Determination of trace levels of polychlorinated biphenyls on reversed phase octadecyl bonded silica membranes

The determination of biphenyl, polychlorinated biphenyls, and Aroclors adsorbed on solid-phase extraction membranes was performed by room-temperature phosphorimetry. Three types of membranes were tested as substrates for phosphorescence emission. Several experimental parameters related to phosphorescence on solid supports were evaluated. The analytical figures of merit demonstrate the capability of detecting polychlorinated biphenyls at the sub-ng/ml level. The potential interference of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was investigated. The combination of time discrimination and synchronous excitation techniques allowed the determination of polychlorinated biphenyls in the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Although additional studies are required to prove solid phase extraction - room temperature phosphorimetry as a reliable analytical tool, our results reveal several promising features for screening polychlorinated biphenyls in water samples. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.