EN ISO 5667-23:2011

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-junij-2011
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oSIST ISO/DIS 5667-23:2009
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Water quality - Sampling - Part 23: Guidance on passive sampling in surface waters (ISO
5667-23:2011)
Wasserbeschaffenheit - Probenahme - Teil 23: Anleitung zur Anwendung von
Passivsammlern (ISO 5667-23:2011)
Qualité de l'eau - Échantillonnage - Partie 23: Lignes directrices pour l'échantillonnage
passif dans les eaux de surface (ISO 5667-23:2011)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 5667-23:2011
ICS:
13.060.45 Preiskava vode na splošno Examination of water in
general
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN ISO 5667-23
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
March 2011
ICS 13.060.45
English Version
Water quality - Sampling - Part 23: Guidance on passive
sampling in surface waters (ISO 5667-23:2011)
Qualité de l'eau - Échantillonnage - Partie 23: Lignes Wasserbeschaffenheit - Probenahme - Teil 23: Anleitung
directrices pour l'échantillonnage passif dans les eaux de zur Anwendung von Passivsammlern (ISO 5667-23:2011)
surface (ISO 5667-23:2011)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 27 February 2011.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same
status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2011 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 5667-23:2011: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
Foreword .3

Foreword
This document (EN ISO 5667-23:2011) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 147 "Water
quality" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 230 “Water analysis” the secretariat of which is
held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by September 2011, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by September 2011.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 5667-23:2011 has been approved by CEN as a EN ISO 5667-23:2011 without any
modification.
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 5667-23
First edition
2011-03-01
Water quality — Sampling —
Part 23:
Guidance on passive sampling in surface
waters
Qualité de l'eau — Échantillonnage —
Partie 23: Lignes directrices pour l'échantillonnage passif dans les eaux
de surface
Reference number
ISO 5667-23:2011(E)
©
ISO 2011
ISO 5667-23:2011(E)
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ii © ISO 2011 – All rights reserved

ISO 5667-23:2011(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction.vi
1 Scope.1
2 Normative references.1
3 Terms and definitions .2
4 Principle .3
5 Handling passive sampling devices.4
5.1 General .4
5.2 Passive sampling devices for organic compounds.5
5.3 Passive sampling devices for metals.5
6 Estimation of appropriate field deployment time.6
7 Passive sampling device preparation and assembly .6
7.1 Passive sampling device preparation .6
7.2 Passive sampling device assembly.7
7.3 Passive sampling device storage.7
8 Quality assurance.7
8.1 General .7
8.2 Replicate passive sampling devices in field deployment .7
8.3 Replicate quality control passive sampling devices .7
8.4 Passive sampling device controls.8
9 Selection of sampling site and safety precautions.9
9.1 Selection of sampling site .9
9.2 Appropriate precautions against accidents .9
10 Passive sampling device deployment and retrieval .10
10.1 Materials and apparatus .10
10.2 Transport.10
10.3 Deployment procedure .10
10.4 Retrieval procedure.11
11 Extraction of analytes from passive sampling devices and preparation for analysis .12
12 Analysis.12
13 Calculations .13
14 Test report.15
Annex A (informative) Tables providing a summary of the main types of passive sampling
devices and a summary of the methods for their calibration.17
Annex B (normative) Materials and apparatus to be taken to the field for use in the deployment of
passive sampling devices .19
Annex C (informative) Quality control measures .20
Bibliography.22

ISO 5667-23:2011(E)
Foreword
SO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 5667-23 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 147, Water quality, Subcommittee 6, Sampling
(general methods).
