A Simple Teabag Equilibrium Passive Sampler using hydrophilic divinylbenzene sorbent for contaminants of emerging concern in the marine environment

A promising concept for sampling contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) using a home-made Simple Teabag Equilibrium Passive Sampler (STEPS) containing hydrophilic divinylbenzene (h–DVB) sorbent is presented and evaluated application in estuarine systems. The uptake multi-class mixture CECs with broad polarity range (Log P ranging from ?0.1 to 9.9) was investigated static exposure batch experiments. Sampling rates (Rs) equilibrium partitioning coefficients (Ksw) were determined up 74 CECs. Fast (Rs = 0.3–12 L d?1) noticed the STEPS attained after 1 2 weeks exposure, Log Ksw 4.1 6.5 kg?1. Field this novel h–DVB STEPS, followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry, revealed presence 40 steroidal hormones, (alkyl)phenols, phthalates, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides Belgian Part North Sea. measured trace concentrations (from 0.003 ng L?1 1.9 ?g L?1) good precision (average RSD < 30%, n 3) demonstrate as fit-for-purpose micropollutant analysis marine environment.