The Norwegian Water Column Monitoring: Passive sampler calibration for PAHs, alkylphenols and naphthenic acids

Abstract

This study focuses on measuring contaminant concentrations with the help of passive sampling devices specifically addressing PAHs, alkylphenols, and naphthenic acids present in produced water. The use of silicone rubber for passive sampling is explored, with laboratory experiments conducted to determine polymer-water partition coefficients for alkylphenols. The research involves diffusion cell experiments to calibrate transfer kinetics across stainless steel membranes and batch sorption experiments to calibrate components of a modified version of POCIS to be used to sample alkylphenols and naphthenic acids. Additionally, POCIS devices and silicone rubber were exposed to produced water dilutions, in a 7-day long calibration experiment. The results provide insights into the applicability of passive sampling for monitoring environmental contaminants in produced water-impacted seawater.