Soil Analysis: Fast GC Approach for Polychlorinated Biphenyls Determination

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of organic compounds known for their high level of toxicity and classified as persistent organic pollutants. Thanks to their useful characteristics such as non-flammability, heat resistance, insulation and chemical stability, in the past they were extensively used as coolants and dielectric fluids, stabilizing additives in PVC and plastic products, reactive flame retardants, sealants, paints, etc; however, the toxicity associated to PCBs was realized. In this application note read how fast gas chromatography is coupled with an electron capture technique to detect PCBs.