ISO 5667 consists of the following parts, under the general title Water quality — Sampling:
⎯ Part 1: Guidance on the design of sampling programmes and sampling techniques
⎯ Part 3: Preservation and handling of water samples
⎯ Part 4: Guidance on sampling from lakes, natural and man-made
⎯ Part 5: Guidance on sampling of drinking water from treatment works and piped distribution systems
⎯ Part 6: Guidance on sampling of rivers and streams
⎯ Part 7: Guidance on sampling of water and steam in boiler plants
⎯ Part 8: Guidance on the sampling of wet deposition
⎯ Part 9: Guidance on sampling from marine waters
⎯ Part 10: Guidance on sampling of waste waters
⎯ Part 11: Guidance on sampling of groundwaters
⎯ Part 12: Guidance on sampling of bottom sediments
⎯ Part 13: Guidance on sampling of sludges
⎯ Part 14: Guidance on quality assurance of environmental water sampling and handling
⎯ Part 15: Guidance on the preservation and handling of sludge and sediment samples
⎯ Part 16: Guidance on biotesting of samples
iv © ISO 2011 – All rights reserved

ISO 5667-23:2011(E)
⎯ Part 17: Guidance on sampling of bulk suspended solids
⎯ Part 19: Guidance on sampling of marine sediments
⎯ Part 20: Guidance on the use of sampling data for decision making — Compliance with thresholds and
classification systems
⎯ Part 21: Guidance on sampling of drinking water distributed by tankers or means other than distribution
pipes
⎯ Part 22: Guidance on the design and installation of groundwater monitoring points
⎯ Part 23: Guidance on passive sampling in surface waters
ISO 5667-23:2011(E)
Introduction
Passive sampling devices can be used for monitoring concentrations of a wide range of analytes, including
metals, inorganic anions, polar organic compounds (e.g. polar pesticides and pharmaceutical compounds),
non-polar organic compounds (e.g. non-polar pesticides), and industrial chemicals (e.g. polyaromatic
hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls) in aquatic environments.
Pollutant levels in surface water have traditionally been monitored by spot sampling (also known as bottle or
grab sampling). Such sampling gives a snapshot of pollutant levels at a particular time. Pollutant levels in
surface water have a tendency to fluctuate over time and so it may be more desirable to monitor pollutants
over an extended period in order to obtain a more representative measure of the chemical quality of a water
body. This can be achieved by repeated spot sampling, continuous monitoring, biomonitoring or passive
sampling.
Passive sampling involves the deployment of a passive sampling device that uses a diffusion gradient to
collect pollutants over a period of days to weeks. This process is followed by extraction and analysis of the
pollutants in a laboratory.
Passive sampling devices can be used in kinetic or equilibrium modes. In equilibrium mode, the passive
sampling device reaches equilibrium with the sampled medium, and provides a measure of the concentration
at the time of retrieval from the environment. In the kinetic mode, the passive sampling device samples in an
integrative way, and provides a measure of the time-weighted average concentration of a pollutant in the
water over the exposure period. Where uptake into the receiving phase is under membrane control, then
passive sampling devices operate as integrative samplers between the time of deployment and an exposure
period of up to the time to half maximum accumulation in the receiving phase. Membrane control means that
the transport resistance of the membrane is larger than that of the water boundary layer. In stagnant water,
uptake is generally controlled by the water boundary layer. Under highly turbulent conditions, uptake is
membrane controlled. Where uptake is controlled by the water boundary layer, then the passive samplers
behave in a manner similar to those where uptake is under membrane control, but the sampling rate depends
on flow conditions. Where flow conditions vary over time, uptake can be under water boundary control when
turbulence is low, but change to membrane control when turbulence increases.
