Standard Methods and Approaches for the Use of Passive Samplers in Assessment and Management of Contaminated Sediment

Oral Presentation

Prepared by S. Kane Driscoll1, C. Menzie2
1 - Exponent Inc. , 1 Clock Tower Place Suite 150, Maynard, MA, 01754, United States
2 - Exponent Inc., 1800 Diagonal Rd. , Suite 500, Alexandria, VA, 22314, United States


Contact Information: sdriscoll@exponent.com; 978-461-4606


ABSTRACT

This presentation will introduce a program that focuses on the development of standard operating procedures and approaches for the use of passive sampling methods (PSMs) in sediment management. Over the last 20 years, a substantial amount of research has been conducted on the use of PSMs to characterize the fraction of total contaminant in bulk sediment that is available to be taken up by organisms. PSMs are defined as techniques that rely on the partitioning of contaminants to a sampling media that is placed in contact with the sediment. Unfortunately, despite considerable advances in the development of PSMs to measure bioavailability, significant barriers to the use and regulatory acceptance of these methods persist. These barriers have been attributed to uncertainty regarding advantages and limitations of the methods, lack of standard methods that have been critically reviewed and validated, and lack of consensus on technical guidance for use in regulatory decision-making.

This presentation will focus on three PSMs that have been studied expensively: solid phase microextraction (SPME) fibers that are coated with a layer of polydimethysiloxane (PDMS), polyoxymethylene (POM), and polyethylene (PE) for organic contaminants. This presentation will review current state-of-the-practice for PSMs, including field and laboratory applications.

The presentation will discuss issues related to the successful use of passive samples, including the necessity of linking PSM measures to an assessment and management framework so that the information generated make sense to the user community.