Development and Calibration of a Passive Sampler for Perfluorinated Alkyl Carboxylates and Sulfonates in Water

Abstract

Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are emerging environmental contaminants with a global distribution. Due to their moderate water solubility, the majority of the environmental burden is assumed to be in the water phase. This work describes the application of the first passive sampler for the quantitative assessment of concentrations of perfluorinated alkylcarboxylates (PFCAs) and sulfonates (PFSAs) in water. The sampler is based on a modified Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Sampler (POCIS) with a weak anion exchange sorbent as a receiving phase. Sampling rates were between 0.16 and 0.37 L d(-1), and the duration of the kinetic sampling stage was between 2.2 and 13 d. A field deployment in the most urbanized estuary in Australia (Sydney Harbour) showed trace level concentrations from passive samplers (0.1-12 ng L(-1)), in good agreement with parallel grab sampling (0.2-16 ng L(-1)). A separate field comparison of the modified POCIS with standard POCIS suggests the latter may have application for PFC sampling, but with a more limited range of analytes than the modified POCIS which contains a sorbent with a mixed mode of action.

Calibration and use of the polar organic chemical integrative sampler—a critical review

“…They concluded that the MAX and MCX versions showed little advantage over HLB in natural waters. Kaserzon et al 103 used a weak anion exchange sorbent (Strata XAW) for sampling perfluorinated alkyl carboxylates and sulfonates, based on its superiority for sequestering the shorter‐chain compounds. Other types of membrane‐covered, sorbent‐based samplers for polar compounds are also described in the literature, for example, coconut charcoal in teabag filter papers for nitrosamines 104 and sorbent‐based samplers to target microalgal biotoxins 105–107.…”

Characterisation and comparison of the uptake of ionizable and polar pesticides, pharmaceuticals and personal care products by POCIS and Chemcatchers

“…Modified POCIS Samplers. Modified POCIS passive samplers were constructed as described previously 19 with the exception of the sorbent phase used. To extend the duration of the kinetic/linear uptake stage, the modified POCIS contained an increased sorbent mass (viz.…”

Water as a new matrix for global assessment of hydrophilic POPs

“…There are 170 many variations of this including the use of in situ samplers which are programmed to turn on and 171 off underwater, and in line systems bringing seawater directly into clean rooms on ships (Table 4). hydrophilic POPs such as HCH isomers, endosulfan and dieldrin, as well as anionic PFOS [35] 181 (Table 4) …”