Comparison of in-planta sampling methods for delineating groundwater contaminants

Plants directly interact with surrounding water, air, and soil, collecting and storing chemicals and elements from the surrounding environment. Two new and innovative sampling methods have been developed in which this valuable data can be accessed to replace as well as supplement contaminated-site investigations. When determining the extent of the plume on a contaminated site, groundwater sampling may be limited due to time, site access, and expense. Using new techniques that place sampling devices in trees on site, we can sample trees naturally occurring on a contaminated site or those planted in phytoremediation or redevelopment efforts. Using these sampling devices, Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) and Solid Phase Samplers (SPSs), the plume size can then be evaluated and changes in concentration can be detected. An array of data can be collected using these quick sampling techniques to help the efficiency in placement of groundwater monitoring wells. These new methods can save time and money as well as undue impact to the ecosystems at hand or personal property --Abstract, page iv