The profile of congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls in soils of Moscow

The profiles of 19 indicative and dioxin-like congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the surface soils of distinct types of land use in Moscow are investigated. The penta- and hexachlorobiphenyls (46.7 and 31.6%, respectively) contribute significantly to the PCB spectrum. They used to make up the bulk of coolants and insulating fluids for electrical equipment, especially transformers. Among the congeners, the indicative PCB-101, -110, -138, and -153 and dioxin-like congeners PCB-105 and -118 dominate. They possess extremely high persistence and capability of bioaccumulation and exert harmful toxic influence, which should be taken into account when estimating an urban ecosystem’s ecotoxicological state.