One of the persistent organic pollutants, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) was once widely used as dielectric fluids and other applications. Fast, simple and accurate determination of PCB concentration is essential to properly evaluate the risks of vast numbers of PCB-wastes.

We synthesized a sulfoxide residue and ammonium ion-bonded silica stationary phase for liquid chromatography, and investigated its ability to separate PCB from mineral oil matrices. After separation with the stationary phase, major PCB congeners in insulating oil samples containing Japanese legal regulation level of PCB (0.5 mg total PCB/kg) were determined with a gas chromatograph/quadrupole mass spectrometry system. The established method is much faster and requires less hazardous chemicals compared with the Japanese official method for PCB analysis. Because of the effectiveness, the stationary phase has been commercialized by a private company.

The potentials of the stationary phase for separation of other pollutants, such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins, brominated frame retardants, and heavy metals are shown by other laboratories.