Comprehensive determination of 209 PCBs using two-dimensional gas chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are classified as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) by Stockholm Convention. PCBs received attention because of their persistence, bioaccumulation, potential for long-range environmental transport and toxicity.
Depending on the level of chlorination, 209 PCB congeners are grouped into 10 homologue groups containing 1-46 compounds. The World Health Organization (WHO) has assigned dioxin toxic equivalency factors (TEF) of 12 coplanar PCBs, also known as dioxin like PCBs, which present high concentrations.