Separation and Detection of Polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs) on Japanese Commercial PCBs (Kanechlors) and Their Heated Preparation

Abstract

Modified analytical methods by Vos and Poter et al. were used for the separation of polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs) from Japanese commercial PCBs (Kanechlors) which were used in large quantities in Japan. Di, tri, tetra, penta, hexa and heptachlorodibenzofurans were detected on Kanechlors by GC-MS analysis. Total PCDF concentrations were 9, 33, 4 and 4ppm in Kanechlor 300 (KC-300), Kanechlor 400 (KC-400), Kanechlor 500 (KC-500) and Kanechlor 600 (KC-600), respectively. In addition, to investigate the possibility that PCDFs were formed during the usage of PCB as heat transfer medium, KC-400 was put into a pyrexglass ample and heated on a gas chromatograph oven. However, PCDFs did not generate by heating for 15 days at 300°C.