RiverPOP 2010. Measurement of trace contaminants in the Glomma River and some recommendations from RiverPOP projects (2008-2011)

Abstract

An evaluation of the performance of a range of techniques for the measurement of the concentration of trace level organic contaminants was undertaken in the River Glomma during the period August-November 2010. This work focussed on further evaluating two techniques that have the potential to substantially improve the reliability and limits of detection of such measurements. Passive sampling devices, namely low density polyethylene membranes and silicone strips, were deployed over three consecutive 28 day periods to measure dissolved concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls and brominated flame retardants. Continuous flow centrifugation was used to measure these contaminants associated with the particulate phase. Contaminant limits of detection were in the low pg L-1 range or below. These methods have the potential to become a vital part of the Riverine Input and Discharge (RID) monitoring programme for the evaluation of riverine fluxes of contaminants to the North Sea and to help with responding to the challenges set by the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD). A set of recommendations for the use of these techniques for such monitoring tasks is given.