Photo: Patrik Öhman, Bodens kommun
29 June 2026
Pilot project aims to improve water quality in eutrophic lake
Can oxygen nanobubbles reduce the effects of eutrophication? Researchers at Luleå University of Technology are now testing the method in a lake for the first time. The hope is that oxygen generated as a by-product of hydrogen production will improve water quality in Lake Svartbyträsket in Boden.
For the past few weeks, a floating platform has been installed on Lake Svartbyträsket in Boden, releasing oxygen nanobubbles into the deeper parts of the lake. Throughout the summer, researchers will monitor the effects on water quality.
"Swimming has not been possible in this lake because of algal blooms. Oxygen levels usually become very low in July, and that is when we hope to start seeing results," says Lina Hällström, Senior Lecturer in Applied Geochemistry at Luleå University of Technology.
As the oxygen reaches the depths of the lake, it is expected to react with iron to form iron oxides that bind nutrients and trap them in the sediment. This process could reduce eutrophication, limit algal blooms and improve water clarity. Although nanobubble technology has been used in other applications, this is the first time it is tested in a lake.
Oxygen as an industrial by-product
One challenge has previously been the cost of producing oxygen. However, there is now potential to use oxygen generated as a by-product of industrial hydrogen production. Stegra's new steel plant is being built just 900 metres from the lake, and the company is contributing expertise to the research project.
The Municipality of Boden is a project partner. Over the years, the municipality has implemented a range of measures to reduce eutrophication in the lake.
"Many people live around Lake Svartbyträsket and use the area for recreation, so there is great value in restoring the lake. The problems began in the 1980s, when the lake was covered in green sludge and dead fish. We have carried out several measures, but more needs to be done, and this project is an exciting opportunity," says Emilia Björkemyr, Environmental Strategist at the Municipality of Boden.
Water quality will be monitored continuously throughout the summer as part of the pilot project, which runs until September.
"If the results are promising, the method could also be applied in other lakes in the future," says Lina Hällström.
The project is funded by the Baltic Foundation, the Luleå University of Technology Jubilee Foundation and the Richert Foundation.
Contact
Lina Hällström
- Senior Lecturer
- 0920-493543
- lina.hallstrom@ltu.se
- Lina Hällström
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