High quality measurements of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hydroxylated PCBs are required to assure remediation efforts are effective, to determine the risks of human exposure, and to determine the sources, fate and transport of these persistent, bioaccumulating, and toxic compounds in the environment. Congener-specific measurements are required but often prohibitively expensive for research requiring thousands of analyses. Here we present a multipronged strategy for high quality congener-specific measurements of PCBs in complex and diverse matrices including sediments, soils, human blood serum, air, and natural waters. We have developed an approach including automation of laboratory methods and passive sampling that improves our ability to provide measurements that meet the highest expectations for accuracy, precision, reproducibility, representativeness, and comparability. Laboratory methods include the use of accelerated extraction (Dionex ASE350), fluid management systems for sample cleanup (FMS PowerPrep), targeted use of labeled surrogate and internal standards, triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (Agilent 7000series), and standard and laboratory-derived reference materials. Environmental sampling methods include the use of passive sampling for PCBs and OH-PCBs in air, water, and sediments. We have developed an approach for air sampling that captures the effect of changing environmental conditions without requiring expensive and unreliable injections of labeled depuration compounds; and an approach for water and porewater sampling that is sufficiently sensitive to allow a multi-media evaluation of the direction and magnitude of sediment/water/air exchange. Using this integrated and internally consistent approach to analysis and sampling of PCBs and OH-PCBs, we have been able to measure and report thousands of measurements that inform research projects on the sources, exposures, and hazards associated with PCBs in the environment.

Laboratory and computational technologies to reduce the cost and improve the quality of congener-specific measurement of PCB congeners in air, water, sediments, and biological matrices

254th National Meeting (2017)

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