Water is one of our most important natural resources, but its quality is increasingly threatened by pollution from the industry, agriculture, and everyday water use. Fortunately, innovative solutions are emerging to protect and enhance water quality. Within UPWATER, we are testing some of these solutions, including ceramic passive samplers.
Water: an exhibition without filter
On February 8 and 9, UPWATER and the H2OforAll project took part in Water: An Unfiltered Exhibition at the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona. With around 200 visitors stopping by our stand, this two-day event was a great opportunity to engage with the public—especially children—on the importance of clean, uncontaminated water. Evgeny Bulatov from the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC) represented UPWATER and teamed up with Rui Martins from the Universidade de Coimbra (Portugal) for a live experiment.
A live experiment on ceramic passive samplers (CPS)
During the exhibition, visitors had the chance to take part in a live experiment with ceramic passive samplers (explanation of CPS below). They were invited to simulate a water sampling and analysis process by retrieving a CPS from colored water and performing the sampler extraction procedure. The color represented the contamination in the water.
Steps of the Live Experiment on CPS Extraction
- Visitors selected a sampler based on the sampling schedule.
- They recorded the date and time of sample retrieval.
- They opened the plastic support and released the sampler.
- They assembled the extraction device, including the valve, extraction cartridge, adapter, and syringe, and placed it over a test tube.
- They opened the sampler and transferred its contents into the extraction cartridge.
- Using a syringe filled with air, they ejected the colorless water from the cartridge, leaving the adsorbent with the captured colorant inside.
- With 3 ml of ethanol in the syringe, they extracted the colorant from the adsorbent into a second test tube.
- They sealed the test tube and labeled it with the date and time.
- Finally, they compared the color intensity of the extracted sample with previous ones to observe how the color accumulated in the samplers over time.
Through this hands-on activity, visitors got a real taste of analytical chemistry methods and could visually compare their results with those of other visitors.
The experiment also featured age-appropriate discussions on the physical properties of water, sources of contamination, water quality control, and the crucial role of groundwater in the freshwater cycle. Naturally, UPWATER’s work in protecting this valuable resource was highlighted.
One of the biggest takeaways? The enthusiasm and curiosity of children, being true ‘water heroes’! Once again, hands-on learning proved to be a powerful way to inspire the next generation to appreciate and safeguard our water resources.
Ceramic passive samplers explained
CPS are porous ceramic membranes that hold a sorbent material in the centre which can bind organic contaminants. In the UPWATER project, CPS are tested in groundwater across our 3 case studies to monitor contaminants of emerging concern, such as PFAS, PAHs, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial compounds. Since these pollutants are often present in low concentrations in groundwater (compared to surface water), the CPS membrane’s pore size and sorbent material are specially designed for long-term deployment, allowing for more effective detection in groundwater.
Grab sampling and passive sampling in UPWATER
In the UPWATER project, we compare grab sampling with different passive sampling methods. Grab sampling is the conventional way to monitoring groundwater quality. It involves collecting individual water samples at a specific location and time, providing a snapshot of the water quality at a given moment. Passive sampling on the other hand, is an innovative, economic monitoring method, providing time-integrated data. Passive sampling involves the deployment of small sampling devices (like a ceramic passive sampler) in water (or another substance, like soil or air), aiming at the collection of contaminants through an absorption process.
