Improved Procedure for Single DB-XLB Column GC-MS-SIM Quantitation of PCB Congener Distributions and Characterization of Two Different Preparations Sold as “Aroclor 1254”

Abstract

Complete PCB congener distributions in a panel of Aroclor mixtures were previously obtained by combining data from several HRGC systems. In that study quantitation of minor components may have been unreliable due to single level calibration against high levels of individual congener standards. Two lots of Aroclor 1254 had markedly different congener distributions. In this study, the design and performance of a congener-specific PCB analysis method employing GC-MS-SIM detection of congeners separated on a DB-XLB capillary column are discussed. Quantitation is carried out against a 6-level inclusive standard curve of a mixture of 144 congeners found in Aroclors. A separate procedure to measure trace levels of PCB 126 in Aroclors using the same system, combined with levels initially acquired for other congeners, facilitates estimation of TEQ values (Toxic Equivalencies of the PCB mixtures to 2,3,7,8-TCDD). PCB congener profiles of 15 Aroclor 1254 mixtures are presented. These profiles show that the less common, high TEQ variety of Aroclor 1254 was manufactured by an atypical, two-stage chlorination process that was apparently used during the final 1% of Aroclor 1254 production (ca. 1974–1976).