PCB: Lost and Found C. P. Anderson and S. Hedman University of Connecticut at Avery Point. Groton, CT 06340 Analyses for toxic substances by industry, government, and even academic institutions has become an important part of lahoratory work. Nonetheless, students who may eventually have to work with toxic substances do not usually encounter
portant toxic substance while minimizing the inevitable hazards. The analysis was performed as an independent study project by an undergraduate.
PCB's ( 3 ) and how to handle them ( 4 ) . Gloves were used to avoid skin contact, a fume hood to prevent inhalation, and appropriate disposal methods to prevent pollution. Conclusions
PCB's are extremely hazardous, hut their low volatility and water solubility permit easier containment. The PCB analysis introduces many practical, "real world" prohlems involving sampling, handling, and interferences. The analysis may be safely and successfully performed as an independent study project.
The PCB Analysis
Acknowledgment
The nrocedure is a modification of one used hv the U S Coast duard ( 1 ) . Details of the modified procedire are described elsewhere ( 2 ) . The stem include samplinp, drying
Use of the equipment of the U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center, Groton, CT, is gratefully acknowledged. Literature Cited
Water, soil, sand, gravel, and cement samples were collected from a variety of locations including the immediate environments of operating transformers, landfills, and chemical-spill and waste-disposal sites. Fatty acids and motor oils, when present in the samples, were not adequately separated by TLC and tended to mask the PCB's IR spectrum. The student was required to learn about the dangers of
...,.
(4) Markinnm. F. W.. Stircolf. H.S., end Parlrid~e.I..I.. . IEdrtoriI. "Occupational Health Guidelines for Chemical Hazards." I k p l . 01 Health and Human Servicea INIOSHI. I'uhlicrtisn N,i.H1~129. 19XI.
Volume 60 Number 12 December 1983
1033
