Title | Utilizing Passive Sampling for Rapid Response to Assess Atmospheric Exposure to PAHs Before, During and After the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. |
Publication Type | Platform/Presentation |
Year | 2012 |
Authors | Tidwell LG, Hobbie KA, Wilson GR, O'Connell SG, Allan SE, Anderson KA |
Conference/Meeting/Venue | SETAC North America |
Date Published | 11/2012 |
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are present in crude oil and may persist in the environment even after visible evidence is gone. Volatilization of crude oil can be one route of exposure for PAHs. Exposures of PAHs from crude oil spills typically occurs concurrent with the spill or prior to significant weathering of the oil. Acute chemical spills generally initiate a rapid clean up response; however, there is often a significant exposure period prior to elaborate air monitoring equipment setup. Because PSDs do not require elaborate equipment or electricity, we were able to sample within days of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. We deployed passive sampling devices (PSDs) for air sampling prior to, during and after shoreline oiling. Study locations included sites in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. PSDs mimic the chemical uptake of biomembranes by exploiting the fugacities of vapor phase compounds in the atmosphere. Chemical data from PSD extracts can be employed to assess potential exposure, transport, fate and sourcing of emerging and legacy contaminants in the atmosphere. |