Passive sampling relies on the uptake of contaminants into appropriate sampling devices along a diffusion gradient without using pumps or bailers. Thus, for example, in groundwater sampling, changes to flow due to pumping can be avoided. If the diffusion gradient can be maintained for extended periods, contaminants can be sampled continuously over time without any action, allowing to determine time-weighted average contaminant concentrations. We here show that the Ceramic Dosimeter, a solid receiving phase passive sampler using a ceramic membrane as sorbent container and diffusion barrier, can be used without calibration for the long-term monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in groundwater. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.