Determination of marker and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in grains of selected cereals and cereal products.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the content of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in wheat and barley grain and wheat bran samples collected from the domestic market. High resolution gas chromatographic system coupled to a low resolution ion trap mass spectrometer was used for the purpose of this study. Seven so-called marker and twelve dioxin analogue (dioxin-like) PCB congeners were determined. The results indicated low concentrations of PCBs in the analyzed cereal products: concentration of 7 marker PCBs did not exceed value of 1 ng g-1 in any sample. Concentration of PCB dioxin-like congeners expressed as a Toxic Equivalent WHO-TEQ did not exceed 0.4 pg TEQ g-1 in any sample.