Uptake rates of semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) for PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs in water and sediment

Uptake rates of several PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs were measured for semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) under controlled conditions in bulk water and sediment. The study was performed at 19°C and 11°C, and water and sediment concentrations were measured during the exposure. Linear uptake rates for specific PCDD/Fs and PCBs in 19°C water varied from 34 to 111 l/m2day and in 11°C water from 8.8 to 96 l/m2day for the whole SPMD. Uptake rates at 19°C sediment ranged from 9.0 to 80 mgOC/m2day and in 11°C sediment, from 3.0 to 31, mgOC/m2day. Partitioning of the compounds between membrane and lipid was also measured during the linear uptake phase. The membrane–lipid concentration ratios ranged from 0.02 to 1.11 depending on the compound, temperature, and bulk medium.