U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Scientific Investigations Report 2011–5004

Prepared in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, 

Division of Ecological Restoration, Riverways Program

Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of 

Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and 

Neponset River Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts
Cover. Measurement of streamflow and collection of flow-proportional water samples at USGS streamgage (011055566) Neponset 

River at Milton Village, Milton, Massachusetts. Collection of fish tissue samples using gill nets strung across the river. Collection of 

dissolved PCBs from river water using Passive In-situ Chemical Extraction Samplers (PISCES) deployed in the river. Collection of 

sediment samples using a stainless steel dredge from the river’s bottom.
Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of 

Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset 

River and Neponset River Estuary, 

Eastern Massachusetts

By Robert F. Breault

Prepared in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, 

Division of Ecological Restoration, Riverways Program

Scientific Investigations Report 2011–5004

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

KEN SALAZAR, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Marcia K. McNutt, Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2011

For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, its natural and living resources, 

natural hazards, and the environment, visit http://www.usgs.gov or call 1-888-ASK-USGS

For an overview of USGS information products, including maps, imagery, and publications, 

visit http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod

To order this and other USGS information products, visit http://store.usgs.gov

Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the 

U.S. Government.

Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to 

reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report.

Suggested citation:

Breault, R.F., 2011, Concentrations, loads, and sources of polychlorinated biphenyls, Neponset River and Neponset 

River Estuary, eastern Massachusetts: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2011–5004, 143 p. 

(Also available at http://pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2011/5004.)
iii

Acknowledgments

For assistance with laboratory analysis and operations, the author thanks Teresa Rawsthorne 

(AYXS Analytical Services, Ltd.) and Bonnie White (SGS, Inc.), and for their continued support, 

the author thanks Brian Graber, Joan Kimball, Timothy Purinton, and Gabriel Stebbins of the 

Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, Division of Ecological Restoration, Riverways 

Program. Aimee Accinno also provided editorial assistance. 

The author expresses his gratitude to the following U.S. Geological Survey colleagues for their 

cooperation and assistance with sampling: Stacey Archfield, Kirk Smith, Jason Sorenson, and 

Marcus Waldron; and for technical and editorial assistance, Mary Ashman, Wade Bryant, 

Leslie DeSimone, Gregory Granato, and Christine Mendelsohn. 
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
v

Contents

Acknowledgments........................................................................................................................................iii

Abstract...........................................................................................................................................................1

Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................2

Purpose and Scope ..............................................................................................................................6

Streamflow, Sediments, and Water Quality in the Neponset River Drainage Basin .................6

Sources of PCBs in the Neponset River Drainage Basin ...............................................................8

PCB Chemistry, Use, and Environmental Presence ...............................................................................12

Study Design.................................................................................................................................................15

Mathematical Analysis of PCB-Congener Data .....................................................................................20

Concentrations of PCBs and Other Constituents in Water, Sediment, and Fish ...............................23

PCBs in Sediment................................................................................................................................24

PCBs in Water .....................................................................................................................................24

Dissolved PCBs ..........................................................................................................................24

Particulate PCBs ........................................................................................................................28

PCBs in Fish .........................................................................................................................................29

Loads of PCBs from the Neponset River to the Neponset River Estuary ...........................................32

Loads of PCBs through the Braided-Channel Area ...............................................................................33

Sources of PCBs ..........................................................................................................................................33

Relative Abundances, Concentrations, and Root-Mean-Square Difference ...........................34

Cluster Analysis...................................................................................................................................35

History of PCB Contamination in the Neponset River ...................................................................39

Summary........................................................................................................................................................49

References Cited..........................................................................................................................................50

Appendix 1. Sampling and Sample Processing Techniques ...........................................................101

Appendix 2. Chemical Analysis of Water, Sediment, and Fish ........................................................105

Appendix 3. Quality Assurance and Quality Control .........................................................................109

Appendix 4. Polychlorinated Biphenyl Masses Measured in Water Samples ............................125

Appendix 5. Polychlorinated Biphenyl Masses Measured in Commercially Available 

Aroclors..........................................................................................................................................139
vi

Figures

1. Map showing the Neponset River, Neponset River Estuary, Mother Brook, and 

Meadow Brook, Massachusetts................................................................................................3

2. Map showing bottom-sediment sampling locations in Mother Brook and the 

Neponset River and Estuary, Massachusetts, 2002 and 2005...............................................4

3. Map showing passive in situ chemical-extraction sampler locations in Mother Brook, 

the Neponset River, and the Neponset River Estuary, Massachusetts, 2002, 2004, 

and 2005..........................................................................................................................................5

4. Photographs showing (A) Mother Brook, (B) Tileston and Hollingsworth Impoundment, 

(C) Walter Baker Impoundment, (D) Neponset River Estuary head of tide, (E) Neponset 

River Estuary, and (F) Dorchester Bay with the City of Boston in the background, 

Massachusetts..............................................................................................................................7

5. Photographs showing (A) USGS streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village 

(011055566) and (B) Walter Baker Dam.....................................................................................8

6. Graph showing summary statistics for streamflow measured at the USGS streamgage 

Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566)..........................................................................9

7. Photograph showing breach of Walter Baker Dam, Neponset River, Massachusetts, 

in 2007 ...........................................................................................................................................11

8. Photograph showing the Braided Channel reach in the Neponset River, 

Massachusetts............................................................................................................................11

9. Schematic diagram of polychlorinated biphenyl isomers (A) 2,2’,3,3’,5,5’ hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 133) and (B) 2,2’,3,3’,4,5’ hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 130) ...............................12

10. Photographs showing U.S. Geological Survey scientist collecting surficial (top 

4 inches) sediment samples by means of (A) a stainless-steel dredge in water deeper 

than 3 feet and (B) a Teflon scoop in water shallower than 3 feet.....................................16

11. Photographs showing (A) white sucker and (B) common mummichog collected from 

the Neponset River and Estuary, respectively, as well as the (C) collection and 

(D) processing of white sucker ................................................................................................18

12. Photographs showing (A) measurement of streamflow by means of an acoustic 

doppler current profiler, Blue Hill Parkway (Route 28), Mattapan and Milton, 

Massachusetts; and (B) U.S. Geological Survey staff collecting an isokinetic equalwidth-integrated water sample with a DH-81 sampler suspended by a three-wheel 

base, Blue Hill Parkway, Mattapan and Milton, Massachusetts........................................20

13. Photographs showing passive in situ chemical-extraction samplers deployed in nontidal parts of the Neponset River and Mother Brook in (A) deep water (deeper than 

about 2 feet), (B) shallow water (shallower than about 2 feet) and in tidal parts of the 

Neponset River Estuary suspended from (C) bridges, and (D) pilings...............................21

14. Graphs showing relative abundances of (A) dissolved and (B) particulate PCB 

congeners in a flow-proportional water sample collected during July 2005 ...................27

15. Graphs showing relative abundances of polychlorinated biphenyls in white-sucker 

(A) fillets and (B) whole fish collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth 

Impoundment and in (C) fillets and (D) whole fish collected from the Walter Baker 

Impoundment...............................................................................................................................30

16. Graphs showing relative abundances of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in bottomsediment grab samples collected from (A) Mother Brook near the Verizon Building 

(BGY–140), (B) Mother Brook near facility #2 (BGY–141), (C) the Neponset River near 

Fulton Street (BGY–104), and (D) the Neponset River at Fairmont Avenue (BGY–106)...36
vii

17. Graphs showing total PCB concentrations and root mean square differences measured in (A) bottom-sediment grab samples and (B) passive in situ chemical-extraction 

samplers (PISCES)......................................................................................................................38

18. Graphs showing relative abundances of polychlorinated biphenyls in passive in situ 

chemical-extraction samplers deployed in 2005 in (A) Mother Brook at Reservation 

Road, (B) Mother Brook at Hyde Park, (C) the Neponset River at Paul’s Bridge, and 

(D) the Neponset River at Fairmont Avenue...........................................................................40

19. Dendrograms of PCB-concentration data from (A) bottom-sediment grab samples 

and (B) passive in situ chemical-extraction samples...........................................................42

20. Graphs showing relative abundances of polychlorinated biphenyls measured in 

(A) Aroclor 1016, (B) Aroclor 1242, (C) Aroclor 1254, and (D) Aroclor 1260.......................44

21. Graphs showing relative abundances (expressed as decimal fractions) of (A) PCB 153 

and PCB 138 + 163 + 164 in passive in situ chemical-extraction samplers and (B) PCB 

153 and PCB 138 + 163 + 164 in bottom-sediment grab samples ........................................46

22. Graphs showing daily mean discharges measured at U.S. Geological Survey 

streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 

during passive chemical-extraction sampler (PISCES) deployment in 2002, 2004, 

and 2005........................................................................................................................................48

Tables

1. Daily mean discharge measured at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset 

River at Milton Village (011055566), 2005 and 2006................................................................10

2. Polychlorinated biphenyl names and numbers designated by the International Union 

of Pure and Applied Chemistry.................................................................................................13

3. Bottom-sediment grab-sampling and passive in situ chemical-extraction sampler 

sampling locations in Mother Brook and the Neponset River and Estuary, 

Massachusetts, 2002, 2004, and 2005......................................................................................17

4. Characteristics of white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) and common 

mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) collected from the Neponset River and Estuary, 

Massachusetts............................................................................................................................19

5. Collection data for water-quality samples, U.S. Geological Survey streamgage 

Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, May 2005 

through April 2006.......................................................................................................................20

6. Deployment intervals and physical properties of water at locations sampled for 

polychlorinated biphenyls by passive in situ chemical-extraction samplers, 2004 

and 2005........................................................................................................................................22

7. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations measured in bottom-sediment grab samples 

collected from Mother Brook and the Neponset River and Estuary, Massachusetts, 

in 2005 ...........................................................................................................................................54

8. Element concentrations measured in surficial (top 4 inches) sediments collected from 

Mother Brook and the Neponset River and Estuary, Massachusetts, in 2005.................25

9. Particulate, dissolved (less than one micron), and total polychlorinated biphenyl 

concentrations and loads, U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at 

Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, May 2005 through April 2006 .........26

10. Concentrations of dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls measured in water samples 

collected at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village 

(011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–2006 ...................................................................62
viii

11. Concentrations of particulate polychlorinated biphenyls measured in water samples 

collected at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village 

(011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–2006 ...................................................................66

12. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) 

collected from the Neponset River, Massachusetts, 2005 ..................................................70

13. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in the whole bodies of common 

mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) collected from the Neponset River Estuary, 

Massachusetts, 2005..................................................................................................................75

14. Masses and concentrations of total polychlorinated biphenyls measured in water 

samples collected at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton 

Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, October and November 2005 .....................78

15. Concentrations of particulate and dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls in water 

upstream (at Blue Hill Avenue) and downstream (at Central Avenue) of the Braided 

Channel, Neponset River, Massachusetts, October 15, 2005..............................................82

16. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in hexane measured in passive in situ 

chemical-extraction samplers deployed in Mother Brook and the Neponset River 

and Estuary from July 25 through August 12, 2005................................................................88

17. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in hexane measured in passive in situ 

chemical-extraction samplers deployed concurrently with the collection and analysis 

of white sucker tissue, Neponset River, Massachusetts, 2004...........................................96
ix

Conversion Factors and Abbreviations

Inch/Pound to SI

Multiply By To obtain

Length

inch (in.) 25,400 micrometer (μm)

inch (in.) 2.54 centimeter (cm)

inch (in.) 25.4 millimeter (mm)

foot (ft) 0.3048 meter (m)

mile (mi) 1.609 kilometer (km)

Area

acre 4,047 square meter (m2

)

square mile (mi2

) 2.590 square kilometer (km2)

Volume

gallon (gal) 3.785 liter (L)

gallon (gal) 0.003785 cubic meter (m3

)

million gallons (Mgal) 3,785 cubic meter (m3

)

cubic inch (in3

) 16.39 cubic centimeter (cm3)

million cubic foot (Mft3

) 0.02832 million cubic meter (Mm3)

Flow rate

cubic foot per second (ft3

/s) 0.02832 cubic meter per second (m3/s)

gallon per day (gal/d) 0.003785 cubic meter per day (m3

/d)

million gallons per day (Mgal/d) 0.04381 cubic meter per second (m3

/s)

Mass

ounce, avoirdupois (oz) 28.35 gram (g)

pound, avoirdupois (lb) 0.4536 kilogram (kg)

ton, short (2,000 lb) 0.9072 megagram (Mg)

Density

pound per cubic foot (lb/ft3

) 0.01602 gram per cubic centimeter (g/cm3)

Specific conductance is given in microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius (μS/cm at 

25°C). 

Temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) may be converted to degrees Fahrenheit (°F) as follows:

 °F=(1.8×°C)+32

Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (°F) may be converted to degrees Celsius (°C) as follows:

 °C=(°F–32)/1.8

Concentrations of chemical constituents in water are given either in milligrams per liter 

(mg/L) or micrograms per liter (μg/L). Concentrations of PCBs and some elements are given in 

micrograms per liter (μg/L) or parts per million (ppm), nanograms per liter (ng/L) or parts per 

trillion (ppt), and pictograms per liter (pg/L) or parts per quadrillion (ppq) for water; nanograms 

per gram wet weight (ng/g wet wt) or parts per billion (ppb), and picograms per gram wet weight 

(pg/g wet wt) or parts per trillion (ppt) for fish tissue; ppb for blood; ppm and ppb for human milk 

and fat; and milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) (ppm) and ng/g (ppb) for bottom sediment. 
x

ABBREVIATIONS

ACOE Army Corps of Engineers

ADCP acoustic Doppler current profiler

AhR aryl-hydrocarbon receptor

CCC continuous chronic criterion

CSO combined sewer overflows

DLC dioxin-like compounds

DCM dichloromethane

DIW deionized water

DO dissolved oxygen

ECD electron-capture detection

EI electron ionization

EWI equal-width increment

GC gas chromatograph

GC/ECD gas chromatography with electron capture detector

GFF glass-fiber filter

HRGC/LRMS high-resolution gas chromatography/low-resolution mass spectrometry

HRGC/HRMS high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry

ICP-MS inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

IUPAC International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry

MassDEP Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

MDWSC Massachusetts Department of Waste Site Clean Up

MID multiple ion detection

MS quadruple mass spectrometer

MSD mass selective detector

MWRA Massachusetts Water Resources Authority

NepRWA Neponset River Watershed Association

PAH polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

PCBs polychlorinated biphenyls

PCDD polychlorinated dibenzodioxin compounds

PISCES passive in situ chemical-extraction samplers

QA/QC quality assurance/quality control

RMSD root mean square difference

RPD relative percent difference

SOP standard operating procedure

TCDD tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin

TEF toxic equivalency factors

TEQ toxic equivalence

USEPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

USGS U.S. Geological Survey

WHO World Health Organization
Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated 

Biphenyls, Neponset River and Neponset River Estuary, 

Eastern Massachusetts

By Robert F. Breault

Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are known to 

contaminate the Neponset River, which flows through parts 

of Boston, Massachusetts, and empties into the Neponset 

River Estuary, an important fish-spawning area. The river is 

dammed and impassable to fish. The U.S. Geological Survey, 

in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Fish 

and Game, Division of Ecological Restoration, Riverways 

Program, collected, analyzed, and interpreted PCB data from 

bottom-sediment, water, and (or) fish-tissue samples in 2002, 

2004–2006. Samples from the Neponset River and Neponset 

River Estuary were analyzed for 209 PCB congeners, PCB 

homologs, and Aroclors. In order to better assess the overall 

health quality of river-bottom sediments, sediment samples 

were also tested for concentrations of 31 elements.

PCB concentrations measured in the top layers of bottom 

sediment ranged from 28 nanograms per gram (ng/g) just 

upstream of the Mother Brook confluence to 24,900 ng/g 

measured in Mother Brook. Concentrations of elements in 

bottom sediment were generally higher than background 

concentrations and higher than levels considered toxic to 

benthic organisms according to freshwater sediment-quality 

guidelines defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency. Concentrations of dissolved PCBs in water samples 

collected from the Neponset River (May 13, 2005 to 

April 28, 2006) averaged about 9.2 nanograms per liter 

(ng/L) (annual average of monthly values); however, during 

the months of August (about 16.5 ng/L) and September 

(about 15.6 ng/L), dissolved PCB concentrations were 

greater than 14 ng/L, the U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency’s freshwater continuous chronic criterion for aquatic 

organisms. Concentrations of PCBs in white sucker (fillets 

and whole fish) were all greater than 2,000 ng/g wet wt, the 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s guideline for safe 

consumption of fish: PCB concentrations measured in fishtissue samples collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth 

and Walter Baker Impoundments were 3,490 and 2,450 ng/g 

wet wt (filleted) and 6,890 and 4,080 ng/g wet wt (whole fish). 

Total PCB-congener concentrations measured in the whole 

bodies of estuarine bait fish (common mummichog) averaged 

708 ng/g wet wt. 

PCBs that pass from the Neponset River to the 

Neponset River Estuary are either dissolved or associated with 

particulate matter (including living and nonliving material) 

suspended in the water column. A small proportion of PCBs 

may also be transported as part of the body burden of fish and 

wildlife. During the period May 13, 2005 to April 28, 2006, 

about 5,100 g (3.8 L or 1 gal) of PCBs were transported from 

the Neponset River to the Neponset River Estuary. Generally, 

about one-half of these PCBs were dissolved in the water 

column and the other half were associated with particulate 

matter; however, the proportion that was either dissolved or 

particulate varied seasonally. Most PCBs transported from the 

river to the estuary are composed of four or fewer chlorine 

atoms per biphenyl molecule.

The data suggest that widespread PCB contamination of 

the lower Neponset River originated from Mother Brook, a 

Neponset River tributary, starting sometime around the early 

1950s or earlier. In 1955, catastrophic dam failure caused by 

flooding likely released PCB-contaminated sediment downstream and into the Neponset River Estuary. PCBs from this 

source area likely continued to be released after the flood and 

during subsequent rebuilding of downstream dams. Today 

(2007), PCBs are mostly trapped behind these dams; however, some PCBs either diffuse or are entrained back into the 

water column and are transported downstream by river water 

into the estuary or volatilize into the atmosphere. In addition 

to the continuing release of PCBs from historically contaminated bottom sediment, PCBs are still (2007) originating from 

source areas along Mother and Meadow Brook as well as other 

sources along the river and Boston Harbor. PCBs from the 

river (transported by river water) and from the harbor (transported by tidal action) appear to have contaminated parts of 

the Neponset River Estuary.
2 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Introduction

The Neponset River, a tributary to Boston Harbor, has 

been dammed in some fashion for the past 350 years 

(fig. 1). Historically, the river supported abundant populations 

of American shad (Alosa sapidissima), river herring (alewife, 

Alosa pseudoharengus), and blueback herring (Alosa 

aestivalis). While the Neponset River Estuary continues to 

support an important fishery of rainbow smelt (Osmerus 

mordax), two dams in the lower Neponset River block passage 

for shad and herring. Following a habitat survey in 1995, 

the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife of the 

Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game within the 

Riverways Program, began to stock both shad and herring 

upstream of the two dams in anticipation of fish passage (U.S. 

Army Corps of Engineers, written commun., 2002).

Environmental managers and local advocates have proposed river-restoration efforts, such as channel restoration for 

habitat improvements and fish-passage alternatives, including 

the installation of engineered fishways, dam breaching, and 

removal of the two downstream dams on the lower Neponset 

River—the Walter Baker Dam (fig. 1) and the Tileston and 

Hollingsworth Dam (fig. 1; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 

written commun., 2002). Fish passage at these dams would 

open access to more than 17 mi of riverine habitat to migratory fish and facilitate increased recreational use of the lower 

Neponset River, the section of the river from Fowl Meadow 

to the Walter Baker Dam in Milton (U.S. Army Corps of 

Engineers, written commun., 2002).

Whether a river is restored through dam removal, other 

efforts, or a combination of dam removal and other efforts, 

data indicating the quality and quantity of bottom sediment 

are needed as the basis for informed sediment-management 

decisions. These data are especially important in the case of 

dam removal. Because the physical and chemical properties 

of most contaminants favor solid phase (or sediment) associations (Horowitz, 1991), accumulated fine-grained bottom 

sediment usually is associated with contaminants. These 

contaminants include elements and organic compounds, which 

can enter a river through waste disposal, urban runoff, sanitary 

sewers, atmospheric deposition, and inadvertent spills. As the 

contaminated sediments travel downstream, they commonly 

accumulate in the slack water behind dams.

In 2002, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) 

completed a study on the environmental effects of dam 

removal that focused on fish passage and habitat restoration 

(U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, written commun., 2002). 

Although the ACOE study was not primarily focused on 

sediment quality, two bottom sediment cores were collected—

one from the Walter Baker impoundment and one from the 

Tileston and Hollingsworth impoundment. These bottom-sediment cores were enriched in many contaminants, most notably 

polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Increased public dialogue about restoration of the 

Neponset River, combined with extensive dam construction, 

the long history of industrialization and urbanization along 

the river, and a preliminary knowledge of the occurrence and 

geographic distribution of sediment contaminants, including 

PCBs, in the lower Neponset River, led to a cooperative 

agreement between the Massachusetts Department of Fish 

and Game, Division of Ecological Restoration, Riverways 

Program (Riverways Program), and the U.S. Geological 

Survey (USGS). This partnership was formed with the 

intention of measuring the extent and magnitude of PCB 

contamination and, if possible, determining the source(s) of 

PCBs to the river. 

The major goal of this partnership was the collection of 

bottom-sediment and water-quality data from the Neponset 

River in 2002 and 2003 (Breault and others, 2004b; figs. 2 

and 3). Samples of sediment and water were collected at 

63 sampling stations along the lower Neponset River (Paul’s 

Bridge to the Walter Baker Dam) by sediment grab samplers 

(20 stations), sediment-core samplers (31 stations), and 

passive in situ chemical-extraction samplers (PISCES) (12 

stations). Sediment samples were tested for concentrations 

of 31 elements, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 

PCBs, and organochlorine pesticides, and also for grain-size 

distribution, to assess the overall health of river sediments. 

Selected bottom-sediment and PISCES samples were tested 

for 209 individual PCB congeners. 

The USGS, on the basis of results from the 2002 data 

collection, found that bottom sediment in part of the lower 

Neponset River was contaminated with concentrations of 

PCBs above levels considered safe for aquatic organisms by 

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) (Breault 

and others, 2004b). Data collected in 2002 from PISCES, 

which were deployed in the river’s water column, indicate 

that PCBs in the lower Neponset River were mostly from 

PCB-contaminated sediment just downstream of the confluence with Mother Brook (fig. 1). PISCES data also indicated 

that PCB contamination in river water likely was derived 

from several different sources; however, the exact locations of 

historical contamination could not be determined. Although 

inconclusive, these data did indicate that a major source of 

PCBs was likely on or near the confluence of the Neponset 

River with Mother Brook, a small tributary, and that PCBs in 

the river have been heavily chemically weathered (Breault and 

others, 2004a).

As a result of the USGS study (Breault and others, 

2004a), it was determined that more information concerning concentrations, loads, and sources of PCBs would help 

environmental managers answer questions concerning the 

concentrations of PCBs in riverine and estuarine sediments, 

water, and fish; the quantity of PCBs transported to the estuary 

from the river; and the exact location(s) of PCB-source areas 

(or places where PCB contamination originated). To this end, 

the USGS, in cooperation with the Riverways Program, began 

this second study of the Neponset River with the objective of 

answering these remaining questions by sampling water, sediment, and fish tissue and analyzing each for PCB congeners by 

means of gas chromatography.
Introduction 3

Neponset River

24

95

93

95

3

Walter Baker Dam Neponset River 

Estuary Tileston and 

Hollingsworth Dam

Boston 

Harbor

Neponset River 

Estuary

Mother Brook

Paul's Bridge

Braided Channel

Charles River

Meadow

Brook

Fowl Meadow

Facility #1

Facility #2

Facility #3

BOSTON

DEDHAM DOVER

MEDFIELD

CANTON

WALPOLE

SHARON

STOUGHTON

QUINCY

MILTON

FOXBOROUGH

WESTWOOD

NORWOOD

BROOKLINE

AVON

BROCKTON

EASTON WRENTHAM

NORFOLK

HOLBROOK

RANDOLPH BRAINTREE

MILLIS

SHERBORN

NEWTON

0 50 MILES

0 50 KILOMETERS

EXPLANATION

Basin boundary

Towns

5 KILOMETERS

5 MILES

0

0

BOSTON

73°00'

42°30'

41°30'

71°00'

70°00'

Massachusetts

Bay

Nantucket

Sound

BOSTON

MASSACHUSETTS

50,000

950,000

900,000

800,000

850,000

100,000 150,000 200,000

Neponset River Basin

250,000

300,000

42°00'

72°00'

213,250 223,250 233,250 243,250

868,250

878,250

888,250

898,250

Base from U.S. Geological Survey digital data, 1:25,000, 1991,

Lambert conformal conic projection. NAD 83

Figure 1. The Neponset River, Neponset River Estuary, Mother Brook, and Meadow Brook, Massachusetts. The Neponset 

River Drainage Basin is the unshaded area.
4 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Neponset River

BOSTON

DEDHAM

DOVER

WALPOLE

CANTON

QUINCY

MILTON

WESTWOOD

NORWOOD

BROOKLINE

HOLBROOK

RANDOLPH BRAINTREE

NEWTON

24

Boston 

Harbor

Mother Brook

Charles River

95

95

93

NEEDHAM

3

EXPLANATION

Basin boundary

Towns

Sampler location Sampler name and identifier

Mother Brook

Neponset River upstream of Tileston and

Hollingsworth (T&H) Impoundment

Neponset River between Tileston and

Hollingsworth (T&H) Impoundment and

Walter Baker Impoundment

Neponset River Estuary

Meadow

Brook

223,250 233,250 243,250

878,250

888,250

898,250

South of Boston Scientific

building building.(QYY-002)

Near Star Market

(BGY-102)

Upstream T&H Impoundment (BGY-112)

Fairmont Avenue (BGY-106) 

Upstream impoundment on

Mother Brook (DDY-001)

Downstream impoundment on

Mother Brook(BGY-139)

Near facility #2 (BGY-141)

Near Verizon building (BGY-140)

Near facility #3 (BGY-142)

Near Fulton St. (BGY-104)

Near Mother Brook confluence (BGY-105)

Braided Channel

(M2Y-012) 

Walter Baker Impoundment (BGY-133)

Near Gulliver Creek (M2Y-014)

Near Route 93 (BGY-143)

Near Landfill (BGY-144)

Near Port Norfolk Yacht Club (BGY-145)

Near Milton Village Marina (M2Y-013)

Braided Channel (sediment core)(BGY-128)

Walter Baker Impoundment (sediment core) (BGY-137)

T&H Impoundment

(sediment core) (M2Y-002)

Near Adams Inn (QYY-001)

Near Star Market

(BGY-102)

Upstream T&H Impoundment (BGY-112)

Fairmont Avenue (BGY-106) 

Upstream impoundment on

Mother Brook (DDY-001)

Downstream impoundment on

Mother Brook(BGY-139)

Near facility #2 (BGY-141)

Near Verizon building (BGY-140)

Near facility #3 (BGY-142)

Near Fulton St. (BGY-104)

Near Mother Brook confluence (BGY-105)

Braided Channel

(M2Y-012)

Walter Baker Impoundment (BGY-133)

Near Gulliver Creek (M2Y-014)

Near Route 93 (BGY-143)

Near Landfill (BGY-144)

South of Boston Scientific

building building.(QYY-002)

Near Port Norfolk Yacht Club (BGY-145)

North of Boston

Scientific building 

(QYY-003)

Near Milton Village Marina (M2Y-013)

Braided Channel (sediment core)(BGY-128)

Walter Baker Impoundment (sediment core) (BGY-137)

T&H Impoundment

(sediment core) (M2Y-002)

Near Adams Inn (QYY-001)

Base from U.S. Geological Survey digital data, 1:25,000, 1991,

Lambert conformal conic projection. NAD 83

Near Star Market (BGY-102)

5 KILOMETERS

5 MILES

0

0

Figure 2. Bottom-sediment sampling locations in Mother Brook and the Neponset River and Estuary, Massachusetts, 2002 and 2005. 

The Neponset River Drainage Basin is the unshaded area. T&H is Tileston and Hollingsworth.
Introduction 5

Neponset River

BOSTON

DEDHAM DOVER

CANTON

QUINCY

MILTON

WESTWOOD

NORWOOD

BROOKLINE

HOLBROOK

RANDOLPH BRAINTREE

NEWTON

24

Boston 

Harbor

Charles River

95

95

93

NEEDHAM

3

Meadow

Brook

Basin boundary

Towns

EXPLANATION

Sampler location

Mother Brook

Neponset River, upstream of Tileston and Hollingsworth

(T&H) Impoundment

Neponset River, between Tileston and Hollingsworth (T&H)

Impoundment and Walter Baker Impoundment

Neponset River Estuary

5 KILOMETERS

5 MILES

0

0

WALPOLE

Buoy

Neponset Avenue (Route 3A)

Granite Avenue

Walter Baker 

Impoundment

Central Avenue

Braided Channel

Downstream T&H Impoundment

Upstream T&H Impoundment

Paul's Bridge

Martini Shell

Fairmont Avenue

Kennedy Playground

Ryan Playground

Milton Village Marina

Incinerator Road

Dana Avenue

Hyde Park Avenue

Reservation Park

Facility #2

Neponset Street

Buoy

Neponset Avenue (Route 3A)

Granite Avenue

Walter Baker 

Impoundment

Central Avenue

Braided Channel

Downstream T&H Impoundment

Upstream T&H Impoundment

Paul's Bridge

Martini Shell

Fairmont Avenue

Kennedy Playground

Ryan Playground

Milton Village Marina

Incinerator Road

Dana Avenue

Hyde Park Avenue

Reservation Park

Facility #2

Neponset Street

Pleasant Street

223,250 233,250 243,250

878,250

888,250

898,250

Base from U.S. Geological Survey digital data, 1:25,000, 1991,

Lambert conformal conic projection. NAD 83

Figure 3. Passive in situ chemical-extraction sampler locations in Mother Brook, the Neponset River, and the Neponset River Estuary, 

Massachusetts, 2002, 2004, and 2005. The Neponset River Drainage Basin is the unshaded area. T&H is Tileston and Hollingsworth.
6 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Purpose and Scope

This report describes the findings of the second USGS 

study, in which, concentrations, loads, and sources of PCBs 

were investigated by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data from a number of sample types, including bottomsediment grab samples, directly collected water samples, 

fish-tissue samples, and extracts from PISCES. PCB loading 

from the river to the estuary was quantified by chemical phase 

(dissolved, particulate, and total). The likelihood that PCBs 

would be transported from an area of the river contaminated 

with PCBs during large storms is also discussed. Finally, the 

report describes historical and present-day (2007) PCB-source 

areas. The report also presents data for 31 elements in samples 

of river-bottom sediments. These data, combined with the 

PCB results, provide an additional perspective on the overall 

quality of river-bottom sediment.

