Comparison of semipermeable membrane device (SPMD) and large-volume solid-phase extraction techniques to measure water concentrations of 4,4′-DDT, 4,4′-DDE, and 4,4′-DDD in Lake Chelan, Washington Original Research Article

Semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) spiked with the performance reference compound PCB29 were deployed 6.1 m above the sediments of Lake Chelan, Washington, for a period of 27 d, to estimate the dissolved concentrations of 4,4′-DDT, 4,4′-DDE, and 4,4′-DDD. Water concentrations were estimated using methods proposed in 2002 and newer equations published in 2006 to determine how the application of the newer equations affects historical SPMD data that used the older method. The estimated concentrations of DDD, DDE, and DDD calculated using the older method were 1.5–2.9 times higher than the newer method. SPMD estimates from both methods were also compared to dissolved and particulate DDT concentrations measured directly by processing large volumes of water through a large-volume solid-phase extraction device (Infiltrex™ 300). SPMD estimates of DDD + DDE + DDT (ΣDDT) using the older and newer methods were lower than Infiltrex concentrations by factors of 1.1 and 2.3, respectively. All measurements of DDT were below the Washington State water quality standards for the protection of human health (0.59 ng l−1) and aquatic life (1.0 ng l−1).