Comparison of solid sampling media for Aroclor 1254 vapor under dry and humid conditions

Chromosorb 102 (60/80 mesh) was as good a sampling sorbent for Aroclor 1254 vapor as deactivated Florisil (30/60 mesh), but recoveries were less precise when vapor collection occurred at 90% relative humidity. Tenax-GC (35/60 mesh) and XAD-2 (20/60 mesh) are probably also acceptable based on spiking experiments. The phenomenon of vapor phase enrichment of the most volatile PCBs in Aroclor 1254 was noted and was allowed for by the Webb-McCall method of quantitation. An inexpensive generator of PCB vapor to produce a 300 micrograms/m3 volatilization rate over a two-week period also was developed.