The data presented here will help environmental managers evaluate the advantages and limitations of fish-passage 

alternatives and sediment-management options. Possible 

options include dredging and removal of contaminated sediment, channel restoration with stabilization of contaminated 

sediment, breaching and removal of dams to allow redistribution of contaminated sediment downstream, and (or) leaving contaminated sediment in place. Knowledge of existing 

concentrations and distribution patterns of contaminants, as 

well as the location and persistence of PCB source areas in the 

river may guide the selection of the most cost-effective and 

environmentally beneficial river-restoration strategies. 

Streamflow, Sediments, and Water Quality in 

the Neponset River Drainage Basin

The Neponset River is one of several major rivers that 

discharge to Boston Harbor. Flowing about 28 mi from its 

headwaters in Foxborough, MA, the Neponset River drains 

about 101 mi2

 of land—half of which can be classified as 

urban—as it passes through 14 Massachusetts cities and towns 

until it reaches the Neponset River Estuary (fig. 4E). Tidal for 

about another 3 mi (draining a total area of about 117 mi2

), 

the Neponset River ultimately discharges to Dorchester Bay 

(fig. 4F). The discharge of freshwater to the estuary has been 

measured by the USGS streamgage at Milton Village (station 

number 011055566; fig. 5A) since late 1996. On average, 

about 27 Mft3

/d or 202 Mgal/d (mean annual discharge for 

the period of record (water year1

 (WY) 1997–2005), equal to 

about 312 ft3

/s) of freshwater flows daily into Dorchester Bay. 

Most (80 percent) of the time, the daily mean discharge is 

between 39 and 777 ft3

/s (U.S. Geological Survey, 2010) 

(fig. 6, table 1).

1

 Water year in USGS reports dealing with surface-water supply is the 

12-month period October 1 through September 30. The water year is designated by the calendar year in which it ends and which includes 9 of the 

12 months. 

The Neponset River also receives flow from the adjacent 

Charles River Basin through Mother Brook, a flood-diversion 

structure built in 1630. As much as one-third of flood flows in 

the Charles River, which are equivalent to the flow generated 

from about 60 mi2

 of drainage area of the Neponset River, 

are commonly diverted through Mother Brook to prevent 

flooding in downtown Boston (Boston Parks and Recreation 

Department, 2002). Historically, water diverted from the 

Charles River to the Neponset River through Mother Brook 

was used to flood fields or provide power to mills. The 

discharge in Mother Brook has been measured by the USGS 

(station number 01104000) since late 1931. On average, about 

6.5 Mft3

/d or 49 Mgal/d (mean annual discharge for the period 

of record (WY 1932–2005), equal to about 75.7 ft3

/s) of water 

flows daily into the Neponset River. Most (80 percent) of the 

time, the daily mean discharge is between 1.4 and 201 ft3

/sec 

(U.S. Geological Survey, 2010).

Perhaps the most visible human alteration that has 

affected streamflow in the basin is the construction of dams, 

which has fragmented the river and changed low flows, high 

flows, and other hydrologic characteristics. Today (2007), 

51 dams impound the waters of the Neponset River and its 

tributaries. These dams have also changed sediment regimes 

by trapping sediment in the impoundments behind the dams 

(Heinz Center, 2002). Whereas this is true for the Neponset 

River, it appears, at least with respect to the Tileston and 

Hollingsworth and Walter Baker Impoundments, that the river 

is at equilibrium with respect to siltation (Jim McBroom, 

McBroom and McBride, oral commun., 2006). In other 

words, the two most downstream impoundments are no longer 

accumulating sediment from year to year. At the time of this 

writing (2007), the lower dam has been breached (fig. 7); as a 

result, most of the sediment that was trapped behind this dam 

appears to have been transported downstream (Jim McBroom, 

McBroom and McBride, oral commun., 2006) along with 

associated contaminants.

Most bottom sediment in the lower Neponset River is just 

upstream of the dams or in an area that was impounded before 

1955, locally known as the Braided Channel (fig. 8). This 

area was once impounded by the Jenkins Dam, which was 

destroyed by flooding caused by two successive hurricanes 

(Connie and Diane) that hit the Northeast on August 3–13 and 

August 10–19, 1955, respectively (Dunn and others, 1955). 

Other dams along the Neponset River were also destroyed 

by the floods. Although the Jenkins Dam was never rebuilt, 

some of the sediment deposits that accumulated behind the 

dam remain. Since 1955, the river has incised itself into these 

sediments, creating a landform called an anabranched channel 

that can be described as a meandering gravel-bed river with 

midchannel islands. Sediments trapped behind the remaining 

dams, for the most part, are composed of silts to fine sands in 

submerged, wedge-like deposits (Jim McBroom, McBroom 

and McBride, oral commun., 2006), whereas sediments in the 

anabranched channel are exposed and vegetated. The channel 

in free-flowing sections of the river is generally composed of 
Introduction 7

A

B

D

E

C F

Figure 4. (A) Mother Brook, (B) Tileston and Hollingsworth Impoundment, (C) Walter Baker Impoundment, (D) Neponset River Estuary 

head of tide, (E) Neponset River Estuary, and (F) Dorchester Bay with the City of Boston in the background, Massachusetts.
8 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

A B

Figure 5. (A) USGS streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566) and (B) Walter Baker Dam.

coarse-grained sediment overlain by a thin layer (less than 1 ft 

thick) of fine-grained sediment.

Like most urban rivers in the Northeast, the Neponset 

River has had a long industrial history. Industrialization and 

subsequent urbanization began in the Neponset River Basin 

as early as 1630. By the mid-1700s, the Neponset River was 

draining one of the most heavily industrialized basins in the 

Nation (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, written commun., 

2002). Perhaps the best known industry that operated in the 

Neponset River Drainage Basin was the chocolate industry; 

Baker Chocolate operated for 200 years along the banks of the 

Neponset River (1765–1965). The Massachusetts Department 

of Waste Site Clean Up (MDWSC) has documented several 

sites of PCB contamination throughout the basin, and many 

other contaminated sites likely remain undocumented 

(Chris Poytt, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, oral 

commun., 2007).

The quality of the river has also been investigated with 

respect to constituents other than PCBs, most notably fecal 

coliform bacteria. This bacterial contamination has been 

attributed to leaking sewer pipes, illicit connections of sanitary 

sewers to storm drains, failing septic systems, stormwater 

runoff, and combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in the basin 

(Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, 

2002). Since 1994, citizen groups and State, local, and Federal 

agencies have been collecting water-quality samples from the 

Neponset River. Recently (1995–2007), this work has been 

spearheaded by members of the Neponset River Watershed 

Association (NepRWA). Other water-quality problems in the 

river include excessive nutrients and plant growth, low dissolved oxygen (DO), siltation, trash and debris, color, odor, 

toxic metals, and oil and grease (Neponset River Watershed 

Association and University of Massachusetts Urban Harbors 

Institute, 2004).

Sources of PCBs in the Neponset River Drainage 

Basin

Soil, sediment, and water in some parts of the Neponset 

River Drainage Basin are known to have been contaminated 

with PCBs. For example, in 1983, the Massachusetts 

Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) found that 

soil and groundwater collected from a 26-acre property in 

Norwood, MA (facility #1; fig. 1), and bottom sediment collected from Meadow Brook, which flows along this property 

before its confluence with the Neponset River, were contaminated with PCBs at concentrations as high as 26,000 mg/kg 

(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2005). The source 

of these PCBs is likely the disposal of waste from electronics research, electrical-equipment manufacturing, or both, 

between 1947 and 1979 (U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency, 2004). Long-term remediation at this site included 

the removal of more than 500 tons of contaminated soil 

(1983); capping and fencing (1986); groundwater treatment 

(1996–2000); and river restoration of Meadow Brook (1997). 

Groundwater PCB concentrations measured in 2002 ranged 

from 0.05 to 12 μg/L (U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency, 2004).

In 1986, Briggs Associates found that soil and groundwater collected from a 4-acre property in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston, MA (facility #2; fig. 1), was contaminated 

with PCBs and other contaminants (Shaw Environmental, 

2004). In subsequent studies, bottom sediment collected from 

Mother Brook, which also runs along this property, was also 

found to be contaminated with PCBs at concentrations as 

high as 104 mg/kg (Shaw Environmental, 2004). The sources 

of these PCBs are likely the disposal of waste from aluminum and zinc die casting, machining, and painting, and the 
Introduction 9

Unshaded area shows range between highest and lowest daily mean discharge, Water Year 1997–2005.

Daily mean discharge (2005–2006) Mean daily discharge (Water Year 1997–2005)

EXPLANATION

10

20

50

100

200

500

1,000

2,000

4,000

DISCHARGE, IN CUBIC FEET PER SECOND

Oct.

14 28

Nov.

14 28

Dec.

14 28

Jan.

14 28

Feb.

14 28

Mar.

14 28

Apr.

14 28

May

14 28

June

14 28

July

14 28

Aug.

14 28

Sept.

14 28

2005 2006

Figure 6. Summary statistics for streamflow measured at the USGS streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566).

packaging of electrical hardware at facility #2 beginning in 

the 1940s (Shaw Environmental, 2004). A storm drain in the 

vicinity of facility #2 has also been implicated as a potential 

PCB source. Street dirt collected from an upstream catch 

basin was contaminated with PCBs (0.36 mg/kg); as a result, 

Shaw Environmental concluded that data from this storm drain 

...“indicates a possible upstream source of PCBs; however, no 

specific upstream sources have been identified to date (Shaw 

Environmental, 2004, p. 3-3).” Remediation efforts at this site 

have included the removal of contaminated soil; groundwater 

treatment; the restoration of Mother Brook, which included the 

removal of about 2,500 tons of contaminated sediment and the 

construction of a barrier wall; an ecological risk assessment 

for Mother Brook downstream of the property (Shaw Environmental, 2004); and restoration of the downstream part of 

Mother Brook.

Additional sources of PCBs in the Neponset River Basin 

are likely given the history of industrialization in the basin. 

For example, in 2007, an oil-like substance inside a pipe 

uncovered during the excavation of Mother Brook was found 

to contain PCBs at a concentration of about 320 mg/kg (Chris 

Poytt, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, oral commun., 

2007). Presumably, this pipe connected a different factory 

(facility #3; fig. 1) to Mother Brook just downstream of facility #2. Facility #3 produced oil circuit breakers along the 

banks of Mother Brook beginning in the 1920s (Chris Poytt, 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, written commun., 

2007). Other potential source industries include a chemical 

transfer station that operated along the banks of the Neponset 

River and a paper-recycling facility. As remediation efforts in 

the Neponset River Basin continue, new information about the 

industrial history of the area becomes available.
10 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 1. Daily mean discharge measured at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), 2005 

and 2006.

[Daily mean discharge, mean, maximum, and minimum discharge are given in cubic feet per second; --, not applicable; MAX, maximum; MIN, minimum]

Day May-05 Jun-05 Jul-05 Aug-05 Sep-05 Oct-05 Nov-05 Dec-05 Jan-06 Feb-06 Mar-06 Apr-06

1 539 928 139 54 130 46 967 558 544 586 239 103

2 534 772 139 74 104 39 832 555 513 576 236 101

3 587 677 137 65 80 33 737 530 534 602 222 93

4 562 615 135 61 62 32 655 493 528 674 214 136

5 519 548 132 77 53 33 575 444 510 834 197 167

6 491 484 180 116 42 46 511 409 488 846 192 181

7 587 426 347 80 45 46 471 383 462 836 192 171

8 654 369 378 63 46 71 411 339 436 808 192 176

9 625 443 443 67 43 318 370 313 399 775 191 174

10 598 390 420 60 41 292 392 317 406 726 190 140

11 542 365 345 58 48 239 391 312 384 667 215 136

12 496 318 275 58 54 207 367 302 334 593 214 121

13 443 273 215 56 50 181 328 294 405 544 212 108

14 400 260 178 87 69 247 296 265 545 485 236 98

15 372 251 150 199 122 1,280 268 262 732 451 245 101

16 377 225 125 173 213 1,510 267 331 749 424 230 101

17 350 221 119 124 178 1,600 330 447 704 417 211 95

18 320 269 110 99 138 1,630 339 453 691 434 194 84

19 293 254 140 79 112 1,590 311 439 702 434 178 93

20 270 246 144 76 101 1,490 284 412 752 407 161 90

21 257 220 137 63 88 1,360 259 364 813 373 149 85

22 291 197 132 61 67 1,220 481 325 783 344 139 78

23 297 178 118 54 61 1,170 584 292 759 317 135 90

24 429 170 100 50 43 1,090 607 283 747 312 129 204

25 776 170 91 63 39 1,270 610 280 732 307 127 211

26 1,200 167 82 48 34 1,280 591 432 719 283 127 197

27 1,200 156 82 42 51 1,270 567 523 671 271 121 164

28 1,160 141 79 38 49 1,210 527 531 621 253 114 139

29 1,180 139 74 41 51 1,170 490 532 592 -- 115 116

30 1,100 139 74 113 57 1,120 522 568 596 -- 110 100

31 1,030 -- 74 127 -- 1,050 -- 553 592 -- 107 --

TOTAL 18,479 10,011 5,294 2,426 2,271 24,140 14,340 12,541 18,443 14,579 5,534 3,853

MEAN 596 334 171 78.3 75.7 779 478 405 595 521 179 128

MAX 1,200 928 443 199 213 1,630 967 568 813 846 245 211

MIN 257 139 74 38 34 32 259 262 334 253 107 78
Introduction 11

Figure 7. Breach of Walter Baker Dam, Neponset River, Massachusetts, in 2007.

Figure 8. The Braided Channel reach in the Neponset River, Massachusetts.
12 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

PCB Chemistry, Use, and Environmental 

Presence

PCBs are a group of organic compounds consisting 

of a biphenyl ring structure with 1 to 10 attached hydrogen 

or substituted chlorine atoms that theoretically form 209 

distinctly different chemical compounds known as congeners 

(fig. 9). Congeners are identified by IUPAC (International 

Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) numbers ranging from 

1 to 209 (also known as a PCB number), with 1 indicating the 

lowest number of attached chlorine atoms (and the highest 

number of hydrogen atoms) and 209 indicating the highest 

number of attached chlorine atoms (and the lowest number 

of hydrogen atoms). Each congener is also referred to by a 

chemical name based on the number of attached chlorine 

atoms2

 and the position of the chlorine atoms on the biphenyl 

molecule defined below (table 2, in back of report). Positions 

are referred to by name, with four ortho positions, four meta 

positions, and two para positions (fig. 9). There are no known 

sources of PCBs in the natural environment.

Congeners that are composed of the same number of 

attached chlorine atoms (1 to 10) but differ stereochemically 

(that is, in the position occupied by the chlorine atoms) are 

called isomers (fig. 9) and are members of the same homolog 

group. These groups (with the number of isomers in parentheses) include monochlorobiphenyl (3), dichlorobiphenyl (12), 

trichlorobiphenyl (24), tetrachlorobiphenyl (42), pentachlorobiphenyl (46), hexachlorobiphenyl (42), heptachlorobiphenyl 

(24), octachlorobiphenyl (12), nonachlorobiphenyl (3), and 

decachlorobiphenyl (1) (table 2, in back of report). The degree 

of chlorine substitution and the stereochemistry affect the 

persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxic potential of each PCB 

congener (Safe, 1994).

PCBs were commercially manufactured and sold as 

specific mixtures of congeners. In the United States, most 

PCB mixtures were produced by Monsanto in Anniston, AL, 

and Sauget, IL, and sold under the trade name Aroclor. PCB 

mixtures were also manufactured in other countries by several 

different companies and sold under many different names 

(Morrison, 2000). Aroclors are identified by four digits (for 

example, 1232, 1242, and 1254), which indicate the number 

of carbon atoms per molecule (the first two digits) and the 

percentage of chlorine substituted for hydrogen by weight (the 

second two numbers). For example, Aroclor 1254 contains 12 

carbon atoms, and chlorine was substituted for 54 percent of 

the hydrogen by weight. One exception to this naming convention is Aroclor 1016, which also contains 12 carbon atoms, but 

about 41 percent chlorine by weight. The composition of each 

Aroclor was determined on the basis of the intended commercial use, but generally consisted of 60 to 90 congeners. Commercial uses of Aroclors included dielectric fluids in capacitors 

2

 Mono-, di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, hexa-, hepta-, octa-, nona,-, and decachlorobiphenyl have one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten chlorine 

atoms per biphenyl molecule, respectively.

and transformers, printing inks, paints, dedusting agents, pesticides, carbonless copy paper, and others. Some 700,000 tons 

(or 1.4 billion pounds) of PCBs were sold in North America 

between the 1930s and the late 1970s, when their general use 

was banned in the United States.

The production and commercial use of Aroclors have 

resulted in releases of specific mixtures of PCB congeners 

into the environment. Consequently, PCB concentrations 

commonly are reported in environmental studies in terms of 

Aroclors. Aroclor quantification is done by analyzing what are 

called “characteristic congeners” and then using a mathematical algorithm to estimate the concentrations of other congeners. These algorithms are based on well known congener 

patterns in commercially produced Aroclors and the assumption that congener patterns in environmental samples remain 

unchanged. It has become increasingly evident, however, that 

once released into the environment, PCB congeners can be 

transformed by volatilization, solubilization, photodegradation, biological uptake or metabolization (Morrison, 2000), 

preferentially transported (Pierad and others, 1996), or both, 

thereby muddling characteristic PCB-congener patterns. For 

these reasons, congener-specific analysis, which is now routine, is the preferred method of quantifying PCBs, although it 

is more costly. Statistical techniques are available to determine whether or not PCB-congener patterns in environmental 

samples differ from commercial mixtures of PCBs (Karcher 

and others, 2004).

2 3

4

3’ 2’ 6 5

4’

5’ 6’

META ORTHO

PARA

META ORTHO

PARA

META

META

H

H

H

H

H

H

Cl

Cl Cl

Cl

Cl

C C

C

C C

C

C C

C

C C

C

C C

C

C C

C

C C

C

C C

C

Cl Cl

Cl Cl

Cl

H

H

A

B Cl

Cl

Figure 9. Schematic diagram of polychlorinated biphenyl isomers 

(A) 2,2’,3,3’,5,5’ hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 133) and (B) 2,2’,3,3’,4,5’ 

hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 130).
Study Design 13

PCB congeners released into the environment are partitioned differently among air, water, sediment, vegetation, and 

biota (Beyer and Biziuk, 2009). Partitioning results from differences among congeners in the number of attached chlorine 

atoms (or level of chlorination), stereochemistry, or both, 

which determines each congener’s solubility in water, vapor 

pressure, sorption characteristics, miscibility (for example, 

lipophilicy), and other properties and affects biologically 

mediated processes such as biotransformation, uptake, and 

accumulation (Schweitzer and others, 1997). For example, an 

inverse relation between the number of chlorine atoms and the 

solubility of PCBs in water and air has been demonstrated. 

On the other hand, the tendency for PCBs to sorb to soil, 

sediment, and seston (living and nonliving floating particles) 

appears to increase with the number of chlorine atoms, the 

concentration of total organic carbon, and the ratio of surface 

area to weight. Thus, it is expected that the more chlorinated 

congeners would tend to sorb onto fine-grained sediment and 

be preferentially transported in high-energy environments 

compared to the less chlorinated congeners (Pierard and 

others, 1996), which might be more likely to be transported 

in dissolved form. Some individual congeners can also be 

transformed through anaerobic dechlorination, that is, removal 

of attached chlorines by microbial action (Dingyi and others, 

1995; Yadav and others, 1995; Williams and May, 1997; 

Qingzhong and others, 1997); destroyed through aerobic degradation (Manzano and others, 2003); or metabolized (Tanabe 

and others, 1988).

PCBs appear to be ubiquitous in the environment. They 

have been detected in water, sediment, fish, and wildlife 

in areas as remote as the Arctic Circle and in reservoirs as 

unlikely as polar-bear blubber (Norris and others, 2002). 

Closer to home, PCBs have been shown to be one of the 

preeminent classes of toxic chemicals in the bottom sediments 

of the Nation’s lakes and rivers at concentrations exceeding 

those considered safe for aquatic life (U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency, 2003). Samples of fish flesh collected from 

the Nation’s waters have also been found to be contaminated 

with PCBs. In fact, as many as 91 percent of the sites surveyed 

(n=375) by the USEPA were contaminated by PCBs. Concentrations of PCBs in fish flesh (1.9 mg/kg, on average) were 

responsible, at least in part, for some 679 fish-consumption 

advisories issued nationwide (U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency, 1999).

Humans are not exempt from PCB contamination. 

Humans are most commonly exposed to PCBs through the 

consumption of contaminated foodstuffs and environmental 

and occupational exposure; however, other types of exposures 

are possible. It has been shown that PCBs tend to accumulate 

in human blood, milk, and fat. Background PCB concentrations are typically less than 20 parts per billion (ppb) in human 

blood serum and range from 40 to 100 ppb and 1 to 2 parts 

per million (ppm) in human milk and fat, respectively (Safe, 

1994). Two of the worst episodes of human PCB contamination occurred in Japan (Yusho incident, 1968) and Taiwan 

(Yu-Cheng incident, 1979) after PCB-contaminated rice oil 

was consumed by several thousand people. PCB blood-serum 

concentrations in Japanese and Taiwanese victims ranged from 

1 to 30 ppb and 3 to 1,156 ppb, respectively (Masuda, 1985). 

PCB blood-serum concentrations in adults living within half a 

mile of the PCB-manufacturing plant in Alabama were 

14 ppb, on average (Division of Health Assessment and 

Consultation, 2000). Occupational exposure has resulted in 

some of the highest body burdens of PCBs (Safe, 1994). PCBs 

have been shown to cause cancer, as well as a wide range of 

adverse effects on the immune, reproductive, nervous, and 

endocrine systems of animals and most likely humans (U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency, 2006).

Study Design

Bottom-sediment samples were collected from the river 

and farther downstream in the estuary to supplement bottomsediment data collected as part of the earlier USGS study 

(Breault and others, 2004a; fig. 10 and table 3). Specifically, 

riverine bottom-sediment samples were collected in and 

around areas near assumed sources of PCB contamination 

(fig. 2). The rationale for sampling estuarine bottom sediments 

was twofold: to examine PCB-congener patterns in estuarine 

mud and compare them with those in riverine mud, and to 

identify other PCB sources to the estuary, if present.

The results of the previous study demonstrated the potential for the overlying water to be contaminated with PCBs 

above levels considered safe for aquatic organisms, but did not 

provide information concerning the concentrations of PCBs 

in the water column. In this study, concentrations of dissolved 

and particulate PCBs were measured in flow-proportional 

water samples collected monthly at the mouth of the river just 

upstream of the Walter Baker Dam (fig. 5B). These samples 

were collected for one year starting in May 2005. In the laboratory, particulate and dissolved portions of water samples collected during October and November 2005 were inadvertently 

combined. As a result, no information concerning partitioning 

between phases is available for these two months.

PCBs have been shown to bioaccumulate, thereby resulting in PCB concentrations in organisms like fish that are thousands to millions of times more concentrated than concentrations in water from the same PCB-contaminated system. The 

magnitude of bioaccumulation depends on river characteristics 

and trophic level, as well as feeding strategy, metabolism, and 

exposure duration, and the specific toxic chemical ingested, as 

well as other factors. Consequently, PCB concentrations were 

measured in Catostomus commersoni (known as white sucker) 

and Fundulus heteroclitus (known as common mummichog) 

to ascertain the likelihood that riverine and estuarine fish 

exposed to PCB-contaminated water and bottom sediment are 

bioaccumulating PCBs. White sucker are medium-sized fish 

(12 to 20 in. in length) that feed mostly on larval insects and 

other bottom-dwelling organisms (fig. 11A and table 4). White 

sucker are commonly used as bait, but on occasion are fished 
14 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

A

B

Figure 10. U.S. Geological Survey scientist collecting surficial 

(top 4 inches) sediment samples by means of (A) a stainless-steel 

dredge in water deeper than 3 feet and (B) a Teflon scoop in water 

shallower than 3 feet.

for food. Common mummichog are small fish (5 to 6 in. in 

length) that live within about 100 ft of the shoreline and feed 

primarily on phytoplankton, mollusks, crustaceans, mosquito 

larvae, and detritus. Common mummichog are of some commercial value as bait (Bigelow and Schroeder, 1953; fig. 11B).

The transport of PCBs from the Neponset River to the 

Neponset River Estuary may not only threaten the ecological health of the estuary, but may also threaten the health of 

downstream salt marshes, wetlands, flood plains, tributary 

streams, and embayments, including Boston Harbor. During 

the late 1990s Boston Harbor was the focus of a cleanup effort 

that was considered “....one of America’s greatest environmental success stories,” by John DeVillars, then regional 

administrator of the USEPA (Allen, 2000). Prior to this study, 

no information was available concerning the loading of PCBs 

from the river to the estuary. Concentrations measured in 

flow-proportional water samples were used together with 

daily mean streamflow3

 data measured by the streamgage at 

Milton Village (station number 011055566) to estimate PCB 

loads from the river to the estuary. This streamgage is on the 

upstream face of the Walter Baker dam (fig. 5B and 

table 5), which physically separates the Neponset River 

from the Neponset River Estuary.

High flows, such as flows during rain storms, may be 

able to resuspend and transport PCB-contaminated bottom 

sediment. Prior to this study, no information was available 

concerning the potential to remobilize PCB-contaminated bottom sediment in the lower Neponset River. This information is 

needed to assess potential restoration alternatives—in particular, the alternative of not taking action. In other words, it may 

be possible to leave PCB-contaminated bottom sediment in 

place safely if it can be demonstrated that those sediments are 

stable and will not move significantly. The Braided Channel 

may be a good reach in which to test the no-action alternative because, at first glance, sediments in this part of the river 

appear stable; PCBs are trapped in heavily vegetated islands 

in this part of the river. To test this hypothesis, stormwater 

flows were measured while stormwater samples were collected 

upstream and downstream of the Braided Channel (fig. 12).

PISCES have been used in the past to identify PCB 

sources (Colman, 2000; Breault and others, 2004a). As part 

of the previous study by the USGS, PISCES were deployed 

in the Neponset River from Paul’s Bridge to the Walter Baker 

Dam with the objective of identifying the areas where PCB 

contamination first originated (Breault and others, 2004a). 

This was done by deploying PISCES at strategic locations; 

retrieving PISCES after about two weeks; processing and 

analyzing hexane collected from each sampler; and interpreting PCB-congener masses or congener patterns in the samples. 

The results of this first study indicated that a substantial PCB 

source likely was between Fairmont Avenue and either Martini 

Shell on the Neponset River or Reservation Park on Mother 

Brook (fig. 3) (Breault and others, 2004a); however, the exact 

location could not be determined. For this reason, a second 

round of sampling was conducted that included deploying 

PISCES along Mother Brook, as well as in the Neponset River 

upstream and downstream of the confluence with Meadow 

Brook, another well-known PCB-contaminated tributary 

stream. PISCES were also deployed downstream of the Walter 

Baker Dam in the Neponset River Estuary to provide data on 

PCB-congener patterns in estuarine water for comparison to 

those in riverine water and to allow identification of other PCB 

sources to the estuary, if present (figs. 1, 13, table 6). Bottomsediment samples were also collected along Mother Brook and 

in the estuary. PCBs and PCB-congener patterns measured in 

PISCES and bottom-sediment samples were mathematically 

analyzed to determine likely PCB source areas and degradation processes.

3

 Daily mean streamflow in cubic feet per second is calculated by dividing 

the volume of total streamflow measured in cubic feet during each day by the 

number of seconds in each 24-hour period (86,400).
Study Design 15

Table 3. Bottom-sediment grab-sampling and passive in situ chemical-extraction sampler sampling locations in 

Mother Brook and the Neponset River and Estuary, Massachusetts, 2002, 2004, and 2005.

[Bottom-sediment sampling locations are shown in figure 2, and passive in situ chemical-extraction sampler (PISCES) locations are shown 

in figure 3. ID, identifier; T&H, Tileston and Hollingsworth; do, ditto]

Station name Station ID Location Massachusetts State Plane 

coordinates (meters)

Bottom sediment

Upstream impoundment on Mother Brook DDY-001 Mother Brook 228,750 888,484

Downstream impoundment on Mother Brook BGY-139 ......do............ 230,215 888,518

Near Verizon Building BGY-140 ......do............ 230,533 888,732

Near facility #2 BGY-141 ......do............ 230,775 889,056

Near facility #3 BGY-142 ......do............ 230,933 889,064

Near Star Market BGY-102 Neponset River 230,706 887,979

Near Fulton Street BGY-104 ......do............ 231,078 889,013

Near Mother Brook confluence BGY-105 ......do............ 231,355 889,173

Fairmont Avenue BGY-106 ......do............ 231,531 889,403

Upstream T&H Impoundment BGY-112 ......do............ 232,094 890,115

T&H Impoundment (sediment core) M2Y-002 ......do............ 232,130 890,118

Braided Channel (sediment core) BGY-128 ......do............ 234,800 891,151

Braided Channel M2Y-012 ......do............ 235,025 891,177

Walter Baker Impoundment BGY-133 ......do............ 235,501 891,209

Walter Baker Impoundment (sediment core) BGY-137 ......do............ 235,562 891,240

Near Milton Village Marina M2Y-013 Neponset Estuary 235,993 890,912

Near Gulliver Creek M2Y-014 ......do............ 236,673 891,289

Near Route 93 BGY-143 ......do............ 237,450 891,830

Near landfill BGY-144 ......do............ 237,840 892,331

Near Adams Inn QYY-001 ......do............ 237,982 892,626

South of Boston Scientific Building QYY-002 ......do............ 238,421 893,183

Near Port Norfolk Yatch Club BGY-145 ......do............ 238,149 893,547

North of Boston Scientific Building QYY-003 ......do............ 238,146 894,164

Station name Location Massachusetts State Plane 

coordinates (meters)

PISCES

Pleasant Street Neponset River 224,719 880,867

Neponset Street ......do............ 227,466 879,864

Paul’s Bridge ......do............ 231,137 887,152

Martini Shell ......do............ 230,732 888,142

Incinerator Road Mother Brook 227,337 889,542

Reservation Park ......do............ 230,570 888,965

Facility #2 ......do............ 230,747 889,062

Hyde Park Avenue ......do............ 230,900 889,047

Dana Avenue Neponset River 231,128 889,113

Fairmont Avenue ......do............ 231,474 889,340

T&H Impoundment (upstream) ......do............ 232,116 890,102

T&H Impoundment (downstream) ......do............ 232,343 890,111

Kennedy Playground ......do............ 233,282 890,519

Ryan Playground ......do............ 234,090 891,067

Braided Channel ......do............ 234,556 891,006

Central Avenue ......do............ 235,217 891,177

Walter Baker Impoundment ......do............ 235,565 891,213

Milton Village Marina Neponset Estuary 235,882 891,226

Granite Avenue ......do............ 236,856 892,002

Neponset Avenue (Route 3A) ......do............ 238,023 892,753

Buoy ......do............ 238,138 893,734
16 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

A

D

C

B

Figure 11. (A) White sucker and (B) common mummichog collected from the Neponset River and Estuary, respectively, as well as the 

(C) collection and (D) processing of white sucker.

