Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCBs)

Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCBs)

Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCBs): Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCBs) are highly toxic human-engineered chlorinated hydrocarbons that have been used around the world as enhancers to hydraulic oil and electrical insulators. PCBs were applied for maintaining low flammability rates, high boiling points, and stronger chemical stability. As of 1979, PCBs have been banned from use in the United States and many other nations due to carcinogenicity, high rates of pollution and contamination through environmental systems and animals, and its long-lasting degrading timeframes once introduced into the environment. Polychlorinated biphenyls, mostly comprise carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine atoms, and are commonly found within hydraulic fluid systems, electrical transformers, capacitors, coolants, and plasticizers. Additionally, PCBs can exist in carbon-less copy-papers, as well as plastic and rubber products.

PCB Pollution

PCBs are negatively impacting the planet in the forms of soil contamination, groundwater and stormwater pollution, as well as oceanic, lake body, and river system pollution. The substance is highly stable and highly mobile. Thus, it becomes a long-lasting contaminant that transports into various ecological systems after being released at a commercial or industrial site. As a result of polychlorinated biphenyl pollution, animal wildlife and human populations are experiencing health effects such as cancer, birthing defects, reproductive organ failure, comprised immune systems, and central and overall nervous system impacts.

PCBs Soil & Groundwater Contamination

As part of the Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment process, the environmental professional can identify underground hydraulic lifts and hydraulic oil tanks. And per the ASTM E1527 standard, the mere possibility of hydraulic oil leaking from each hoist constitutes a “recognized environmental condition.”  As a result, a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment is likely to occur, to directly sample the subsurface for soil contamination, using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Laboratory Analysis Method 8082. This method aims to identify the full range of polychlorinated biphenyls, from PCB-1016 through PCB-1260. Lastly, a professional geologist studies each detection of  PCBs along with the applicable screening level for that region. If soil and groundwater contamination is present, a remedial action plan is then prepared to remove the hydraulic lifts and clean up the PCBs soil contamination issue.

Full Range of Polychlorinated Biphenyls

  • PCB-1016
  • PCB-1221
  • PCB-1232
  • PCB-1242
  • PCB-1248
  • PCB-1254
  • PCB-1260

Similar Posts

  • Tsunami

    ByGeo Forward

    Tsunami Tsunami: In the seismology branch of geology, a tsunami is an oceanic wave (gravitational) that is produced by seismic activity on the ocean floor. Common triggers of tsunamis are large-scale short­ duration earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or other submarine earth movements such as subsidence and slope failure.

  • Effective Stress (σ’)

    ByGeo Forward

    Effective Stress (σ’) “Effective Stress” (σ’) is a geotechnical engineering term. Effective Stress is a function of “total stress,” and is due to the solid particles of soil. Effective stress represents an excess of stress above pore-water pressure (or neutral stress). Effective Stress Formula Effective Stress = Total Stress – Pore-Water Pressure.

  • Mineraloid

    ByGeo Forward

    Mineraloid Definition The term “mineraloid” refers to a natural earth substance that appears to be similar to a genuine mineral, although lacks any form of internal structure and crystal form. Nonetheless, a mineraloid does comprise true minerals within it. For instance, Fire Opal and Blue Opal are not minerals because they are amorphous (do not…

  • Index Fossil

    ByGeo Forward

    Index Fossil Definition An Index fossil, in the field of paleontology, refers to a fossil that identifies and dates the stratigraphic unit that it is observed to exist in. Index fossils can combine a wide geographic range. And they can really narrow down the classifications of most stratigraphic units.

  • Environmental Geology

    ByGeo Forward

    Environmental Geology Environmental Geology: (en·vi·ron·men·tal ge·ol·o·gy) a branch of geology that relates to the impact of human activity on Earth, and the pollution of geologic formations, reserves, and resources. Common focus points of environmental geology are contaminated soil, groundwater aquifers, lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Professional geologists assess and remediate contamination plumes in all media,…

  • Methane Mitigation Soil Gas Pressure Sensor

    ByGeo Forward

    Methane Mitigation Soil Gas Pressure Sensor Methane Mitigation Soil Gas Pressure Sensor: A Methane Mitigation Soil Gas Pressure Sensor is a device that measures and communicates sub-slab soil gas pressure to a methane control panel system. High levels of methane soil gas then trigger the integrated methane alarm system to notify occupants of danger. Much…