In planta passive sampling devices for assessing subsurface chlorinated solvents.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Geochemistry

Background:

• Phytoscreening uses tree contaminant concentrations to map groundwater plumes.
• In planta measurements are challenging due to tree composition variability, especially for long-term monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate in planta passive sampling devices (PSDs) as surrogate tree cores.
• To evaluate material characteristics like partitioning coefficients and equilibration times for chlorinated solvent detection.

Main Methods:

• Five materials (PDMS, LDPE, LLDPE, POM, PVC) were tested for their material-air partitioning coefficients (Kma).
• Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) samplers showed high partitioning and diffusivity.
• Greenhouse and field trials were conducted, focusing on sampler equilibration time and field suitability.

Main Results:

• Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) solid phase samplers (SPSs) demonstrated superior performance as an in planta sampler.
• PDMS SPSs accurately measured trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) concentrations.
• The PDMS samplers offered simple operation and minimal environmental impact.

Conclusions:

• Solid phase samplers (SPSs), particularly PDMS, provide an effective alternative to traditional tree core sampling for in planta contaminant analysis.
• This method allows for accurate, long-term monitoring of groundwater contaminants with reduced invasiveness.