title: Passive sampling methods for contaminated sediments: practical guidance for selection, calibration, and implementation.
abstract: This article provides practical guidance on the use of passive sampling methods (PSMs) that target the freely dissolved concentration (Cfree ) 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 Cfree , 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 Cfree 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 Cfree measurements using PSMs, providing a sound scientific basis to support risk assessment and contaminated sediment management decisions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: Upal
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Ghosh
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kane Driscoll
authors.forename: Robert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Burgess
authors.forename: Michiel T O
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Jonker
authors.forename: Danny
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Reible
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gobas
authors.forename: Yongju
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Sabine E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Apitz
authors.forename: Keith A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Maruya
authors.forename: William R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Gala
authors.forename: Munro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mortimer
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Beegan
mesh_terms: D002138:Calibration; D003657:Decision Making; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D007753:Laboratories; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical
keywords: Bioavailability; Contaminated sediment; Equilibrium partitioning; Passive sampling methods; Porewater