Chemcatcher® is a highly versatile and cost-effective passive sampling device for monitoring a wide variety of pollutants in potable, surface, coastal and marine waters. It is now being used worldwide to help solve a number of water quality issues.
Most monitoring programmes involve the periodic collection of low volume spot samples of water (bottle or grab). Obtaining representative data on the concentration of chemicals present can be challenging using this approach, particularly where levels fluctuate over time and when chemicals are present only at trace, yet toxicologically relevant concentrations. The use of passive samplers can help to overcome this problem as they can be deployed in the water column from days to months.
Chemcatcher® measures time-weighted average (TWA) or equilibrium concentrations of pollutants in water. It may also be used in a forensic mode for the qualitative screening of the presence or absence of substances of concern. Information obtained from the use of the device allows the end-user to gain a better indication of the long-term or appertaining environmental conditions and can therefore assist in improving risk assessments and in guiding any remedial actions.
Chemcatcher® comprises a robust, low-cost reusable three-component water-tight PTFE body that is used together with a specific receiving phase and diffusion-limiting membrane. Two designs are available to accommodate different types of commercially available 47 mm diameter receiving phase disks. The use of commercially available products allows for high reproducibility and the use of standardised preparation and extraction procedures. By altering the combination of the receiving phase and the diffusion limiting membrane used, Chemcatcher® can be deployed for the detection and monitoring of non-polar organic compounds, polar organic compounds, metals, nutrients, organometallic compounds and radionuclides.
BeneFits of Using Chemcatcher®
• Easy to deploy in the field
• Cost effective as the PTFE body is reusable
• Capable of measuring a wide range of environmental pollutants
• Technology validated by world-leading academics
• Once calibrated gives time-weighted average concentrations of chemicals
• Can detect pollutants present at concentrations below LOD of standard lab equipment
Who should use Chemcatcher®?
• Regulatory authorities
• Water utilities
• Research & Universities
• Industry discharging effluent e.g. pharmaceutical/Biopharma
• Surface water monitoring stations
• Water treatment facilities
Types of Chemcatcher available:
Chemcatcher® for non-polar organic compounds
Recent applications include the measurement of PAHs and PCBs. Performance reference compounds (PRCs) can be used to correct for any variations in environmental conditions (e.g. changes in water temperature and turbulence) during a field deployment. Such variations are then taken into account when estimating the TWA concentration during the exposure period.
Chemcatcher® for polar organic compounds
This class includes polar pesticides (e.g. acid herbicides) and emerging pollutants such as pharmaceutical residues and personal care products. Two designs of Chemcatcher® are available to sequester these types of chemicals. Performance reference compounds (PRCs) cannot be used effectively with this version of Chemcatcher®.
Chemcatcher® for metaldehyde
Metaldehyde is a potent molluscicide and is the active ingredient in most formulated slug pellets. Large quantities of pellets are used in some agricultural areas at specific times in the year to control infestations in crops. As a consequence, often high concentrations of metaldehyde can be found in surface waters after significant rainfall events. Chemcatcher® can be used to measure metaldehyde in water.
Chemcatcher® for metals
Applications include the measurement of cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel and zinc.
Chemcatcher® for nutrients
A recent addition to the family of Chemcatcher® devices is the development of a version for monitoring nutrients such as nitrate and phosphate.
Chemcatcher® for organometallic compounds
This passive sampler device can be used to measure organotin compounds including: monobutyltin, dibutyltin, tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin.
Training courses and consultancy
We offer bespoke training courses on how to prepare, assemble and deploy Chemcatcher® passive sampling devices.
We also offer consultancy services including preparation, deployment/retrieval of the Chemcatcher® and other types of passive samplers.
We can provide analysis of the receiving phase disks for a wide variety of pollutants and prepare reports on the findings.
Please contact us to discuss your specific learning and monitoring requirements.
For more information on Chemcatcher® or to purchase Chemcatcher® deployment apparatus and other accessories please contact:
T.E Laboratories Ltd.
Loughmartin Business Park,
Tullow, Co.Carlow Ireland R93 N529
Tel: +353 (0) 59 9152881
E-mail: sales@chemcatcher.ie
Website: www.chemcatcher.ie
Twitter @chemcatcher
www.facebook.com/chemcatcher
