Comprehensive, quantitative, congener-specific analyses of eight aroclors and complete PCB congener assignments on DB-1 capillary GC columns

We have determined complete polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener assignments and weight percent distributions for all major (> 0.5 wt %) PCB components of Aroclors 1221, 1232, 1242, 1016, 1248, 1254, 1260, 1262 that are resolved by DB-1 (polydimethylsiloxane) capillary GC columns. Aroclor components present between 0.05 and 0.5 wt % were also identified but not quantified. Quantitation was done using a combination of GC-ELCD (Hall electrolytic conductivity detector) and GC-MS measurements. All 209 PCB congeners have been assigned to the 124 peaks that can be resolved on DB-1 columns. The data support use of these eight Aroclors individually or in customized standards for calibrating the comprehensive, quantitative, congener-specific PCB analyses that are necessary for accurate quantitation of the complex and often radically altered mixtures of PCBs typically found in the environment.