International passive sampling study to examine persistent organic pollutants in Channel Islands

SCCWRP in June will deploy a series of passive sampling arrays in the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary to measure persistent organic pollutants (POPs), part of an international effort to track the prevalence of toxic chemicals resistant to environmental breakdown.

The passive sampling arrays will be placed in the ocean for two months, allowing researchers to measure the background concentration of POPs in the water column.
SCCWRP was invited to take part in the international study by the Aquatic Global Passive Sampling Network (AQUA-GAPS), a consortium of scientists and resource managers working to create a global database of oceanic water quality.

SCCWRP will use the opportunity to fine-tune field assessments of POPs using standardized passive sampling methods. SCCWRP also will analyze the chemicals sorbed by the passive samplers using the latest generation of bioanalytical screening tools.

The passive sampling arrays, which are made of plastic and silicone rubber, offer a cost-effective way to measure chemical contaminants, even at very low levels.

The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary will provide ship time for the project.