Automated analysis for determination of PCBs in fish

An automated analytical method for determination of polychlorinated bipheny ls (PCBs) in fish was developed using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) in combination with an automated sample preparation instrument (Prep) and G C/MS. By incorporating basic alumina with the sample in the extraction proc ess, and optimizing the amount of carbon dioxide used, fish lipid was selec tively reduced. The extract was cleaned up on a Florisil cartridge with Pre p. The method was evaluated using naturally contaminated tissues and by com parison of automated analytical method results with those obtained by the c onventional method. Mean recovery of PCBs from 3 kinds of fish including ha irtail, mackerel and yellowtail were 69.8%, 90.2% and 81.1%, respectively. This method is less laborious and requires far less organic solvent than th e conventional method, but produced comparable results.