CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL DISTRIBUTION IN MARINE-ENVIRONMENT

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) originate as commercially prepared mixtures of controlled chlorobiphenyl content. However, once released in the environment, their original distribution pattern is altered as a result of specific physicochemical interactions with the various media of the receiving system. This distribution behavior has been observed during recent field investigations conducted in a number of coastal and estuarine regions. The authors have developed a modified gas chromatographic spectral analysis technique based on the determinations of the individual component responses, and are currently implementing this method to characterize the spatial and phase distribution of PCBs in the marine environment. A detailed description is presented of the computational framework together with typical standardization results.