Diffusion into the receiving phase is driven by the free dissolved concentration of pollutant, and not that bound
to particulate matter and to large molecular mass organic compounds (e.g. humic and fulvic acids). This
technique provides a measure of the time-weighted average concentration of the free dissolved fraction of
pollutant to which the passive sampling device has been exposed. For some passive sampling devices for
metals, the concentration of analyte measured includes both the free dissolved fraction and that fraction of the
analyte bound to small molecular mass inorganic and organic compounds that can diffuse into and dissociate
in the permeation layer. Pollutant bound to large molecular mass compounds diffuses only very slowly into the
diffusion layer. The concentration measured by a passive sampling device can be different from that
measured in a spot (bottle) sample. In a spot sample, the fraction of pollutant measured is determined by a
combination of factors such as the proportion of pollutant bound to particulate matter and to large organic
compounds, and the treatment (e.g. filtration at 0,45 µm or ultrafiltration) applied prior to analysis. Passive
sampling devices used in surface water typically consist of a receiving phase (typically a solvent, polymer or
sorbent) that has a high affinity for pollutants of interest and so collects them. This receiving phase can be
retained behind, or surrounded by, a membrane through which the target analytes can permeate. A schematic
representation of such a passive sampling device is shown in Figure 1. In its simplest form, a passive
sampling device is comprised solely of a naked membrane, fibre or bulk sorbent which acts as a receiving
phase. In such passive sampling devices, the polymer acts as both receiving phase and permeation
membrane. The polymers used in these passive sampling devices usually have a high permeation, and
uptake is controlled by the water boundary layer. Uptake comes under membrane control only at very high
flow rates. Different combinations of permeation layer and receiving phase are used for the different classes of
pollutant (non-polar organic, polar organic, and inorganic). Passive sampling devices are designed for use
with one of these main classes of pollutant.
vi © ISO 2011 – All rights reserved

ISO 5667-23:2011(E)
Passive sampling devices can be used in a number of modes including qualitative or semi-quantitative which
can be applied in the detection of sources of pollution, for example. When appropriate calibration data are
available, passive sampling devices can also be used quantitatively for measuring the concentration of the
free dissolved species of a pollutant.
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 5667-23:2011(E)

Water quality — Sampling —
Part 23:
Guidance on passive sampling in surface waters
1 Scope
This part of ISO 5667 specifies procedures for the determination of time-weighted average concentrations and
equilibrium concentrations of the free dissolved fraction of organic and organometallic compounds and
inorganic substances, including metals, in surface water by passive sampling, followed by analysis.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 5667-1, Water quality — Sampling — Part 1: Guidance on the design of sampling programmes and
sampling techniques
ISO 5667-3, Water quality — Sampling — Part 3: Preservation and handling of water samples
ISO 5667-4, Water quality — Sampling — Part 4: Guidance on sampling from lakes, natural and man-made
ISO 5667-6, Water quality — Sampling — Part 6: Guidance on sampling of rivers and streams
ISO 5667-9, Water quality — Sampling — Part 9: Guidance on sampling from marine waters
ISO 5667-14, Water quality — Sampling — Part 14: Guidance on quality assurance of environmental water
sampling and handling
ISO 6107-2, Water quality — Vocabulary — Part 2
ISO/TS 13530, Water quality — Guidance on analytical quality control for chemical and physicochemical
water analysis
ISO 14644-1, Cleanrooms and associated controlled environments — Part 1: Classification of air cleanliness
by particle concentration
ISO 5667-23:2011(E)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 6107-2 and the following apply.
3.1
analytical recovery standard
compound added to passive sampling device receiving phase prior to analysis and whose recovery levels
during analysis are used to provide information about recovery efficiency
3.2
field control
quality control passive sampling device to record any chemical accumulated in passive sampling devices
during manufacture, assembly, storage, transportation, deployment, retrieval and subsequent analysis
3.3
passive sampling
sampling technique based on the diffusion of an analyte from the sampled medium to a receiving phase in the
passive sampling device as a result of a difference between chemical potentials of the analyte in the two
media: the net flow of analyte from one medium to the other continues until equilibrium is established in the
system, or until the sampling period is terminated
3.4
integrative phase of passive sampling
phase of sampling during which the rate of uptake of an analyte into the receiving phase of the passive
sampling device is approximately linear, and during which the uptake of the passive sampling device is
proportional to the time-weighted average concentration of an analyte in the environment
3.5
performance reference compound
PRC
compound that is added to the sampler prior to exposure and has such an affinity to the sampler that it
dissipates from the sampler during exposure, and that does not interfere with the sampling and analytical
processes
NOTE 1 The offloading (elimination) rates of PRCs are used to provide information about in situ uptake kinetics of
pollutants.
