Recent advances in the analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls in environmental and biological media

Analytical advances in the detection, identification and quantification of polychlorinated biphenyl isomers (PCBs) are reviewed. High-resolution gas chromatography, with specific reference to capillary column development and support "phases", methodologies, detector systems and the comparative advantages and limitations of each combination, is covered. Problems associated with instrument calibration, general non-availability of primary PCB standards and the use of secondary standards are discussed. Typical applications of these newer methods to environmental, biological and process stream samples are presented.