Simplified method for determining polychlorinated biphenyls, phthalates, and hexachlorocyclohexanes in air.

A simplified method for determining polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), phthalates, and benzene hexachlorides (BHCs) in air has been developed. Florisil is used as the adsorbent, and compounds are eluted by liquid chromatography with 10% 2-propanol in hexane. PCBs are separated from phthalates plus BHCs on a cyanopropyl column with a gradient containing 10% 2-propanol in hexane and 100% hexane as the mobile phase. Two fractions are collected: one contains PCBs and the other contains phthalates plus BHCs, which are then determined by gas chromatography using a 63Ni electron-capture detector and a DB-5-bonded, fused-silica capillary column.