Premium
Passive sampling methods for contaminated sediments: Practical guidance for selection, calibration, and implementation
Author(s) -
Ghosh Upal,
Kane Driscoll Susan,
Burgess Robert M,
Jonker Michiel TO,
Reible Danny,
Gobas Frank,
Choi Yongju,
Apitz Sabine E,
Maruya Keith A,
Gala William R,
Mortimer Munro,
Beegan Chris
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
integrated environmental assessment and management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.665
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1551-3793
pISSN - 1551-3777
DOI - 10.1002/ieam.1507
Subject(s) - contamination , environmental science , biochemical engineering , robustness (evolution) , calibration , sampling (signal processing) , computer science , engineering , chemistry , ecology , biochemistry , statistics , mathematics , filter (signal processing) , biology , computer vision , gene
Abstract This article provides practical guidance on the use of passive sampling methods (PSMs) that target the freely dissolved concentration ( C free ) for improved exposure assessment of hydrophobic organic chemicals in sediments. Primary considerations for selecting a PSM for a specific application include clear delineation of measurement goals for C free , whether laboratory‐based “ex situ” and/or field‐based “in situ” application is desired, and ultimately which PSM is best‐suited to fulfill the measurement objectives. Guidelines for proper calibration and validation of PSMs, including use of provisional values for polymer–water partition coefficients, determination of equilibrium status, and confirmation of nondepletive measurement conditions are defined. A hypothetical example is described to illustrate how the measurement of C free afforded by PSMs reduces uncertainty in assessing narcotic toxicity for sediments contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The article concludes with a discussion of future research that will improve the quality and robustness of C free measurements using PSMs, providing a sound scientific basis to support risk assessment and contaminated sediment management decisions. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2014;10:210–223. © 2014 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.