Mobile passive samplers: Concept for a novel mode of exposure

Integrative passive sampling with devices such as semipermeable membrane devices generally relies on rigs for month-long static exposures in water. We evaluate here whether mobile exposures of passive samplers can provide reliable estimates of dissolved contaminant concentrations. Mobile exposures were obtained by towing samplers fastened to the end of a benthic trawl net. Significant and reproducible absorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons during 5 h-long deployments was made possible by high sampling rates resulting from high water turbulences during towing at 1.2-1.5 knots. Sampling rates (72-215 L d-1) estimated from the dissipation of performance reference compounds were supported by in situ calibration with samplers exposed for a 30 days in the vicinity of the test site. Higher fluoranthene and pyrene absorption in samplers exposed to the trawling-induced sediment plume could be attributed to desorption from re-suspended sediments. This mode of exposure has the potential to be used in monitoring programmes. - Highlights: → We evaluated for the first time a novel mode of passive sampler exposure. → High sampling rates and the detection of dissolved PAHs after only 5 h of sampling were obtained. → We calibrated this novel mode of sampler exposure with conventionally-exposed passive samplers. → Dissolved PAHs were measured in and above a benthic trawler-induced sediment plume. - The first application of a novel mode of exposure for passive sampling devices in water is presented.