Analyses of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Chlorinated Pesticides in Biota: Method and Quality Assurance

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Abstract
An analytical method for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated pesticides in mussels, fish liver, bird liver, and seal blubber is described. Different calibration functions were tested to establish the optimal fit to the nonlinear response of all included compounds. Detection limits and within-batch variations were determined from standard deviations of duplicate analyses of real samples. Within-batch, between-batch, and total relative standard deviations were calculated from regular use of control material. Percentage recovery was estimated by spiking samples with 3 selected PCB congeners and by spiking selected samples with all compounds included in the procedure. Quality assurance is described, covering analysis of about 450 samples divided into 38 batches. Because between-batch variation was twice the within-batch variation, the use of in-house control material and control charts is considered to be mandatory for this type of analyses. Use of certified reference material and regular participation in intercomparison exercises have demonstrated the high quality of the method and the adequacy of the quality assurance applied.

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