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Model stream channel testing of a UV-transparent polymer-based passive sampler for ultra-low-cost water screening applications
Citation:
Kibbey, T. C., L. Chen, D. A. Sabatini, M. A. Mills, AND C. Nietch. Model stream channel testing of a UV-transparent polymer-based passive sampler for ultra-low-cost water screening applications. CHEMOSPHERE. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, 80(8):908-913, (2010).
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public.
Description:
Passive samplers are increasingly being considered for analyses of waters for screening applications, to monitor for the presence of unwanted chemical compounds. Passive samplers typically work by accumulating and concentrating chemicals from the surrounding water over time, allowing analyses to identify temporally short concentration surges that might be missed by water grab samples, and potentially reducing analysis and sample handling costs, allowing a greater number of sites to be monitored. The work described here tests a recently-developed passive sampling device which was designed to providing an ultra-low-cost screening method for other organic chemicals in waters. The device was originally designed for detection of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), but has the advantage that it is capable of simultaneously detecting a wide range of other aqueous organic contaminants as well. The device is based on a UV-transparent polymer which is used both to concentrate dissolved chemicals, and as an optical cell for absorbance detection and full-spectrum deconvolution to identify compounds. This paper describes the results of a test of the device conducted at the U.S. EPA Experimental Stream Facility in Milford, Ohio. The test examined detection of triclosan and nonylphenol in model stream channels using two different deployment methods. Results indicate that the sampler is able to track dissolved concentrations, but that deployment method can significantly impact measured results.
