Passive Sampling-Based versus Conventional-Based Metrics for Evaluating Remediation Efficacy at Contaminated Sediment...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Ecotoxicology

Background:

• Passive sampling devices (PSDs) are valuable tools for characterizing contaminant transport and assessing risks at contaminated sediment sites.
• Their application for evaluating the effectiveness of remediation actions, however, remains less common than traditional metrics like bulk sediment concentrations or bioaccumulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify sites using PSDs for cleanup support.
• To compare PSD-derived remediation endpoints with conventional metrics.
• To analyze the agreement between PSD and conventional metrics.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of 102 global sites where PSDs were used to assess remediation efficacy.
• Analysis of over 130 peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and conference proceedings.
• Semiquantitative and quantitative concurrence analyses comparing PSD metrics with conventional measures (bioaccumulation, bulk sediments, toxicity, porewater, water column).

Main Results:

• PSDs were employed at 102 sites globally, with bioaccumulation and bulk sediments being the most common conventional metrics assessed alongside PSDs.
• Semiquantitative analysis indicated agreement between PSD-based and conventional metrics in approximately 68% of remedy assessments.
• Quantitative analysis showed a 61% agreement (within a factor of 2) between decreases in PSD uptake and bioaccumulation post-remediation.

Conclusions:

• PSDs demonstrate a relatively good agreement with conventional metrics for evaluating contaminated sediment remediation.
• The findings support increased utilization of PSDs throughout the remediation process.
• Recommendations are provided for enhancing PSD implementation and identifying areas for future research.