Citation:

Burgess, R., S. Kane Driscoll, AND A. Joyce. Overview of the U.S. EPA/SERDP/ESTCP: Laboratory, Field, and Analytical Procedures for Using Passive Sampling in the Evaluation of Contaminated Sediments: User’s Manual. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) 38th Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN, November 12 - 16, 2017.

Impact/Purpose:

To understand the possible negative ecological effects of anthropogenic chemicals on the environment it is critical to be able to measure the concentrations of those chemicals. Negative ecological effects include mortality to bottom-dwelling organisms that reduces their overall population growth. Passive sampling is one new tool used for more accurately measuring the concentrations of anthropogenic chemicals often found at contaminated sediments sites in the aquatic environment. However, no definitive guidance on the procedures for using passive sampling at contaminated sediment sites has been provided. The document overviewed in this presentation provides passive sampler users with the guidance necessary to apply the technology to measure chemical concentrations at contaminated sediment sites. All of the information in this guidance manual is intended to provide a sound foundation for passive sampler users to make informed decisions about the possibility of negative ecological effects in aquatic environments.

Description:

Passive sampling is used for applications at contaminated sediment sites including performing assessments of contaminant bioavailability (i.e., freely dissolved concentration (Cfree)), conducting remedial investigations and feasibility studies, and assessing the potential for contaminant bioaccumulation. Previous research articles and documents have discussed many aspects of passive sampling however no definitive guidance on the laboratory, field and analytical procedures for using passive sampling at contaminated sediment sites has been provided. The document discussed in this presentation provides passive sampler users with the guidance necessary to apply the technology to evaluate contaminated sediments. Contaminants discussed include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and the metals, cadmium, copper, nickel, lead and zinc. The document discusses different types of samplers used commonly in the United States, selection and use of performance reference compounds (PRCs), extraction and instrumental analysis of passive samplers, data analysis and quality assurance/quality control, and a list of passive sampling related references. The intent of the document is not to provide a series of standard operating procedures (SOPs) but rather to supply users with the information needed to develop their own SOPs. The document also includes the names of selected passive sampling experts that can address specific questions about laboratory, field and analytical procedures associated with passive sampling as well as selected laboratories currently providing passive sampling services. All of the information in this manual is intended to provide a sound foundation for passive sampler users to apply this valuable technology.

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