Passive sampling of perfluorinated chemicals in water: in-situ calibration

Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) have been recognised as environmental pollutants that require monitoring. A modified polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) is able to quantify aqueous PFCs. However, with varying external water velocity, PFC sampling rates (Rs) may change, affecting accuracy of derived water concentrations. To facilitate field deployment of this sampler, two methods of in-situ calibration were investigated: performance reference compounds (PRCs) and passive flow monitors (PFMs). Increased Rs's (by factors of 1.2-1.9) with PFM loss rate (g d(-1)) were observed for some PFCs. Results indicate PFMs can be used to correct PFC specific Rs's for more reliable estimates of environmental concentrations with a precision of about 0.01 L d(-1). Empirical models presented provide an improved means for aquatic monitoring of PFCs. The PRC approach was unsuccessful, confirming concern as to its applicability with such samplers.