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Polychlorinated biphenyls in welsh soils: A survey of typical levels

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Published
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>1/01/1989
<mark>Journal</mark>Chemosphere
Issue number7-8
Volume18
Number of pages8
Pages (from-to)1665-1672
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were analysed in 49 surface soil samples (0-5 cm depth) collected throughout Wales with the intention of defining typical or background levels. PCB concentrations ranged from < 0.2 - 12.2 μg ∑PCB kg -1 soil with a mean and median of 3.1 and 2.5 μg kg -1 respectively. Some regional differences were apparent, notably the tendency for higher PCB concentrations in the south and near industrial conurbations. The results are compared to data from other surveys of PCBs in U.K. soils, and in relation to soil properties. Some of the implications of PCBs detected in soils and the pathways leading to human exposure are discussed.