Polymeric equilibrium passive sampling devices (PSDs) are established tools for quantifying freely dissolved (bioavailable) contaminant concentrations (Cfree) in aquatic systems. They are commonly applied to hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Dialysis passive sampling approaches have also been developed for inorganic constituents (metals, anions, etc.), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These polymeric and dialysis-based PSDs have been validated and demonstrated in a wide variety of aquatic environments including sediment porewater, surface water, and groundwater.
PSDs provide time-integrated measurements that capture depth-resolved conditions without the need for large-volume sample collection. These measurements are well suited for evaluating contaminant bioavailability and transport processes. Relative to conventional methods (e.g., porewater extraction or grab sampling), PSD-derived Cfree data can improve estimates of exposure relevant to ecological receptors and contaminant mobility.
Length: 60 minutes
Presenters: Andrew Patterson - Eurofins Environment Testing, Brent Pautler - SiREM