PCBs in Biosolids: Monitoring In a Large Urban WWTP Using a Newly Developed Practical Extraction Procedure

The aim of this study was to develop a new, practical PCB extraction procedure, and to apply this procedure for monitoring of biosolids originating from a metropolitan WWTP. For this purpose, a thorough literature search was carried out to investigate available methodologies and devise one that would suit these criteria. Applicability of the developed “vial extraction procedure” was shown by comparing with EPA Method 3540C as well as analysis of blanks and certified reference materials with check of surrogate recovery via the use of an internal standard calibration, of USEPA Method 8082. Recoveries obtained by using certified reference material was within the acceptable range of 80-120%, with relative standard deviations less than 10%.