Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in marine organisms from four harbours in Guam

The polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in marine organisms from four harbors in Guam were analyzed. The analytical procedures were adapted from the US EPA SW 846 methods for the physical and chemical evaluation of solid waste, in addition to those recommended by the NOAA National Status and Trends Program for Marine Environmental Quality. Tissue homogenates were twice extracted with 20 ml of methylene chloride in 50-ml Teflon centrifuge tubes containing 10 g of anhydrous sodium sulfate and 100 mu l of the surrogate congener, PCB 103. It was found that the improper disposal of waste oil, electrical equipment and other consumables containing PCBs, together with spillages from capacitors and transformers, have had a major impact on coastal waters around parts of the island.