Dissolved PCB congeners were collected in hexanefilled PISCES to provide data on PCB-congener patterns. The 

advantages of PISCES over other types of samplers for the 

collection of whole-water samples include the collection of 

PCBs over a period of time without the added expense of constructing, maintaining, and operating streamgaging and waterquality monitoring stations outfitted with automated, flowproportional sampling equipment; the concentration of PCBs 

in hexane (the solubility of PCBs is much greater in hexane 

compared to river water) and, in turn, the increased likelihood 

of detecting individual PCB congeners that could otherwise be 

undetectable in whole-water samples; better analytical recovery compared to recoveries typical for whole-water samples; 

and closer resemblance of concentration patterns to those 

detected in fish collected from similar settings. More detailed 

information about field methods can be found in appendix 1.

Two techniques can be used to analyze PCB data: 

Aroclor or congener analysis. Aroclors are analyzed by testing 

for characteristic congeners, and then using a mathematical 

algorithm to estimate the concentrations of other congeners. 

These data are reported in terms of Aroclor concentrations. 

Measuring PCBs by testing for Aroclors however, can 

generate errors when congener patterns deviate from those 

of the original Aroclor. For example, once an Aroclor enters 

the environment, individual congeners can be preferentially 

degraded by microbial action, chemically weathered, or 

physically changed in such a way that the original congener 

pattern for that Aroclor is lost (Butcher and others, 1997). In 

contrast, a congener analysis, which was used in the original 

study and this study, tests for the presence of individual 

congeners. More detailed information about laboratory 

methods and QA/QC procedures can be found in appendixes 2 

and 3, respectively.
Study Design 17

Table 4. Characteristics of white sucker (Catostomus 

commersoni) and common mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus)

collected from the Neponset River and Estuary, Massachusetts.

[ID, identifier; mm, millimeter; g, grams; T&H, Tileston and Hollingsworth; 

WB, Walter Baker]

Fish ID Length

(mm)

Weight

(g) Fish ID Length(mm)

Weight

(g)

Whole white sucker (T&H) 

(August 2003)

Filleted white sucker (WB) 

(September 2005)

1 430 1,020 9 445 985

2 460 1,260 10 439 835

3 405 850 11 463 1,038

4 410 945 12 391 685

5 425 955 13 415 829

6 400 805 14 430 911

7 410 865 15 412 810

8 460 1,250 16 465 1,128

Filleted white sucker (T&H) 

(September 2005)

Common mummichog (Estuary) 

(July 2006)

9 425 906 1 77 5.20

10 413 784 2 67 3.04

11 444 943 3 68 3.52

12 428 892 4 70 3.81

13 475 1,138 5 66 3.00

14 420 862 6 54 1.64

15 453 943 7 60 2.18

16 414 781 8 62 2.78

Whole white sucker (WB) 

(August 2003)

9

10

69

63

3.69

2.61

1 460 1,300 11 65 2.86

2 425 1,150 12 65 2.91

3 470 1,450 13 60 2.14

4 435 1,250 14 55 1.72

5 430 950 15 61 2.65

6 380 790 16 62 2.62

7 450 1,310 17 56 1.69

8 425 1,090 18 59 2.28

19 63 2.37

20 62 2.57

21 65 2.73

Table 5. Collection data for water-quality samples, U.S. 

Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village 

(011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, May 2005 through April 2006.

[No., number; Mft3, million cubic feet; L, liters; --, not applicable]

No. Start date End date

Sample flow 

threshold

(Mft3

)

No. of 

samples

Sample 

volume

(L)

1 05/13/05 05/31/05 6.4 173 13.5

2 06/01/05 07/01/05 6.4 120 10.7

3 07/01/05 07/31/05 3.2 140 10.5

4 07/31/05 08/31/05 3.2 132 8.9

5 08/31/05 09/30/05 1.6 126 8.1

6 09/30/05 10/30/05 1

1.6 (6.4) 617 19.9

7 10/30/05 12/01/05 6.4 253 11.6

8 12/01/05 01/01/06 6.4 175 10.9

9 01/01/06 02/02/06 3.2 491 22.4

10 02/02/06 03/02/06 6.4 221 11.0

11 03/02/06 04/28/06 3.2 208 5.7

Total 05/13/05 04/28/06 -- 2,656 133

1

 30 L of the October sample collected at a 1.6-Mft3 sample threshold was 

split with a Teflon cone splitter. One-fourth of the split sample was added to 

the sample collected at the 6.4-Mft3

 sample threshold.
18 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

B

Figure 12. (A) Measurement of streamflow by means of an 

acoustic doppler current profiler, Blue Hill Parkway (Route 28), 

Mattapan and Milton, Massachusetts; and (B) U.S. Geological 

Survey staff collecting an isokinetic equal-width-integrated water 

sample with a DH-81 sampler suspended by a three-wheel base, 

Blue Hill Parkway, Mattapan and Milton, Massachusetts.

Mathematical Analysis of PCBCongener Data

The statistic root mean square difference (RMSD), 

was used to compare differences in PCB-congener patterns 

(referred to as “fingerprints”) among environmental samples 

and duplicates. Mathematically, RMSD is defined as the square 

root of the average of the sum of squared differences of relative abundances of a set of specific congeners in two different samples. To calculate RMSD, each individual congener 

concentration measured in each sample was first divided by 

the total PCB concentration in the sample to yield the relative 

abundance of that congener. PCB congeners for which analytical results were censored or estimated were excluded. 

For a pair of samples A and B, 

RMSD

A B

n

i

n

= ×

( ) −

=

∑

100

2

1 , (1)

where

RMSD is the root mean square difference;

A and B are the relative abundances of the same 

congener in two samples; and

n is the number of congener pairs compared.

Differences in congener patterns between two environmental samples were considered statistically significant if the 

RMSD value for these samples was greater than the average of 

the RMSD values for duplicate samples. It is important to note 

that RMSDs greater than these for duplicate samples (the average RMSDs for duplicate bottom-sediment grab and PISCES 

samples as part of this study were about 0.18 and 0.17, 

respectively) do not unequivocally indicate a new or different 

source of PCBs. For example, transformation or preferential 

transport can alter the relative abundance of PCB congeners in 

a sample and substantially affect RMSD values. If changes in 

the concentrations of PCB congeners are not interpreted with 

caution, they may be incorrectly attributed to the addition of 

a new source. RMSD was used to compare congener patterns 

in samples collected from spatially adjacent stations along the 

river for historical-source identification and from month to 

month to track changes in possible transport pathways.

Whereas the RMSD statistic is useful for comparing 

individual sample-to-sample differences, cluster analysis, a 

multivariate statistical technique, is well suited for grouping 

samples together on the basis of some measure of similarity 

(or, alternatively, the distance or difference) so that differences 

are minimized within groups and maximized between groups. 

As part of this project, PISCES and bottom-sediment samples 

were organized into similar groups called “clusters” by means 

of the cluster-analysis function in Minitab, a commercially 

available statistical software package. 

The cluster-analysis function in Minitab uses an agglomerative hierarchical method that begins with each sample 
Mathematical Analysis of PCB-Congener Data 19

A

B

C

D

Figure 13. Passive in 

situ chemical-extraction 

samplers deployed in 

nontidal parts of the 

Neponset River and Mother 

Brook in (A) deep water 

(deeper than about 2 feet), 

forming its own cluster. Next, pairs of clusters are successively agglomerated, or merged, on the basis of similarity 

of measurement and a linkage model until all of the clusters 

are joined together. In this analysis, similarity was computed 

by the Euclidean distance between samples. The Euclidean 

distance is the straight-line distance between two points in 

c-dimensional space defined by c variables. Here, c is 47, 

representing the number of PCB congeners that were detected 

in more than 90 percent of the PISCES or bottom-sediment 

grab samples. Points representing similar values for all 47 

PCB congeners in their corresponding samples would lie 

close to each other if plotted in 47-dimensional space; pairs 

of these points would be separated by a small Euclidean 

distance, and the points as a whole would form a cluster. The 

(B) shallow water (shallower 

than about 2 feet) and in tidal 

parts of the Neponset River 

Estuary suspended from 

(C) bridges, and (D) pilings.

average-linkage strategy was used to merge clusters. That is, 

“when two clusters agglomerate, their dissimilarity is equal to 

the mean of the distances between each [point] in one cluster 

and each [point] in the other cluster” (McGarigal and others, 2000). Finally, the results of hierarchical cluster analysis 

are displayed graphically in the form of a dendrogram or a 

tree-like plot depicting the agglomeration sequence, in which 

the points are plotted on one axis and the similarity levels at 

which the points merge are plotted on the other. The lengths 

of the branches being merged together indicate the degree of 

dissimilarity (or similarity) between members of the newly 

formed clusters.

Before being analyzed, PCB-congener concentrations 

were first divided by total congener concentrations to 
20 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 6. Deployment intervals and physical properties of water at locations sampled for polychlorinated biphenyls by passive in 

situ chemical-extraction samplers, 2004 and 2005.

[Similar data for PISCES samples collected during 2002 can be found in Breault and others (2004b); μS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees 

Celsius; deg. C, degrees Celsius; do, ditto; T&H, Tileston and Hollingsworth]

Station name Location Date 

deployed

Date 

retrieved

Number of 

days in river

Specific conductance (μS/cm) at 

retrieval time

Temperature 

(deg. C) at 

retrieval time

Pleasant Street Neponset River 7/27/2005 8/12/2005 16.1 431 27.0

Neponset Street ......do............... 7/27/2005 8/12/2005 16.1 444 27.2

Paul’s Bridge ......do............... 7/27/2005 8/12/2005 16.1 500 25.2

Incinerator Road Mother Brook 7/27/2005 8/12/2005 16.1 481 28.6

Reservation Park ......do............... 7/27/2005 8/12/2005 16.1 497 27.9

Facility #2 ......do............... 7/27/2005 8/12/2005 16.1 497 27.9

Hyde Park Avenue ......do............... 7/27/2005 8/12/2005 16.2 496 27.6

Dana Avenue Neponset River 7/27/2005 8/12/2005 16.2 513 27.2

Fairmont Avenue ......do............... 7/27/2005 8/12/2005 16.2 601 27.4

T&H Impoundment (upstream) ......do............... 8/18/2004 8/30/2004 12.1 337 20.8

Walter Baker Impoundment ......do............... 8/18/2004 8/30/2004 12.0 332 20.6

Milton Village Marina Neponset Estuary 7/28/2005 8/12/2005 15.0 2,650 25.1

Granite Avenue ......do............... 7/28/2005 8/12/2005 14.9 3,250 25.0

Neponset Avenue (Route 3A) ......do............... 7/28/2005 8/12/2005 14.9 41,000 23.6

Buoy ......do............... 7/28/2005 8/12/2005 14.9 46,100 22.2

minimize the effects associated with order-of-magnitude 

differences in concentrations. Data scaled in this way add 

up to one (or 100 percent) and are commonly described as 

“compositional.” Unfortunately, “the inappropriateness of 

correlation coefficients and standard multivariate techniques 

[like cluster analysis], for compositional data has been known 

for many years” (Pearson, 1897). “Standard covariance and 

correlation coefficients from sets of compositions are affected 

by closure. This leads to problems with the interpretation of 

simple summary statistics, but also more complex multivariate 

analyses” (Howel, 2007). Fortunately, log-ratio transformation 

of compositional data has proven to be a simple solution 

to the problem of closure (Aitchison, 1986). Consequently, 

PCB-congener data were center-log-ratio (clr) transformed 

prior to analysis. That is, PCB-congener relative abundances 

were divided by the geometric mean by station and logtransformed (base-10) (Howel, 2007). Despite solving the 

problem of closure, this approach is very sensitive to the issue 

of values below detection limits or censored values. To solve 

this problem, censored values are commonly replaced by 

means of imputation4

; however, the large number of variables 

4

 Missing or censored (in this case) values are predicted by using existing 

values from other variables.

(congeners) and the small number of observations (samples) 

in this study makes imputation impractical. In cases like this, 

a simple replacement strategy proposed by Martín-Fernández 

and others (2003) has been shown to have little effect on the 

structure of the data set as long as fewer than 10 percent of the 

values are censored. By means of this replacement strategy, 

censored PCB concentrations of congeners detected in at least 

90 percent of the samples were replaced by concentration 

values equal to 65 percent of the detection limit. PCB 

congeners detected in fewer than 90 percent of the samples 

were not included in the cluster analysis (estimated PCBcongener concentrations were included in the cluster analysis). 

A statistical method was used to distinguish between 

PCB congeners affected by processes like transformation or 

preferential transport and congeners unaffected by these factors. This method is based on the fact that some PCB congeners combine to form tracker pairs that maintain a constant 

concentration ratio in commercial PCB mixtures (Karcher and 

others, 2004). Tracker pairs were determined from Aroclor 

data supplied by AXYS Analytical Services Ltd., and PCB 

congeners composing tracker pairs were tested by separate 

methods described by Karcher and others (2004) for PISCES 

and bottom-sediment samples. If the ratios for tracker pairs in 

environmental samples differ statistically (α= 0.05) from the 
Concentrations of PCBs and Other Constituents in Water, Sediment, and Fish 21

ratios measured in Aroclor samples, the PCB congeners are 

considered to be not Aroclor like. In contrast, if the ratios for 

the tracker pairs in environmental samples are similar to ratios 

measured in Aroclor samples, the congeners are considered 

Aroclor like. Although possible, it is unlikely that trackerpaired PCB congeners are affected in exactly the same way 

by environmental processes as unpaired congeners and, for 

this reason maintain the ratio measured in commercial PCB 

mixtures. As a result, the relative abundance of Aroclor-like 

congeners in environmental samples may be used to infer 

characteristics of the original source material (for example, 

the Aroclor(s) most responsible for PCB contamination). In 

addition, differences in the relative abundances of Aroclor-like 

congeners among environmental samples can be used with 

other information (for example, grain-size distribution and (or) 

congener solubility) to determine whether differences in relative abundance among samples are the result of the addition of 

a new PCB source or an environmental process.

Although guidelines for specific PCB congeners do not 

exist, some PCB congeners are structurally similar to a group 

of polychlorinated dibenzodioxin compounds (PCDD) that 

act by a similar cellular mechanism to cause comparable 

biological and toxic effects (U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency, 2001). The compound 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-pdioxin (often referred to as 2,3,7,8-TCDD, TCDD, or dioxin) 

is generally considered the most toxic PCDD (Murphy, 

1986). Human exposure to high levels of TCDD causes a 

variety of ailments, including chloracne, porphyria (skin and 

nerve damage), liver damage, and psychiatric disturbances 

(International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1997). Of the 

209 PCB congeners, 12 are considered dioxin-like compounds 

(DLC); that is, they cause toxic effects similar to TCDD 

(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2006). Because of 

this similarity, the USEPA has developed an algorithm for 

estimating PCB toxicity relative to TCDD toxicity to generate 

a metric called the TCDD “toxic equivalency” (TEQ). 

The algorithm is based on toxic equivalency factors (TEF) 

developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1997 

(updated in 2005) for the different congeners; these factors 

indicate the degree of toxicity compared to TCDD, which is 

given a value of 1 (Van den Berg and others, 1998; Van den 

Berg and others, 2006). Equation 2 was used to calculate 

the TEQ.

TEQ Ci i TEF

i

n

= ×

=

∑1

, (2)

where

TEQ is the TCDD toxic equivalency, in picograms 

per liter (pg/L);

Ci is the concentration of dioxin-like compound i

in water, in pg/L;

TEFi is the toxic equivalency factor for dioxin-like 

compound i; and

n is the number of dioxin-like compounds.

Concentrations of PCBs and Other 

Constituents in Water, Sediment, and 

Fish

The collection, analysis, and interpretation of PCB data 

can be used to answer the question “What methods could be 

used to restore the river?” but also yield information about 

how PCB contamination is affecting the ecosystem; thus, 

this information can be used to answer the question, “What 

would be the consequences of doing nothing?” For example, 

PCB-contaminated sediment, if left in place, will continue to 

supply PCBs through resuspension of particulates in the water 

column and through diffusion and advection of dissolved 

PCBs that can redeposit downstream, volatilize into the air, or 

accumulate in fish, wildlife, or humans. PCBs enter the food 

chain through phytoplankton and benthic organisms, which in 

turn are eaten by zooplankton, fish, and wildlife. Fish can also 

accumulate PCBs directly from the water column by means of 

transfer across the gill surface.

PCBs in Sediment

Total PCB concentrations5 measured (as part of both 

studies) in the top layers (4 in.) of Neponset River bottom 

sediment varied by about a factor of about 1,000: a minimum 

concentration of 28 ng/g was measured in the Neponset River 

(behind Star Market) upstream of the Mother Brook confluence (table 7, in back of report), and a maximum concentration of 24,900 ng/g was measured near facility #2 in Mother 

Brook. Concentrations in sediment grabs in Mother Brook 

averaged about 60 times less (270 ng/g) upstream of facility #2 than downstream of this location (15,400 ng/g). PCB 

concentrations in Neponset River sediments downstream of 

Mother Brook averaged about 11,400 ng/g, almost six times 

the safe limit (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1999), 

and about 900 ng/g in estuarine mud samples. PCB concentrations generally declined with distance away from the river 

mouth into the estuary. PCB concentrations in some sediment 

grab samples collected from the Neponset River were also 

greater than the maximum PCB concentration (2,000 ng/g) 

allowed in capping material to be disposed in lined landfills 

(Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, 

1997), and some sediment could be classified as moderately 

regulated waste (50 to 499 mg/kg) defined by the Toxic 

Substances Control Act. Sediment with contaminant concentrations greater than these values usually requires special 

disposal, but sediment with concentrations below these values 

may not.

5

 If duplicate sediment grab samples were collected at the same location, 

the masses of PCBs measured in both were averaged. Censored data (or 

individual PCB congeners reported as less than method detection limits) nor 

estimated data were included in the calculation of totals.
22 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Because urban rivers like the Neponset are commonly 

contaminated with anthropogenic organic compounds, trace 

metals, and other elements, information regarding all of these 

categories of constituents is needed for planning river-restoration efforts. A limited study of anthropogenic organic compounds (other than PCBs) and elements in the Neponset River 

was done by Breault and others (2004a). Bottom-sediment 

samples collected in that study were enriched in PAHs and 

several elements compared to background levels. To enlarge 

this data set, bottom-sediment grab samples collected as part 

of the present study were analyzed for 31 elements (table 8). 

These concentrations were compared to background concentrations measured in New England rivers and streams (Breault 

and others, 2002) and estuarine environments (Bowen, 1979). 

In the river and estuary, element concentrations were generally 

higher than background concentrations and higher than levels 

considered toxic to benthic organisms, or bottom-dwelling 

insects and worms, which form the base of the food chain 

(Ingersoll and others, 2000).

PCBs in Water

Total PCB concentrations (sum of dissolved and particulate PCB concentrations6

 measured in the same sample 

(appendix 4) in water samples collected from the Neponset 

River at the USGS streamgage at Milton Village ranged from 

about 2.2 ng/L (December) to 34.2 ng/L (September) (table 9) 

and were on average 4.5 times higher in the spring/summer 

months (May to October; about 29.0 ng/L) than in the fall/

winter months (November to March–April; about 6.5 ng/L; 

table 9). Seasonal variability, however, may better illustrated 

by comparing dissolved and particulate PCB concentrations 

measured in July 2005 (11.7 and 15.6 ng/L) and March–April 

2006 (2.6 and 0.3 ng/L), which differ greatly even though 

streamflow was about the same for both months (171 and 

154 ft3

/s, respectively).

Dissolved PCBs

Dissolved PCBs comprised mostly dichlorobiphenyls, 

trichlorobiphenyls, and tetrachlorobiphenyls, which accounted 

for about 34, 26, and 35 percent of the total dissolved 

PCB concentrations, on average. The proportions of these 

homologs however, did change seasonally. For example, 

dichlorobiphenyls accounted for largest proportion of the 

dissolved PCBs (about 47 percent) during the spring/summer 

months (May to September), whereas samples collected 

during the winter months (December to March–April) 

comprised less than 18 percent dissolved dichlorobiphenyls. 

Conversely, samples collected during the spring/summer 

6

 Total dissolved and total particulate PCB concentrations were calculated 

by dividing the mass of all PCB congeners in ng/sample by the volume of 

water filtered in liters. Neither censored data (or individual PCB congeners reported as less than method detection limits) nor estimated data were 

included in the calculation of total monthly PCB concentrations.

contained less than 21 percent dissolved tetrachlorobiphenyls, 

which accounted for largest proportion of dissolved PCBs in 

the winter (about 53 percent). Dissolved PCBs consisting of 

more than six chlorine atoms per biphenyl molecule were not 

detected in whole-water samples collected at the streamgage 

station Neponset River at Milton Village.

Of all the dissolved PCBs detected in samples collected 

at the streamgage, PCB 4 + 10 was most often detected in the 

highest concentration (3.74 ng/L, on average) and accounted 

for the largest proportion (about 33 percent, on average) of 

concentrations of dissolved PCBs (fig. 14A; table 10, in back 

of report). Concentrations of PCB 4 + 10, on average, were 

14.5 times higher in the spring/summer (May to September; 

6.37 ng/L) than in winter (December to March–April; 

0.44 ng/L). Other dissolved PCB congeners with relatively 

high concentrations include PCB 16 + 32 (average dissolved 

concentration 0.40 ng/L), PCB 19 (0.87 ng/L), PCB 41 + 64 

+ 68 + 71 (0.36 ng/L), and PCB 47 + 48 + 75 (1.2 ng/L). On 

average, these accounted for 5, 10, 5, and 17 percent, respectively, of the concentrations of dissolved PCBs.

Seasonal variability of dissolved PCBs may have substantial implications pertaining to the fate, transport, and toxicity 

of PCBs in the Neponset River and Neponset River Estuary. 

That is, although the USEPA publishes numerical standards 

that relate chronic toxicity to concentrations of PCBs, these 

standards apply only to concentrations of dissolved PCBs in 

the water column. Presently (2007), the freshwater continuous 

chronic criterion (CCC) for aquatic organisms is 14.0 ng/L 

(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2003). The USEPA 

defines the CCC as the highest constituent concentration to 

which an aquatic organism can be exposed indefinitely without 

causing adverse biological effects. Aquatic organisms exposed 

for any length of time to PCB levels greater than the CCC may 

develop impaired reproductive-, endocrine-, and immune-system function, resulting in increased lesions and tumors, or they 

may die (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1999).

Concentrations of dissolved PCBs in water samples 

collected from the Neponset River averaged about 9.2 ng/L 

(annual average of monthly values; table 10, in back of 

report). Monthly concentrations were generally less than 

14 ng/L, with two exceptions: dissolved PCB concentrations 

measured during the months of August and September were 

about 16.5 and 15.5 ng/L, respectively. That is, average 

monthly concentrations measured in August and September 

were at or above concentration levels considered safe for 

aquatic organisms. It is important to note that the process 

of compositing samples results in concentrations that are 

averaged over the time of sampling (in this case, one month). 

Therefore, a concentration greater than 14 ng/L in a composite 

sample could be the result of concentrations greater than 

14 ng/L in all days of the month or concentrations lower 

than 14 ng/L for many days of the month but much higher 

concentrations during some days, high enough to increase the 

average monthly concentration to 14 ng/L or more. Similarly, 

average monthly concentrations less than 14 ng/L do not 

unequivocally indicate that concentrations were not greater 
Concentrations of PCBs and Other Constituents in Water, Sediment, and Fish 23

Table 8. Element concentrations measured in surficial (top 4 inches) sediments collected from Mother Brook and the Neponset River and 

Estuary, Massachusetts, in 2005.—Continued

[Analyzed by SGS Laboratory, Ontario, Canada; No., number; ppm, parts per million; <, less than value shown; -D, duplicate; -LD, laboratory duplicate; SRM, 

National Institute of Standards and Technology, Standard Reference Material 2711, Montana Soil, Moderately Elevated Trace Element Concentrations, Leachable 

Concentrations Using U.E. EPA Method 3050 Using Flame Atomic Absorption spectrometry and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry; 

SRM range is noncertified acceptable range; --, not applicable]

Sample 

No.

Station name Sample location

Calcium 

(percent)

Magnesium 

(percent)

Sodium 

(percent)

Potassium 

(percent)

Phosphorus 

(percent)

Aluminum 

(percent)

Antimony 

(ppm)

Arsenic 

(ppm)

Barium 

(ppm)

Beryllium 

(ppm)

Bismuth 

(ppm)

1 M2Y-013 Mother Brook 0.58 0.87 0.56 0.51 0.22 2.22 <5 20 109 1.3 <5

2 M2Y-014 do..... 0.75 0.58 0.28 0.33 0.1 1.53 <5 11 68 0.7 <5

3 BGY-143 do..... 2.31 0.61 0.52 0.38 0.11 1.58 <5 13 70 0.8 <5

4 BGY-144 do..... 0.6 0.77 0.82 0.49 0.14 1.94 <5 16 90 1 <5

5 QYY-001 do..... 0.61 0.58 0.42 0.37 0.1 1.56 <5 13 75 0.8 <5

6 QYY-002 Neponset Estuary 2.76 0.73 0.76 0.48 0.11 1.83 <5 13 78 0.9 <5

7 BGY-145 do..... 0.93 0.82 1.06 0.55 0.14 2.06 <5 15 89 1.1 <5

8 QYY-003 do..... 1.49 0.47 0.35 0.3 0.07 1.25 <5 7 50 0.8 <5

9 BGY-142 do..... 0.29 0.22 0.04 0.08 0.05 0.73 <5 5 85 <0.5 <5

10 BGY-141 do..... 0.36 0.24 0.06 0.12 0.07 1.05 <5 7 138 0.6 <5

11 BGY-140 do..... 0.62 0.61 0.09 0.21 0.08 1.3 <5 <3 94 0.7 <5

12 BGY-139 do..... 0.64 0.4 0.07 0.18 0.13 1.58 <5 7 170 0.9 <5

13 DDY-001 do..... 0.61 0.41 0.07 0.15 0.15 1.46 <5 6 178 0.9 <5

1 M2Y-013-D Mother Brook 0.59 0.88 0.68 0.55 0.2 2.28 <5 18 108 1.2 <5

10 BGY-141-D Neponset Estuary 0.35 0.24 0.05 0.12 0.07 0.93 <5 6 126 0.6 <5

5 DDY-001-LD Mother Brook 0.66 0.42 0.07 0.17 0.15 1.57 <5 6 188 0.9 <5

8 QYY-003-LD Neponset Estuary 1.45 0.46 0.34 0.29 0.07 1.2 <5 6 46 0.5 <5

Quality-control samples

-- SRM -- 2.23 0.83 0.05 0.58 0.08 2.48 <5 100 224 1.2 <5

-- SRM range -- 2.0–2.5 0.72–

0.89

0.020–

0.029

0.26–

0.53

0.06–

0.09

1.2–2.3 -- 88–110 170–

260

-- --

Sample 

No.

Station name Sample location

Cadmium 

(ppm)

1

Chromium 

(ppm)

Cobalt 

(ppm)

Copper 

(ppm)

Iron 

(percent)

Lead 

(ppm)

Lanthanum 

(ppm)

Lithium 

(ppm)

Manganese 

(ppm)

Molybdenum 

(ppm)

1

Nickel 

(ppm)

1 M2Y-013 Mother Brook 2 217 11 132.8 4.1 219 29.1 35 505 6 34

2 M2Y-014 do..... 1 128 6 78.3 2.4 114 22.2 24 295 5 23

3 BGY-143 do..... <1 200 6 71.5 2.54 109 22.3 26 306 6 23

4 BGY-144 do..... 1 183 8 100 3.22 152 25.1 31 398 6 27

5 QYY-001 do..... 1 214 7 85.1 2.54 111 21.4 25 292 6 28

6 QYY-002 Neponset Estuary <1 156 7 80.3 2.71 106 22.5 31 343 5 25

7 BGY-145 do..... 1 160 8 89.9 3.13 123 23.8 33 364 4 28

8 QYY-003 do..... <1 153 5 38.3 1.87 48 18.5 19 253 5 17

9 BGY-142 do..... 1 109 6 108.8 1.92 168 11.1 7 336 4 24

10 BGY-141 do..... <1 216 6 156 3.02 241 12.9 9 326 8 26

11 BGY-140 do..... <1 180 8 74.8 2.43 80 20 14 499 5 26

12 BGY-139 do..... 3 268 10 99.7 2.12 244 22.2 15 588 5 31

13 DDY-001 do..... 2 197 9 92.7 2.11 281 21.4 13 529 6 26

1 M2Y-013-D Mother Brook 2 279 10 129 3.93 206 27.3 35 506 7 33

10 BGY-141-D Neponset Estuary <1 204 5 120.3 2.86 242 12.4 8 303 5 27

5 DDY-001-LD Mother Brook 2 201 10 95.7 2.21 285 23.2 15 550 6 27

8 QYY-003-LD Neponset Estuary <1 151 5 37 1.83 48 18.1 18 253 5 17

Quality-control samples

-- SRM -- 44 28 8 115.9 2.52 1,170 28.6 19 545 3 20

-- SRM range -- 32–46 15–25 7–12 91–110 1.7–2.6 930–

1,500

-- -- 400–

620

-- 14–20
24 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 8. Element concentrations measured in surficial (top 4 inches) sediments collected from Mother Brook and the Neponset River 

and Estuary, Massachusetts, in 2005.—Continued

[Analyzed by SGS Laboratory, Ontario, Canada; No., number; ppm, parts per million; <, less than value shown; -D, duplicate; -LD, laboratory duplicate; SRM, 

National Institute of Standards and Technology, Standard Reference Material 2711, Montana Soil, Moderately Elevated Trace Element Concentrations, Leachable 

Concentrations Using U.E. EPA Method 3050 Using Flame Atomic Absorption spectrometry and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry; 

SRM range is noncertified acceptable range; --, not applicable]

Sample 

No.

