TitlePassive sampling devices enable capacity building and characterization of bioavailable pesticide along the Niger, Senegal and Bani Rivers of Africa.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2014
AuthorsAnderson KA, Seck D, Hobbie KA, Traore ANdiaye, McCartney MA, Ndaye A, Forsberg ND, Sower GJ
JournalPhilos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci
Volume369
Issue1639
Pagination20130110
Date Published04/2014
ISSN1471-2970

It is difficult to assess pollution in remote areas of less-developed regions owing to the limited availability of energy, equipment, technology, trained personnel and other key resources. Passive sampling devices (PSDs) are technologically simple analytical tools that sequester and concentrate bioavailable organic contaminants from the environment. Scientists from Oregon State University and the Centre Régional de Recherches en Ecotoxicologie et de Sécurité Environnementale (CERES) in Senegal developed a partnership to build capacity at CERES and to develop a pesticide-monitoring project using PSDs. This engagement resulted in the development of a dynamic training process applicable to capacity-building programmes. The project culminated in a field and laboratory study where paired PSD samples were simultaneously analysed in African and US laboratories with quality control evaluation and traceability. The joint study included sampling from 63 sites across six western African countries, generating a 9000 data point pesticide database with virtual access to all study participants.

10.1098/rstb.2013.0110
Alternate JournalPhilos. Trans. R. Soc. Lond., B, Biol. Sci.
PubMed ID24535398
PubMed Central IDPMC3928895
Grant ListP30 ES000210 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
P42 ES016465 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
P42 ES016465 / ES / NIEHS NIH HHS / United States
Projects Reference: 
United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization
LDPE Passive Sampling Devices