Analysis of Polychlorinated Biphenyls on the Agilent 8890 GC/5977B GC/MSD by Following the China HJ 743-2015 Method

Importance of the Topic

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants with significant environmental and health risks. Their chemical stability and bioaccumulation potential demand highly sensitive and reliable analytical methods. Monitoring PCBs in soil and sediment is critical to assess contamination, comply with regulatory limits, and protect ecosystems and human health.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study applied the Agilent 8890 GC/5977B GC/MSD system following China’s HJ 743-2015 standard to analyze 18 target PCB congeners. The main goals were:

• Evaluate instrument repeatability and linearity across six calibration levels (10–500 µg/L).
• Determine detection limits and translate them into method limits in soil samples.
• Assess recovery rates using spiked quartz sand and real soil matrices.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

The analysis workflow included:

• Gas chromatograph: Agilent 8890 GC equipped with a DB-5ms column (30 m × 0.25 mm, 0.25 µm).
• Mass spectrometer: Agilent 5977B MSD operating in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode.
• Autosampler: Agilent 7695A with splitless injection at 280 °C and purge flow of 60 mL/min.
• Carrier gas: Helium at 1.2 mL/min constant flow.
• Oven temperature program: 40 °C hold, ramp to 230 °C at 20 °C/min, ramp to 260 °C at 5 °C/min, then to 310 °C at 20 °C/min.

Sample preparation followed HJ 743-2015: extraction of 5–10 g soil into hexane, concentration to 1 mL, addition of surrogate (TCMX) and internal standard (PBB-153). Daily MSD tuning used DFTPP for performance verification.

Main Results and Discussion

• Repeatability: Response factor RSDs were 1.6–4.5% at 10 µg/L and <2.5% at 50 µg/L.
• Linearity: Relative response factor RSDs across 10–500 µg/L were 2.8–4.8%, with correlation coefficients (R²) >0.999.
• Detection limits: Instrument LODs ranged 0.4–3.0 µg/L, translating to method LODs of 0.04–0.30 µg/kg in soil.
• Recovery: Spiked quartz sand recoveries were 85.6–103.4%; spiked soil recoveries ranged 72.0–103.8%, meeting the 60–130% criterion.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

• High sensitivity and low detection limits support trace-level PCB monitoring.
• Robust repeatability and linearity ensure reliable quantitation for regulatory compliance.
• Validated recovery in complex matrices enables routine site assessments and remediation verification.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements in GC/MS technology, such as higher resolution mass analyzers and two-dimensional chromatography, will further improve congener separation and sensitivity. Automated data processing and artificial intelligence algorithms will streamline identification and quantitation. Standardized methods will facilitate large-scale environmental surveys and long-term monitoring programs.

Conclusion

The Agilent 8890 GC/5977B GC/MSD system, operated according to HJ 743-2015, demonstrated excellent repeatability, linearity, and sensitivity for 18 PCB congeners in soil. The method’s detection limits and recoveries meet regulatory requirements, supporting its use for routine environmental analysis and compliance testing.

References

1. HJ 743-2015: Soil and sediment—Determination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) by GC/MS, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, PRC.
2. HJ 715-2014: Water quality—Determination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) by GC/MS, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, PRC.
3. HJ 891-2017: Solid waste—Determination of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) by GC/MS, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, PRC.