Station name Sample location

Scandium 

(ppm)

Silver 

(ppm)

Strontium 

(ppm)

Tin 

(ppm)

Titanium 

(percent)

Tungsten 

(ppm)

Vanadium 

(ppm)

Yttrium 

(ppm)

Zinc 

(ppm)

Zirconium 

(ppm)

1 M2Y-013 Mother Brook 6.1 2.3 76.1 27 0.14 <10 73 18.7 333.2 11.9

2 M2Y-014 do..... 4.2 1.4 56.1 20 0.13 <10 47 14.6 186.5 13

3 BGY-143 do..... 4.4 1.5 127.5 20 0.12 <10 48 14.1 157.2 12.1

4 BGY-144 do..... 5.3 1.8 60.5 23 0.13 <10 61 15.9 239.7 13.5

5 QYY-001 do..... 4.6 1.7 48.2 20 0.13 <10 51 14.2 183 14

6 QYY-002 Neponset Estuary 5 2.1 109 20 0.13 <10 56 14.7 171.9 13

7 BGY-145 do..... 5.7 2 69.6 21 0.13 <10 62 15.4 199.6 14.7

8 QYY-003 do..... 4.4 0.8 87.6 14 0.1 <10 40 12.2 85.7 9.9

9 BGY-142 do..... 1.8 0.2 35.7 39 0.06 <10 26 6.7 272.9 4.2

10 BGY-141 do..... 2.3 0.5 51.6 35 0.07 <10 31 7.9 581.9 8

11 BGY-140 do..... 3.7 0.2 52.9 19 0.09 <10 40 12.6 141.3 12.2

12 BGY-139 do..... 3.9 0.2 50.6 25 0.1 <10 41 14.7 396.5 4.2

13 DDY-001 do..... 3.4 0.6 48.1 26 0.09 <10 42 14.2 386.2 3

1 M2Y-013-D Mother Brook 5.9 2.1 77.5 25 0.14 <10 69 17.5 308.1 12.3

10 BGY-141-D Neponset Estuary 2.2 0.2 50 36 0.07 <10 29 7.7 442.5 7

5 DDY-001-LD Mother Brook 3.9 0.4 54 27 0.09 <10 45 15.5 394.9 3.4

8 QYY-003-LD Neponset Estuary 3.6 0.9 82.6 14 0.11 <10 38 11.6 84 9

Quality-control samples analyzed by SGS

-- SRM -- 5.2 4.1 54.3 12 0.08 <10 58 19.8 351.7 20.1

-- SRM range -- -- 2.5–5.5 48–55 -- 0.039–

0.048

-- 34–50 -- 290–

340

--

1

 Milling of bottom-sediment samples may expose to the digestive acids elements that otherwise would be locked in mineral grains. Therefore, elements 

exposed to digestive acids by milling are likely to be detected at greater concentrations than elements in unmilled samples. Milling may bias samples by increasing measured concentrations of chromium and nickel.

Table 9. Particulate, dissolved (less than one micron), and total polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations and loads, U.S. Geological 

Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, May 2005 through April 2006.

[Because sampling began on May 13, 2005, the May monthly load is only a partial load. ft3/s, cubic feet per second; PCBs, polychlorinated biphenyls; 

ng/L, nanograms per liter; g, gram; --, not done]

Month

Mean daily 

discharge 

(ft3

/s)

Concentrations Loads

Dissolved 

PCBs

(ng/L)

Particulate 

PCBs

(ng/L)

Total PCBs

(ng/L)

Dissolved 

PCBs

(g)

Particulate 

PCBs

(g)

Total PCBs

(g)

May-05 618 12.3 13.3 25.6 352 382 736

June-05 334 12.7 11.3 24.0 315 280 595

July-05 171 11.7 15.6 27.3 152 202 354

August-05 78 16.5 16.9 33.4 100 103 205

September-05 76 15.6 18.6 34.2 92 109 200

October-05 779 -- -- 29.6 -- -- 1,712

November-05 478 -- -- 11.2 -- -- 467

December-05 405 1.2 1.0 2.2 38 31 69

January-06 595 1.6 3.7 5.3 77 179 257

February-06 499 8.5 2.5 11.0 300 89 389

March–April 06 154 2.6 0.3 2.9 56 6.4 62

Average Total

381 9.2 9.2 18.8 1,482 1,381 5,047
Concentrations of PCBs and Other Constituents in Water, Sediment, and Fish 25

0

5040302010

A

B

96

30

1512

RELATIVE ABUNDANCE, IN PERCENT

POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL CONGENER IUPAC NUMBER

1

2

3

4&10

5&8

6

7&9

11

12&13

14

15

16&32

17

18

19

20&21&33

22

23&34

24&27

25

26

28

29

30

31

35

36

37

38

39

40

41&64&68&71

42&59

43&49

44

45

46

47&48&75

50

51

52&73

53

54

55

56&60

57

58

61&74

62&65

63

66&80

67

69

70&76

72

77

78

79

81

82

83&108

84

85&120

86&97

87&115&116

88&121

89&90&101

91

92

93&95

94

96

98&102

99

100

103

104

105&127

106&118

107&109

110

111&117

112

113

114

119

122

123

124

125

126

128

129

130

131&142

132&168

133

134&143

135&144

136

137

138&163&164

139&149

140

141

145

146

147

148

150

151

152

153

154

155

156

157

158&160

159

161

162

165

166

167

169

170&190

171

172&192

173

174&181

175

176

177

178

179

180

182&187

183

184

185

186

188

189

191

193

194

195

196&203

197

198

199

200

201

202

204

205

206

207

208

209

Monochlorobiphenyl

Dichlorobiphenyl

Trichlorobiphenyl

Tetrachlorobiphenyl

Pentachlorobiphenyl

Hexachlorobiphenyl

Heptachlorobiphenyl

Octachlorobiphenyl

Nonachlorobiphenyl

Decachlorobiphenyl

Figure 14. Relative abundances of (A) dissolved and (B) particulate PCB congeners in a flow-proportional water sample collected during July 2005.
26 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

than 14 ng/L at some time during the month. A more detailed 

sampling strategy would be required to determine PCB 

concentrations during smaller time intervals (for example, a 

few days).

Particulate PCBs

PCB congeners generally have a high affinity for particulate matter. More specifically, PCB congeners of higher 

molecular weight tend to sorb to particulate matter more 

preferentially than PCB congeners of lighter molecular weight. 

Thus, it was expected that PCB congeners, especially those of 

higher molecular weight, would be associated with both living 

and nonliving particles suspended in the water column. In fact, 

only half of the PCB congeners detected in samples collected 

from the Neponset River at Milton Village streamgage were 

associated with suspended particles; particulate-associated 

PCB concentrations averaged about 9.3 ng/L and ranged from 

0.30 ng/L (March–April 2006) to 18.6 ng/L (September 2005) 

(table 11, in back of report). These low concentrations are 

likely a result of the relatively low concentration (less than 

about 10 mg/L, on average) of suspended particles commonly 

measured in the river (K.P. Smith, U.S. Geological Survey, 

unpub. data, 2002).

As expected, PCBs associated with particulates were 

enriched in PCB congeners of molecular weights higher than 

those in dissolved PCBs. For example, tetrachlorobiphenyls 

accounted for the largest proportion (34 percent7

, on average) 

of concentrations of particulate-associated PCBs, whereas 

dichlorobiphenyls, in contrast, accounted for the largest 

proportion (34 percent) of concentrations of dissolved PCBs 

(table 10, in back of report). Tetrachlorobiphenyls also 

accounted for the largest proportion of particulate PCBs in 

both the spring/summer (May to September; 34 percent) and 

in the winter months (December to March–April; 35 percent). 

In addition, at least one congener from each homolog group 

was detected in the particulate fraction, with one exception: 

none of the three nonachlorobiphenyl congeners associated 

with particulates were detected in whole-water samples 

collected at the streamgage station Neponset River at 

Milton Village.

Of the tetachlorobiphenyls associated with particulates, 

the unresolved congener group PCB 47 + 48 + 75 was most 

often detected in the highest concentration (1.18 ng/L) and 

accounted for the largest proportion (about 14 percent) of the 

concentrations of particulate PCBs, on average (fig. 14B). 

Concentrations of PCB 47 + 48 + 75, on average, were 

5 times higher in the spring/summer (May to September; 

1.83 ng/L) than in winter (December to February; 0.36 ng/L). 

Eighty other PCB congeners or unresolved congener groups 

compose the remainder of the detected particulate-associated 

PCB congeners. Each of these PCB congeners and congener 

groups generally accounts for less than 5 percent of the total 

concentration of particulate-associated PCBs, with two notable 

7

 Values less than the detection limit were set to zero.

exceptions: PCB 5 + 8 (8 percent) and PCB 15 (10 percent), 

on average.

Similar differences between summer and winter 

water-column PCB concentrations measured in the Lower 

Fox River in Wisconsin were attributed to algal dynamics 

(growth, predation, sinking, and other factors) in summer 

months (Fitzgerald and Steuer, 1996). Seasonal variability 

also was related to total PCB concentrations, streamflow, and 

air temperature. It is likely that the PCB congeners of lower 

molecular weight (lower PCB numbers) are more soluble 

at higher (summertime) water temperatures, which thereby 

increases their water-column concentrations during summer 

months. For the same reason, colder water temperatures 

may result in the predominance of PCB congeners of higher 

molecular weight (higher PCB numbers) in the water column 

during the winter. Higher wintertime water levels and 

streamflows may also scour the riverbed, which may release 

sediment contaminated with PCB congeners of different 

patterns into the water column. Whatever the causes, these 

differences may have substantial implications for the transport, 

fate, and toxicity of PCBs in the system. Similar differences in 

relative PCB-congener abundances were also observed in the 

Millers River, MA, by Colman (2000).

PCBs in Fish

Total PCB-congener concentrations measured in fillets 

and whole bodies of white sucker collected from the Tileston 

and Hollingsworth and Walter Baker Impoundments were all 

greater than 2,000 ng/g wet wt (or ppb), the USEPA’s guideline for safe consumption of fish (table 12, in back of report). 

Moreover, PCB-congener concentrations measured in whole 

fish collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth Impoundment (about 6,890 ng/g wet wt) were more than three times 

this value, and concentrations in whole fish collected from the 

Walter Baker Impoundment (about 4,080 ng/g wet wt) were 

more than double the guideline value. This level of PCB contamination in whole fish can be lethal for predators that consume these fish. As was expected, fish fillets contained lower 

concentrations of PCBs than their whole-body counterparts 

(about 3,490 and 2,450 ng/g wet wt, respectively); however, 

these concentrations are still above safe levels and are particularly troublesome for subsistence fishermen who typically eat 

only the fillets of caught fish. Total PCB-congener concentrations measured in the whole bodies of common mummichog, 

which are estuarine bait fish, were lower (about 708 ng/g wet 

wt) than in the whole bodies of white sucker (table 13, in back 

of report).

Concentrations of lipophilic (or fat-loving) contaminants 

like PCBs, commonly reported as concentrations per unit 

lipid (total PCB concentration divided by fraction of lipid), 

were measured in each tissue sample. Concentrations in 

whole fish collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth and 

Walter Baker Impoundments were about 90,400 ng/g lipid 

wet wt (90.4 mg/kg lipid wet wt) and 65,600 ng/g lipid wet 
Loads of PCBs from the Neponset River to the Neponset River Estuary 27

wt (65.6 mg/kg lipid wet wt), respectively. Lipid-normalized 

concentrations in fillets collected from the two impoundments 

were about 119,500 ng/g lipid wet wt (119.5 mg/kg lipid 

wet wt) and 85,100 ng/g lipid wet wt (85.1 mg/kg lipid wet 

wt), respectively. By comparison, whole fish collected from 

the Housatonic River, a PCB-contaminated river in western 

Massachusetts during two separate sampling rounds in 1994 

and 1995 averaged 76 mg/kg wet wt (3,378 mg/kg lipid 

wet wt) and 112 mg/kg wet wt (5,258 mg/kg lipid wet wt), 

respectively (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2007). 

Lipid-normalized PCB concentrations measured in carp 

collected from the Lower Fox River downstream of Depere 

Dam, Wisconsin, in 1989 (about 75,000 ng/g lipid; Steuer 

and others, 1995) were similar to lipid-normalized PCB 

concentrations measured as part of this study. Unresolved PCB 

congeners measured at relatively high concentrations in fishtissue samples included PCB 43 + 49, PCB 41 + 64 + 68 + 71, 

and PCB 47 + 48 + 75. Most fish-tissue samples were enriched 

in one or all of these congeners compared to other congeners 

tested (fig. 15).

Three nonorthosubstituted, coplanar8

 PCBs—PCB 77, 

PCB 126, and PCB 169—structurally resemble TCDD and, of 

all the PCB congeners, are the most dioxin-like with respect 

to their ability to interact with the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor 

(AhR), an intercellular protein (Denison and others, 1988). 

Concentrations of these congeners ranged from 0.0027 to 

3.8 ng/g wet wt in fillets and less than 0.0086 to 11 ng/g wet 

wt in whole fish. The highest concentration of all the coplanar 

congeners, 11 ng/g wet wt, was measured in whole fish caught 

in the Tileston and Hollingsworth Impoundment (table 12, in 

back of report). For comparison, maximum concentrations of 

PCB 77 measured in white sucker (fillets and whole) collected 

from the Connecticut River Basin were 1.0 and 2.1 ng/g wet 

wt, respectively (Hellyer, 2006).

Dioxin like PCB-congener concentrations measured 

in white-sucker fillets were converted to 2,3,7,8-TCDD 

equivalents by means of equation 2, excluding and including unresolved congener groups PCB 105 + 127 and PCB 

106 + 118. TEQ calculated for fish fillets collected from the 

Tileston and Hollingsworth and Walter Baker Impoundments 

were 18–23 pg WHO2005-TEQ/g (620–780 pg WHO2005-TEQ/g 

lipid) and 17–20 pg WHO2005-TEQ/g (590–700 pg WHO2005-

TEQ/g lipid), respectively. These values are as much as 

several orders of magnitude greater than the USEPA’s human 

health carcinogenic screening values for recreational fishers (0.256 pg TEQ/g) and for subsistence fishers (0.0315 pg 

TEQ/g) (Hellyer, 2006). TEQ calculated for white sucker collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth and Walter Baker 

Impoundments and common mummichog collected from 

the estuary were about 59–67 WHO2005-TEQ/g (770–880 pg 

8

 Structurally, PCBs generally resemble propeller blades because the large 

chlorine atoms sterically interfere with coplanarity of the benzene rings; 

however, as long as the chlorine atoms are far enough apart, the benzene rings 

can be considered coplanar. In nonorthosubstituted PCB congeners, hydrogen 

atoms are not substituted by chlorine atoms at the ortho positions or the positions adjacent to the other ring, and therefore, the benzene rings are coplanar.

WHO2005-TEQ/g lipid) , 38–43 WHO2005-TEQ/g (620–690 pg 

WHO2005-TEQ/g lipid), and 7–8 pg WHO2005-TEQ/g (460–

540 pg WHO2005-TEQ/g lipid), respectively. TEQ calculated 

for whole fish are about equal to or greater than the values 

designated by the USEPA as “High Eco-Risk” for fish-eating 

mammals (7 pg WHO2005-TEQ/g; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1998). It is important to note that TEQ values 

may underestimate the risk associated with PCB-contaminated 

fish because they do not include concentrations of actual 

dioxins as compared to dioxin-like compounds. For example, Hellyer (2006) suggested that “when dioxin TEQs are 

excluded from the risk calculation, [they] may underestimate 

the risk from consumption of Connecticut River fish.”

Loads of PCBs from the Neponset River 

to the Neponset River Estuary

About 5,100 g or 1 gal (with an assumed a density of 

1.4 g/mL) of PCBs was transported in May 2005–2006 by 

the Neponset River to the Neponset River Estuary and most 

likely farther downstream (table 9). The mean monthly 

discharge for the Neponset River for the study period was 

about 357 ft3

/s at the USGS streamgage Neponset River at 

Milton Village (011055566). By comparison, about 210 kg of 

PCBs was transported by the Fox River into Green Bay, WI, 

in 1995 (Steuer and others, 1995). The mean daily discharge 

for the Fox River for 1989 was about 3,588 ft3

/s at USGS 

streamgage Fox River at oil tank depot at Green Bay, WI 

(040851385) (Steuer and others, 1995). At first glance, 1 gal 

of PCBs does not appear to be much; however, this volume 

of PCBs is sufficient to contaminate about 94 billion gal of 

water (about 143,000 Olympic-size swimming pools) above 

levels considered safe (14 ng/L) or about 33,000 ft3

 of bottom 

sediment of density 2.65 g/cm3

 (enough to fill about 150 

dump trucks) above levels considered safe (2,000 ng/g) for 

aquatic organisms.

Monthly PCB loads measured at the Milton Village 

streamgage (011055566) ranged from 62 g (March–April 

2006) to 1,712 g (October 2005) (table 9). About half of the 

total PCB load was dissolved (about 1,500 g), and half was 

associated with particulates (about 1,400 g) (excluding October and November, for which no information was available; 

table 9; table 14, at back of report). The largest monthly PCB 

load, which accounted for about 34 percent of the total annual 

(May 2005 to April 2006) load, was calculated for October. 

This relatively large load was likely the result of large rainstorms that dropped over 14.7 in. of rain on the watershed; 

otherwise PCB loads varied from month to month in an 

irregular manner. Typically, 3.85 in. of rain falls in the month 

of October at the nearby Blue Hill Observatory in Milton, MA 

(averaged for the period of record, 1891–2000), and October 

2005 was the wettest October on record (Iancono, 2010).

Monthly dissolved PCB loads measured at the Milton 

Village streamgage (011055566) ranged from 38 g (December 
28 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

A

B

10

86420

10

86420

RELATIVE ABUNDANCE, IN PERCENT

Monochlorobiphenyl

Dichlorobiphenyl

Trichlorobiphenyl

Tetrachlorobiphenyl

Pentachlorobiphenyl

Hexachlorobiphenyl

Heptachlorobiphenyl

Octachlorobiphenyl

Nonachlorobiphenyl

Decachlorobiphenyl

POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL CONGENER IUPAC NUMBER

1

2

3

4&10

5&8

6

7&9

11

12&13

14

15

16&32

17

18

19

20&21&33

22

23&34

24&27

25

26

28

29

30

31

35

36

37

38

39

40

41&64&68&71

42&59

43&49

44

45

46

47&48&75

50

51

52&73

53

54

55

56&60

57

58

61&74

62&65

63

66&80

67

69

70&76

72

77

78

79

81

82

83&108

84

85&120

86&97

87&115&116

88&121

89&90&101

91

92

93&95

94

96

98&102

99

100

103

104

105&127

106&118

107&109

110

111&117

112

113

114

119

122

123

124

125

126

128

129

130

131&142

132&168

133

134&143

135&144

136

137

138&163&164

139&149

140

141

145

146

147

148

150

151

152

153

154

155

156

157

158&160

159

161

162

165

166

167

169

170&190

171

172&192

173

174&181

175

176

177

178

179

180

182&187

183

184

185

186

188

189

191

193

194

195

196&203

197

198

199

200

201

202

204

205

206

207

208

209

Figure 15. Relative abundances of polychlorinated biphenyls in white-sucker (A) fillets and (B) whole fish collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth Impoundment and in 

(C) fillets and (D) whole fish collected from the Walter Baker Impoundment.
Loads of PCBs from the Neponset River to the Neponset River Estuary 29

C

D

10

86420

10

86420

RELATIVE ABUNDANCE, IN PERCENT

1

2

3

4&10

5&8

6

7&9

11

12&13

14

15

16&32

17

18

19

20&21&33

22

23&34

24&27

25

26

28

29

30

31

35

36

37

38

39

40

41&64&68&71

42&59

43&49

44

45

46

47&48&75

50

51

52&73

53

54

55

56&60

57

58

61&74

62&65

63

66&80

67

69

70&76

72

77

78

79

81

82

83&108

84

85&120

86&97

87&115&116

88&121

89&90&101

91

92

93&95

94

96

98&102

99

100

103

104

105&127

106&118

107&109

110

111&117

112

113

114

119

122

123

124

125

126

128

129

130

131&142

132&168

133

134&143

135&144

136

137

138&163&164

139&149

140

141

145

146

147

148

150

151

152

153

154

155

156

157

158&160

159

161

162

165

166

167

169

170&190

171

172&192

173

174&181

175

176

177

178

179

180

182&187

183

184

185

186

188

189

191

193

194

195

196&203

197

198

199

200

201

202

204

205

206

207

208

209

POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL CONGENER IUPAC NUMBER

Monochlorobiphenyl

Dichlorobiphenyl

Trichlorobiphenyl

Tetrachlorobiphenyl

Pentachlorobiphenyl

Hexachlorobiphenyl

Heptachlorobiphenyl

Octachlorobiphenyl

Nonachlorobiphenyl

Decachlorobiphenyl

Figure 15. Relative abundances of polychlorinated biphenyls in white-sucker (A) fillets and (B) whole fish collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth Impoundment and in 

(C) fillets and (D) whole fish collected from the Walter Baker Impoundment.—Continued
30 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

2005) to 352 g (May 2005) (table 9). The largest monthly dissolved PCB load, which accounted for about 24 percent of the 

total annual (May 2005 to April 2006) dissolved load, was calculated for May 2005 (excluding October and November, for 

which no information was available). The largest percentage 

(90 percent) of the total load that was dissolved was measured 

in March–April 2006. Not surprisingly, the monthly mean 

discharge for this time period was relatively low (153 ft3

/s). 

In fact, March 2006 was the second driest March on record 

(1891–2000) measured at the Blue Hill Observatory, and 

rainfall totals for March and April 2006 were 4.11 and 1.84 in. 

below normal, respectively. Dissolved loads are most likely a 

result of diffusion and nonscour resuspension/desorption from 

sediment (Butcher and Garvey, 2004). The lack of storms, 

which may resuspend and transport contaminated bottom sediment downstream, may be the reason why the percentage of 

particulate PCB loading for March–April 2006 (10 percent) is 

relatively low and the percentage of dissolved PCB loading for 

the same two months is relatively high.

Monthly particulate PCB loads measured at the Milton 

Village streamgage (011055566) ranged from 6.4 g (March–

April 2006) to 382 g (May 2005) (table 9). The largest 

monthly particulate PCB load, which accounted for about 

70 percent of the total annual (May 2005 to April 2006) load, 

was calculated for January 2006 (excluding October and 

November, for which no information was available). The mean 

daily discharge measured in January 2006 was about 596 ft3

/s, 

which is about double the period-of-record (WY 1997–2005) 

mean daily discharge for January (382 ft3

/s). It is likely that 

the October particulate load, if measured separately, would 

have been the largest. The mean daily discharge measured in 

October 2005 was about 779 ft3

/s, which is almost six times 

the period-of-record (WY 1997–2005) mean-daily discharge 

for October (132 ft3

/s). Resuspension of PCB-contaminated 

bottom sediment by flood waters most likely resulted in a large 

particulate load.

Although water-quality samples were collected for a 

time period of only one year, the relation between PCB loads 

and streamflow was used to test whether or not the PCB 

loads measured in this study were representative of long-term 

loads (WY 1997–2005). An analysis based on linear regression (Minitab, v. 14.12) indicated that the log (base 10) of 

monthly mean streamflow could explain 98 percent of the 

observed variation in PCB loads in spring/summer (May to 

October; adjusted r2

=0.98; p value=0.001) and 75 percent 

of fall/winter total PCB loads (November to March–April, 

excluding December, which was an outlier; adjusted r2

=0.75; 

p value=0.088). Thus, it was possible to estimate long-term 

average PCB loads based on the 11-year record of average 

mean monthly streamflows under the assumption that the relation between PCB loads and streamflow in the Neponset River 

has remained constant over time.

Based on this approach, the long-term average annual 

PCB load was estimated as about 4.0 kg, or about 1 kg less 

than the PCB load measured between May 2005 and April 

2006. Although similar in magnitude, the timing of these 

loads is very different. An inordinately large PCB load was 

measured in water samples collected during October; the 

combined October 2005 and January 2006 loads were about 

six times as large as the estimated long-term average loads. 

In contrast, very low streamflows in March and April 2006, 

compared to long-term average streamflows for these months, 

resulted in PCB loads that were possibly about 7 percent of the 

average March and April loads during a normal year.

The mass of PCBs transported out of the river 

(estimated above) does not include the mass of PCBs lost by 

volatilization. Volatilization (or the transfer of PCBs across the 

air-water interface as the result of a concentration gradient) 

can be an important mechanism for transporting PCBs from 

the water column to the atmosphere. For example, numerical 

modeling of PCBs in Green Bay, WI, showed that the mass of 

PCBs transported out of the river by volatilization 

(158 kg) exceeded that transported by the water column 

(122 kg; Stratus Consulting, Inc., 1999). Volatilization may 

play an important role in the lower Neponset River, because 

PCB-contaminated water spills over two dams and flows 

through a series of riffles. For example, Colman (2000) 

observed a four-fold decrease in total PCB concentrations 

from a PISCES sample collected upstream of a steep-gradient 

reach of the Millers River in central Massachusetts and New 

Hampshire to a sample collected downstream of the reach. 

Once in the atmosphere, PCBs can be transported away from 

the area by means of prevailing winds. Inhalation of PCBs 

volatilized from contaminated river water and sediment is 

one pathway through which humans can be exposed to PCBs 

(Vorhees and others, 1997). PCBs may also be transported 

from the river to the estuary in the body burden of fish or 

other wildlife.

Loads of PCBs through the BraidedChannel Area

The special handling and disposal of PCB-contaminated 

bottom sediment, the large volume of bottom sediment, 

the logistics of restoring an urban river, and historical 

considerations all contribute to the difficulty of restoring 

the Neponset River. The consequences of leaving PCBcontaminated sediment in place can ultimately be more 

problematic than the consequences of removing the sediment 

unless the sediment can be shown, with some degree of 

certainty, to be stable (or able to be stabilized)—that is, not an 
Sources of PCBs 31

active source of PCBs and inaccessible to people in the 

local area.

The reach known locally as the Braided Channel, 

although heavily contaminated with PCBs (Breault and others, 

2004a), is likely to be stable under normal hydrologic conditions9

. That is, PCBs in the Braided Channel are likely trapped 

in semipermanent stable islands around which the river flows. 

These morphological features likely formed as a result of the 

large flood that breached the Jenkins Dam after two successive 

hurricanes in 1955; the Jenkins Dam historically impounded 

this part of the river. Presumably, sediments that were trapped 

behind dam but not transported downstream by flooding were 

incised by the river. Currently (50 years later), these subaerial 

islands are mostly vegetated and consequently very stable.

To test this hypothesis, water samples were collected 

upstream and downstream of the Braided Channel during a 

large storm on October 15, 2005, and analyzed for particulate 

and dissolved PCB congeners (table 15, in back of report). 

Upstream and downstream streamflows measured concurrently with sampling were 1,500 and 1,350 ft3

/s, respectively. 

Flows at the upstream site, the Blue Hill Avenue bridge, were 

greater than downstream flows because of flow conditions 

at the bridge, which rests on large pillars that cause water to 

circulate unpredictably. Swirling water interferes with flow 

measurements, and the degree of interference is noted by the 

technician making the measurement as good, average, or poor. 

In this case, the upstream measurement was rated poor (within 

10 percent of the actual streamflow), whereas the downstream 

measurement was rated good (within 5 percent of the actual 

streamflow). Similar upstream and downstream flows indicate 

that no substantial inputs of water entered the river between 

these stations, which were only about 1.25 mi apart. Differences in PCB loads measured upstream and downstream of the 

Braided Channel, therefore, can be attributed only to processes 

in that part of the river.

Dissolved and particulate PCB concentrations measured 

upstream of the Braided Channel were 20.0 and 21.2 ng/L, 

respectively; downstream concentrations were 19.5 and 

24.1 ng/L, respectively. The products of these concentrations 

and streamflows give an instantaneous upstream PCB load 

of about 1.8 mg/s and an instantaneous downstream load of 

about 1.7 mg/s. Additionally, dissolved PCB-congener patterns 

determined in the upstream and downstream samples were 

similar (RMSD equal to 1.29), as were particulate PCBcongener patterns (RMSD equal to 0.34). Thus, the Braided 

Channel apparently is neither a source nor a sink of PCBs 

under the flow conditions at the time of sampling; however, 

this result does not indicate that PCBs in this part of the river 

will not be transported under any circumstances.

9

 Because PCBs are trapped in semipermanent stable islands, the diffusion 

and advection of dissolved PCBs into the water column is not a concern during normal hydrologic conditions.

Sources of PCBs

Sources of PCBs in the environment commonly include 

the release of PCB-contaminated oil-like substances into 

rivers, streams, soils, or groundwater. Once released into the 

environment, PCBs partition themselves among air, water, 

sediment, vegetation, and biota. With time, PCBs can be preferentially transported, transformed through anaerobic dechlorination, destroyed through aerobic degradation, or metabolized. 

PCBs that are not destroyed by either aerobic degradation or 

metabolization mostly end up dissolved in water, sorbed onto 

suspended particles (living and nonliving), volatilized into the 

atmosphere, buried with bottom sediments, taken up by vegetation, or stored in the tissues of wildlife, fish, and humans. 

After partitioning, many of the characteristics of the original 

source materials may be changed forever. For these reasons, 

identifying places where PCB contamination first originated or 

determining the ultimate fate of PCBs can be challenging.

Relative Abundances, Concentrations, and 

Root-Mean-Square Difference

Fortunately, combinations of sampling, analytical, and 

statistical techniques can be used to identify sources and 

transport pathways of PCBs released into the environment. For 

example, the relative abundances and concentrations of some 

congeners or unresolved congener groups measured in bottomsediment grab samples differed from sample to sample in such 

a way that inferences could be made concerning source areas. 

For example, the average relative abundances of the unresolved congeners PCB-138 + 163 + 164 in bottom-sediment 

grab samples collected upstream of facility #2 (on Mother 

Brook; average relative abundance equal to 7.2 percent) and 

upstream of the Mother Brook confluence with the Neponset 

River (8.4 percent) were greater than the average relative 

abundances of the same congeners measured in samples collected downstream of facility #2 on the brook (0.81 percent) 

and the river (1.2 percent). An example of this congener pattern for four specific sampling stations is shown in figure 16. 

