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Passive sampling screening method using thin-layer chromatography plates
Casey J LeBlanc1, W Michael Stallard, Peter G Green
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USA. cleblanc@whitleyburchett.com
Environmental Science & Technology
|September 12, 2003
Summary
A novel thin-layer chromatography (TLC) passive sampler offers an affordable method for detecting organic compounds in water. This screening tool helps reduce overall monitoring costs by identifying pollutant presence before extensive analysis.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Conventional methods for detecting organic compounds in water can be costly and time-consuming.
- There is a need for cost-effective screening methods to identify the presence and distribution of pollutants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate thin-layer chromatography (TLC) passive sampling as an in situ screening method for organic compounds in water.
- To develop an inexpensive TLC passive sampler for qualitative determination of spatial and temporal distributions of organic compounds.
- To assess the potential for reducing overall analytical costs in water monitoring programs.
Main Methods:
- Developed and tested a TLC passive sampler using readily available materials (costing $1.60 each).
- Conducted laboratory experiments to determine passive sampler adsorption kinetics, enrichment factors, and extraction efficiencies over exposure times from 1 hour to 4 weeks.
- Applied the TLC passive sampling method in field applications in natural and engineered systems using C2 and C18 silica gel extraction media.
- Analyzed adsorbed compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) to detect target organophosphorus pesticides (diazinon and chlorpyrifos).
Main Results:
- The TLC passive sampler successfully enabled qualitative determination of organic compound distributions.
- The method demonstrated cost-effectiveness, with sampler materials costing only $1.60 each.
- Field applications successfully detected diazinon and chlorpyrifos in both natural and engineered water systems.
- The study established adsorption kinetics, enrichment factors, and extraction efficiencies for the passive sampler.
Conclusions:
- TLC passive sampling is a viable, low-cost screening method for detecting organic compounds in water.
- This approach can significantly reduce analytical costs by enabling targeted conventional analyses.
- The developed sampler provides valuable data on the spatial and temporal distribution of pollutants.