Pesticides
Organochlorine Pesticides are synthetic organic chemicals that were used extensively from the 1940s-1960s for pest and insect control. The group includes DDT, methoxychlor, dieldrin, chlordane, toxaphene, mirex, kepone, and lindane. Many organochlorine pesticides have been banned in the United States, although a few are still registered for use in this country. Organochlorine pesticides do not readily degrade and tend to bioaccumulate in the environment.
PCBs
PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) are synthetic organic chemicals that were widely used from the 1930s until they were banned in the late 1970s. Until then, PCBs were already entering the environment by their manufacture and general use, but today, improper disposal, product leaks, and the burning of debris containing PCBs all continue to contribute to the levels found in air, water and soil. PCBs have been found in caulking, transformer fluids and electronics. Because of their stability, once in the environment PCBs remain for long periods of time as they do not readily break down.
Testing Methods
The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are determined by extracting the sample then analyzing the extract using gas chromatography (GC). GCs are configured with dual columns and electron capture detectors (ECD). This configuration provides second column confirmation with each sample injection.
Method 8081B (Pesticides) and 8082C (PCBs) methods are normally used when analyzing surface and ground water as well as solid sample matrices.
Method 608.3 includes both Pesticides and PCBs and is used for wastewater samples.
The following sample prep methods are commonly used: 3510C, 3580A, 3546*, 3540C.
* Effective February 26, 2024, SW-846 extraction method 3546 is now approved for the extraction of all solid matrices. This change from requiring Soxhlet extraction (3540C) for TSCA sites allows for faster and more environmentally friendly sample preparation.
Visit the Federal Register to learn more about this long awaited change to the approved methods for PCBs
The Following Pesticides are Commonly Reported:
4,4′-DDD
4,4′-DDE
4,4′-DDT
Aldrin
alpha-BHC
alpha-Chlordane
beta-BHC
delta-BHC
Dieldrin
Endosulfan I
Endosulfan II
Endosulfan Sulfate
Endrin
Endrin Aldehyde
Endrin Ketone
gamma-BHC (Lindane)
gamma-Chlordane
Heptachlor
Heptachlor Epoxide
Methoxychlor
Toxaphene
The Following PCB Aroclors are Commonly Reported:
PCB-1016
PCB-1221
PCB-1232
PCB-1242
PCB-1248
PCB-1254
PCB-1260