title: Near real-time, on-site, quantitative analysis of PAHs in the aqueous environment using an antibody-based biosensor.
abstract: Rapid, on-site, quantitative assessments of dissolved polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were demonstrated for two field applications. The platform, a KinExA Inline Sensor (Sapidyne Instruments), employed the monoclonal anti-PAH antibody, 7B2.3, which has specificity for 3- to 5-ring PAHs. A spatial study was conducted near a dredging site where contaminated sediments were being removed, and a temporal study was performed during a rainfall event. Most importantly, the generation of near real-time data guided management decisions in the field and determined proper sampling protocols for conventional analyses. The method was able to determine PAH concentrations as low as 0.3 µg/L, within 10 min of sample acquisition, and to assess 80+ samples (not including standards and blanks) in less than 3 d. These results were compared with a laboratory-based gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method in which a wide array of PAHs, including alkylated homologs, were examined. This system shows great promise as a field instrument for the rapid monitoring of PAH pollution.
authors.affiliation: Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William & Mary, Gloucester Point, Virginia, USA.
authors.forename: Candace R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Spier
authors.forename: George G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Vadas
authors.forename: Stephen L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Kaattari
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Unger
mesh_terms: D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D005618:Fresh Water / Q000737:chemistry*; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry; D010578:Petroleum / Q000032:analysis; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D011891:Rain / Q000737:chemistry; D014872:Water Movements; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D010578:Petroleum; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical