Profiling micro-organic contaminants in groundwater using multi-level piezometers

The presence of micro-organic pollutants, including ‘emerging contaminants’ within groundwater is of increasing interest. Robust protocols are required to minimise the introduction of contamination during the sampling process. Below we discuss the sampling protocols used to reduce inputs of plasticisers during the sampling process, as well as the techniques used to characterise the distribution of micro-organic pollutants in the subsurface. In this study multi-level piezometers installed into the Sherwood Sandstone aquifer in the suburban area of Doncaster, Yorkshire, were used to look at the changes in micropollutants with depth and lithology. Two different methods of pumping groundwaters were employed, and sampling campaigns were undertaken in February and July 2014, under contrasting hydrological conditions.