scope:

This document specifies methods and principles for detection of selected congeners of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in water and wastewater using a flow immunosensor. The flow immunosensor utilizes antibodies specific to 2,3,7,8-TCDD and 3,3',4,4',5-PCB, which have the highest toxic equivalent factor (TEF) value among the congeners of each of PCDDs and PCBs. The limits of quantification [LOQ] at 20 % or less of coefficient of variation (CV) of 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD, and 3,3',4,4',5-PCB in water samples in this method are at levels of approximately 28 pg/l and 152 pg/l, respectively, depending on sampling, extraction, clean-up and measurement conditions. This method is applicable to timely continuous monitoring of selected congeners of PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs in water and wastewater to prioritize those for subsequent confirmatory determination. This document also specifies practical methods and procedures for sampling, extraction, clean-up, measurement in a flow immunosensor, data processing and validation of measurement results. The combined use of automated instruments for extraction, clean-up and flow immunosensing can reduce time-consumption and labour-intensity, while providing reproducible precise data.