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New report on measuring PCBs and dioxins in surface waters

10. February 2017, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology Sediment Ecotoxicology

New report on measuring PCBs and dioxins in surface waters

In the past, increased concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were observed in some Swiss river basins. Initially, the responsible emission sources were unknown. It turned out that a suitable method for measuring PCB and dioxin concentrations on longer river sections was needed. PDMS passive samplers were shown to be well suited for this purpose because they allow the reproducible measurement of average substance concentrations at a certain river location over longer time periods. In addition, they are easy to use. Since sediments are mobile and their composition varies according to place and time, sediment analyses are less suitable for locating PCB sources. Both methods are described in the report in detail. 

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