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Assessment of Trace Metals during Episodic Events using DGT Passive Sampler: A Proposal for Water Management Enhancement

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Abstract

The potential of the Diffusive Gradient Thin-Films (DGT) as a supplemental method for water quality monitoring was employed has been tested through 3 sampling campaigns to measure the trace metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn) present in the surface water of a highly urbanized river. Specifically, the study done in the Pasig River (Philippines) seeks to: assess the applicability of DGT passive sampler in an urban context exhibiting highly contrasted hydrological conditions (greatly influenced by episodic events) and sediment disturbance (dredging) and provide proposal for a better water management. The results indicate that: (1) DGT is highly recommended as part of a routine analysis for water quality monitoring; (2) DGT are able to capture the fluxes even in very contrasted flow regimes; (3) DGT are suitable to trace the labile fluxes of metals from the lake to the estuary; and (4) at the confluence of the Marikina River water management should be intensified. Moreover, recommendations were made for developing pertinent water monitoring protocol and management scheme.

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Acknowledgement

This research was funded by the Lyonnaise des Eaux Company, Bordeaux, France and was done with the help of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), LCDR Christopher Meniado of the Philippine Coast Guards (PCG) and his staff, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) and Dr. Gemma Narisma, Genie Lorenzo and James Simpas of the Manila Observatory. The authors are also grateful to the French Embassy in the Philippines for giving financial assistance for field mobility, the European Union ERASMUS MUNDUS External Cooperation Window (ECW) Lot 12/13 and the Programme Eiffel Doctorat (2012–2013) from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for providing the academic grant.

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Villanueva, J.D., Le Coustumer, P., Huneau, F. et al. Assessment of Trace Metals during Episodic Events using DGT Passive Sampler: A Proposal for Water Management Enhancement. Water Resour Manage 27, 4163–4181 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-013-0401-5

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