Occurrence of Specific Polychlorinated Biphenyls Congeners in an Industrial Zone
The concentrations and composition of Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in soils in an industrial zone. Total PCB concentrations (∑PCB congeners: PCB28, PCB52, PCB101, PCB118, PCB138, PCB153 and PCB180) varied in range from 0.26 to 6722 mg/kg in soil, with a median of 31.80 mg/kg. These values indicated that the soil is highly polluted. PCB in the subjected area was the result of anthropogenic activities. The principal component analysis showed that the commercial PCB products (PCB101, PCB118, PCB138, PCB153 and PCB180) are the main cause of pollution (PC1 factor), with 79.38% of total variance. The PC2 factor is in relation with the combustion (residential heating and fire in location), with 17.65% of total variance (lighter chlorinated congeners PCB52 and PCB28). Hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that the PCB congeners in the similar group might have similar sources, which was also confirmed by PCA.