• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.12-20
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• 2024

Diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) are passive sampling devices used to determine the time-weighted average concentrations (TWAC) of contaminants. To ensure accurate performance in groundwater, it is crucial to identify environmental characteristics and maintain optimal operational conditions. This study examined the deployment time required to reach effective capacity, the thickness of the diffusive boundary layer (DBL) under stagnant water conditions, and biofilm formation on the DGT surface using groundwater samples. When using DGT with Chelex gel (A=3.14 cm²), the effective capacity was 0.7 ㎍ for Cd and 250 ㎍ for Zn, with a deployment time of 24 h. Lower Cd accumulation was due to the competition effect of coexisting ions. The DBL thickness under stagnant conditions was 0.074 cm, 93% of the diffusion gel's thickness (0.08 cm). Neglecting DBL thickness in TWAC calculations led to a 79% decrease in the determined concentration. No biofouling was observed during the 28-d DGT deployment in groundwater. In conclusion, it is essential to consider the appropriate deployment time, DBL thickness, and biofilm formation to ensure accurate DGT performance in determining contaminant levels in groundwater.