You are here:
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
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. International Passive Sampling Workshop, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA, June 01 - 02, 2017.
Impact/Purpose:
Previous 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. The document is not intended to serve as a series of standard operating procedures (SOPs) but rather seeks to provide users with the information needed to develop their own SOPs. Information in this manual is intended to provide a sound foundation for passive sampler users to apply this valuable technology.
Description:
Passive sampling can be 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 is divided into sections including discussions of different types of samplers used commonly in the United States, the selection and use of performance reference compounds (PRCs), the extraction and instrumental analysis of passive samplers, data analysis and quality assurance/quality control, and a list of passive sampling related references. The document is not intended to serve as a series of standard operating procedures (SOPs) but rather seeks to provide users with the information needed to develop their own SOPs. The document also includes the names of selected passive sampling experts to answer specific questions about the 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.