NOTE 2 Currently PRCs are available neither for passive sampling devices for metals nor for polar organic
compounds.
3.6
reagent blank
aliquot of reagent used in treatment of passive sampling devices which is analysed following deployment in
order to diagnose any contamination from the reagents used
3.7
recovery spike
quality control passive sampling device, pre-spiked with known mass of analytical recovery standard, used to
determine the recovery level of pollutant from passive sampling devices following deployment
3.8
passive sampling device class
class of passive sampling device based on the class of pollutant which a passive sampling device is designed
to accumulate
NOTE Passive sampling device classes include:
⎯ polar organic compounds;
⎯ non-polar organic compounds;
⎯ inorganic compounds, including metals.
2 © ISO 2011 – All rights reserved

ISO 5667-23:2011(E)
3.9
membrane control
where diffusion through the membrane of the passive sampler dominates the overall mass transfer and
resistance to mass transfer of analytes from the bulk water phase into the receiving phase
3.10
water boundary layer
viscous sub-layer of water adjacent to a surface, caused by complex hydrodynamic interactions of a surface
with water, that causes resistance to diffusion from the bulk phase of water to the receiving phase, and that
reduces in thickness with increasing turbulence in the bulk phase of water
3.11
sampling rate
R
s
apparent volume of water cleared of analyte per time, calculated as the product of the overall mass transfer
coefficient and the area of the receiving phase exposed to the external environment
NOTE Sampling rate is expressed in litres per day.
3.12
deployment device
structure to which passive sampling devices can be attached, or in which they can be contained during
deployment, and that is suitable for ensuring that the passive sampling devices are retained in position at the
deployment site throughout the deployment period
EXAMPLES A metal mesh, a pole or a cage, with mooring lines, buoys and anchors where necessary.
4 Principle
The general features of a passive sampling device are illustrated in Figure 1. The structures of the types of
passive sampling device for the different classes of pollutants, polar organic, non-polar organic, and inorganic
(including metals), are summarized in Table A.1. The
procedures commonly used to calibrate the various
designs of passive sampling device are summarized in Table A.2.
Pollutants accumulate in the receiving phase of a passive sampling device over a measured period of time of
exposure to surface water. The pollutants are extracted from the passive sampling device in the laboratory
and the amount of each pollutant accumulated is determined by chemical analysis.
Uptake of a pollutant into the receiving phase of a sampling device follows a first order approach to a
maximum (see Figure 2). The mass accumulated after an exposure time, t, m , is given by Equation (1):
t
⎡⎤
mm=−1exp−kt (1)
( )
t max e
⎣⎦
where
m is the maximum mass accumulated;
max
k is a first order macro rate constant (the overall exchange rate constant) that depends on the
e
properties of the sampler and the pollutant (see Note).
NOTE The parameters that make up the macro rate constant, k , are discussed in Clause 13.
e
Uptake is approximately linear with time throughout the exposure period between time of deployment, t = 0,
and the time to half maximum accumulation in the receiving phase, t = t . Under these conditions, and
0,5
providing that the mass transfer of pollutant is linearly related to the concentration in the water, then the
passive sampling device operates in integrative mode and can be used to measure the time-weighted average
concentration of pollutant to which the passive sampling device was exposed.
ISO 5667-23:2011(E)
The time to half maximum accumulation in the receiving phase, t , is calculated using Equation (2):
0,5
ln 2
t = (2)
0,5
k
e
At longer exposure times, as m is approached, the passive sampling device operates in equilibrium mode,
max
and provides a measure of the concentration only at the time of retrieval of the passive sampling device.

Key
1 receiving phase 4 water boundary layer
2 housing 5 water
a
3 permeation membrane Diffusion of pollutant.
NOTE 1 The permeation membrane and water boundary layer constitute the permeation layer.
NOTE 2 In some passive sampling device designs, the housing is replaced by a membrane that completely encloses
the receiving phase. In some passive sampling devices (e.g. polyethylene strips or silicone rubber sheet) the receiving
phase is not held in a housing but is deployed naked on a holding frame. In these passive sampling devices, there is no
permeation membrane, but the water boundary layer acts as a permeation layer. For more information on individual types
of passive sampling devices, see References [1] to [8].
