Passive sampling methods for contaminated sediments: Practical guidance for selection, calibration, and implementation
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Ghosh, Upal, Susan Kane Driscoll, Robert M Burgess, Michiel TO Jonker, Danny Reible, Frank Gobas, Yongju Choi, et al. “Passive Sampling Methods for Contaminated Sediments: Practical Guidance for Selection, Calibration, and Implementation.” Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management 10, no. 2 (April 1, 2014): 210–23. https://doi.org/10.1002/ieam.1507.
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This work was written as part of one of the author's official duties as an Employee of the United States Government and is therefore a work of the United States Government. In accordance with 17 U.S.C. 105, no copyright protection is available for such works under U.S. Law.
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Abstract
This article provides practical guidance on the use of passive sampling methods (PSMs) that target the freely dissolved concentration (C*ᵣₑₑ) 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*ᵣₑₑ, 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*ᵣₑₑ 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*ᵣₑₑ 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.
Key Points
Specific guidance is provided for the use of passive sampling methods for measuring freely dissolved concentrations in contaminated sediment site assessments.
Guidelines are provided for proper calibration and validation of passive sampling methods including use of provisional values for polymer-water partition coefficients.Determination of equilibrium status and confirmation of non-depletive measurement conditions are defined.
Further development is needed for the use of non-equilibrium passive sampling methods in the field and the validation of performance reference compound use in static sediment environments.
* = subscript f