Application of diffusive gradients in thin-films in sediments and soils

Diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) is an in situ passive sampling technique that can measure heavy metals, nutrients and organics in the environment. It has the advantages of species selectivity, high resolution and getting the average concentration during the monitoring period, and it has been widely used in sediments and soils. This paper introduced the device and principle of DGT, and reviewed the application progress of DGT in sediments and soils. It was suggested that DGT was an efficient and available method for the in situ high resolution measurement and prediction of the bioavailability of heavy metals. Finally, the future development of the DGT was prospected.