Figure 1 — Schematic representation of a passive sampling device
5 Handling passive sampling devices
5.1 General
5.1.1 Ensure safety precautions are in place and adhered to for handling all chemicals.
5.1.2 It is essential that passive sampling devices be kept isolated from potential sources of contamination
at all times except when being exposed at the sampling site. Ensure that the passive sampling devices are
stored and transported in gas-tight containers, of inert materials relevant to the pollutants of interest.
5.1.3 Avoid physical contact with the receiving phase or membrane of the passive sampling devices, since
this may affect the results. Where handling is unavoidable, use powder-free vinyl or latex gloves. Do not re-
use gloves.
5.1.4 For some passive sampling devices, it may be necessary to avoid or at least minimize exposure to
airborne contaminants during the handling, manipulation and deployment of passive sampling devices, and
the subsequent analysis.
4 © ISO 2011 – All rights reserved

ISO 5667-23:2011(E)
Key
m mass accumulated in sampler receiving phase t exposure time
t
Figure 2 — Profile of uptake of a pollutant into a passive sampling device
The use of a clean room classified in accordance with ISO 14644-1 or a laminar flow hood is recommended
when preparing some passive sampling devices.
5.1.5 Passive sampling devices and resultant extracts should not be stored in proximity to other chemicals,
particularly volatile chemicals.
5.1.6 Use suitable pipette tips that are clean and free from contamination for the addition of reagents to
extracts.
5.2 Passive sampling devices for organic compounds
5.2.1 Minimize contact of passive sampling devices for organic compounds with plastic materials.
5.2.2 Wash, using an organic solvent such as acetone, all equipment that comes into contact with passive
sampling devices during preparation prior to deployment, storage, transport, and preparation for analysis.
5.3 Passive sampling devices for metals
5.3.1 Acid wash all equipment that comes in contact with the extract obtained from the passive sampling
device after deployment, other than the passive sampling devices, in accordance with ISO 5667-3.
ISO 5667-23:2011(E)
5.3.2 Use a grade of acid (containing less than 5 µg/kg of any individual heavy metal) that is appropriate for
trace metal analysis for addition to samples or for digestion.
6 Estimation of appropriate field deployment time
Where the aim of passive sampling is to estimate the time-weighted average concentration of a pollutant in
surface water, the exposure should not extend beyond the linear uptake phase (see Clause 4). Under these
conditions, the mass of pollutant collected in the receiving phase is limited by the sampling rate and exposure
time. The mass collected in the receiving phase should be above the level of quantification of the analytical
method. The time necessary to achieve this depends on the concentration of the pollutant in the water and the
sampling rate of the passive sampling device. Where the concentration in the water is low and the sampling
rate is low, it may not be possible to estimate a time-weighted average concentration. A passive sampling
device where the sampling rate is commensurate with the expected range of concentration of the pollutant
should be used.
When equilibrium is approached, then the mass of pollutant collected in the receiving phase is determined by
the sorption capacity (the product of the volume of the sampler and the partition coefficient between the
receiving phase and the environmental water) of the receiving phase. Under these conditions, information on
time-weighted average concentrations is limited.
Where available, the exposure time advised by the manufacturer should be used. For samplers that are not
commercially produced, use calibration data provided in peer-reviewed publications.
7 Passive sampling device preparation and assembly
7.1 Passive sampling device preparation
For samplers, e.g. strips or sheets of polymeric material including low density polyethylene and silicone
rubber, that are not supplied as ready to use for passive sampling, it is necessary to clean the passive
samplers to remove oligomers and contaminants prior to use. This can be achieved by thermal desorption and
solvent extraction, e.g. Soxhlet extraction or repeated washing in a solvent like ethyl acetate, during a period
of 1 week). Following this extraction stage, any residual extraction solvent should be removed by at least two
washes of methanol over a period of 24 h. After cleaning, such polymeric samplers can be stored in methanol
for up to 6 months.
