The content presented here represents the most current version of this section, which was printed in the 24th edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater.
Abstract: 6431 A. Introduction

1. Sources and Significance

The polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are found principally in water supplies contaminated by transformer oils in which PCBs were originally used as a heat-exchange medium. Although the use of these compounds has been banned, there are still numerous transformers in existence that contain PCBs, which results in their occasional discharge into potable water or wastewater. These compounds are toxic, bioaccumulative, and extremely stable, and thus there is a need to monitor them in wastewaters.

2. Selection of Method

The liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) gas chromatographic (GC) method is used to monitor both the PCBs and the organochlorine pesticides simultaneously. This method has excellent sensitivity. The LLE gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) method also can be used to detect PCBs, but with substantially less sensitivity.

PCBs usually are measured as commercial mixtures of isomers rather than as individual isomers (congeners).

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CITATION

Standard Methods Committee of the American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association, and Water Environment Federation. 6431 polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs) In: Standard Methods For the Examination of Water and Wastewater. Lipps WC, Baxter TE, Braun-Howland E, editors. Washington DC: APHA Press.

DOI: 10.2105/SMWW.2882.126

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