Meanwhile, the average concentrations of PCB-138 + 163 + 

164 in samples collected upstream of facility #2 (on Mother 

Brook; 18.7 ng/g) and upstream of the Mother Brook confluence (on the Neponset River; 38.7 ng/g) were much lower than 

the average concentrations of the same congeners measured 

downstream of facility #2 on the brook (95.3 ng/g) and the 

river (132 ng/g). These results suggest the addition of the unresolved congener group PCB-138 + 163 + 164 as well as other 

PCB congeners downstream of facility #2. This change in the 

relative concentration of PCB-138 + 163 + 164 and changes 

in other PCB-congener or unresolved congener-group patterns 

can be quantified by means of RMSD.
32 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

1

2

3

4&10

5&8

6

7&9

11

12&13

14

15

16&32

17

18

19

20&21&33

22

23&34

24&27

25

26

28

29

30

31

35

36

37

38

39

40

41&64&68&71

42&59

43&49

44

45

46

47&48&75

50

51

52&73

53

54

55

56&60

57

58

61&74

62&65

63

66&80

67

69

70&76

72

77

78

79

81

82

83&108

84

85&120

86&97

87&115&116

88&121

89&90&101

91

92

93&95

94

96

98&102

99

100

103

104

105&127

106&118

107&109

110

111&117

112

113

114

119

122

123

124

125

126

128

129

130

131&142

132&168

133

134&143

135&144

136

137

138&163&164

139&149

140

141

145

146

147

148

150

151

152

153

154

155

156

157

158&160

159

161

162

165

166

167

169

170&190

171

172&192

173

174&181

175

176

177

178

179

180

182&187

183

184

185

186

188

189

191

193

194

195

196&203

197

198

199

200

201

202

204

205

206

207

208

209

Monochlorobiphenyl

Dichlorobiphenyl

Trichlorobiphenyl

Tetrachlorobiphenyl

Pentachlorobiphenyl

Hexachlorobiphenyl

Heptachlorobiphenyl

Octachlorobiphenyl

Nonachlorobiphenyl

Decachlorobiphenyl

A

B

86420

10

840

201612

RELATIVE ABUNDANCE, IN PERCENT

POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL CONGENER IUPAC NUMBER

Figure 16. Relative abundances of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in bottom-sediment grab samples collected from (A) Mother Brook near the Verizon Building 

(BGY

–140), (B) Mother Brook near facility #2 (BGY

–141), (C) the Neponset River near Fulton Street (BGY

–104), and (D) the Neponset River at Fairmont Avenue (BGY

–106). 

Sampling stations are shown in figure 2.
Sources of PCBs 33 POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL CONGENER IUPAC NUMBER 123

4&10

5&86

7&9

11

12&13

14

15

16&32

17

18

19

20&21&33

22

23&34

24&27

25

26

28

29

30

31

35

36

37

38

39

40

41&64&68&71

42&59

43&49

44

45

46

47&48&75

50

51

52&73

53

54

55

56&60

57

58

61&74

62&65

63

66&80

67

69

70&76

72

77

78

79

81

82

83&108

84

85&120

86&97

87&115&116

88&121

89&90&101

91

92

93&95

94

96

98&102

99

100

103

104

105&127

106&118

107&109

110

111&117

112

113

114

119

122

123

124

125

126

128

129

130

131&142

132&168

133

134&143

135&144

136

137

138&163&164

139&149

140

141

145

146

147

148

150

151

152

153

154

155

156

157

158&160

159

161

162

165

166

167

169

170&190

171

172&192

173

174&181

175

176

177

178

179

180

182&187

183

184

185

186

188

189

191

193

194

195

196&203

197

198

199

200

201

202

204

205

206

207

208

209

RELATIVE ABUNDANCE, IN PERCENT

840

201612

840

201612

C

D

Monochlorobiphenyl

Dichlorobiphenyl

Trichlorobiphenyl

Tetrachlorobiphenyl

Pentachlorobiphenyl

Hexachlorobiphenyl

Heptachlorobiphenyl

Octachlorobiphenyl

Nonachlorobiphenyl

Decachlorobiphenyl

Figure 16. Relative abundances of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in bottom-sediment grab samples collected from (A) Mother Brook near the Verizon Building 

(BGY–140), (B) Mother Brook near facility #2 (BGY–141), (C) the Neponset River near Fulton Street (BGY–104), and (D) the Neponset River at Fairmont Avenue (BGY–106). Sampling stations are shown in figure 2.—Continued
34 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

RMSDs for adjacent bottom-sediment grab samples collected in 2002 and 2005 from the Neponset River and Mother 

Brook are shown in figure 17. Substantial PCB-congenerpattern changes observed in the vicinity of facility #2 (3.0; 

RMSDs for upstream adjacent sample site shown in parentheses) and facility #3 (1.3) suggest the location of a major 

source(s) of PCBs to Mother Brook. Transport of PCBs from 

this source area on Mother Brook followed by deposition of 

PCBs in river sediments can be inferred from the low RMSD

value calculated for the sample collected in Mother Brook 

near facility #3 and the sample collected in the river just 

downstream of the confluence (0.5). RMSD values calculated 

for samples collected upstream and downstream of the Mother 

Brook confluence (1.8) suggest that the set of PCBs coming 

from upstream is different from the set of PCBs coming from 

Mother Brook. Samples collected downstream of the confluence suggest that other PCB sources were along the river near 

Fairmont Avenue, the Tileston and Hollingsworth Impoundment, and the Braided Channel. Environmental conditions 

downstream may favor anaerobic dechlorination; this process 

could result in high RMSD values between sampling locations, 

and these high values could be misinterpreted as evidence of 

another source. More sophisticated sampling and (or) statistical analysis could be done to determine whether or not 

anaerobic dechlorination is happening in river bottom sediments of the Neponset River (for example, Karcher and others, 

2004). RMSD values calculated for bottom-sediment samples 

collected from adjacent sampling stations in the estuary suggest that PCBs from an additional source may be mixing with 

PCBs from the Neponset River in the estuary.

The total masses10 of PCBs and the masses of specific 

PCB congeners measured in PISCES may also provide 

important information concerning the locations of source 

areas and transportation pathways (fig. 17; tables 16 and 

17, in back of report). For example, the average of the total 

masses of PCBs measured in PISCES deployed in 2005 near 

the river’s headwaters was relatively low (273 ng/sample); 

peaked just downstream of the confluence with Mother Brook 

near Fairmont Avenue (5,190 ng/sample); remained relatively 

constant all the way downstream to the Milton Village Marina 

(5,240 ng/sample, the maximum total mass measured in 2005); 

and declined farther into the estuary. PCB concentrations in 

Mother Brook were relatively low at Incinerator Road near 

the confluence with the Charles River (64 ng/sample, the 

minimum mass measured in 2005) and gradually increased 

to a maximum (1,940 ng/sample) at Hyde Park Avenue near 

the confluence with the Neponset River. Although the masses 

of PCBs measured in PISCES deployed in 2005 were, on 

average, about three times higher than those measured in 2002 

10 If two PISCES were deployed at a location, the masses of PCBs measured 

in the two samples were averaged.

at similar locations, the spatial trends were similar (Breault 

and others, 2004a). 

More specifically, the average relative abundances of 

the unresolved congeners PCB 4 + 10 in PISCES samples 

deployed in 2002 and 2005 collected upstream of facility #2 

(on Mother Brook; 6.5 percent) and upstream of the Mother 

Brook confluence (on the Neponset River; 8.4 percent) were 

less than the average relative abundance of these same congeners measured in samples collected downstream of facility 

#2 on the brook (17 percent) and the river (30 percent). An 

example of this congener pattern for four specific stations is 

shown in figure 18. Meanwhile, the average concentrations of 

PCB 4 + 10 in samples collected upstream of facility #2 (on 

Mother Brook; 9.5 ng/sample) and upstream of the Mother 

Brook confluence (on the Neponset River; 57.1 ng/sample) 

were much lower than the average concentrations of this 

unresolved congener group measured downstream of facility #2 on the brook (280 ng/sample) and the river (960 ng/

sample). These results can be explained by the addition of the 

unresolved congener group PCB-4 + 10, the anaerobic dechlorination of PCB congeners downstream of facility #2, or both. 

Preferential transport is less likely because the abundance 

of fine-grained sediments downstream of facility #2 is much 

greater than upstream: these fine-grained sediments are likely 

to be enriched in higher molecular weight PCB congeners.

RMSDs for adjacent PISCES samples collected in 2002 

and 2005 from the Neponset River and Mother Brook are 

shown in figure 17B11. Substantial PCB-congener-pattern 

changes observed just downstream of the confluence with 

Meadow Brook at Neponset Street (3.1; RMSD for upstream 

adjacent sample site shown in parentheses) suggests that 

facility #1 is a source of PCBs to the Neponset River. 

Similarly, the substantial PCB-congener-pattern change 

observed just downstream of the confluence with Mother 

Brook at Dana Avenue (2.3) suggests that Mother Brook 

is also a substantial source of PCBs to the Neponset River. 

The location of PCB source(s) on Mother Brook is likely 

somewhere in the vicinity of Reservation Park (1.6 measured 

in 2005 and 2.7 measured in 2002), facility #2 (1.6), and Hyde 

Park (1.8). PCB concentrations in PISCES deployed near 

Fairmont Avenue suggest three possibilities—a new source, 

the anaerobic dechlorination of PCBs coming from Mother 

and Meadow Brooks, or both. More sophisticated statistical 

analysis may allow determination of whether or not PCBs 

are being anaerobically degraded in bottom sediments of the 

Neponset River (for example, Karcher and others, 2004). 

RMSD values calculated for PISCES samples deployed in the 

estuary suggests that PCBs from the Neponset River may be 

mixing with PCBs in the estuary.

11 RMSDs were calculated for samples collected at adjacent locations in the 

same year.
Sources of PCBs 35

2002 2005

Buoy

(2005)

Neponset

Avenue 

(2005)

Granite Avenue

(2005)

Milton Village 

Marina

(2005)

Walter Baker

Impoundment

(2002)

Central 

Avenue

(2002)

Braided 

Channel

(2002)

 Ryan 

Playground

(2002)

Downstream 

T&H

Impoundment

(2002)

Upstream T&H 

Impoundment

(2002)

Fairmont 

Avenue

(2002 and 2005) 

Dana Avenue

(2005)

Paul’s Bridge

(2002 and 2005) 

Neponset 

Street

(2005)

Pleasant Street

(2005)

Martini Shell

(2002)

Kennedy 

Playground

(2002)

5,240

TOTAL POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL CONCENTRATION, 

IN NANOGRAMS PER SAMPLE

ROOT MEAN SQUARE DIFFERENCE, IN PERCENT

B PISCES samples

9,000

8,000

7,000

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

4.0

3.6

3.2

2.8

2.4

2.0

1.6

1.2

0.8

0.4

0

4.0

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0

TOTAL POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL CONCENTRATION, 

IN NANOGRAMS PER GRAM

ROOT MEAN SQUARE DIFFERENCE, IN PERCENT

30,000

25,000

20,000

15,000

10,000

5,000

0

Upstream

Impoundment 

 on Mother Brook

Near Verizon building

Near Facility #2

 Near Facility #3

(Neponset River) near

Mother Brook 

Confluence

Downstream impoundment 

 On mother brook 

Neponset River

Mother Brook

Neponset River Mother Brook

North Boston 

Scientific building

Near Fulton

Street

Near Star 

Market

 Near 

Mother Brook 

Confluence

Fairmont

Avenue

Upstream 

T&H

Impoundment

Braided 

Channel 

Walter Baker 

Impoundment

Near Milton 

Village Marina

Near Gulliver 

Creek

 Near Route 93

Near Landfill

Near Adams Inn

South Boston 

Scientific building

Near Port Norfolk 

Yacht Club

TOTAL POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL CONCENTRATION, 

IN NANOGRAMS PER GRAM

ROOT MEAN SQUARE DIFFERENCE, IN PERCENT

A Bottom-sediment grab samples

18,000

16,000

14,000

12,000

10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

0

2.0

1.8

1.6

1.4

1.2

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0

Incinerator Road

(2002 and 2005) Reservation Park

(2002 and 2005)

Facility #2

(2005) Hyde Park

(2005)

TOTAL POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL

 CONCENTRATION, 

IN NANOGRAMS PER GRAM

ROOT MEAN SQUARE DIFFERENCE, IN PERCENT

6,000

5,000

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

0

Dana Avenue

(2005) (Neponset Riiver) 

Fairmont Avenue

(2002 and 2005) 

4.0

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0

6.95

8.83

2002

2002

2002

2005

2005

2005

Root mean square difference for upstream 

adjacent PISCES samples collected in 2002

Root mean square difference for upstream 

adjacent PISCES samples collected in 2005

Root mean square difference for bottomsediment grab samples

Total PCB concentrations in nanograms

per sample

EXPLANATION

Figure 17. Total PCB concentrations and root mean square differences measured in (A) bottom-sediment grab samples and 

(B) passive in situ chemical-extraction samplers (PISCES).
36 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

A

B

201612

840

201612

840

RELATIVE ABUNDANCE, IN PERCENT

POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL CONGENER IUPAC NUMBER

1

2

3

4&10

5&8

6

7&9

11

12&13

14

15

16&32

17

18

19

20&21&33

22

23&34

24&27

25

26

28

29

30

31

35

36

37

38

39

40

41&64&68&71

42&59

43&49

44

45

46

47&48&75

50

51

52&73

53

54

55

56&60

57

58

61&74

62&65

63

66&80

67

69

70&76

72

77

78

79

81

82

83&108

84

85&120

86&97

87&115&116

88&121

89&90&101

91

92

93&95

94

96

98&102

99

100

103

104

105&127

106&118

107&109

110

111&117

112

113

114

119

122

123

124

125

126

128

129

130

131&142

132&168

133

134&143

135&144

136

137

138&163&164

139&149

140

141

145

146

147

148

150

151

152

153

154

155

156

157

158&160

159

161

162

165

166

167

169

170&190

171

172&192

173

174&181

175

176

177

178

179

180

182&187

183

184

185

186

188

189

191

193

194

195

196&203

197

198

199

200

201

202

204

205

206

207

208

209

Monochlorobiphenyl

Dichlorobiphenyl

Trichlorobiphenyl

Tetrachlorobiphenyl

Pentachlorobiphenyl

Hexachlorobiphenyl

Heptachlorobiphenyl

Octachlorobiphenyl

Nonachlorobiphenyl

Decachlorobiphenyl

Figure 18. Relative abundances of polychlorinated biphenyls in passive in situ chemical-extraction samplers deployed in 2005 in (A) Mother Brook at Reservation Road, 

(B) Mother Brook at Hyde Park, (C) the Neponset River at Paul’s Bridge, and (D) the Neponset River at Fairmont Avenue.
Sources of PCBs 37

C

D

201612

840

201612

840

30.6

RELATIVE ABUNDANCE, IN PERCENT

POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL CONGENER IUPAC NUMBER

123

4&10

5&86

7&9

11

12&13

14

15

16&32

17

18

19

20&21&33

22

23&34

24&27

25

26

28

29

30

31

35

36

37

38

39

40

41&64&68&71

42&59

43&49

44

45

46

47&48&75

50

51

52&73

53

54

55

56&60

57

58

61&74

62&65

63

66&80

67

69

70&76

72

77

78

79

81

82

83&108

84

85&120

86&97

87&115&116

88&121

89&90&101

91

92

93&95

94

96

98&102

99

100

103

104

105&127

106&118

107&109

110

111&117

112

113

114

119

122

123

124

125

126

128

129

130

131&142

132&168

133

134&143

135&144

136

137

138&163&164

139&149

140

141

145

146

147

148

150

151

152

153

154

155

156

157

158&160

159

161

162

165

166

167

169

170&190

171

172&192

173

174&181

175

176

177

178

179

180

182&187

183

184

185

186

188

189

191

193

194

195

196&203

197

198

199

200

201

202

204

205

206

207

208

209

Monochlorobiphenyl

Dichlorobiphenyl

Trichlorobiphenyl

Tetrachlorobiphenyl

Pentachlorobiphenyl

Hexachlorobiphenyl

Heptachlorobiphenyl

Octachlorobiphenyl

Nonachlorobiphenyl

Decachlorobiphenyl

Figure 18. Relative abundances of polychlorinated biphenyls in passive in situ chemical-extraction samplers deployed in 2005 in (A) Mother Brook at Reservation Road, 

(B) Mother Brook at Hyde Park, (C) the Neponset River at Paul’s Bridge, and (D) the Neponset River at Fairmont Avenue.—Continued
38 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Cluster Analysis

While RMSD is useful to measure congener patterns in 

PCB samples collected at adjacent stations, cluster analysis is 

a statistical technique useful for characterizing the PCBcongener patterns of an entire population. Cluster analysis can 

be used to classify similar samples into groups called “clusters,” and, perhaps more important, distinguish samples with 

differing PCB-congener patterns from one another. The results 

are often displayed graphically in the form of a dendrogram or 

a tree-like plot, in which the lengths of the branches indicate 

the degree of dissimilarity (or similarity) between clusters. 

The dendrograms that represent PCB-congener data from 

bottom-sediment samples (fig. 19A) and PISCES12 (fig. 19B) 

show two major clusters each. 

Cluster 1 is based on concentrations of PCBs in samples 

collected from the Neponset River upstream of the confluence 

with Mother Brook and upstream of facility #2 in Mother 

Brook. This cluster indicates that the PCB congeners in these 

upstream samples (cluster 1) are categorically different from 

the PCB congeners in samples from the lower Neponset 

River and Estuary; therefore, the PCBs in the upstream 

samples likely originated from source areas other than those 

responsible for most of the PCBs in the lower Neponset River. 

PCB concentrations in sediment and water samples collected 

downstream of facility #2 in Mother Brook and in the 

Neponset River downstream of the confluence with Mother 

Brook were generally much higher than those collected 

upstream of that area.

The upstream source of PCBs to the Neponset River 

is most likely facility #1, which is known to have contaminated Meadow Brook, a tributary to the Neponset River (U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency, 2004). Further evidence 

for this inference is the similarity between PCB-congener 

patterns measured in PISCES deployed just downstream 

of the Meadow Brook confluence (Neponset Street) and 

PISCES deployed near Paul’s Bridge (RMSD equal to about 

1, fig. 17B), which in this case separates the upper and lower 

reaches of the Neponset River. Sources of PCBs to Mother 

Brook upstream of facility #2 (cluster 1, fig. 19A) appear not 

to be substantive; PCB concentrations in sediment and water 

samples collected upstream of facility #2 in Mother Brook 

were generally much lower than those in samples collected 

downstream of that area. 

Cluster 2 is based on samples collected from the 

Neponset River downstream of the confluence with Mother 

Brook and downstream of facility #2 in Mother Brook. PCBs 

measured in these downstream samples account for most 

PCBs in the lower parts of Mother Brook and the Neponset 

River as well as the Neponset River Estuary. Cluster 2 can be 

resolved into cluster subgroups 2a and 2b. Cluster 2a is based 

on data from samples collected in Mother Brook downstream 

12 PISCES and bottom-sediment data (grab and core) used in cluster analysis included data from samples collected as part of the 2002 study (Breault 

and others, 2004b).

of facility #2, the Neponset River near the confluence with 

Mother Brook, bottom-sediment grab samples collected 

downstream of the Tileston and Hollingsworth Dam, one 

core-sediment sample collected from the Braided Channel, 

and samples collected from the Neponset River Estuary, 

with the exception of one PISCES sample collected just 

downstream of the Walter Baker Dam. Cluster 2b is based 

on data from sediment samples (grabs and cores) collected 

between Fairmont Avenue and the Tileston and Hollingsworth 

Dam, a core-sediment sample collected from the Walter Baker 

Impoundment, PISCES samples collected downstream of 

Fairmont Avenue in the Neponset River, and one PISCES 

sample collected from the estuary near the Milton Village 

Marina. Therefore, data indicate that widespread PCB 

contamination of the downstream parts of Mother Brook, 

the lower Neponset River, and the Neponset River Estuary 

originated from Mother Brook—more specifically, from 

facility #2 and from facility #3 just downstream of facility #2 

on Mother Brook. 

History of PCB Contamination in the Neponset 

River

The history of PCB contamination in the Neponset River 

and its tributaries suggests why the clusters are not based on 

samples from contiguous stations. The PCB-congener pattern 

measured in a sediment core collected from the former Jenkins 

Impoundment (or Braided Channel) is similar to the congener 

pattern in a sediment grab sample collected far upstream in 

Mother Brook near facility #2. The date 1955 can be assigned 

to these sediments because that is when the Jenkins Dam was 

destroyed and presumably when PCB-laden sediments stopped 

accumulating in that part of the river. After the dam was 

destroyed, the river quickly incised itself into the bottom sediment once trapped behind the dam. These sediments remain 

today in the form of semipermanent midchannel islands.

The 1955 flood also destroyed the Tileston and 

Hollingsworth and Walter Baker Dams. PCB-contaminated 

sediments that were trapped behind these two dams likely 

were transported downstream and deposited in the Neponset 

River Estuary. Additionally, more than a decade passed before 

the Tileston and Hollingsworth and Walter Baker Dams were 

rebuilt. As a result, PCBs disposed in Mother Brook during 

that time interval could have been transported from the river to 

the estuary, unobstructed by either dam. Once river water with 

its PCB-laden sediment reached the estuary, it would have 

dropped the sediment and PCB load in the low flow water near 

the river mouth. This may explain the similarity among PCBcongener patterns measured in bottom-sediment grab samples 

collected from the Neponset River Estuary, Mother Brook, and 

parts of the lower Neponset River (Cluster 2a).

In contrast, the dissimilarity between PCB-congener 

patterns measured in bottom-sediment samples collected from 

the Neponset River and Estuary (fig. 19A, Subclusters 2ai and 

2aii) likely results from the mixing of PCBs in the estuary 
Sources of PCBs 39

A B

1.2.

2a.

2b.

40 60 80 100 20

SIMILARITY

40 60 80 100

1.

2.

2a.

2b.

2ai.

2aii.

20

Near Star Market

Near Fulton Street

Upstream impoundment on

Mother Brook

Near Verizon building

Downstream impoundment on

Mother Brook

Near facility #2

Braided Channel (sediment core)

 Near facility #3

(Neponset River) near

Mother Brook confluence

Braided Channel

Walter Baker Impoundment

Near Milton Village Marina

Near Gulliver Creek

Near Adams Inn

Near Route 93

Near landfill

South Boston Scientific building

Near Port Norfolk Yatch Club

North Boston Scientific building

Fairmont Avenue

Upstream T&H Impoundment

Walter Baker Impoundment

 (sediment core)

T&H Impoundment 

(sediment core)

Pleasant Street

Paul’s Bridge 2002

Martini Shell

Reservation

Reservation 2005

Incinerator Road

Neponset Street

Paul’s Bridge 2005

Incinerator 2002

Facility #2

Hyde Park

Dana Avenue

Granite Avenue

Neponset Avenue (Route 3A)

Buoy

Fairmont 2005

Milton Village Marina

Ryan Playground

Braided Channel

Central Avenue

Walter Baker

Fairmont 2002

Upstream T&H Impoundment

Downstream T&H Impoundment

Kennedy Playground

Upstream T&H Impoundment 2004

Walter Baker 2004 

Figure 19. Dendrograms of PCB-concentration data from (A) bottom-sediment grab samples and (B) passive in situ chemical-extraction samples.
40 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

from the Neponset River and from other sources. PCBs from 

Boston Harbor (transported directly or indirectly from other 

tributaries) may have been washed into the estuary with the 

tide and mixed with PCBs from the Neponset River. Mixing 

tends to muddle the original signal (or fingerprint) of each 

source. This hypothesis is supported by MWRA studies of 

PCB-congener patterns in bottom-sediment grab samples collected from the Neponset River Estuary and Boston Harbor 

(Lefkovitz and others, 2006). The data collected during this 

study suggest that PCB-congener patterns “...revealed that 

PCBs in sediment from Station DB10 [collected from the 

Neponset River Estuary] were different from other sediment 

samples [collected from Boston Harbor]” and that the PCBcongener patterns measured in sediment samples collected 

from the harbor were “...similar and closer to the pattern of 

Aroclor 1254” (Lefkovitz and others, 2006).

Sediment samples represented by Cluster 2b generally 

contained the highest PCB concentrations measured in this 

study; sediment at and near the stations associated with 

Cluster 2b appear to be responsible for most of the PCBs 

in the water column today (as measured by PISCES). One 

plausible explanation would be an unidentified source of PCBs 

that is continuing to discharge PCBs to the river. This source 

would have to be near, or discharging large amounts of PCBs 

to, the Neponset River somewhere near Fairmont Avenue. 

Another plausible explanation, which does not include another 

source area, is transformation: specifically, in situ anaerobic 

reductive dechlorination of PCBs that originated from Mother 

Brook and were subsequently deposited behind the Tileston 

and Hollingsworth and Walter Baker Dams. PCBs from contaminated sediments in these areas, in turn, could contaminate 

the overlying water by means of diffusive release of dissolved 

and colloidal PCBs from the bed or resuspension and subsequent desorption from resuspended particles (Achman and 

others, 1993). A third possibility is a combination of a new 

source and in situ dechlorination.

In the process of anaerobic dechlorination, chlorine atoms 

are removed from the biphenyl ring with hydrogen atoms, 

thereby reducing the average number of chlorine atoms per 

biphenyl molecule. Thus, the process of anaerobic dechlorination does not convert PCBs congeners into a different type of 

compound; rather, it results in the conversion of heavier PCB 

congeners (more chlorinated) to lighter PCB congeners (less 

chlorinated). For example, removal of the chlorine atom in 

the meta position of PCB 63 (2,3,4,6-tetrachlorobiphenyl) by 

microbial action results in the formation of PCB 30 (2,4,6-

trichlorobiphenyl), which in turn may be dechlorinated to form 

PCB 3 (4-monochlorobiphenyl) by removal of both chlorine 

atoms in the ortho position (Qingzhong and others, 1997).

Any one of the many identified dechlorination pathways 

may account for the predominance of mono- and dichlorobiphenyls observed in bottom-sediment samples collected in 

some parts of the Neponset River. Moreover, the transformation of heavier congeners to lighter congeners, together with 

the facts that lighter congeners are generally more soluble 

than heavier congeners and that the highest concentrations of 

PCBs were measured in bottom sediment collected behind 

the Tileston and Hollingsworth Dam, may also explain the 

predominance of mono- and dichlorobiphenyls observed in the 

PISCES samples collected downstream of Fairmont Avenue. 

The recurrence of congener patterns indicative of the upstream 

stations in water-column samples from PISCES deployed far 

out into the estuary (Granite Avenue, Route 3A, and Buoy) 

may be the result of dilution of dechlorinated PCBs from the 

river with nondechlorinated PCBs from the original source 

preserved in the estuarine sediment. The congener patterns 

measured in PISCES deployed in the estuary also reflect the 

presence of congeners from Aroclor 1254, which is thought 

to be entering the estuary from the harbor (Lefkovitz and 

others, 2006).

Several hypotheses may explain why anaerobic dechlorination may be happening in bottom sediments trapped behind 

the Tileston and Hollingsworth Dam and in deeper sediment 

behind the Walter Baker Dam. The most straightforward of 

these is that chlorine removal is a function of the total PCB 

concentration in the sediment, and that anaerobic dechlorination is effective only above some threshold concentration 

(Cho and others, 2003). For example, Cho and others (2003) 

demonstrated that PCB dechlorination did not occur below 

concentrations of about 35 ng/g in St. Lawrence River bottom sediment; in addition, most dechlorination did occur at 

concentrations above 75 ng/g. It has also been suggested that 

threshold concentrations are congener specific (Sokol and 

others, 1995).

PCB concentrations measured in core-sediment 

samples collected behind the Tileston and Hollingsworth 

and Walter Baker Dams were well above 75 ng/g, whereas 

PCB concentrations measured in core samples collected from 

the Braided Channel are less than 75 ng/g. It is unclear why 

PCB-congener patterns measured in sediment grab samples 

collected just upstream of the Tileston and Hollingsworth Dam 

resemble the dechlorination patterns measured in core samples 

from these locations, even though PCB concentrations in 

these grab samples are less than 35 μg/kg. It is possible that 

dechlorinated PCB congeners have migrated upward through 

interstitial water from deeper strata by means of molecular 

diffusion and advection. This does not appear to be the case 

for the sediment grab sample collected behind the Walter 

Baker Dam far upstream from the area where sediment at 

depth is enriched in PCBs at concentrations greater than 

35 ng/g (Breault and others, 2004a). The sediment grab 

sample (BGY-128) collected from the Braided Channel was 

not taken from the islands, but rather from sediment beneath 

the free-flowing part of the river. This choice of collection 

site and the fact that PCB concentrations in this sample were 

below the threshold concentration are a possible explanation 

for a PCB-congener pattern that resembles the original source 

material as opposed to the dechlorination pattern. Oxygen 

concentration (< 0.5 ppm), sediment organic matter, redox 

potential, temperature, pH, salinity, and the absence of 

energetically favorable electron acceptors have been suggested 

in addition to threshold concentration as other critical 
Sources of PCBs 41

controlling parameters for PCB dechlorination (VanBriesen 

and others, 2004).

Although Aroclors consist of relatively predictable 

amounts of different congeners, PCBs in the environment are 

often complex mixtures of several Aroclors. Moreover, these 

mixtures can be changed further by the industrial processes 

in which they are used or by environmental processes such 

as aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation, preferential transport, or metabolization. All of these processes tend to muddle 

congener patterns measured in environmental samples compared to the original PCB mixtures (or Aroclors). Fortunately, 

mathematical formulas based on the fact that some congeners 

in commercially produced Aroclors maintain constant ratios 

with one another have been developed to determine whether or 

not congener patterns have changed from the original source 

mixture (Karcher and others, 2004).

