Equilibrium Sampling Devices

A major thrust of environmental science over the past four decades has been improved and more extensive monitoring of organic and metallic contaminants in environmental media. We now recognize that the release of concentrations inevitable results in finite, and usually detectable, concentrations in air, water, soils, sediments, and animal and plant biota. These concentrations may exert adverse effects on ecosystems and human health through multiple sources and pathways with variable and often poorly understood degradation routes and rates. For example, significant concentrations can be established in unexpected places, such as cold climates.