Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are compounds derived from biphenyl by substitution of one to ten hydrogen atoms by chlorine atoms. PCBs are analyzed in all sorts of matrices: air, seawater, freshwater, sediments, sewage sludge, benthic organisms, fish, marine mammals, human blood, and adipose tissue. All samples require a specific approach. The analysis of PCBs in water is extremely difficult because PCBs tend to migrate to a fatty environment. Their solubility in water is low. Consequently, PCB concentrations in water are extremely low and the analysis is hindered by background contamination. PCB concentrations in air can be determined after sampling by filters or passive sampling systems. Surface sediments can be collected by means of a variety of grab samplers from a vessel. Because PCB concentrations in sediments can show a patchy distribution, several grabs from one location are normally combined to one poled sediment sample.
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