Abstract
This research evaluates a recently developed comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography 2D GC coupled with a time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer for the potential separation of 209 PCB congeners, using a sequence of 1D and 2D chromatographic modes. In two consecutive chromatographic runs, using a 40 m, Rtx-PCB column, and a 1 m DB-17 column, connected in series, 196 PCB congeners are distinguished, including 43 of the 46 pentachlorobiphenyl isomers. Some of the chlorinated biphenyls that could not be resolved chromatographically are resolved with the use of the “ortho effect,” which distinguishes PCB isomers having 2,2′-; and 2,2′6- chlorine substitution from those isomers without these substitutions. The result of this work falls short of our goal of separating all 209 PCB congeners but still provides investigators with a new tool for a better front-end separation of PCB-specific congeners, and potentially, for use in acquisition of more accurate data.
Highlights
Chlorinated biphenyls (CBs), or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are comprised of 209 distinct chlorine-substituted biphenyl structures
All individual PCB congeners were verified by mass spectrometry as providing ions consistent with Table I, and as having the correct chlorine isotope clusters
In light of recent scientific findings that non-coplanar PCB congeners were culpable in human health deterioration, as well as planar PCBs, we felt it was important to develop a method that would potentially separate all possible PCB congeners, which would be ready for use on demand
Summary
Chlorinated biphenyls (CBs), or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), are comprised of 209 distinct chlorine-substituted biphenyl structures (congeners). Ten isomeric groups of congeners exist with varying degrees of chlorination (see Table I). 140 to 150 of the 209 PCB congeners listed, were found in the complex mixtures (Aroclors) that were used commercially in a variety of applications, including heat transfer and hydraulic fluids, dielectric fluids for capacitors, and as additives in pesticides, sealants, and plastics [1,2,3]. The dispersion of PCB congeners in the form of the Aroclors by uncontrolled release into the environment, their long-term stability, and possible toxicity, together caused concern for their biological and Numbers of.
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