Characterization studies of a semi‐automated separation method for analysis of non‐ortho substituted polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners in environmental samples

Non‐ortho substituted polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners can account for the majority of the dioxin‐like toxicity in environmental samples, yet analysis for these congeners is difficult because other PCB congeners co‐elute with them in most Chromatographic methods. An automated method was developed which incorporates a porous graphitic carbon (PGC) column which is commercially available. Non‐ortho substituted congeners were successfully separated from interfering PCB congeners. Recoveries of non‐ortho substituted congeners were consistently reproducible (CV < 9%) when chicken eggs were fortified with individual congeners.     

Soxhlet extraction parameters’ influence on the recovery of polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) from a sediment,and artifact formation of PCDD

Soxhlet extraction of polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) from sediment was studied using a designed experimental set‐up. Three variables were studied: three solvent combinations n‐hexane/methanol, dichloromethane/acetone and toluene/methanol; two extraction times, 8 and 16 h, and addition of bulk substances (sodium carbonate). The extraction efficiency was almost identical in all extractions, with the exception of extraction where toluene/ methanol was combined with sodium carbonate. In these samples a major effect was observed, due to formation of Hx‐, Hp‐ and OCDD isomers. Composition of formed PCDD was similar to PCDD isomers found in pentachlorophenol products.