Improved method for polychlorinated biphenyl determination in complex matrices

Journal Article · Mon Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00096a013· OSTI ID:5583810

Copland, G B; Gohmann, C S

An improved method is described for pretreatment of samples for the determination of trace-level polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) using conventional gas chromatography. After initial treatment with concentrated sulfuric acid, the samples were subjected to further digestion with potassium permanganate and ultrasound. Removal of digestion products was accomplished with a Florisil microcolumn, and analysis performed by packed-column gas chromatography. Various difficult matrices were subjected to the new procedure. High recoveries of PCB's were obtained with minimal interferences. The method is fast, inexpensive and effective in many cases, particularly for road oils and sludges, where other methods are inadequate. It also provides detection limits well below acceptable tolerances set by current regulations.

• Research Organization: EMS Laboratories, Indianapolis, IN
• OSTI ID: 5583810
• Journal Information: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 16:2; ISSN ESTHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400100* -- Analytical & Separations Chemistry
AROMATICS
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CHLORINATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
CHROMATOGRAPHY
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
HALOGENATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
OILS
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
SAMPLING
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SLUDGES