production. We want to understand the key processes that govern this, in order to be able to predict which areas are most vulnerable in the future," says Erik Björn, professor at the Department of Chemistry.
We wanted to give a picture of what it means to be a researcher and work with climate change. At the same time, we hope to inspire young people to become researchers and get involved in the major environmental challenges
By analysing the sediment archive in Rossfjordsvatnet and studying the microbial diversity in the fjord, the research team has gained new knowledge about how these processes work. An early finding is that methylmercury levels increase sharply in oxygen-free water – a result that now forms the basis for further analyses.
"It was in line with our expectations, but the really important thing is to find out whether this is controlled by the chemical properties of the mercury or by the biology of the microorganisms," says Eric Capo, Associate Senior Lecturer at the Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences.
Documenting the research in film format was a new approach for Eric and Erik. The idea was born out of a desire to show people how research is done and what issues drive science forward.
"We wanted to give a picture of what it means to be a researcher and work with climate change. At the same time, we hope to inspire young people to become researchers and get involved in the major environmental challenges," says Eric Capo.
The documentary gives viewers an insight into everything from on-site sampling to advanced analyses in the laboratory. By combining beautiful nature images with educational explanations, the researchers hope that the film will be both engaging and educational.
Premiering the film felt both nervous and exciting, according to Eric and Erik. Their hope is that the film will lead to conversation and reflection on climate issues. They look forward to meeting viewers' questions, which often challenge them to think outside the box.
"Discussions with the public can really enrich research. Questions from people outside academia can provide new perspectives that we ourselves have not thought of," says Erik Björn.
Although the film is now finished, the research continues. The project started in September 2023 and will run for at least another 2–3 years. During that time, the team hopes to add more pieces to the puzzle of how methylmercury is formed and which ecosystems are most vulnerable.
"Our hope is that the results can be used to protect marine ecosystems and reduce risks to human health," says Eric Capo.
Watch the whole documentary here.
