Monitoring of persistent, lipophilic pollutants in water and sediment by solvent-filled dialysis membranes

Journal Article · Sun Apr 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0147-6513(90)90063-B· OSTI ID:6747556

Soedergren, A ^[1]

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1. Lund Univ., Ecotoxicology (Sweden)

Dialysis membranes filled with solvents can be used to monitor persistent, lipophilic pollutants in marine and fresh water environments, to predict levels of bioavailable compounds in organisms, and to study bioaccumulation mechanisms. The membranes are filled with n-hexane and exposed for 1 to several weeks in the water or in the sediment. The solvent impregnates the membrane, makes it unsuitable for periphyton growth, and prevents bacterial degradation. The membranes can also be used in environments too polluted for biological indicators to survive. The use of membranes with a molecular weight cutoff of 1000 Da prevents substances of higher molecular weight from diffusing through their walls, thereby simplifying the cleanup procedure. Internal standards in the solvent can be quantified to ensure that the membrane functions properly during the exposure. Uptake and depuration of organochlorine residues by the membranes seem to be governed by equilibrium partitioning.

• OSTI ID: 6747556
• Journal Information: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety; (USA), Journal Name: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety; (USA) Vol. 19:2; ISSN EESAD; ISSN 0147-6513
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540320* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
DIFFUSION
EXTRACTION
MEMBRANES
MOLECULAR WEIGHT
MONITORING
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLLUTION
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SOLVENT EXTRACTION
WATER POLLUTION