Levels of short and medium chain length polychlorinated n-alkanes in environmental samples from selected industrial areas in England and Wales

Electron capture or negative ion chemical ionisation gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to measure concentrations of short and medium chain length polychlorinated n-alkanes extracted from samples of water, river sediment, benthos, fish, soil, digested sewage and earthworms. Analysis of samples from 20 aquatic and eight agricultural sites indicated that short and medium chain length polychlorinated alkanes were present in the following concentration ranges: sediment < 0.2-65.1 mg/kg dry weight, water < 0.1-1.7 micrograms/l, fish < 0.1-5.2 mg/kg wet weight, benthos < 0.05-0.8 mg/kg wet weight, digested sewage 1.8-93.1 mg/kg dry weight, soil < 0.1 mg/kg dry weight, and earthworms < 0.1-1.7 mg/kg wet weight. It is clear from this study that these compounds are widely distributed in the UK environment, although it is not yet possible to fully assess the risks posed to either wildlife or humans by their continued use. Further study of these compounds is indicated.