In Situ Passive Sampling Techniques for Monitoring Environmental Mixture Exposure

Abstract

A large number of passive sampler devices have been developed for in situ sensing of polar and nonpolar organic chemicals in the environment. This chapter compiles and analyzes available information on the current progress in quantitation theories and technological improvements. The results show that it is critical to determine sorbent phase-water partition coefficients and sampling rates of target analytes for quantitation with the equilibrium and kinetic sampling strategies. Compared to passive sampling of organic contaminants in air, overlying water and sediment porewater, which has been extensively documented, measurements of organic contaminants in soil and at the air-soil interface have been largely unsuccessful with passive samplers. In addition, the combination of in situ passive sampling devices and bioassays could be a promising tool for directly assessing air and water quality with biological effects.