Temperature-Dependent Uptake Rates of Nonpolar Organic Compounds by Semipermeable Membrane Devices and Low-Density Polyethylene Membranes

Abstract

The effect of temperature on sampling rates and sampler-water partition coefficients of semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) strips was studied in an experimental setup under controlled flow conditions. Aqueous concentrations of chlorobenzenes, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were maintained by continuous circulation of the water over a generator column. Sampling rates for standard design SPMDs (460 cm2) were in the range of 20-200 L d(-1). No significant differences were observed between sampling rates of SPMDs and LDPE strips, but the latter samplers reached equilibrium faster because of their smaller sorption capacity. Sampling rates at 30 degrees C were higher than at 2 degrees C by a factor of about 3. Sampling rate modeling indicated boundary layer-controlled uptake for compounds with log octanol-water partition coefficients smaller than 4.4 and aqueous boundary-layer controlled uptake for more hydrophobic compounds. SPMD-water partition coefficients did not significantly change with temperature, but LDPE-water partition coefficients were larger at 2 degrees C than at 30 degrees C by a factor of 2. For field application of SPMDs, the results imply that temperature is not a key factor that controls uptake rates unless large geographical and temporal scales are involved. The results confirm that water flow velocity has a profound effect on sampling rates.