PCB Methodology Experience

Pace Analytical routinely operates PCB Aroclor and PCB Congener Specific analysis by gas chromatography-electron capture detection (GC-ECD) methods, such as the EPA's solid waste 846 (SW 846) methods 8082 and 8081 (EPA 1994a,b). We also operate PCB congener analysis and 680 homolog methodology by gas chromatography (GC), which identifies and measures with low resolution, electron ionization mass spectrometry (MS) and high resolution method 1668 using HRGC/HRMS.

• Total Aroclor methodology experience includes USEPA methods 508, 608, SW 846-8082 and AOAC method 970.52, 983.21.
• Congener methodology experience includes EPA method SW 846 8082, Comprehensive Quantitative Congener Specific (CQCS} analysis developed by PACE- NEA and approved by regulatory agencies, Green Bay Mass Balance Method (mGBM) and 1668a modified coplanar analysis:
  • NOAA Congener List
  • USACE Congener List
  • WHO Congener List
  • Proposed modified 503 List
• Pace can also identify and measure PCBs as isomer groups or homologs (i.e., by level of chlorination) by 680 GC/MS
• Pace Analytical currently offers recently promulgated EPA Method 1668 for analysis of up to 209 PCB compounds at the congener level. One application of these new testing levels is the proposed modified 503 regulation for land application of biosolids – which requires a combined toxicity value for dioxin/furan and certain (12) PCB compounds.

PCB and PCB Congener Specific Analysis:

All Pace laboratories offer traditional PCB analysis for PCB Aroclors in various matrices using standard EPA methodologies. Pace also offers three labs that can perform congener specific analysis. These laboratories are as follows:

Minneapolis, Minnesota Lab offer High Resolution Mass Spectrometry.

Ultra trace analysis of specific congeners

• Coplanar congeners by 1668
• All congeners by 1668A
• Toxic equivalency Analysis of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB)

USEPA and World Health Organization research have identified compounds similar in nature to dioxin, which appear to pose similar risks to both animals and humans. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are one such family of compounds – where increasingly lower detection limits are being sought to better characterize the associated health risks. Advances in instrumentation and method development make it possible to accurately quantify these contaminants at previously unreachable levels.

Green Bay, WI capabilities include High Resolution GC/ECD and Low Resolution Mass Spectrometry

• PCB Congeners by Green Bay Mass Balance Analysis
• 209 PCB Congeners by SW-846 8082 Comprehensive Method / 12 WHO Coplanar PCB Analysis