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Updated: Feb 14, 2026

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Characterization and Application of Passive Samplers for Monitoring of Pesticides in Water
Published on: August 3, 2016
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Grab Sampling or Passive Samplers? A Comparative Approach to Water Quality Monitoring.
Caterina Cacciatori1,2, Jackie Myers1, Giulio Mariani2
1Aquatic Environmental Stress Research Group (AQUEST), RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 13, 2026
Summary
This study compared pesticide monitoring methods in Australian surface waters. Stir-Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE) with grab sampling detected the most pesticides, highlighting the need for combined techniques in water quality assessments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Water Quality Monitoring
Background:
- Pesticide contamination in surface waters is a global environmental and human health concern.
- Effective monitoring strategies are crucial for assessing and mitigating risks associated with pesticide pollution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of passive samplers (POCIS, Chemcatcher) and grab sampling with Stir-Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE) and Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) for pesticide monitoring.
- To evaluate these methods for their suitability in citizen science applications.
- To inform the development of robust water quality monitoring strategies.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of passive sampling devices (POCIS, Chemcatcher) and grab sampling techniques.
- Extraction and analysis using Stir-Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE) and Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE).
- Screening of 230 pesticides across three distinct land-use sites in Victoria, Australia.
Main Results:
- A total of 79 different pesticides were detected in surface waters.
- Stir-Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE) coupled with grab sampling extracted the highest number of pesticides.
- Passive samplers and SPE also contributed to the detection of a wide array of pesticides, demonstrating complementarity.
Conclusions:
- A combination of sampling and extraction techniques is essential for comprehensive pesticide detection in surface waters.
- The choice of method should align with research objectives, resource availability, and the need for citizen science integration.
- A tiered approach, integrating passive samplers for screening and grab sampling for quantification, is recommended for effective water quality protection.
Keywords:
Stir-Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE)passive samplerspesticidessurface waterswide target screeningMore Related Videos
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