Inside the SWAT Lab

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So here’s what you missed out on in Beth’s Lab:

Beth brought back water samples from the Philippines in the form of Semipermeable Membrane Devices) SPMD’s and Silicone Monitoring Device Wristbands. We are testing the accuracy of the two different methods and see which method provides the best results on water contamination.

The SPMD’s are ‘a passive sampling device used to monitor trace levels of organic contaminants. When placed in an aquatic environment, SPMDs accumulate hydrophobic (water-“hating,” fat-“loving”) organic compounds, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and organochlorine pesticides from the surrounding waters’ (NOAA). The silicon devices could be used as a passive sampler in aqueous deployments. They  are small, lightweight that also monitor air pollution by absorbing chemicals. They are called ‘passive because they do not require any maintenance or power to work’ (Oregon State University, Passive wristband samplers).

SPMD’s Article : https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/technology/tools/spmds/spmds.html

Passive wristband Samplers : https://ehsc.oregonstate.edu/passive-wristband-samplers

Also take the time and read an article written about Dr. Polidoro and her research by ASU Global Engagement. ‘Tiny little pieces of plastic are getting into everything, September 18, 2019’. Beth Polidoro and her ASU SWAT lab set out to make the oceans and the seafood we eat safe from microplastics and other pollutants.
https://asunow.asu.edu/20190918-global-engagement-asu-beth-polidoro-swat-lab-seafood-safe-microplastics

 


Comments

  1. Burabari AkeehOctober 23, 2019 at 3:40 PM

    I been following your project through Francisco's blog. I find it so interesting that you got water from the Philippines to test. Are you going to compare the Philippines' water to the United States' water? I hope the two methods work and you guys find the more accurate one. Good luck o your project and miss you!

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