Environmental monitoring · GC-MS

GC-MS analysis solution for polychlorinated biphenyls in soil and sediment

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in soil and sediment samples are analyzed by GC-MS. Gas chromatography performs component separation, and the mass spectrometry system completes compound identification and determination based on the ion information specified by the method. Quantification and quality control use the following arrangements: qualitative analysis and calibration are completed according to HJ 743-2015, and method blanks, spiked samples, and parallel samples are set up to control the extraction, cleanup, and determination processes. Each analysis batch also includes blanks, calibration checks, and applicable quality control samples.

01 Solution Summary

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in soil and sediment samples are analyzed by GC-MS. Gas chromatography performs component separation, and the mass spectrometry system completes compound identification and determination based on the ion information specified by the method. Quantification and quality control use the following arrangements: qualitative analysis and calibration are completed according to HJ 743-2015, and method blanks, spiked samples, and parallel samples are set up to control the extraction, cleanup, and determination processes. Each analysis batch also includes blanks, calibration checks, and applicable quality control samples.

IndustriesEnvironmental monitoring
TechnologyGC-MS
Sample collectionPerform representative sampling according to the formal method
Sample PreparationSolvent extraction, extraction, and cleanup
Injection/determination interfaceLiquid Autosampler
Specific SamplesSoil and sediment samples
AnalytesPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Detection UnitMS

02 Standards and Method Basis

Chinese standard: English standard titles on this page are descriptive translations. The cited Chinese text is authoritative.

Standard numberStandard nameStatusSource
HJ 743-2015Soil and sediment—Determination of polychlorinated biphenyls—Gas chromatography-mass spectrometryCurrentOfficial source

03 Samples and Analytes

The specific samples areSoil and sediment samples, and the analytes arePolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Pretreatment, injection, and detection configurations are determined according to the sample state, target concentration, and the formal method adopted.

04 Method Principle

The treated sample enters the GC via a liquid autosampler, and the target components are separated according to differences in volatility and interaction with the stationary phase.

The separated components enter the MS sequentially. Mass spectrometry data combined with retention behavior are used for qualitative analysis; qualitative analysis and calibration are completed according to HJ 743-2015, and method blanks, spiked samples, and parallel samples are set up to control the extraction, cleanup, and determination processes for quantification and batch quality control.

05 Sample Collection and Pretreatment

Soil and sediment samples undergo solvent extraction, extraction, and cleanup to form an injection solution or gas-phase sample suitable for GC-MS; reagent blanks, container blanks, and procedural blanks are used to identify background contamination.

06 Separation and Detection

The GC separation flow path reduces co-elution interference, and the MS acquires characteristic ion signals of the target compounds. This workflow uses MS to perform identification and detection.

07 Instrument System Configuration

ModuleConfigurationRole in This Solution
Sample preparationSolvent extraction, extraction, and cleanupPrepare samples suitable for GC-MS
GC separation systemGC main unit, sample introduction interface, and columnSeparate polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Mass spectrometry systemMSCompound identification and detection
Data systemPerform identification and calibration in accordance with HJ 743-2015, and set up method blanks, spiked samples, and duplicate samples to control the extraction, cleanup, and determination processesIon data processing, calibration, and review

08 Huishi Instruments system configuration

This application requiresGC-MS hyphenated systemComplete the analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). When selecting the configuration, the injection interface, detector, and data system should be determined based on the sample state of the soil and sediment samples, the liquid autosampler, and the detection requirements.

09 Analysis workflow

1Soil and sediment samples
2Solvent extraction, extraction, and cleanup
3Liquid Autosampler
4GC separation
5MS identification and detection
6Quantification and quality control review

10 Qualitative, Quantitative, and Quality Control

Identification relies on the retention behavior and ion information specified by the method; quantification is performed by completing identification and calibration in accordance with HJ 743-2015, and setting up method blanks, spiked samples, and duplicate samples to control the extraction, cleanup, and determination processes. Within each batch, blanks, calibration checks, and matrix-related quality control are set up.

11 Method and Configuration Selection

  • GC performs separation, and MS performs identification and detection.
  • The injection and cleanup steps are configured around the matrix characteristics of soil and sediment samples.
  • The mass spectrometry acquisition and data processing methods remain consistent.

12 Frequently Asked Questions

Why is GC-MS used for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)?

GC-MS is matched to the physicochemical properties, sample inlet, and detection target of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and the complete workflow also covers the treatment, separation, detection, and data quality control of soil and sediment samples.

What samples is this solution applicable to?

The applicable samples are soil and sediment samples. When the sample source or matrix changes, the impact of coexisting components on the pretreatment, separation, and detection response should be re-evaluated.

What components or indicators are included in the detection targets?

The analytes are polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and the main text and configuration are both bounded by the scope of this entity.

How is quality controlled for an analytical batch?

For each batch of samples, set up method blanks, calibration verification, duplicate samples, or applicable QC samples, and retain records of sample processing, instrument conditions, calibration, and calculations.

How are the sample introduction and detection modules matched in this solution?

The liquid autosampler is responsible for introducing the treated soil and sediment samples into the analytical system, and the detection unit is configured for the response characteristics of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); both must remain consistent with the method used.

What are the respective roles of GC and MS in this protocol?

GC separates polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from coexisting components, and MS completes identification and determination based on ion information.

13 Related Solutions and Knowledge

14 References

Get Configuration and Technical Consultation

Please provide sample information for soil and sediment samples, the concentration range of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), testing batch size, method basis, and existing equipment. Huishi Instruments will compile a configuration list based on this.

English edition updated: 2026-10-05.