Where it is possible to use performance reference compounds (PRCs), select suitable compounds for this
purpose according to the compounds to be sampled (see Note). It is not feasible to use a labelled analogue of
each compound to be sampled. Select compounds to cover the range of octanol/water partition coefficients of
the analytes to be sampled in order to ensure offloading in the range 20 % to 50 % of the individual PRCs
spiked into the receiving phase. It is advisable to use PRCs that cover the desired range of log octanol/water
partition coefficient in steps of approximately 0,2. Where a labelled analogue of an analyte is not available, it is
advisable to use the overall offloading rate constant of a PRC with a slightly lower log octanol/water partition
coefficient than that of the analyte in the calculation of the concentration of the analyte in the water.
Prepare PRC solutions for each class of passive sampling device. Select the amount of PRC to be spiked.
This should be sufficient to ensure that the residue falls above the limit of quantification of the analytical
method. Avoid using larger quantities than necessary, since the materials offload into the environment. Use
the solution of PRCs to spike the receiving phase of selected passive sampling devices prior to assembly. Use
pure materials and state the use by date for the spiked passive sampling devices. Ensure that the receiving
phase is homogeneously spiked.
6 © ISO 2011 – All rights reserved

ISO 5667-23:2011(E)
In some cases, spiking is carried out during manufacture. For passive samplers where the receiving phase is
a sorption phase, spiking can be achieved by addition of a solution of the PRCs in a compatible volatile
solvent. For passive samplers, e.g. polymeric strips or sheets, that are not supplied ready for use, spiking is
achieved (after the cleaning stage) by soaking in a solution of PRCs in methanol and water mixtures. Detailed
advice on individual samplers and applications is available in peer-reviewed publications.
NOTE Some commercially available passive samplers are supplied with PRCs already spiked into the receiving
phase.
7.2 Passive sampling device assembly
7.2.1 Passive sampling devices that need to be assembled by the user should be assembled in an
environmentally controlled room equipped to remove atmospheric contaminants.
7.2.2 Label each passive sampling device in accordance with ISO 5667-3.
NOTE The addition of a suitable label for each passive sampling device by the manufacturer aids passive sampling
device identification during deployment and during recovery, and after recovery.
7.3 Passive sampling device storage
It is essential that passive sampling devices be kept isolated from potential sources of contamination during
storage. Store prepared passive sampling devices in vapour-tight containers at controlled temperatures. Avoid
storing passive sampling devices in proximity to chemicals.
The storage temperature should be selected in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, where
available. Where such instructions are not available, store samplers at 4 °C, and avoid freezing samplers that
contain traces of water.
8 Quality assurance
8.1 General
Implement quality assurance measures throughout the sampling and handling processes in accordance with
ISO 5667-14. Figure 3 illustrates how the quality assurance steps fit into the sequence of processes involved
in using passive sampling devices.
Compare the results of analysis of passive sampling devices deployed together (as specified in 8.2) and of
passive sampling devices with passive sampling device controls (as specified in 8.3), in order to calculate
uncertainty of the sampling (see Clause 13). Refer to the guidance for analytical quality control in
ISO/TS 13530.
8.2 Replicate passive sampling devices in field deployment
The number of replicate passive sampling devices deployed at each site is determined by the design of the
sampling campaign, and the precision needed for the purposes of the campaign. If information is needed on
temporal changes over a long period, then passive sampling devices can be retrieved at a range of elapsed
times after deployment.
8.3 Replicate quality control passive sampling devices
Prepare quality control passive sampling devices at the same time and in the same way as those to be
deployed in the field. Use a minimum of one per sampling site for each class (polar organic compounds, non-
polar organic compounds and inorganic compounds including metals) of passive sampling device to be used.
ISO 5667-23:2011(E)
NOTE Field controls (a) are stored during the period of field exposure of deployed passive sampling devices (b).
