CLAM – Continuous Low-Level Aquatic Monitoring

The CLAM (Continuous Low-Level Aquatic Monitoring) is a submersible extraction device that provides active water sampling, using EPA approved SPE (Solid Phase Extraction) media to sequester Pesticides, Herbicides, PAH’s, TPH, and other trace organics from water. Instead of using a traditional SPE cartridge to obtain results, the CLAM utilizes a unique SPE cartridge in the shape of a disk.

The water sampling equipment uses low flow rate SPE extraction sampling (70-90 ml/minute), where water is extracted continuously through the SPE cartridge. Unlike traditional water sampling methods, (i.e. grab sampling), the CLAM provides an SPE extraction event that can be up to 48 hours long, allowing capture of trace pollutants from illicit and episodic events of a changing dynamic system.

The CLAM actually extracts the water in-situ, with the same water sampling methods utilized during field sampling that the labs use on the bench. It provides a pre-extracted quantitative water sampling event representing up to a hundred liters of water, lowering the water testing lab’s detection limits a hundred fold. The small, dry SPE extraction disk is all that is sent to the water testing laboratory for solvent elution and analysis. This benefits both the water testing labs and the client, in saving on costs of SPE extraction, expensive cooler shipments of sample bottles, and seven-day holding time requirements. The CLAM takes the lab to the field and leaves the water behind!

The CLAM weighs just under two pounds, with a rechargeable battery, and can be easily taken to remote areas and left unattended to provide active water sampling for extended periods of time continuously. The CLAM is applicable for a number of environmental water sampling methods, including groundwater monitoring and surface water sampling of urban water systems, rivers, monitoring wells, drinking water systems, watersheds and lakes, agricultural runoff, storm water and marine environments.

CLAM Kits

Aqualytical offers four different kits, each designed to fit specific water sampling needs. All kits are based on SPE Media technology but differ in extraction duration and automation.

Learn More

Technology of the Disks

Innovative solid phase extraction media cartridges make true field extraction a reality by providing a time-integrative quantitative event of up to 36 hours

Learn More

Operational and Field Instructions

The following steps will be a simple guide to turn on, deploy, record the volume of water extracted and retrieve the CLAM and transport the SPE disks to the Laboratory.

Learn More

Technical Information

A library of technical documents, including field studies and testing, user manuals, detailed sales sheets and more

Learn More

Ultra-Low Detection Technique for Hydrophobic Organic Contaminants