SAMPLING AIRBORNE POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS WITH POLYURETHANE FOAM - CHROMATOGRAPHIC APPROACH TO DETERMINING RETENTION EFFICIENCIES

The penetration of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) isomers through porous polyurethane foam (PPF) under high volume airflow was investigated by eluting the PCB through a column packed with 1-cm thick sections of PPF and analyzing the individual sections. The PCB isomers were eluted through the column in distinct bands and in order of decreasing volatility. The penetration of the band maximum was linear with total air volume. Retention volumes for a 7.6-cm diameter X 15-cm long PPF column were 1250 and 2700 m3 for 3,3'-dichloro-biphenyl and 2,4',5-trichlorobiphenyl, respectively. The retention efficiency of PPF plugs coated with silicone oils did not appear to be different from that of uncoated foam. These results indicate that the above foam column Is a sufficient trap to effectively retain nearly all the components of an Aroclor 1242 PCB mixture in a 24-h air sampling period (600 m3 air). © 1979, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.