Visual inspection of PCB-congener patterns measured 

in environmental samples (figs. 14, 15, 16, and 18) collected 

from the lower Neponset River and Estuary show that 

PCB-congener patterns in some samples differ from typical 

Aroclor PCB-congener patterns (fig. 20). PCB-congener 

concentrations in Aroclor mixtures were analyzed by means 

of the same methods and laboratory as PCB concentrations 

in the environmental samples (appendix 5) as part of this 

study. To statistically confirm this observation, suites of PCB 

congeners (or unresolved congener groups) were categorized 

as either Aroclor like or not Aroclor like by comparing the 

ratios of certain PCB-congener (or unresolved congenergroup) concentrations measured in the environmental samples 

with those measured in commercially available Aroclor 

mixtures. Concentrations of certain PCB congeners (called 

tracker pairs) maintain constant ratios with one another in 

typical Aroclor mixtures. Therefore, changes in these ratios 

can be attributed to processes like dechlorination, preferential 

transport, or metabolism, which may alter the relative 

abundance of individual PCB congeners. On the other hand, 

similar ratios measured in environmental samples and Aroclor 

mixtures likely indicate that tracker-pair congeners have not 

been altered from the original source material, or that they 

have been altered such that ratios have been maintained—

this is especially true of two congeners of similar molecular 

weight and (or) stereochemistry. In other words, differences 

between tracker-pair ratios in environmental samples and 

Aroclor mixtures indicate changes caused by any of several 

possible environmental processes, whereas similar ratios do 

not unequivocally demonstrate that PCB congeners have not 

been altered. These ratios and other information (for example, 

grain-size distribution and (or) the relative solubility of 

different congeners), however, may nonetheless be used to 

identify source areas or eliminate possible source areas.

Following Karcher and others’ (2004) method, 82 

individual PCB congeners (or unresolved congener groups) 

that make up 226 tracker pairs were identified. Of these, only 

20 tracker pairs measured in PISCES and 7 tracker pairs 

measured in bottom-sediment samples passed the rigorous 

statistical tests required to be categorized as Aroclor like 

(α=0.05). The high number of tracker pairs categorized as 

not Aroclor like indicates that many of the original PCBs 

discharged to the river have been altered.

Figure 21 shows the logarithms of the relative abundances of PCB-congener 153 and the unresolved congener 

group PCB 138 + 163 + 164 measured in bottom-sediment 

grab and PISCES samples. Also shown are the logarithms of 

the relative abundances of this tracker pair measured in 

Aroclors 1016, 1221, 1232, 1242, 1248, 1254, and 1260. On 

average, PCB congener 153 and unresolved congener group 

PCB 138 + 163 + 164 accounted for about 2.5 and 3.6 percent13, respectively, of the total PCB concentrations measured 

in bottom-sediment grab samples: 0.77 and 1.1 percent, 

respectively, of the total PCB concentrations measured in 

PISCES samples: and 0.48 and 0.58 percent, respectively, 

of the total PCB concentrations measured in core-sediment 

samples. These differences in percentages are likely a result of 

sampling and (or) analytical techniques.

Visual inspection of these plots shows that the ratios of 

the concentrations of these congeners measured in sediment 

grab samples collected from the downstream reach of Mother 

Brook (facility #2) are similar to those measured in sediment 

samples collected from the Neponset River just downstream 

of the Mother Brook confluence, including those collected 

from Fairmont Avenue and just upstream of the Tileston and 

Hollingsworth Dam (fig. 21B). This similarity suggests that 

most PCBs in sediment in this part of the river originated 

from Mother Brook. Tracker-pair ratios measured in bottomsediment samples collected from the downstream parts of 

Mother Brook and the Neponset River also confirm the 

Aroclor data, which suggest that the original source was likely 

a mixture of 1016/1242, 1254, and 1260. Tracker-pair ratios 

calculated from PCB-congener concentrations measured in 

bottom-sediment samples collected from the outer estuary 

appear to more closely resemble the ratios for Aroclor 1254 

than Aroclor 1016/1242; this result also confirms the Aroclor 

data. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that 

PCBs from the river (a mixture of Aroclors 1016/1242, 

1254, and 1260) are mixing with PCBs from Boston Harbor 

(primarily Aroclors 1254 and 1260). Tracker-pair ratios 

calculated from PCB-congener concentrations measured in 

bottom-sediment samples collected from the upstream parts 

of Mother Brook (upstream of facility #2) and the Neponset 

River (upstream of the Mother Brook confluence) appear to 

resemble Aroclor 1254 and Aroclor 1260. Other identified 

tracker pairs show similar results. Preferential transport of 

PCB congeners may result in differences in the concentration 

ratios of Aroclor-like tracker pairs; fine-grained sediments 

are expected to be enriched with heavier PCB congeners 

compared to coarse-grained sediment. It appears that relative 

concentration ratios of PCB-congener 153 to unresolved 

congener PCB 138 + 163 + 164, however, are similar in 

bottom-sediment samples collected from areas in the lower 

13 Includes data collected by Breault and others (2004b).
42 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

RELATIVE ABUNDANCE, IN PERCENT

10

86420

A

B

Monochlorobiphenyl

Dichlorobiphenyl

Trichlorobiphenyl

Tetrachlorobiphenyl

Pentachlorobiphenyl

Hexachlorobiphenyl

Heptachlorobiphenyl

Octachlorobiphenyl

Nonachlorobiphenyl

Decachlorobiphenyl

10

86420

POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL CONGENER IUPAC NUMBER

1

2

3 4&10

5&86 7&9

11 12&1314

15 16&3217

18

19 20&21&3322 23&34

24&2725

26

28

29

30

31

35

36

37

38

39

40 41&64&68&71 42&59

43&4944

45

46 47&48&7550

51 52&7353

54

55 56&6057

58 61&74

62&6563 66&8067

69 70&7672

77

78

79

81

82 83&10884 85&120

86&97 87&115&116 88&121 89&90&10191

92 93&9594

96 98&10299

100

103

104 105&127

106&118

107&109 110 111&117 112

113

114

119

122

123

124

125

126

128

129

130 131&142

132&168 133 134&143

135&144 136

137 138&163&164 139&149 140

141

145

146

147

148

150

151

152

153

154

155

156

157 158&160 159

161

162

165

166

167

169 170&190 171 172&192 173 174&181 175

176

177

178

179

180 182&187 183

184

185

186

188

189

191

193

194

195 196&203 197

198

199

200

201

202

204

205

206

207

208

209

Figure 20. Relative abundances of polychlorinated biphenyls measured in (A) Aroclor 1016, (B) Aroclor 1242, (C) Aroclor 1254, and (D) Aroclor 1260.
Sources of PCBs 43 123 4&10

5&86 7&9

11 12&1314

15 16&3217

18

19 20&21&3322 23&34

24&2725

26

28

29

30

31

35

36

37

38

39

40 41&64&68&71 42&59

43&4944

45

46 47&48&7550

51 52&7353

54

55 56&6057

58 61&74

62&6563 66&8067

69 70&7672

77

78

79

81

82 83&10884 85&120

86&97 87&115&116 88&121 89&90&10191

92 93&9594

96 98&10299

100

103

104 105&127

106&118

107&109 110 111&117 112

113

114

119

122

123

124

125

126

128

129

130 131&142

132&168 133 134&143

135&144 136

137 138&163&164 139&149 140

141

145

146

147

148

150

151

152

153

154

155

156

157 158&160 159

161

162

165

166

167

169 170&190 171 172&192 173 174&181 175

176

177

178

179

180 182&187 183

184

185

186

188

189

191

193

194

195 196&203 197

198

199

200

201

202

204

205

206

207

208

209

RELATIVE ABUNDANCE, IN PERCENT

C

D

10

86420

10

86420

11.1

10.4 10.9

10.9

Monochlorobiphenyl

Dichlorobiphenyl

Trichlorobiphenyl

Tetrachlorobiphenyl

Pentachlorobiphenyl

Hexachlorobiphenyl

Heptachlorobiphenyl

Octachlorobiphenyl

Nonachlorobiphenyl

Decachlorobiphenyl

POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL CONGENER IUPAC NUMBER

Figure 20. Relative abundances of polychlorinated biphenyls measured in (A) Aroclor 1016, (B) Aroclor 1242, (C) Aroclor 1254, and (D) Aroclor 1260.—Continued
44 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

1260 1254

1221

1016

1242

1248

1232

Paul’s Bridge, 2005

Fairmont, 2005

Neponset Street, 2005

Incinerator Road, 2002

Walter Baker, 2004

Fairmont Avenue, 2002

Pleasant Street, 2005

Milton Village Marina, 2005

 Upstream T&H

Impoundment, 2005 

Downstream T&H Impoundment, 2002

 Upstream T&H

Impoundment, 2004

Kennedy Playground, 2005

Ryan Playground, 2005

Granite Avenue, 2005 Buoy, 2005

Dana Avenue, 2005

Reservation Park, 2005

Hyde Park Avenue, 2005

Walter Baker

Impoundment, 2005

Braided Channel, 2005 

Central

Avenue, 2005

Route 3A

Facility #2, 2005

Incinerator Road, 2005 

Reservation Park, 2002

Paul’s Bridge, 2002

Martini Shell, 2005

Star Market building

Upstream Mother Brook Impoundment

Downstream Mother Brook Impoundment

North Boston 

Scientific building

South Boston Scientific building

Near landfill

Near Gulliver Creek

Near Milton Village Marina

Facility #3

Braided channel

Downstream T&H Impoundment

Fairmont Avenue

Near Mother Brook Port Norfolk Yacht Club

Route 93 Fulton Street

Walter Baker Impoundment Adams Inn

Facility #2

Verizon building

1254

1221

1248

1232

1260

1242

1016

-3.5 -3.0 -2.5 -2.0 -1.5 -1.0 -0.5 0

0

-0.5

-1.0

-1.5

-2.0

-2.5

-3.0

-3.5

-3.5 -3.0 -2.5 -2.0 -1.5 -1.0 -0.5 0

0

-0.5

-1.0

-1.5

-2.0

-2.5

-3.0

-3.5

LOG OF RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF PCB 153

LOG OF RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF PCB 138+163+164

B

A

Figure 21. Relative abundances (expressed as decimal fractions) of (A) PCB 153 and PCB 138 + 163 + 164 in 

passive in situ chemical-extraction samplers and (B) PCB 153 and PCB 138 + 163 + 164 in bottom-sediment grab 

samples. Also shown are the relative abundances of these congeners in Aroclor samples.
Sources of PCBs 45

Neponset River with a broad grain-size distribution (Breault 

and others, 2004b).

The ratios of the concentrations of congeners PCB 

153 and PCB 138 + 163 + 164 measured in PISCES in the 

downstream reach of Mother Brook are similar to those 

measured from the Neponset River just downstream of the 

Mother Brook confluence, including those collected from just 

upstream of the Tileston and Hollingsworth Dam (fig. 21A). 

The relative abundance of PCB congeners of higher molecular 

weight (like PCB 153 and the unresolved congener PCB 138 

+ 163 + 164) were likely lower in water samples compared 

to bottom-sediment samples because of differential PCB flux 

from bottom sediments; PCB congeners of lighter molecular 

weight are generally more soluble than PCBs of higher 

molecular weight because the latter adhere preferentially to 

fine-grained sediments. This may explain the differences in 

the ratios of the relative abundance of dissolved PCBs 153 

and 138 + 163 + 164 measured in PISCES samplers deployed 

in the same areas in 2002, 2004, and 2005 (fig. 21A). For 

example, although mean monthly air temperatures measured 

in 2002, 2004, and 2005 during PISCES deployment at the 

nearby Blue Hill Observatory in Milton, MA, were similar 

(about 72.1, 69.1, 71.0, respectively; Iacono, 2010), mean 

daily streamflows measured at the Neponset River at the 

Milton Village during the July and August deployment 

intervals of the same years were about 20, 275, and 72 ft3

/s, 

respectively (fig. 22). Low streamflows may have resulted 

in much warmer water temperatures compared to higher 

streamflows that in turn may slightly affect PCB-congener 

patterns measured in PISCES.

Unshaded area not sampled by PISCES

EXPLANATION

2002 Daily mean discharge 2004 Daily mean discharge 2005 Daily mean discharge

July 27, 2005 to August 12, 2005 Deployment interval

May

28 14

Sept.

August 6, 2002 to August 23, 2002

August 16, 2004 to August 30, 2004

July 27, 2005 to August 12, 2005

28 14 28 10

20

50

100

200

500

1,000

2,000

3,000

August 6, 2002 to August 23, 2002

10

20

50

100

200

500

1,000

2,000

3,000

August 16, 2004 to August 30, 2004

July 27, 2005 to August 12, 2005

Oct.

14 28

Nov.

14 28

Dec.

14 28

Jan.

14 28

Feb.

14 28

Mar.

14 28

Apr.

14 28

May

14 28

June

14 28

July

14 28

Aug.

14 28

Sept.

14 28

DAILY MEAN DISCHARGE, IN CUBIC FEET PER SECOND

DAILY MEAN DISCHARGE,

IN CUBIC FEET PER SECOND

Figure 22. Daily mean discharges measured at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village 

(011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, during passive chemical-extraction sampler (PISCES) deployment in 2002, 2004, and 2005.
46 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Summary

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)—209 theoretically 

discrete, manufactured organic compounds—are known to 

contaminate water, sediment, and fish in the Neponset River. 

The Neponset River flows through parts of the Boston, 

Massachusetts, area and drains directly to the Neponset 

River Estuary, a subembayment of Boston Harbor. Because 

this estuary supports anadromous fish habitat and shell 

fisheries, it has been designated by the Commonwealth of 

Massachusetts as an Area of Critical Environmental Concern. 

The river is dammed and impassable to fish. To identify 

sources and understand the transport and fate of PCBs in the 

river and estuary, the U.S. Geological Survey, together with 

the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, Division 

of Ecological Restoration, Riverways Program, undertook a 

study of PCBs in the river and estuary.

The concentrations, loads, and sources of PCBs in the 

Neponset River and Neponset River Estuary were determined 

by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data from several 

different types of samples, including bottom sediment, extracts 

from passive-water samplers, fish tissue, and directly collected 

water. Bottom-sediment grab samples and passive in situ 

chemical extraction samples (or PISCES) were collected at 13 

and 15 locations, respectively, and Catostomus commersoni, 

commonly known as white sucker, and Fundulus heteroclitus, 

known as common mummichog, were collected at three 

locations and analyzed whole, filleted, or both. Samples were 

analyzed for Aroclors, homologs, and PCB congeners. The 

mass of PCBs transported by the river to the estuary was 

measured by the collection of more than over 2,600 water 

samples in a flow-proportional manner for one year beginning 

in May 2005.

PCB concentrations measured in the top layers of bottom 

sediment ranged from 28 ng/g just upstream of the Mother 

Brook confluence to 24,900 ng/g measured in Mother Brook. 

Some bottom-sediment samples in the Neponset River and 

the Neponset River Estuary contained PCBs in concentrations 

well above sediment-quality guidelines (2,000 ng/g) and could 

be classified as moderately regulated waste (50 to 499 mg/kg) 

according to the Toxic Substances Control Act. Some measured and estimated concentrations of dissolved PCBs were 

above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s continuous chronic criterion for dissolved PCBs (14 mg/L)—concentrations above this criterion could cause harm to humans, 

wildlife, and fish, if exposed over long enough periods of time. 

PCB concentrations measured in riverine fish, both whole and 

fillets, were above concentrations (2,000 ng/g) considered 

by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to be safe for 

consumption of fish by both wildlife and humans. Specifically, 

concentrations of PCBs in white sucker (filleted and whole) 

were 3,490 and 2,450 ng/g wet wt (filleted) and 6,890 and 

4,080 ng/g wet wt (whole fish). PCB-congener concentrations 

measured in the whole bodies of estuarine bait fish (common 

mummichog) were 708 ng/g wet wt.

Bottom-sediment samples analyzed for 31 elements had 

element concentrations generally higher than background concentrations in New England rivers and streams and estuarine 

environments. Concentrations also were higher than levels 

considered toxic to benthic organisms or bottom-dwelling 

insects and worms that form the base of the food chain. 

Over the period of one year (May 2005 to June 2006), 

about 5,100 g (about 3.6 L or 1 gal of PCBs of assumed 

density of 1.4 g/mL) were estimated to have discharged 

directly into the Neponset River Estuary from the Neponset 

River. Generally, about one-half of these PCBs were dissolved 

in the water column and the other half were associated with 

particulate matter; however, the proportions of dissolved 

and particulate varied seasonally. Most PCBs transported 

from the river to the estuary are composed of four or fewer 

chlorine atoms per biphenyl molecule. The chemical phase 

and structure of PCBs coming from the river may have a 

profound effect on the fate, transport, and toxicity of PCBs in 

the Neponset River Estuary.

PCBs in the part of the river known locally as the 

“Braided Channel” appear to be trapped in semipermanent 

stable islands, which formed as a result of catastrophic dam 

failure and subsequent morphological processes. Although 

PCB-contaminated sediments in the Braided Channel have 

been exposed to a wide range of environmental conditions 

during the past 50 years, changing conditions in the future 

may cause sediment to move downstream. 

Bottom-sediment and PISCES data collected as part of 

this study are consistent with the hypothesis that widespread 

PCB contamination of the lower Neponset River (originating from Mother Brook) likely started prior to 1955, at which 

time catastrophic failure of dams on the river released PCBcontaminated sediment downstream and into the estuary. 

Subsequently, all but one of the dams were rebuilt, but it is 

likely that PCBs from this source area continued to be released 

into the river. Today (2007), PCBs are mostly trapped behind 

the dams. Some PCBs either diffuse or are entrained back into 

the water column, however, and are transported downstream 

by river water; PCBs also are taken up by fish and wildlife and 

are transported in their tissue. In addition to the continuing 

release of PCBs from historically contaminated bottom sediment, it appears that PCBs are still (2007) originating from 

source areas along Mother and Meadow Brook as well as other 

areas along the river and Boston Harbor.

The data presented here and in other U.S. Geological 

Survey publications concerning the Neponset River may 

serve as the baseline for cleanup efforts; in the future, the data 

obtained from the collection of sediment, water, and fishtissue samples may be used to assess the benefits that might be 

realized from removing sources of PCBs.
References Cited 47

References Cited

Achman, D.R., Hornbuckle, K.C., and Eisenreich, S.J., 1993, 

Volatilization of PCBs from Green Bay, Lake Michigan: 

Environmental Science and Technology, v. 27, p. 75–87.

Aitchison, J., 1986, The statistical analysis of compositional 

data: Methuen, N.Y., 416 p. 

Allen, S., 2000, Closing in on a healthy harbor, Boston Globe, 

p. A1, accessed December 12, 2010, at http://www.boston.

com/globe/search/stories/reprints/mwra032000.htm.

Beyer, A., and Biziuk, M., 2009, Environmental fate and 

global distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls: Reviews 

of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, v. 201, 

p. 137–158.

Bigelow, H.R., and Schroeder, W.C., 1953, Fishes of the Gulf 

of Maine: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fish Bulletin, 

v. 53, 577 p.

Boston Parks and Recreation Department, 2002, Open space 

plan 2002–2006: Parks and Recreation Department, Policy 

and Resource Development Unit, Boston, Mass., 21 p.

Bowen, H.J.M., 1979, Environmental chemistry of the elements: London, England, Academic Press, 316 p.

Breault, R.F., Cooke, M.G., and Merrill, Michael, 2004a, 

Sediment quality and polychlorinated biphenyls in the lower 

Neponset River, Massachusetts, and implications for urban 

river restoration: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2004–5109, 48 p.

Breault, R.F., Cooke, M.G., and Merrill, Michael, 2004b, Data 

on sediment quality and concentrations of polychlorinated 

biphenyls from the lower Neponset River, Massachusetts, 

2002–03: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 

2004–1280, 55 p.

Breault, R.F., Sorenson, J.R., and Weiskel, P.K., 2002, Streamflow, water quality, and contaminant loads in the Lower 

Charles River Watershed, Massachusetts, 1999–2000: U.S. 

Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 

02–4137, 139 p.

Butcher, J.B., and Garvey, E.A., 2004, PCB loading from sediment in the Hudson River—Congener signature analysis of 

pathways: Environmental Science and Technology, v. 38, 

no. 12, p. 3232–3238.

Butcher, J.B., Gauthier, T.D., and Garvey, E.A., 1997, Use of 

historical PCB Aroclor measurements—Hudson River fish 

data: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 16, 

no. 8, p. 1618–1623.

Cho, Y.C., Sokol, R.C., Frohnhoefer, R.C., and Rhee, G.Y., 

2003, Reductive dechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyls—Threshold concentration and dechlorination kinetics 

of individual congeners in Aroclor 1248: Environmental 

Science and Technology, v. 37, p. 5651–5656.

Colman, J.A., 2000, Source identification and fish exposure 

for polychlorinated biphenyls using congener analysis from 

passive water samplers in the Millers River Basin, Massachusetts: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 00–4250, 44 p.

Denison, M.S., Fisher, J.M., and Whitlock, J.P., 1988, The 

DNA recognition site for the dioxin-Ah receptor complex—

Nucleotide sequence and functional analysis: Journal of 

Biological Chemistry, v. 263, no. 33, p. 17221–17224.

Dingyi, Ye, Quensen, J.F., III, Tiedje, J.M., and Boyd, S.A., 

1995, Evidence for para dechlorination of polychlorobiphenyls by methanogenic bacteria: Applied and Environmental 

Microbiology, v. 61, no. 6, p. 2166–2171.

Division of Health Assessment and Consultation, 2000, Exposure investigation report: U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Toxic 

Substances and Disease Registry, Solutia Incorporated, 

Monsanto Company, Anniston, Georgia, variously paged, 

accessed August 31, 2007, at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/

HAC/PHA/solutia/sol_p1.html.

Dunn, G.E., Davis, W.R., and Moore, P.L., 1955, Hurricanes 

of 1955: Weather Bureau Office Monthly Weather Review, 

p. 315–326, accessed November 14, 2007, at http://docs.lib.

noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/083/mwr-083-12-0315.pdf.

Fitzgerald, S.A., and Steuer, J.J., 1996, The Fox River PCB 

transport study—Stepping stone to a healthy Great Lakes 

ecosystem: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet FS–116–96, 

4 p., accessed September 2, 2007, at http://wi.water.usgs.

gov/pubs/FS-116-96/index.html.

Heinz Center, 2002, Dam removal science and decision making: Washington, D.C., The H. John Heinz III Center for 

Science, Economics, and the Environment, p. 221.

Hellyer, G., 2006, Connecticut River fish tissue contaminant 

study—Ecological and human health risk screening: U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency, New England Regional 

Laboratory, variously paged, accessed September 2, 2007, 

at http://www.epa.gov/region1/lab/reportsdocuments/

ctriverftr2000/#appF.

Horowitz, A.J., 1991, A primer on sediment-inorganic element 

chemistry (2d ed.): Boca Raton, Fla., Lewis Publishers, 

136 p.

Howel, D., 2007, Multivariate data analysis of pollutant profiles: PCB levels across Europe, Chemosphere, no. 67, 

p. 1300–1307.
48 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Iacono, M.J., 2010, Blue Hill Observatory 2005 

Precipitation: Blue Hill Observatory and Science Center, 

accessed November 17, 2010, at www.bluehill.org/climate/

pre2005.gif.

Ingersoll, C.G., MacDonald, D.D., Wang, N., Crane, J.L., 

Field, L.J., Haverland, P.S., Kemble, N.E., Lindskoog, 

R.A., Severn, C., and Smorong, D.E., 2000, Prediction of 

sediment toxicity by means of consensus-based freshwater 

sediment quality guidelines: U.S. Environmental Protection 

Agency, EPA 905/R–00/007, June 2000, 25 p.

International Agency for Research on Cancer, 1997, Monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risk of chemicals 

to humans and their supplements—Polychlorinated dibenzopara-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans: Lyon, 

France, International Agency for Research on Cancer, 

666 p.

Karcher, S.C., Small, M.J., and VanBriesen, J.M., 2004, Statistical method to evaluate the occurrence of PCB transformations in river sediments with application to Hudson River 

data: Environmental Science and Technology, v. 38, 

p. 6760–6766.

Lefkovitz, L., Wisneski, C., and Hunt, C., 2006, Trends in 

sediment contaminant concentrations in Northern 

Dorchester Bay and other Boston Harbor stations, 1990–

2002, Boston: Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, 

Report ENQUAD 2005–01, 123 p.

Litten, S., Mead, B., and Hassett, J., 1993, Application of 

passive samplers (PISCES) to locating a source of PCBs on 

the Black River, New York: Environmental Toxicology and 

Chemistry, v. 12, p. 639–647.

Manzano, M.A., Perales, J.A., Sales, D., and Quiroga, J.M., 

2003, Enhancement of aerobic microbial degradation of 

polychlorinated biphenyl in soil microcosms: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 22, no. 4, p. 699–705.

Martín-Fernández, J.A., Barceló-Vidal, C., and PawlowskyGlahn, V., 2003, Dealing with zeros and missing values in 

compositional data sets, Mathematical Geology, no. 35, v. 3, 

p. 253–278.

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, 1997, 

Reuse and disposal of contaminated soil at Massachusetts 

landfills—Department of Environmental Protection 

Policy # COMM–97–001: Massachusetts Department of 

Environmental Protection, 15 p.

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, 2002, 

Total maximum daily loads of bacteria for the Neponset 

River Basin: Massachusetts Department of Environmental 

Protection, 50 p. 

Masuda, Y., 1985, Health status of Japanese and Taiwanese 

after exposure to contaminated river oil: Environmental 

Health Perspectives, v. 60, p. 332–325.

McGarigal, Kevin, Cushman, Sam, and Stafford, Susan, 2000, 

Multivariate statistics for wildlife and ecology research: 

New York, Springer-Verlag, 283 p.

Morrison, R., 2000, Critical review of environmental forensic 

techniques: Part I, Environmental Forensics, v. 1, 

p. 157–173. 

Murphy, S.D., 1986, Toxic effects of pesticides, in Klaassen, 

C.D., Amdur, M.O., and Doull, J.D., eds., Toxicology—The 

basic science of poisons (3d ed.): New York, Macmillan 

Publishing Company, 974 p.

Neponset River Watershed Association and University of 

Massachusetts Urban Harbors Institute, 2004, Neponset 

River 2004 Watershed Report: Neponset River Watershed 

Association, Canton, Mass., 56 p. 

Norris, S., Rosentrater, L., and Eid, P.M., 2002, Polar bears at 

risk: World Wildlife Fund International Arctic Programme, 

Oslo, Norway, 28 p.

Pearson, K., 1897, Mathematical contributions to the theory of 

evolution—On the form of spurious correlation which may 

arise when indices are used in the measurement of organs: 

Proceedings of the Royal Society 60, p. 489–498.

Pierard, C., Budzinski, H., and Garrigues, P., 1996, Grain-size 

distribution of polychlorobiphenyls in coastal sediments: 

Environmental Science and Technology, v. 30, no. 9, 

p. 2776–2783.

Qingzhong, W., Bedard, D.L., and Wiegel, J., 1997, Effect of 

incubation temperature on the route of microbial reductive 

dechlorination of 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorobiphenyl in polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-contaminated and PCB-free freshwater sediments: Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 

v. 63, no. 7, p. 2836–2843.

Safe, S.H., 1994, Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)—

Environmental impact, biochemical and toxic responses, 

and implications for risk assessment: Critical Reviews in 

Toxicology, v. 24, no. 2, p. 87–149. 

Schweitzer, L.E., Hose, J.E., Suffet, I.H., and Bay, S.M., 1997, 

Differential toxicity of three polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in developing sea urchin embryos: Environmental 

Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 16, p. 1510–1514.

Shaw Environmental, Inc., 2004, Phase II/III comprehensive 

site assessment and remedial action plan addendum: Shaw 

Environmental Project No. 102981, variously paged. 

Sokol, R.C., Bethoney, C.M., and Rhee, G.-Y., 1995, Effect of 

PCB concentration on reductive dechlorination and dechlorination potential in natural sediments: Water Resources 

Research, v. 29, p. 45–48.

Steuer, J., Jaeger, S., and Patterson, D., 1995, A deterministic 

PCB transport model for the lower Fox River between Lake 

Winnebago and Depere, Wisconsin: Wisconsin Department 

of Natural Resources PUBL WR 389–95, 290 p.
References Cited 49

Stratus Consulting, Inc., 1999, PCB pathway determination 

for the Lower Fox River/Green Bay natural resource damage assessment: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 107 p., 

accessed August 2, 2010, at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/

FoxRiverNRDA/documents/pathways.pdf.

Tanabe, S., Watanabe, S., Kan, H., and Tatsukawa, R., 1988, 

Capacity and mode of PCB metabolism in small cetaceans: 

Marine Mammal Science, v. 4, no. 2, p. 103–124.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1998, Guidelines for 

ecological risk assessment: Washington, D.C., U.S. Government Printing Office, EPA/630/R–95/002F, 188 p.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1999, Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) update—Impact on fish advisories: 

Washington, D.C., U.S. Government Printing Office, EPA–

823–F–99-019, accessed April 21, 2003, at http://www.epa.

gov/waterscience/fish/pcbs.pdf.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2000, Guidance for 

assessing chemical contaminant data for use in fish advisories (3d ed.), v. 1, Fish Sampling and Analysis: Washington, 

D.C., U.S. Government Printing Office, EPA 823–B–00–

007, accessed September 2, 2007, at http://www.epa.gov/

waterscience/fish/guidance.html.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2001, Dioxin–

Summary of the dioxin reassessment science: Washington, 

D.C., U.S. Government Printing Office, 2 p.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2003, Water quality 

standards database: Washington, D.C., U.S. Government 

Printing Office, accessed September 3, 2007, at http://oaspub.epa.gov/wqsdatabase/wqsi_epa_criteria.rep_parameter.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2004, Five-year 

review report for Norwood PCBs Superfund Site, Norwood, 

Massachusetts: Washington, D.C., U.S. Government Printing Office, 81 p.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2005, Explanation 

of significant differences for the Norwood PCB Superfund 

Site, Norwood, Massachusetts: Washington, D.C., U.S. 

Government Printing Office, 34 p.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2006, PCB ID—

Toxicity Equivalency Factors (TEFs): U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency database, accessed August 31, 2007, at 

http://www.epa.gov/toxteam/pcbid/tefs.htm.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2007, GE/Housatonic River Site in New England: Washington, D.C., U.S. 

Government Printing Office, accessed September 3, 2007, 

at http://www.epa.gov/ne/ge/sitehistory.html.

U.S. Geological Survey, 2010, Water resources data for the 

United States—Water Year 2005: U.S. Geological Survey 

Database, accessed November 11, 2011, at http://wdr.water.

usgs.gov/wy2005/search.jsp.

VanBriesen, J.M., Blough, M.S., Brown, W.E., and Minkley, 

E.G., Jr., 2004, Critical oxygen concentrations for biodegradation of PCBs—Symposia papers presented before the 

Division of Environmental Chemistry, American Chemical 

Society, Philadelphia, Penn., August 22–26, 2004, accessed 

October 19, 2007, at http://www.ce.cmu.edu/~jeanne/

posters%20for%20web/ACS%202004%20Long%20

Abstract%20Minkley.pdf.

