Atmospheric deposition sampling

New types of atmospheric deposition samplers have been designed for the project (patent protected). The device is for the collection of dry and wet atmospheric deposition. It allows for simultaneous but separate collection of atmospheric particulate matter and liquid phase, which can each be subsequently individually analysed for concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Atmospheric particles are collected on a quartz filter, which is placed in front of a glass cartridge filled with XAD sorbent resin to capture POPs in rainwater. Other commonly used methods of sampling rainwater can lack stability of the POPs during storage.   Considering the above, XAD (polymeric resin) sorbent is more suitable for long sampling intervals.

Each sampler consists of a collection vessel made ​​of borosilicate glass (250 mm diameter). A stainless steel particulate filter holder is at the base of the collection vessel. The base of the filter holder is threaded, and connected to a glass column containing XAD sorbent. Collection box, filter for collection of particles, and XAD column are stored in a housing with a heater. The sampler is made of a suitable inert material that does not contain any of the substances targeted in the sampling (including perfluoroctyl sulfonate (PFOS), flame retardants - polybrominated diphenyl ethers, etc). As in the case of the active air sampling, the sampling period is three months.