PCB Analysis by HRMS EPA Method 1668a
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of man-made organic chemicals consisting of a hydrocarbon biphenyl structure with chlorine atoms attached. The number of these chlorine atoms and the positions where they are attached leads to 209 possible configurations of individual PCB molecules or congeners. PCB congeners can be further characterized into homologous groups according to the degree of chlorination. There are 10 possible PCB homolog groups, organized by the number of chlorine atoms in the molecule. Because of their useful electrical insulation, non-flammability and chemical stability, PCBs were used in a multitude of commercial and industrial products. Due to increasing concern about possible unintended impacts to human health and the environment, the manufacture of PCBs was banned domestically in 1979. .
Due to their coplanar structure,there is a subset of PCB congeners that are considered to have a higher potential for negatively impacting human health. Of these coplanar PCB congeners, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) have characterized 12 of these congeners as “dioxin like,” based on a similarity with the structure of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD). WHO has calculated toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) for this list, similar to what is done with dioxins and furans.
Analytical Approach
Alpha Analytical offers PCB congener analysis by EPA Method 1668A for the reporting of all 209 PCB congeners and we also provide an analysis specific to WHO dioxin-like congeners. Toxic equivalents (TEQs) are calculated and included in the report. In addition to these lists, Alpha can also provide an analysis for a custom list of PCB congeners of your choosing. Applicable sample matrices include aqueous, soil, sediment, and tissues. Please see the PCB target compound list. In general, congener reporting limits are in the <100 pg/L range for aqueous and the <10 pg/G range for soils or sediments.
Alpha Analytical utilizes Thermo high resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS) instrumentation equipped with dual Model 1310 gas chromatographs. This dual data acquisition configuration greatly increases analytical efficiencies and productivity. A number of different sample extraction and extract clean up protocols are available, depending on the sample media and project specific requirements.
Certifications
Alpha Analytical is certified by NELAP for PCB congener analysis by Method 1668A. Alpha also holds Department of Defense (DoD) certification and is fully compliant with DoD/DoE QSM 5.3.
