Marit Almvik
Research Scientist
Attachments
CV Marit AlmvikBiography
Abstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Marianne Stenrød Marit Almvik Ole Martin Eklo Anne Louise Gimsing Roger Holten Kai Künnis-Beres Mats Larsbo Linas Putelis Katri Siimes Inara Turka Jaana Uusi-KämppäAbstract
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Authors
Marit Almvik Randi Bolli Agnethe Christiansen Ole Martin Eklo Roger Holten Paulien Mulder Gunvor Senneset Marianne StenrødAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Abstract
Poster presented at SETAC 2026. Plastic waste in the environment has been suggested as a potential carrier for azoles and other pesticides, which may contribute to the selection and spread of fungal resistance to azole-based medicines and pesticides. Here, we report results from pesticide analyses of plastic litter collected across Norway. Although many of the 120 plastic samples were weathered and small, we detected pesticides and other contaminants on 36 of the samples, including azoles on 13 of them. Azole concentrations ranged from 2-66 µg/kg plastic litter. The concentrations of the other contaminants ranged from 1 to 731 µg/kg plastic litter, with the highest finding of the herbicide fluroxypyr-meptyl on a piece of hayball plastic wrap. 18 of the litter samples with findings were found in forest habitats, whereas 17 samples were sampled from farmland and grassland. The findings suggest certain pesticides and biocides, including azoles, bind more strongly to plastic than previously assumed, allowing contaminants to persist and spread beyond agricultural areas into natural habitats. This raises concerns about environmental transport of antifungal agents and the potential acceleration of resistance development, posing risks to health and ecosystems.
Abstract
Honey can be contaminated by various natural and anthropogenic substances, posing a health risk to consumers. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are naturally toxic compounds many plant species produce to protect against herbivores. Honey may become contaminated if bees collect nectar and pollen from PA-producing plants. Clopyralid is the active ingredient in some herbicides, including Matrigon 72 SG, approved for weed control in oilseed rape in several countries. As a systemic substance, its application before flowering may contaminate nectar, pollen, and honey. In 2023, 30 Norwegian honey samples were tested for the content of PAs and 22 other honey samples for clopyralid. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids were detected in 20 per cent of the samples, but predominantly at low levels (<12 μg kg−1). One sample contained a higher level (27.8 μg kg−1). Clopyralid was detected at levels exceeding the EU Maximum Residue Level (MRL) at the time (0.05 mg kg−1) and the current EU MRL (2024) (0.15 mg kg−1) in seven of 22 honey samples, including five honey samples produced close to clopyralid treated oilseed rape fields, one honey sample collected next to unsprayed fields, and in one sample received from a beekeeper. It was later clarified that beehives in proximity to unsprayed cropping areas with honey with a high clopyralid content also were close to conventional clopyralid-treated oilseed rape fields. The results indicate that a more extensive survey would be appropriate to evaluate whether PAs and clopyralid are a common problem in Norwegian honeybee products.
Abstract
Mattilsynet utfører årlig offentlig kontroll av fremmedstoffer i næringsmidler. I samarbeid med NIBIO undersøkes nivåene av naturlige giftstoffer (plantetoksiner) i mat. Hensikten med overvåkingsprogrammet er først og fremst å overvåke nivået av plantetoksiner for å sikre at forbrukeren ikke utsettes for noe som kan utgjøre en helsefare. Overvåkingen skal også bidra til å sikre at næringsmiddelvirksomheter etterlever regelverket, slik at plantetoksiner ikke overskrider gjeldende grenseverdier. Rapporten presenterer resultater fra 50 prøver som ble hentet fra det norske markedet i 2025. Dette var: • 5 sorghumprøver, 5 teffprøver og 5 barnegrøtprøver som ble analysert for tropane alkaloider, • 5 prøver av spisskummen, 5 urtete-prøver og 5 prøver av urtekrydder med oregano som ble analysert for pyrrolizidinalkaloider, • 10 prøver av bakevarer med valmuefrø ble analysert for opiumalkaloider, og • 10 linfrøprøver ble analysert for cyanogene glykosider (hydrogencyanid) Resultatet av analysene; • Vi påviste ikke tropane alkaloider i noen prøver. • Det ble funnet tre prøver over grenseverdi for pyrrolizidinalkaloider. To av disse prøvene var fra tørket oregano og én var fra urtete av sitronmelisse. Kun urteteen var en overskridelse av grenseverdien etter fratrekk for usikkerheten. • Alle prøver av bakevarer med valmuefrø hadde funn av opiumalkaloider under grenseverdien. • Tre prøver av linfrø inneholdt hydrogencyanid over grenseverdien. Funn over grenseverdi blir fulgt opp overfor importør/virksomheten av produktet.
Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health
Diversity Oats - A more sustainable Norwegian oat industry by increased genetic diversity and diversified food products
Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health
REKORN: Can regenerative cultivation methods contribute to reduce the risk of fungal diseases in cereals?
Regenerative agriculture is referred to as a bridge between organic and conventional agriculture and has received increased attention in recent years. Regenerative agriculture focuses on soil health and cultivation measures that can stimulate soil life and plant growth. An improvement in soil health is visualized, among other things, in increased carbon storage in the soil, limited soil compaction and increased microbiological diversity. The methods used to improve soil health within cereal cultivation may include crop rotation, reduced tillage, intercropping, use of catch crops and surface composting where plant residues are mixed into the top-soil layer.