Sung-Hee Seo (Kunsan National University)

Sung-Hee Seo (Kunsan National University)

Sung-Hee Seo (Kunsan National University)

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are hazardous persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with significant potential for long-range atmospheric transport and bioaccumulation. This study developed and validated a sensitive analytical method for quantifying these compounds in pine needles, used as passive air samplers. Based on prior research, we refined each step of the analytical process, including sampling, preparation, extraction, clean-up, and detection. The method combines ultrasonic-assisted extraction with Florisil solid-phase extraction (SPE) for purification, followed by gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) for quantification. High recoveries and low detection limits were achieved, with average MDLs of 0.070 ng/g for PCNs and 0.095 ng/g for PCBs. To evaluate field applicability, pine needles were collected from rural and urban sites. PCBs were found at all sites, while PCNs were mainly detected in urban areas. These results suggest that, despite bans, atmospheric emissions of PCNs and PCBs may persist. To our knowledge, this is the first study to apply an SPE-based method for PCN analysis in pine needles. The proposed method provides a robust and practical tool for assessing airborne POPs in diverse environmental settings.​