Van den Berg, M., Birnbaum, L., Bosveld, A., Brunstrom, B., 

Cook, P., Feeley, M., Giesy, J.P., Hanberg, A., Hasegawa, 

R., Kennedy, S.W., Kubiak, T., Larsen, J.C., Rolaf van 

Leeuwen, F.X., Djien Liem, A.K., Nolt, C., Peterson, R.E., 

Poellinger, L., Safe, S., Schrenk, D., Tillitt, D., Tysklind, 

M., Younes, M., Waern, F., and Zacharewski, T., 1998, 

Toxic Equivalency Factors (TEFs) for PCBs, PCDDs, 

PCDFs for humans and wildlife: Environmental Health 

Perspectives, v. 106, no. 12, 18 p.

Van den Berg, M., Birnbaum, L., Denison, M., De Vito, 

M., Farland, W., Feeley, M., Fiedler, H., Hakansson, H., 

Hanberg, A., Haws, L., Rose, M., Safe, S., Schrenk, D., 

Tohyama, C., Tritscher, A., Tuomisto, J., Tysklind, M., 

Walker, N., and Peterson, R.E., 2006, The 2005 World 

Health organization re-evaluation of human and mammalian Toxic Equivalency Factors for dioxins and dioxin-like 

compounds: Toxicological Sciences, v. 93, p. 223–241, 

accessed August 2, 2010, at http://toxsci.oxfordjournals.org/

cgi/reprint/kfl055v1?ijkey=pio0gXG6dghrndD&keytype=

ref.

Vorhees, D., Cullem, A.C., and Altshul, L.M., 1997, Exposure 

to polychlorinated biphenyls in residential indoor air and 

outdoor air near a Superfund site: Environmental Science 

and Technology, v. 31, no. 12, p. 3612–3618. 

Wilde, F.D., Radtke, D.B., Gibs, Jacob, and Iwatsubo, R.T., 

1999, Collection of water samples, in National field manual 

for the collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological 

Survey Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations, 

book 9, chap. A4, accessed September 10, 2002, at 

http://water.usgs.gov/owq/FieldManual/chapter4/html/

Ch4_contents.html.

Williams, W., and May, R., 1997, Low-temperature microbial 

aerobic degradation of polychlorinated biphenyls in sediment: Environmental Science and Technology, v. 31, 

p. 3491–3496.

Yadav, J.S., Quensen, J.F., III, Tiedje, J.M., and Reedy, C.A., 

1995, Degradation of polychlorinated biphenyl mixtures 

(Aroclors 1242, 1254, and 1260) by the white rot fungus 

Phanerochaete chrysosporium as evidenced by congenerspecific analysis: Applied and Environmental Microbiology, July 1995, p. 2560–2565.
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Tables 2, 7, 10–17
52 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts Table 2. Polychlorinated biphenyl names and numbers designated by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. [IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; No., number] IUPAC No. Compound IUPAC No. Compound IUPAC No. Compound IUPAC No. Compound

1 2 - Monochlorobiphenyl 54 2,2’,6,6’ - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 107 2,3,3’,4’,5 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 160 2,3,3’,4,5,6 - Hexachlorobiphenyl2 3 - Monochlorobiphenyl 55 2,3,3’,4 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 108 2,3,3’,4,5’ - Pentachlorobiphenyl 161 2,3,3’,4,5’,6 - Hexachlorobiphenyl3 4 - Monochlorobiphenyl 56 2,3,3’,4’ - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 109 2,3,3’,4,6 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 162 2,3,3’,4’,5,5’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl4 2,2’ - Dichlorobiphenyl 57 2,3,3’,5 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 110 2,3,3’,4’,6 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 163 2,3,3’,4’,5,6 - Hexachlorobiphenyl

5 2,3 - Dichlorobiphenyl 58 2,3,3’,5’ - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 111 2,3,3’,5,5’ - Pentachlorobiphenyl 164 2,3,3’,4’,5’,6 - Hexachlorobiphenyl

6 2,3’ - Dichlorobiphenyl 59 2,3,3’,6 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 112 2,3,3’,5,6 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 165 2,3,3’,5,5’,6 - Hexachlorobiphenyl

7 2,4 - Dichlorobiphenyl 60 2,3,4,4’ - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 113 2,3,3’,5’,6 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 166 2,3,4,4’,5,6 - Hexachlorobiphenyl

8 2,4’ - Dichlorobiphenyl 61 2,3,4,5 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 114 2,3,4,4’,5 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 167 2,3’,4,4’,5,5’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl

9 2,5 - Dichlorobiphenyl 62 2,3,4,6 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 115 2,3,4,4’,6 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 168 2,3’,4,4’,5’,6 - Hexachlorobiphenyl

10 2,6 - Dichlorobiphenyl 63 2,3,4’,5 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 116 2,3,4,5,6 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 169 3,3’,4,4’,5,5’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl

11 3,3’ - Dichlorobiphenyl 64 2,3,4’,6 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 117 2,3,4’,5,6 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 170 2,2’,3,3’,4,4’,5 - Heptachlorobiphenyl

12 3,4 - Dichlorobiphenyl 65 2,3,5,6 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 118 2,3’,4,4’,5 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 171 2,2’,3,3’,4,4’,6 - Heptachlorobiphenyl

13 3,4’ - Dichlorobiphenyl 66 2,3’,4,4’ - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 119 2,3’,4,4’,6 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 172 2,2’,3,3’,4,5,5’ - Heptachlorobiphenyl

14 3,5 - Dichlorobiphenyl 67 2,3’,4,5 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 120 2,3’,4,5,5’ - Pentachlorobiphenyl 173 2,2’,3,3’,4,5,6 - Heptachlorobiphenyl15 4,4’ - Dichlorobiphenyl 68 2,3’,4,5’ - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 121 2,3’,4,5’,6 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 174 2,2’,3,3’,4,5,6’ - Heptachlorobiphenyl16 2,2’,3 - Trichlorobiphenyl 69 2,3’,4,6 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 122 2’,3,3’,4,5 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 175 2,2’,3,3’,4,5’,6 - Heptachlorobiphenyl

17 2,2’,4 - Trichlorobiphenyl 70 2,3’,4’,5 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 123 2’,3,4,4’,5 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 176 2,2’,3,3’,4,6,6’ - Heptachlorobiphenyl18 2,2’,5 - Trichlorobiphenyl 71 2,3’,4’,6 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 124 2’,3,4,5,5’ - Pentachlorobiphenyl 177 2,2’,3,3’,4’,5,6 - Heptachlorobiphenyl19 2,2’,6 - Trichlorobiphenyl 72 2,3’,5,5’ - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 125 2’,3,4,5,6’ - Pentachlorobiphenyl 178 2,2’,3,3’,5,5’,6 - Heptachlorobiphenyl20 2,3,3’ - Trichlorobiphenyl 73 2,3’,5’,6 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 126 3,3’,4,4’,5 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 179 2,2’,3,3’,5,6,6’ - Heptachlorobiphenyl21 2,3,4 - Trichlorobiphenyl 74 2,4,4’,5 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 127 3,3’,4,5,5’ - Pentachlorobiphenyl 180 2,2’,3,4,4’,5,5’ - Heptachlorobiphenyl22 2,3,4’ - Trichlorobiphenyl 75 2,4,4’,6 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 128 2,2’,3,3’,4,4’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl 181 2,2’,3,4,4’,5,6 - Heptachlorobiphenyl23 2,3,5 - Trichlorobiphenyl 76 2’,3,4,5 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 129 2,2’,3,3’,4,5 - Hexachlorobiphenyl 182 2,2’,3,4,4’,5,6’ - Heptachlorobiphenyl24 2,3,6 - Trichlorobiphenyl 77 3,3’,4,4’ - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 130 2,2’,3,3’,4,5’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl 183 2,2’,3,4,4’,5’,6 - Heptachlorobiphenyl25 2,3’,4 - Trichlorobiphenyl 78 3,3’,4,5 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 131 2,2’,3,3’,4,6 - Hexachlorobiphenyl 184 2,2’,3,4,4’,6,6’ - Heptachlorobiphenyl26 2,3’,5 - Trichlorobiphenyl 79 3,3’,4,5’ - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 132 2,2’,3,3’,4,6’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl 185 2,2’,3,4,5,5’,6 - Heptachlorobiphenyl27 2,3’,6 - Trichlorobiphenyl 80 3,3’,5,5’ - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 133 2,2’,3,3’,5,5’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl 186 2,2’,3,4,5,6,6’ - Heptachlorobiphenyl28 2,4,4’ - Trichlorobiphenyl 81 3,4,4’,5 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 134 2,2’,3,3’,5,6 - Hexachlorobiphenyl 187 2,2’,3,4’,5,5’,6 - Heptachlorobiphenyl29 2,4,5 - Trichlorobiphenyl 82 2,2’,3,3’,4 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 135 2,2’,3,3’,5,6’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl 188 2,2’,3,4’,5,6,6’ - Heptachlorobiphenyl30 2,4,6 - Trichlorobiphenyl 83 2,2’,3,3’,5 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 136 2,2’,3,3’,6,6’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl 189 2,3,3’,4,4’,5,5’ - Heptachlorobiphenyl31 2,4’,5 - Trichlorobiphenyl 84 2,2’,3,3’,6 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 137 2,2’,3,4,4’,5 - Hexachlorobiphenyl 190 2,3,3’,4,4’,5,6 - Heptachlorobiphenyl
Table 2 53

Table 2. Polychlorinated biphenyl names and numbers designated by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.—Continued[IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; No., number]

IUPAC 

No. Compound IUPAC No. Compound IUPAC No. Compound IUPAC No. Compound

32 2,4’,6 - Trichlorobiphenyl 85 2,2’,3,4,4’ - Pentachlorobiphenyl 138 2,2’,3,4,4’,5’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl 191 2,3,3’,4,4’,5’,6 - Heptachlorobiphenyl33 2’,3,4 - Trichlorobiphenyl 86 2,2’,3,4,5 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 139 2,2’,3,4,4’,6 - Hexachlorobiphenyl 192 2,3,3’,4,5,5’,6 - Heptachlorobiphenyl34 2’,3,5 - Trichlorobiphenyl 87 2,2’,3,4,5’ - Pentachlorobiphenyl 140 2,2’,3,4,4’,6’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl 193 2,3,3’,4’,5,5’,6 - Heptachlorobiphenyl35 3,3’,4 - Trichlorobiphenyl 88 2,2’,3,4,6 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 141 2,2’,3,4,5,5’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl 194 2,2’,3,3’,4,4’,5,5’ - Octachlorobiphenyl36 3,3’,5 - Trichlorobiphenyl 89 2,2’,3,4,6’ - Pentachlorobiphenyl 142 2,2’,3,4,5,6 - Hexachlorobiphenyl 195 2,2’,3,3’,4,4’,5,6 - Octachlorobiphenyl37 3,4,4’ - Trichlorobiphenyl 90 2,2’,3,4’,5 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 143 2,2’,3,4,5,6’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl 196 2,2’,3,3’,4,4’,5,6’ - Octachlorobiphenyl38 3,4,5 - Trichlorobiphenyl 91 2,2’,3,4’,6 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 144 2,2’,3,4,5’,6 - Hexachlorobiphenyl 197 2,2’,3,3’,4,4’,6,6’ - Octachlorobiphenyl39 3,4’,5 - Trichlorobiphenyl 92 2,2’,3,5,5’ - Pentachlorobiphenyl 145 2,2’,3,4,6,6’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl 198 2,2’,3,3’,4,5,5’,6 - Octachlorobiphenyl40 2,2’,3,3’ - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 93 2,2’,3,5,6 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 146 2,2’,3,4’,5,5’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl 199 2,2’,3,3’,4,5,5’,6’ - Octachlorobiphenyl41 2,2’,3,4 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 94 2,2’,3,5,6’ - Pentachlorobiphenyl 147 2,2’,3,4’,5,6 - Hexachlorobiphenyl 200 2,2’,3,3’,4,5,6,6’ - Octachlorobiphenyl42 2,2’,3,4’ - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 95 2,2’,3,5’,6 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 148 2,2’,3,4’,5,6’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl 201 2,2’,3,3’,4,5’,6,6’ - Octachlorobiphenyl43 2,2’,3,5 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 96 2,2’,3,6,6’ - Pentachlorobiphenyl 149 2,2’,3,4’,5’,6 - Hexachlorobiphenyl 202 2,2’,3,3’,5,5’,6,6’ - Octachlorobiphenyl44 2,2’,3,5’ - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 97 2,2’,3’,4,5 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 150 2,2’,3,4’,6,6’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl 203 2,2’,3,4,4’,5,5’,6 - Octachlorobiphenyl45 2,2’,3,6 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 98 2,2’,3’,4,6 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 151 2,2’,3,5,5’,6 - Hexachlorobiphenyl 204 2,2’,3,4,4’,5,6,6’ - Octachlorobiphenyl46 2,2’,3,6’ - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 99 2,2’,4,4’,5 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 152 2,2’,3,5,6,6’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl 205 2,3,3’,4,4’,5,5’,6 - Octachlorobiphenyl47 2,2’,4,4’ - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 100 2,2’,4,4’,6 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 153 2,2’,4,4’,5,5’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl 206 2,2’,3,3’,4,4’,5,5’,6 - Nonachlorobiphenyl

48 2,2’,4,5 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 101 2,2’,4,5,5’ - Pentachlorobiphenyl 154 2,2’,4,4’,5,6’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl 207 2,2’,3,3’,4,4’,5,6,6’ - Nonachlorobiphenyl49 2,2’,4,5’ - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 102 2,2’,4,5,6’ - Pentachlorobiphenyl 155 2,2’,4,4’,6,6’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl 208 2,2’,3,3’,4,5,5’,6,6’ - Nonachlorobiphenyl50 2,2’,4,6 - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 103 2,2’,4,5’,6 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 156 2,3,3’,4,4’,5 - Hexachlorobiphenyl 209 2,2’,3,3’,4,4’,5,5’,6,6’ - Decachlorobiphenyl51 2,2’,4,6’ - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 104 2,2’,4,6,6’ - Pentachlorobiphenyl 157 2,3,3’,4,4’,5’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl

52 2,2’,5,5’ - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 105 2,3,3’,4,4’ - Pentachlorobiphenyl 158 2,3,3’,4,4’,6 - Hexachlorobiphenyl

53 2,2’,5,6’ - Tetrachlorobiphenyl 106 2,3,3’,4,5 - Pentachlorobiphenyl 159 2,3,3’,4,5,5’ - Hexachlorobiphenyl
54 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 7. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations measured in bottom-sediment grab samples collected from Mother Brook and the 

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng/g, nanogram 

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners 

DDY-001

(ng/g)

BGY-139

(ng/g)

BGY-140

(ng/g)

BGY-141

(ng/g)

BGY-141-D

(ng/g)

BGY-142

(ng/g)

M2Y-013

(ng/g)

M2Y-013-D

(ng/g)

PCB-1 <0.0354 0.163 <0.0226 38.5 63.8 62.3 14.2 25.5 

PCB-2 <0.0367 <0.0500 <0.0234 <2.67 <3.77 <1.43 <0.185 0.345 

PCB-3 0.096 e0.246 e0.058 e6.06 26.8 10.5 4.14 7.19 

PCB-4 + 10 0.25 0.823 0.217 204 421 183 45.8 86.1 

PCB-5 + 8 e0.419 e1.31 0.28 79.9 236 93.8 34.7 65.3 

PCB-6 e0.120 0.371 0.066 e13.7 49.3 23.9 6.96 12.2 

PCB-7 + 9 e0.051 e0.132 e0.027 3.57 9.35 6.58 1.22 1.94 

PCB-11 e0.166 e0.138 e0.091 16 24 4.19 1.14 2.18 

PCB-12 + 13 <0.0239 e0.258 e0.093 17.6 30.7 12.3 3.57 6.57 

PCB-14 <0.0239 e0.036 <0.0253 <1.99 <4.36 <0.798 <0.172 <0.0893 

PCB-15 1.42 2.83 e0.282 748 1,040 156 31.1 55.6 

PCB-16 + 32 1.57 3.28 0.281 2,130 2,730 269 39.4 65.1 

PCB-17 0.771 1.89 0.222 346 495 127 28.6 46.8 

PCB-18 1.68 2.5 0.281 190 243 69.7 20 31.6 

PCB-19 0.206 0.645 0.082 899 1,160 86.6 15.5 26.8 

PCB-20 + 21 + 33 e3.89 e3.51 e0.390 100 141 28.8 10.6 17.6 

PCB-22 1.67 1.42 0.144 218 307 58.5 11.2 17.7 

PCB-23 + 34 <0.0555 <0.0400 <0.0137 11.8 18.2 3.69 0.843 1.6 

PCB-24 + 27 0.295 0.985 0.089 637 845 72.8 14.9 25.6 

PCB-25 0.415 1.12 0.102 311 477 63.4 16.9 26.5 

PCB-26 0.757 1.76 0.187 432 640 86.5 25.3 40.6 

PCB-28 4.13 8.98 0.826 2,900 4,060 381 60.2 82 

PCB-29 <0.0555 0.045 <0.0137 <2.37 <1.64 <1.13 <0.191 <0.174 

PCB-30 <0.0737 <0.0531 <0.0182 <3.14 2.61 <1.50 <0.253 <0.230 

PCB-31 3.99 5.02 0.534 477 599 184 52 97.1 

PCB-35 e1.51 e1.76 e0.261 13.4 19.6 <3.66 e0.619 1.25 

PCB-36 <0.0899 <0.178 <0.0519 e8.19 e10.5 e6.18 <0.359 <0.479 

PCB-37 2.59 2.77 0.319 305 416 64.9 13.5 23.1 

PCB-38 <0.0945 <0.187 <0.0546 e29.8 e50.3 e7.16 e1.36 2.23 

PCB-39 <0.0899 <0.178 <0.0519 4.62 8.48 <3.48 <0.359 <0.479 

PCB-40 1.34 1.11 0.149 86.4 86.2 31.8 6.31 9.92 

PCB-41 + 64 + 68 + 71 7.98 9 0.907 1,120 1,400 322 58.5 96.7 

PCB-42 + 59 2.49 2.61 0.292 325 405 98.7 17.7 28.8 

PCB-43 + 49 4.35 5.9 0.827 838 1,160 224 45.7 74.7 

PCB-44 5.09 5.48 0.918 443 524 159 30.7 50.6 

PCB-45 0.761 0.786 0.082 85.6 83.5 23.7 4.25 6.86 

PCB-46 0.347 0.301 0.032 40.7 42.2 11.3 1.95 3.41 

PCB-47 + 48 + 75 2.87 4.4 0.462 906 1,290 218 39.6 68.2 

PCB-50 <0.0425 <0.0611 <0.0224 8.25 11.6 1.64 0.298 0.525 

PCB-51 0.278 0.512 0.048 140 191 38.8 6.25 10.8 

PCB-52 + 73 7.91 8.59 1.84 749 1,000 241 49.2 81.7 

PCB-53 0.979 1.65 0.187 249 302 59.9 11.8 19.9 

PCB-54 <0.0425 <0.0611 <0.0224 14.3 15.4 2.83 0.551 1 

PCB-55 <0.0800 <0.0920 <0.0312 10.6 9.08 4.23 0.499 0.984 

PCB-56 + 60 5.39 4.21 0.751 492 445 192 25.8 42.5 

PCB-57 <0.143 <0.164 <0.0556 25.3 50.9 5.31 1.78 3.29 

PCB-58 <0.143 <0.164 <0.0556 <8.34 14.1 <2.77 <0.505 <0.576 
 Neponset River and Estuary, Massachusetts, in 2005.—Continued

 per gram; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; -D, field duplicate; -LD, laboratory duplicate; --, not done]

Table 7 55

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

M2Y-014 

(ng/g)

BGY-143 

(ng/g)

BGY-144 

(ng/g)

QYY-001 

(ng/g)

QYY-002 

(ng/g)

BGY-145 

(ng/g)

QYY-003 

(ng/g)

QYY-003-LD 

(ng/g)

Laboratory 

blank 

(ng/g)

Matrix spike 

(percent 

recovery)

4.37

e0.177

2.49

16.1

27.6

6.65

1.1

1.1

4.2

<0.140

29

27.6

21.2

22.2

5.79

17.9

13.9

0.638

7.27

14.7

21.3

68.2

<0.217

<0.288

59.1

1.19

<0.562

18.3

0.968

<0.562

7.2

57.6

18.4

39.3

32.7

4.27

2.01

34.2

<0.188

3.83

45.9

8.01

0.263

0.678

34.9

1.27

<0.572

3.18

0.11

1.56

11.1

15.5

3.2

0.567

0.773

2.16

<0.0405

18.9

15.5

11.7

10.7

3.98

9.07

7.48

0.385

4.75

7.67

10.9

37.5

e0.063

<0.0499

32

0.669

<0.0863

10.7

e0.639

0.143

4.68

36.2

11.8

26.4

20.6

2.83

1.23

22.5

0.125

2.55

28.8

5.35

0.174

0.475

20.9

0.838

0.271

5.2

<0.112

2.38

16.1

17.2

3.85

0.664

0.919

2.62

<0.135

20.9

20.8

15.1

12.7

6.15

10.5

8.79

0.409

6.73

10.2

14.7

45.2

<0.154

<0.205

36.3

0.933

<0.392

12.2

0.692

<0.392

5.01

43.2

13.1

30.6

24.1

3.29

1.42

27.3

<0.193

3.45

35.8

7.06

0.247

0.439

23.9

0.998

<0.517

3.74

0.148

1.65

13.9

20.9

4.59

0.878

1.07

2.93

<0.0632

23.3

21.6

16

17.9

4.77

e38.9

12.1

0.53

6.02

10.2

15.3

54.9

e0.118

<0.0940

46.4

e10.1

e0.376

16.4

e0.771

e0.266

6.9

50

16.2

34.2

29.9

4.21

1.76

29.1

0.15

3.34

39.7

7.39

0.206

0.693

30.9

1.09

0.254

2.37

e0.088

1.41

6.98

8.8

1.87

0.349

0.637

e1.34

<0.0237

11.7

8.97

6.5

5.73

2.4

5.38

4.41

0.173

2.99

4.83

6.8

22.7

<0.0529

<0.0703

17.7

0.64

<0.149

7.25

e0.389

<0.149

2.74

21.3

6.77

15.7

11.7

1.53

0.661

13.4

0.068

1.48

17

3.04

0.093

0.283

12.8

0.627

<0.147

3.36

0.105

1.27

8.46

11

2.38

0.462

0.88

e1.69

<0.0642

13.7

9.91

7.01

6.69

2.65

6.51

5.25

0.238

3.14

5.32

7.73

24.9

<0.0751

<0.0996

21.3

0.941

<0.213

8.38

e0.427

<0.213

2.93

24.3

7.74

17.1

13.6

1.81

0.761

14.9

0.07

1.74

19.3

3.5

0.121

0.341

14.9

0.616

0.239

0.443

<0.0375

0.151

1.17

1.82

0.303

0.069

0.151

e0.207

<0.0414

2.31

2.11

1.42

1.28

0.453

1.42

1.14

<0.0434

0.591

0.983

1.32

6.01

<0.0434

<0.0576

4.25

e0.145

<0.104

1.62

<0.109

<0.104

0.636

4.73

1.6

3.32

2.49

0.334

0.139

3.04

<0.0407

0.324

3.56

0.627

<0.0407

<0.0653

3.22

e0.165

<0.116

0.315

<0.0198

0.154

1.02

1.8

0.339

0.088

0.161

e0.193

<0.0285

2.85

2.12

1.42

1.29

0.439

1.47

1.27

<0.0419

0.561

0.988

1.28

6.57

<0.0419

<0.0556

4.19

0.162

<0.0875

1.99

<0.0920

<0.0875

0.662

5.11

1.63

3.32

2.63

0.324

0.145

3.25

<0.0559

0.309

3.64

0.629

<0.0559

<0.0956

3.62

<0.171

<0.171

<0.0261

<0.0271

<0.0271

<0.0655

<0.0378

<0.0378

<0.0378

<0.0378

<0.0378

<0.0378

<0.0470

<0.0369

<0.0369

<0.0369

<0.0430

<0.0290

<0.0290

<0.0278

<0.0369

<0.0278

<0.0278

<0.0255

<0.0278

<0.0369

<0.0278

<0.0305

<0.0290

<0.0305

<0.0305

<0.0290

<0.0320

<0.0215

<0.0215

<0.0220

<0.0215

<0.0196

<0.0196

<0.0196

<0.0158

<0.0196

<0.0196

<0.0196

<0.0158

<0.0179

<0.0179

<0.0320

<0.0320

92.2

--

96.6

84.7

93.2

--

--

--

--

--

101

--

--

85.2

76.8

--

--

98.9

--

--

--

100

--

--

101

--

--

104

--

--

92.4

--

--

84.4

87.1

--

--

--

--

--

85.9

--

73.5

--

100

--

--
56 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 7. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations measured in bottom-sediment grab samples collected from Mother Brook and the 

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng/g, nanogram 

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

IUPAC number DDY-001 BGY-139 BGY-140 BGY-141 BGY-141-D BGY-142 M2Y-013 M2Y-013-D 

 

PCB-61 + 74

(ng/g)

3.49

(ng/g)

3.64

(ng/g) (ng/g) (ng/g) (ng/g)

0.607 682 809 180

(ng/g)

24.6

(ng/g)

41.3

PCB-62 + 65 <0.0526 <0.0756 <0.0277 <5.69 e3.62 <1.07 <0.227 <0.341

PCB-63 0.274 0.373 0.045 85.8 153 17.5 3.66 6.79

PCB-66 + 80 7.98 7.31 1.31 982 1,110 300 44.2 73.8

PCB-67 0.487 0.411 <0.0556 79.7 93 20.1 2.95 4.69

PCB-69 <0.0526 <0.0756 <0.0277 7.5 11.2 1.24 <0.227 0.442

PCB-70 + 76 8.99 7.96 1.95 909 932 266 40.9 66.5

PCB-72 e0.128 e0.158 <0.0305 22.6 38.9 e4.35 1.68 3.11

PCB-77 e1.79 1.58 e0.444 116 150 34.2 6.37 10.9

PCB-78 <0.150 <0.108 <0.0553 <4.68 <5.73 <1.55 <0.253 <0.501

PCB-79 <0.150 <0.108 <0.0553 <4.68 <5.73 <1.55 <0.253 <0.501

PCB-81 0.36 0.264 0.127 8.27 <5.73 e3.52 0.621 1.31

PCB-82 2.01 1.53 0.718 57.3 42.6 26.9 5.01 8.19

PCB-83 + 108 0.878 0.816 0.3 34 54.9 11.3 2.9 4.83

PCB-84 3.3 2.47 1.21 81 82.7 32.1 8.67 14

PCB-85 + 120 3.18 3.01 1.32 106 85.7 41.7 9.41 16.2

PCB-86 + 97 5.33 4.37 1.9 142 143 62.2 12.5 20.8

PCB-87 + 115 + 116 7.86 6.22 2.93 146 151 75.2 15.8 28.6

PCB-88 + 121 <0.0605 <0.0476 <0.0280 <4.44 <3.55 <1.61 <0.152 <0.268

PCB-89 + 90 + 101 16.5 12.9 6.15 307 344 128 33.4 55.4

PCB-91 2.36 2.02 0.976 100 146 36.6 9.4 15.5

PCB-92 2.82 2.31 1.01 65.6 110 22.8 8.11 13.6

PCB-93 + 95 12.9 9.64 4.99 256 271 95.9 29.5 48.8

PCB-94 0.12 0.123 0.044 9.4 21 3.25 0.721 1.37

PCB-96 0.144 0.133 0.039 10.9 13.9 3.4 0.742 1.46

PCB-98 + 102 0.906 0.86 0.191 38.3 48.7 13 2.84 4.6

PCB-99 6.83 5.78 2.77 215 252 85.2 20.3 34.1

PCB-100 <0.0605 e0.049 <0.0280 5.69 10.7 2.15 0.642 1.1

PCB-103 0.12 0.119 0.047 7.13 11 e2.37 0.799 1.4

PCB-104 <0.0425 <0.0335 <0.0197 <3.12 <2.49 <1.13 <0.107 <0.188

PCB-105 + 127 5.87 4.91 2.64 171 136 85.9 15.3 25.8

PCB-106 + 118 13.2 11 5.29 308 360 131 30.5 52

PCB-107 + 109 e1.09 e0.950 0.443 32.3 50.8 12.8 2.9 5.35

PCB-110 19.3 15.4 8.56 394 464 167 48.5 80.3

PCB-111 + 117 0.324 0.429 0.348 26.9 22.1 6.82 3.08 2.15

PCB-112 <0.0592 <0.0466 <0.0274 5.28 7.39 <1.57 <0.149 0.393

PCB-113 e0.066 <0.0404 e0.034 <3.77 <3.01 <1.36 0.326 0.796

PCB-114 0.324 e0.260 0.143 14.5 13.5 6.01 0.901 1.39

PCB-119 0.395 0.372 0.147 21.3 37.4 e6.87 2.2 3.85

PCB-122 e0.174 <0.110 0.084 5.6 4.86 e2.00 <0.415 0.728

PCB-123 0.569 e0.399 0.247 9.81 9.96 4.35 0.957 1.63

PCB-124 0.798 0.519 0.28 11.7 12.1 5.1 1.24 2.17

PCB-125 <0.123 <0.158 <0.0847 6.02 e7.35 e2.00 <0.597 <0.565

PCB-126 <0.0955 e0.340 e0.095 <3.53 <4.12 <1.09 <0.462 0.567

PCB-128 4.77 3.31 1.84 19.7 20.2 12.9 6.96 11.7

PCB-129 1.25 0.826 0.425 3.4 5.89 3.84 1.24 2.24

PCB-130 1.67 1.01 0.71 7.42 9.23 4.23 2.43 3.7
 Neponset River and Estuary, Massachusetts, in 2005.—Continued

 per gram; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; -D, field duplicate; -LD, laboratory duplicate; --, not done]

Table 7 57

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

M2Y-014 

(ng/g)

BGY-143 

(ng/g)

BGY-144 

(ng/g)

QYY-001 

(ng/g)

QYY-002 

(ng/g)

BGY-145 

(ng/g)

QYY-003 

(ng/g)

QYY-003-LD 

(ng/g)

Laboratory 

blank 

(ng/g)

Matrix spike 

(percent 

recovery)

