LIQUID-CHROMATOGRAPHIC ISOLATION OF COPLANAR PCB CONGENERS ON AN ACTIVATED CARBON STATIONARY-PHASE

A rapid and uncomplicated method for the fractionation of PCBs leading to an isolation of the highly toxic non-ortho substituted PCBs is des cribed. The liquid chromatographic separation was achieved on a statio nary phase consisting of activated carbon and Celite 545. Using eluent s with different polarity, isolation of the non-ortho substituted PCBs in a single fraction was achieved. The fractions were analysed by GC/ MS. The method was tested by the determination of non-ortho substitute d PCBs in technical mixtures (Aroclor 1254 and Aroclor 1242). The resu lts were compared with those obtained by using an HPLC fractionation o n a porous graphitic carbon column. Finally, the micro-column fraction ation was used for the determination of non-ortho substituted PCBs in native soil samples.