New Options for Solvent Extraction of Polychlorinated Biphenyls from Environmental Matrices

Introduction

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are man-made compounds that were formerly used in a variety of products. Even though the use of PCBs is now banned due to their toxicity, they can still be found in the environment. PCBs are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); a recent rule change allows EPA methods 3545A Pressurized Fluid Extraction and 3546 Microwave Extraction to be used for the extraction of PCBs from a variety of environmental matrices to meet the requirements in 40 CFR 761.1 In this study, the EDGE® automated solvent extraction system as well as the MARS 6™ Extraction microwave system, following EPA method 3545A and 3546, respectively, are both shown to effectively extract PCBs from soil with exceptional percent recoveries and reproducibility.