Figure 3 — Scheme showing sequence of processes involved in using passive sampling devices
8.4 Passive sampling device controls
For each passive sampling device set (group of passive sampling devices deployed together), prepare
passive sampling device controls in accordance with Table 1. The number and type of controls are dependent
upon the required level of confidence, but a minimum of one per sampling site should be used, or two where
there is only one sampling site in a campaign.
The average mass of the PRC spike and the associated precision are estimated by using all of the field
control passive sampling devices from each batch of passive sampling devices deployed within a field
campaign.
For monitoring the time-weighted average concentration of pollutant near the limit of detection, it is possible to
combine extracts from a number of passive sampling devices. Under these circumstances, it is necessary to
increase the number of control passive sampling devices pro rata.
8 © ISO 2011 – All rights reserved

ISO 5667-23:2011(E)
Table 1 — Passive sampling device control requirements
Control type Number required Treatment of controls
Separate the field controls from the passive sampling devices
manufactured or delivered together.
Transport field controls between the sampling site and laboratory with the
set of passive sampling devices.
At least one per
Expose field controls to the air at the sampling site during deployment
sampling site, or two
Field control
and retrieval of the passive sampling device set, but only during
where there is only
manipulation. Handle in the same way as the set of passive sampling
one sampling site
devices up to the start of deployment, and from the start of recovery from
the field.
Process and analyse field controls concurrently with and identically to the
passive sampling device set.
At least three per
Prior to processing of a passive sampling device, fortify recovery spike
batch of passive
passive sampling devices with a target compound mixture.
sampling devices or
Recovery spike for each field
Process and analyse recovery spike controls concurrently with and
campaign if a single
identically to passive sampling devices of the same class in the passive
batch of samplers is
sampling device set.
used
9 Selection of sampling site and safety precautions
9.1 Selection of sampling site
Select a sampling site in accordance with ISO 5667-1 and ISO 5667-4 for lakes or ISO 5667-6 for rivers and
streams or ISO 5667-9 for marine waters.
Before deployment and prior to retrieval of passive sampling devices, carefully inspect sampling site for the
following:
a) sources of vapour-phase contaminants, including engine fumes, oils, tars, gasoline, diesel fuel, paints,
solvents, cigarette smoke and asphalt pavement, if passive sampling devices are to be used for organic
compounds;
b) sources of metallic contamination, if passive sampling devices are to be used for metals;
c) oily films or biofilms on the surface of the water;
d) it is essential that the passive sampling device be deployed at a point below which water levels do not
drop so that there is adequate water depth to ensure that the passive sampling device is kept submerged
throughout deployment under all conditions.
Record any findings for the site.
NOTE Some streams could become dry during periods without rain; deployment of samplers in such cases should be
in pools rather than riffles. In tidal waters, passive sampling devices should be deployed at a suitable distance beyond the
spring tide low water mark.
9.2 Appropriate precautions against accidents
The enormously wide range of conditions encountered in sampling surface waters can subject sampling
personnel to a variety of risks.
Sampling personnel should be informed of the necessary precautions to be taken during sampling operations.
ISO 5667-23:2011(E)
ISO 5667-1 specifies certain safety precautions, including sampling from boats and from ice-covered waters.
ISO 5667-6 specifies safety precautions to be considered when sampling from river banks.
IMPORTANT — Take precautions against accidents, and provide appropriate safety training.
Attention is drawn to the requirements of health and safety regulations.
10 Passive sampling device deployment and retrieval
NOTE A schematic outline of the sequence of processes involved in using passive sampling devices and field
controls is provided in Figure 3.
10.1 Materials and apparatus
A check list of materials and apparatus to be taken to the field for use in the deployment of passive sampling
devices is provided in Annex B.
10.2 Transport
10.2.1 Follow the storage and handling instructions supplied by the manufacturer or, for samplers that are
not commercially produced, use calibration data provided in peer-reviewed publications by competent
laboratories.
10.2.2 Use appropriate containers (B.5) to ensure that individual passive sampling devices remain isolated
from the environment, from potential sources of contamination, and from each other during storage and
transp
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