31.1

<0.233

3.4

54.7

4.12

<0.233

51

e1.08

7.44

<0.549

<0.549

e1.01

5.83

2.84

8.45

9.65

14.1

16.7

<0.145

33.3

8.31

6.82

28

0.554

0.715

2.71

21.7

0.458

0.565

<0.102

18.9

34.1

3.05

47.7

3.24

e0.225

e0.198

1.03

1.71

e0.624

1.11

1.15

<0.443

e0.373

6.14

1.13

2.1

19.6

e0.078

2.18

36.6

2.37

0.178

32.2

0.917

4.94

<0.147

<0.147

0.551

3.35

1.81

5.38

6.74

8.74

10.8

0.1

21.5

5.53

4.45

18.2

0.366

0.441

1.68

13.9

0.282

0.367

<0.0174

11.3

22.1

2.07

29.4

0.87

0.177

0.167

0.651

1.15

0.304

0.75

0.872

0.223

e0.246

4.3

0.687

1.48

22.3

<0.239

2.58

40.1

2.71

<0.239

36.4

1.12

5.77

<0.380

<0.380

e0.715

4.7

2.34

7.11

8.79

11.3

15.7

<0.185

29.3

7.49

6.06

24.7

0.496

0.531

2.11

17.9

0.446

0.547

<0.130

15.6

29.8

2.76

40.4

e1.16

<0.181

e0.257

0.859

1.6

e0.444

1.01

1.17

<0.277

<0.214

5.95

1.15

2.03

27.2

<0.0633

2.95

47.5

3.24

0.168

44.9

e0.998

7.09

e0.203

<0.109

0.743

4.7

2.11

6.99

8.76

11.3

14.5

0.144

27.5

6.77

5.55

23.7

0.423

0.591

2.03

16.9

0.315

0.42

<0.0190

15.2

28.1

2.73

36.5

1.42

0.156

0.257

0.948

1.43

e0.414

0.869

1.13

0.273

e0.477

5.79

1

1.88

12.1

<0.0588

1.37

22.2

1.5

0.11

19.1

0.54

3.35

<0.105

<0.105

0.377

2.52

1.2

3.68

4.8

6.1

7.61

<0.0463

15.4

3.6

3.2

12.4

0.24

0.269

1.03

9.55

0.207

0.255

<0.0325

8.52

16.6

1.57

20.7

1.05

e0.087

0.146

0.472

0.838

0.21

0.619

0.612

<0.178

e0.228

3.74

0.656

1.29

13.7

<0.0800

1.54

24.9

1.64

<0.0800

22.4

0.684

3.99

<0.151

<0.151

0.418

2.67

1.34

3.99

5.4

6.68

8.36

e0.070

17.1

3.95

3.53

13.8

0.257

0.303

1.18

10.6

0.216

0.271

<0.0469

9.35

18

1.81

22.9

0.946

0.105

0.114

0.513

0.933

e0.239

0.551

0.686

e0.179

0.161

3.93

0.709

1.32

3.2

<0.0504

0.335

5.7

0.351

<0.0504

4.75

0.182

0.666

<0.0882

<0.0882

<0.0882

0.492

0.312

0.81

1.25

1.6

1.75

<0.0423

4.2

0.886

0.846

3.01

0.077

0.067

0.251

2.77

0.047

0.059

<0.0297

2.19

4.87

0.441

5.29

0.159

<0.0414

<0.0359

<0.0866

0.228

<0.0866

0.142

e0.139

<0.125

<0.0965

0.936

0.087

0.284

3.43

<0.0692

0.347

6.46

0.363

<0.0692

5.26

0.15

1

<0.0772

<0.0772

0.09

0.604

0.317

0.894

1.25

1.6

1.96

<0.0357

4.13

0.918

0.804

3.12

0.067

0.069

0.27

2.74

0.057

0.074

<0.0251

2.52

4.92

e0.457

5.58

0.202

<0.0349

<0.0303

e0.125

0.229

<0.0527

e0.134

0.143

<0.0759

<0.0587

1.1

0.122

0.341

<0.0174

<0.0196

<0.0174

<0.0174

<0.0320

<0.0196

<0.0174

<0.0215

<0.0174

<0.0174

<0.0174

<0.0174

<0.0268

<0.0242

<0.0210

<0.0268

<0.0268

<0.0268

<0.0248

<0.0210

<0.0248

<0.0210

<0.0248

<0.0248

<0.0248

<0.0248

<0.0202

<0.0248

<0.0248

<0.0174

<0.0197

<0.0205

<0.0189

<0.0189

<0.0268

<0.0242

<0.0210

<0.0186

<0.0202

<0.0186

<0.0205

<0.0189

<0.0268

<0.0207

<0.0154

<0.0154

<0.0154

--

--

--

96.7

--

--

--

--

103

--

--

108

--

--

--

--

--

102

--

98.9

--

--

94.6

--

--

--

98.4

--

--

85.5

107

94.4

--

102

--

--

--

102

--

--

87.7

--

--

--

--

--

--
58 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 7. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations measured in bottom-sediment grab samples collected from Mother Brook and the 

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng/g, nanogram 

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

IUPAC number DDY-001 BGY-139 BGY-140 BGY-141 BGY-141-D BGY-142 M2Y-013 M2Y-013-D 

 

PCB-131 + 142

(ng/g)

0.232

(ng/g)

0.174

(ng/g) (ng/g) (ng/g) (ng/g)

0.105 <2.27 <3.20 e1.35

(ng/g)

0.42

(ng/g)

0.519

PCB-132 + 168 7.14 4.45 2.66 27.3 29.6 16.4 9.51 15.5

PCB-133 0.237 0.192 0.103 <2.27 <3.20 e1.09 0.524 0.963

PCB-134 + 143 0.987 0.782 0.407 6.91 8.04 3.14 1.7 2.71

PCB-135 + 144 2.83 2.21 1.18 15.4 19.7 8.91 4.39 7.29

PCB-136 2.8 1.96 1.11 15.1 20 7.55 4.17 6.8

PCB-137 1.23 0.854 0.482 5.56 e9.46 4.26 1.76 3.01

PCB-138 + 163 + 164 27.1 19 10 110 138 66.5 36.9 60.7

PCB-139 + 149 14.1 10.3 5.93 71.6 89.6 40.3 21.3 34.2

PCB-140 0.097 0.067 0.041 <2.27 <3.20 <1.07 <0.175 <0.232

PCB-141 4.03 2.83 1.32 14.3 16.2 8.86 3.8 6.06

PCB-145 <0.0670 <0.0363 <0.0215 <2.27 <3.20 <1.07 <0.175 <0.232

PCB-146 2.49 1.88 1.01 13.3 22.2 7.71 4.14 6.98

PCB-147 0.372 0.284 0.175 4.63 11.3 <1.07 1.02 1.95

PCB-148 <0.0670 <0.0363 <0.0215 <2.27 <3.20 <1.07 <0.175 <0.232

PCB-150 <0.0670 <0.0363 <0.0215 <2.27 <3.20 <1.07 <0.175 <0.232

PCB-151 4.29 3.06 1.59 20.6 36.5 12 5.71 9.83

PCB-152 <0.0670 <0.0363 <0.0215 <2.27 <3.20 <1.07 <0.175 <0.232

PCB-153 19.6 14.4 6.75 70.6 95 41.4 25.6 41.4

PCB-154 0.157 0.144 0.073 <2.27 e5.84 <1.07 0.5 1

PCB-155 <0.0458 <0.0248 <0.0147 <1.55 <2.18 <0.729 <0.119 <0.159

PCB-156 2.26 1.76 0.885 12.4 16 6.73 3 5.54

PCB-157 0.762 0.534 0.327 2.87 4.33 2.1 0.991 1.75

PCB-158 + 160 3.22 2.19 1.31 14.5 16.1 9.3 4.5 7.34

PCB-159 0.218 0.189 <0.0472 <1.96 <2.76 <1.48 <0.230 <0.377

PCB-161 <0.0599 <0.0325 <0.0192 <2.03 <2.86 <0.954 <0.156 <0.208

PCB-162 <0.100 <0.0902 <0.0472 <1.96 <2.76 <1.48 <0.230 0.397

PCB-165 <0.0599 <0.0325 <0.0192 <2.03 <2.86 <0.954 <0.156 <0.208

PCB-166 e0.150 <0.0902 <0.0472 <1.96 <2.76 <1.48 <0.230 <0.377

PCB-167 0.896 0.658 0.369 3.94 6.04 2.89 1.41 2.48

PCB-169 <0.0830 <0.0747 <0.0391 <1.62 <2.29 <1.23 <0.190 <0.313

PCB-170 + 190 7.18 5.76 2.43 29.3 42 16 6.48 11.5

PCB-171 1.34 0.963 0.429 3.24 e6.26 3.17 1.33 2.4

PCB-172 + 192 0.835 0.629 0.276 2.78 e3.69 1.66 0.716 1.3

PCB-173 0.107 0.107 <0.0397 <2.58 <3.51 <0.904 <0.146 <0.401

PCB-174 + 181 5.33 4 1.64 18.6 21.1 8.63 3.63 6.13

PCB-175 0.229 0.155 0.065 <2.59 <3.52 <0.906 0.151 <0.402

PCB-176 0.585 0.436 0.188 <1.95 <2.65 0.976 0.638 1.02

PCB-177 2.71 1.91 0.897 9.58 14.9 5.06 2.79 4.58

PCB-178 1.01 0.738 0.34 <2.59 6.81 2.07 0.971 1.6

PCB-179 2.02 1.5 0.665 6.43 10.1 3.21 1.71 2.99

PCB-180 12.4 9.29 3.91 47.2 57.2 23.3 9.96 17.4

PCB-182 + 187 6.51 5.02 2.18 20.8 31.9 11.8 5.8 9.8

PCB-183 3.05 2.27 1.0 10.4 12.1 5.64 2.57 4.4

PCB-184 <0.0399 <0.0420 <0.0299 <1.95 <2.65 <0.681 <0.110 <0.302

PCB-185 0.613 0.489 0.197 <2.62 <3.57 <0.918 0.437 0.556

PCB-186 <0.0530 <0.0558 <0.0398 <2.59 <3.52 <0.906 <0.146 <0.402
Table 7 59

Neponset River and Estuary, Massachusetts, in 2005.—Continued

 per gram; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; -D, field duplicate; -LD, laboratory duplicate; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

M2Y-014 

(ng/g)

BGY-143 

(ng/g)

BGY-144 

(ng/g)

QYY-001 

(ng/g)

QYY-002 

(ng/g)

BGY-145 

(ng/g)

QYY-003 

(ng/g)

QYY-003-LD 

(ng/g)

Laboratory 

blank 

(ng/g)

Matrix spike 

(percent 

recovery)

0.318

7.62

0.448

1.38

3.97

3.72

1.46

33.2

19.3

<0.214

3.14

<0.214

3.91

0.85

<0.214

<0.214

5.35

<0.214

23.5

0.382

<0.146

2.94

1.04

4.06

<0.280

<0.191

<0.280

<0.191

<0.280

1.3

<0.232

6.2

1.37

0.685

<0.108

3.37

e0.143

0.527

2.56

0.911

1.81

9.68

6.11

2.6

<0.0815

0.39

<0.108

0.233

5.61

0.283

0.901

2.62

2.43

0.964

23.1

12.7

e0.116

2.22

<0.0539

2.59

0.559

<0.0539

<0.0539

3.71

<0.0539

16.5

0.29

<0.0368

2.03

0.657

2.81

0.172

<0.0482

<0.0973

<0.0482

<0.0973

0.888

<0.0807

4.59

0.93

0.479

0.06

2.33

0.134

0.385

2

0.67

1.33

7.08

4.62

2.05

<0.0234

0.252

<0.0311

0.344

7.89

0.408

1.42

3.92

3.65

1.69

32.7

18.7

<0.211

3.26

<0.211

3.73

0.771

<0.211

<0.211

5.39

<0.211

22.7

0.386

<0.144

3.05

0.862

4.03

<0.319

<0.189

<0.319

<0.189

<0.319

1.19

<0.264

6.61

1.37

0.693

<0.179

3.21

<0.180

0.56

2.67

0.926

1.76

10.2

5.97

2.84

<0.135

0.366

<0.180

0.266

6.8

0.351

1.19

3.27

3.13

1.27

30

15.6

e0.138

2.94

<0.0496

3.2

0.649

<0.0496

0.05

4.75

0.052

21.7

0.323

<0.0339

2.66

0.837

3.53

0.208

<0.0444

0.141

<0.0444

e0.158

1.11

<0.104

5.68

1.23

0.624

0.054

3.06

0.198

0.545

2.52

0.866

1.72

9.13

5.97

2.72

<0.0391

0.342

<0.0520

0.192

4.72

0.222

0.762

2.16

1.99

0.802

19.6

10.4

0.11

1.83

<0.0471

2.15

0.46

<0.0471

<0.0471

3.12

<0.0471

14.1

0.205

<0.0322

1.71

0.584

2.28

0.136

<0.0421

<0.0850

<0.0421

<0.0850

0.755

<0.0705

3.97

0.894

0.424

<0.0428

2.05

0.142

0.341

1.82

0.619

1.16

6.34

4.22

1.95

<0.0323

0.234

<0.0429

0.182

4.37

0.253

0.814

2.35

2.17

0.868

21.4

11.4

0.085

1.98

<0.0458

2.35

0.486

<0.0458

<0.0458

3.37

<0.0458

15.7

0.253

<0.0313

1.9

0.658

2.49

0.172

<0.0410

<0.104

<0.0410

<0.104

0.867

e0.129

4.21

0.861

0.453

<0.0433

2.15

0.145

0.356

1.87

0.655

1.23

6.68

4.39

1.98

<0.0326

0.261

<0.0433

0.043

1.05

0.068

0.196

0.609

0.548

0.219

5.3

2.95

e0.034

0.377

<0.0263

0.7

0.121

<0.0263

<0.0263

0.91

<0.0263

4.07

0.069

<0.0180

0.445

0.171

0.559

<0.0426

<0.0235

<0.0426

<0.0235

<0.0426

0.215

<0.0353

0.962

0.246

0.113

<0.0497

0.43

<0.0498

0.096

0.493

0.167

0.344

1.78

1.28

0.567

<0.0375

<0.0505

<0.0498

e0.034

1.2

0.078

0.208

0.625

0.613

0.203

5.71

3.09

<0.0260

0.393

<0.0260

0.703

0.12

<0.0260

<0.0260

0.959

<0.0260

4.15

0.066

<0.0177

0.475

0.174

0.613

<0.0470

<0.0232

<0.0470

<0.0232

<0.0470

0.254

<0.0389

1.1

0.279

0.119

<0.0280

0.544

0.046

0.107

0.565

0.21

0.35

1.79

1.34

0.601

<0.0211

0.057

<0.0280

<0.0209

<0.0138

<0.0209

<0.0209

<0.0209

<0.0209

e0.024

<0.0131

<0.0209

<0.0209

<0.0131

<0.0209

<0.0187

<0.0209

<0.0209

<0.0209

<0.0260

<0.0209

<0.0117

<0.0209

<0.0143

<0.0106

<0.0110

<0.0131

<0.0131

<0.0187

<0.0131

<0.0187

<0.0131

<0.0105

<0.0109

<0.0191

<0.0160

<0.0160

<0.0160

<0.0162

<0.0160

<0.0121

<0.0162

<0.0160

<0.0121

<0.0160

<0.0160

<0.0162

<0.0121

<0.0162

<0.0160

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

93.4

105

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

103

--

90.9

--

94.5

95.8

101

--

--

--

--

--

--

98

99.9

98.1

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

97.1

94

101

--

--

--
60 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 7. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations measured in bottom-sediment grab samples collected from Mother Brook and the 

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng/g, nanogram 

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

IUPAC number DDY-001 BGY-139 BGY-140 BGY-141 BGY-141-D BGY-142 M2Y-013 M2Y-013-D 

 

PCB-188

(ng/g)

<0.0399

(ng/g)

<0.0420

(ng/g) (ng/g) (ng/g) (ng/g)

<0.0299 <1.95 <2.65 <0.681

(ng/g)

<0.110

(ng/g)

<0.302

PCB-189 0.228 0.227 0.081 <2.19 <2.98 <0.766 0.232 0.588

PCB-191 0.281 0.237 0.085 <2.58 <3.51 <0.904 0.27 <0.401

PCB-193 0.698 0.518 0.237 <2.58 5.79 e1.29 0.617 0.973

PCB-194 3.2 3.11 0.983 e14.1 e20.8 e7.87 e2.48 5.87

PCB-195 1.18 1.06 e0.387 e5.95 <5.46 e3.28 e0.955 2.17

PCB-196 + 203 4.05 3.71 1.38 e16.3 23.1 7.9 2.89 5.88

PCB-197 0.129 0.086 0.039 <3.38 <3.59 <0.810 e0.108 <0.422

PCB-198 0.224 0.249 e0.065 <4.84 <5.13 <1.16 <0.123 <0.604

PCB-199 3.94 3.27 1.32 e12.9 19.8 6.9 2.37 4.95

PCB-200 0.383 e0.332 0.13 <3.38 <3.59 <0.810 e0.218 0.527

PCB-201 0.404 0.348 0.154 <3.38 <3.59 <0.810 e0.271 0.661

PCB-202 0.925 0.845 0.306 <3.87 <4.11 e1.48 e0.561 1.29

PCB-204 <0.0547 <0.0667 <0.0306 <3.38 <3.59 <0.810 <0.0862 <0.422

PCB-205 e0.157 e0.173 e0.056 <3.86 <4.09 <0.924 <0.0983 <0.481

PCB-206 5.47 5.4 1.71 14.8 e14.4 4.5 1.76 3.7

PCB-207 0.726 0.633 0.228 <5.00 <4.70 <2.57 <0.275 <0.607

PCB-208 2.97 2.66 0.97 7.13 <4.70 <2.57 0.813 1.29

PCB-209 6.9 6.5 2 8.35 <11.6 3.2 1.48 2.71

Total

Total Monochlorobiphenyls

366

0.096

321

0.163

120 21,700 28,100 5,920

Polychlorinated biphenyl homologs

<0.0234 38.5 90.5 72.8

1,330

18.4

2,250

33.1

Total Dichlorobiphenyls 1.67 4.03 0.563 1,070 1,810 479 125 230

Total Trichlorobiphenyls 18.1 30.4 3.07 8,980 12,200 1,500 309 506

Total Tetrachlorobiphenyls 61.4 66.1 10.5 8,430 10,300 2,450 426 709

Total Pentachlorobiphenyls 106 85 42.8 2,590 2,910 1,060 267 447

Total Hexachlorobiphenyls 103 73.1 38.8 440 564 259 142 234

Total Heptachlorobiphenyls 45.1 34.2 14.6 148 202 81.6 38.3 65.2

Total Octachlorobiphenyls 14.4 12.7 4.32 <5.15 42.9 14.8 5.25 21.3

Total Nonachlorobiphenyls 9.16 8.7 2.91 21.9 <5.48 4.5 2.57 4.99

Decachlorobiphenyls

Aroclor 1221

6.9

<0.0697

6.5

<0.0950

2 8.35 <11.6 3.2

Polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclors

<0.0481 <5.07 <8.29 <2.72

1.48

<0.352

2.71

<0.221

Aroclor 1232 <0.251 <0.181 <0.0796 <10.7 <12.8 <5.09 <0.861 <0.783

Aroclor 1016/1242 37.2 62.7 7.3 13,900 19,500 2,770 634 1,050

Aroclor 1248 <0.427 <0.491 <0.172 <35.2 <24.5 <8.28 <1.51 <2.11

Aroclor 1254 200 164 76 5,030 5,460 2,230 487 835

Aroclor 1260 160 123 52.1 617 791 319 135 236
Table 7 61

Neponset River and Estuary, Massachusetts, in 2005.—Continued

per gram; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; -D, field duplicate; -LD, laboratory duplicate; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

M2Y-014 

(ng/g)

BGY-143 

(ng/g)

BGY-144 

(ng/g)

QYY-001 

(ng/g)

QYY-002 

(ng/g)

BGY-145 

(ng/g)

QYY-003 

(ng/g)

QYY-003-LD 

(ng/g)

Laboratory 

blank 

(ng/g)

Matrix spike 

(percent 

recovery)

<0.0815 <0.0234 <0.135 <0.0391 <0.0323 <0.0326 <0.0375 <0.0211 <0.0121 88.2

e0.192 0.198 e0.190 0.2 0.167 0.179 <0.0422 e0.085 <0.0136 101

0.267 0.164 <0.179 0.217 0.145 0.175 <0.0497 <0.0280 <0.0160 --

0.681 0.46 0.697 0.573 0.389 0.43 0.127 0.122 <0.0160 --

e2.88 1.95 e2.93 2.45 e1.69 1.86 0.549 0.585 <0.0271 107

0.951 0.683 e0.999 0.817 0.55 0.652 e0.167 0.187 <0.0271 --

3.14 2.18 3.21 2.76 1.88 2.0 0.556 0.581 <0.0255 104

<0.145 0.061 <0.218 0.093 0.069 0.07 <0.0258 <0.0404 <0.0178 --

<0.208 0.103 <0.312 0.12 e0.088 e0.063 <0.0369 <0.0578 <0.0255 --

2.47 1.9 2.55 2.36 1.76 1.8 0.534 0.498 <0.0255 --

0.235 0.15 e0.294 0.203 0.142 e0.136 0.044 <0.0404 <0.0178 --

e0.154 0.255 0.368 0.321 0.261 0.264 0.09 0.088 <0.0178 --

0.703 0.522 0.672 0.65 0.493 0.539 0.194 0.188 <0.0204 99

<0.145 <0.0200 <0.218 <0.0308 <0.0461 <0.0228 <0.0258 <0.0404 <0.0178 --

<0.166 0.107 <0.249 0.129 e0.067 e0.091 <0.0294 <0.0461 <0.0203 103

1.85 1.41 2.22 1.78 1.35 1.29 0.456 0.494 <0.0467 100

<0.394 0.181 <0.288 0.226 0.202 e0.189 0.065 e0.069 <0.0400 --

0.803 0.596 0.855 0.671 0.524 0.539 0.22 0.205 <0.0400 95.8

2.38 1.24 2 1.33 1.09 1.16 0.446 0.51 e0.023 93.8

1,280 806 1,010 1,070 531 596 130 137 <0.0655 --

Polychlorinated biphenyl homologs

6.86 4.85 7.58 5.54 3.78 4.73 0.594 0.469 <0.0271 --

85.7 52.2 62.2 67.6 30.3 36.9 5.82 6.26 <0.0655 --

300 163 201 222 96.5 110 22.6 23.7 <0.0430 --

442 285 331 390 170 193 39.2 42.4 <0.0320 --

273 173 233 222 123 136 31.7 32.5 <0.0268 --

127 87.7 125 113 74 80 19.9 21.2 <0.0260 --

37.2 27.7 37.8 35.7 24.9 26 6.6 7.23 <0.0191 --

7.5 7.92 6.8 9.91 5.16 7.18 1.97 2.13 <0.0271 --

2.66 2.18 3.07 2.68 2.08 1.83 0.74 0.698 <0.0467 --

2.38 1.24 2 1.33 1.09 1.16 0.446 0.51 <0.0184 --

Polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclors

<0.265 <0.0770 <0.256 <0.120 <0.0979 <0.122 <0.0787 <0.0542 <0.0718 --

<0.980 <0.170 <0.696 <0.320 <0.239 <0.339 <0.196 <0.189 <0.125 --

673 364 423 532 209 243 50.7 52.6 <0.144 --

<1.71 <0.786 <1.55 <0.660 <0.438 <0.710 <0.348 <0.510 <0.121 --

526 334 449 427 233 256 61.2 63.1 <0.268 --

131 97.5 139 124 87 91.4 23.5 24.8 <0.136 --
62 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 10. Concentrations of dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls measured in water samples collected at U.S. Geological Survey 

streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–2006.—Continued

[IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; A, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the first column of two columns in series; B, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the second column of two columns in series; ng/L, nanogram per liter; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than 

value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

May 2005 

A 

(ng/L)

May 2005 

B 

(ng/L)

June 2005 

(ng/L)

July 2005 

(ng/L)

August 

2005 

(ng/L)

September 

2005 

(ng/L)

December 

2005 

(ng/L)

January 

2006 

(ng/L)

February 

2006 

(ng/L)

March–

April 2006 

(ng/L)

PCB-1 0.033 <0.026 0.046 0.056 0.205 e0.163 e0.048 <0.011 e0.068 <0.137

PCB-2 <0.021 <0.026 <0.034 <0.051 <0.028 <0.051 <0.019 <0.011 <0.058 <0.135

PCB-3 <0.021 <0.026 <0.034 <0.051 <0.028 <0.051 <0.019 <0.011 <0.058 <0.135

PCB-4 + 10 5.03 <0.071 5.35 5.10 8.36 8.0 0.200 0.264 0.485 0.820

PCB-5 + 8 0.138 <0.041 0.092 <0.052 0.153 0.141 <0.041 <0.019 <0.042 <0.072

PCB-6 <0.033 <0.041 <0.054 <0.052 0.044 <0.038 <0.041 <0.019 <0.042 <0.072

PCB-7 + 9 <0.033 <0.041 <0.054 <0.052 <0.034 e0.205 <0.041 e0.020 <0.042 <0.072

PCB-11 <0.033 <0.041 <0.054 <0.052 <0.034 e0.093 <0.041 <0.019 <0.042 <0.072

PCB-12 + 13 <0.033 <0.041 <0.054 <0.052 <0.034 <0.038 <0.041 <0.019 <0.042 <0.072

PCB-14 <0.033 <0.041 <0.054 <0.052 <0.034 <0.038 <0.041 <0.019 <0.042 <0.072

PCB-15 <0.041 <0.051 <0.068 <0.065 <0.043 <0.042 <0.045 <0.020 <0.046 <0.078

PCB-16 + 32 0.546 <0.030 0.525 0.572 0.696 0.84 0.077 0.111 0.107 0.150

PCB-17 0.390 <0.030 0.363 0.344 0.469 0.527 <0.044 0.035 0.083 <0.091

PCB-18 0.265 <0.030 0.293 0.290 0.462 0.468 <0.044 0.049 0.085 <0.091

PCB-19 1.14 <0.035 1.24 1.22 1.91 1.45 0.145 0.174 0.123 0.417

PCB-20 + 21 + 33 <0.048 <0.033 <0.043 <0.053 <0.040 e0.020 <0.047 <0.015 <0.038 <0.102

PCB-22 <0.048 <0.033 <0.043 <0.053 <0.040 0.040 <0.047 <0.015 <0.038 <0.102

PCB-23 + 34 <0.025 <0.023 <0.028 <0.017 <0.017 <0.019 <0.027 <0.015 <0.030 <0.056

PCB-24 + 27 0.430 <0.030 0.445 0.460 0.584 0.621 0.046 0.071 <0.048 0.113

PCB-25 0.062 <0.023 0.082 0.049 0.069 0.078 <0.027 <0.015 <0.030 <0.056

PCB-26 0.130 <0.023 0.143 0.129 0.134 0.193 <0.027 0.016 <0.030 <0.056

PCB-28 0.101 <0.021 0.113 0.089 0.089 0.130 0.037 0.035 0.052 0.133

PCB-29 <0.025 <0.023 <0.028 <0.017 <0.017 <0.019 <0.027 <0.015 <0.030 <0.056

PCB-30 <0.033 <0.030 <0.037 <0.023 <0.023 <0.030 <0.044 <0.024 <0.048 <0.091

PCB-31 0.192 <0.023 0.170 0.122 0.193 0.210 <0.027 0.024 0.047 0.069

PCB-35 <0.050 <0.035 <0.045 <0.056 <0.042 <0.012 <0.051 <0.016 <0.042 <0.112

PCB-36 <0.048 <0.033 <0.043 <0.053 <0.040 <0.011 <0.047 <0.015 <0.038 <0.102

PCB-37 <0.050 <0.035 <0.045 <0.056 <0.042 0.023 <0.051 <0.016 <0.042 <0.112

PCB-38 <0.050 <0.035 <0.045 <0.056 <0.042 <0.012 <0.051 <0.016 e0.189 <0.112

PCB-39 <0.048 <0.033 <0.043 <0.053 <0.040 <0.011 <0.047 <0.015 <0.038 <0.102

PCB-40 <0.048 <0.024 <0.103 <0.061 <0.053 0.042 <0.076 <0.030 <0.105 <0.189

PCB-41 + 64 + 68 + 71 0.590 <0.016 0.490 0.393 0.301 0.335 0.089 0.102 0.774 0.207

PCB-42 + 59 0.066 <0.016 0.076 0.091 0.094 e0.013 <0.025 <0.020 <0.032 <0.083

PCB-43 + 49 0.230 <0.016 0.206 0.220 0.231 0.244 0.033 0.051 0.129 <0.080

PCB-44 0.122 <0.016 0.156 0.174 0.203 0.210 0.037 0.057 0.065 <0.083

PCB-45 0.038 <0.014 0.052 0.045 0.072 0.059 <0.022 <0.017 <0.029 <0.074

PCB-46 0.022 <0.014 0.033 e0.039 e0.040 0.032 <0.022 <0.017 <0.029 <0.074

PCB-47 + 48 + 75 1.14 0.046 1.30 0.819 0.637 0.401 0.318 0.234 6.00 0.301

PCB-50 <0.012 <0.011 <0.023 <0.023 <0.022 <0.008 <0.018 <0.015 <0.024 <0.062

PCB-51 0.512 <0.014 0.478 0.277 0.241 0.144 0.070 0.048 0.371 0.092

PCB-52 + 73 0.251 <0.014 0.318 0.323 0.349 0.380 0.071 0.095 0.084 0.146

PCB-53 0.169 <0.014 0.229 0.210 0.250 0.205 0.028 0.052 0.030 <0.074

PCB-54 e0.023 <0.011 <0.023 0.024 e0.026 0.020 <0.018 <0.015 <0.024 <0.062

PCB-55 <0.027 <0.013 <0.058 <0.034 <0.029 <0.012 <0.041 <0.016 <0.057 <0.104

PCB-56 + 60 <0.027 <0.013 <0.058 <0.034 <0.029 0.035 <0.041 <0.016 <0.057 <0.104

PCB-57 <0.048 <0.024 <0.103 <0.061 <0.053 <0.024 <0.076 <0.030 <0.105 <0.189

PCB-58 <0.048 <0.024 <0.103 <0.061 <0.053 <0.024 <0.076 <0.030 <0.105 <0.189
Table 10 63

Table 10. Concentrations of dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls measured in water samples collected at U.S. Geological Survey 

streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (01105566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–2006.—Continued

[IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; A, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the first column of two columns in series; B, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the second column of two columns in series; ng/L, nanogram per liter; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than 

value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

May 2005 

A 

(ng/L)

May 2005 

B 

(ng/L)

June 2005 

(ng/L)

July 2005 

(ng/L)

August 

2005 

(ng/L)

September 

2005 

(ng/L)

December 

2005 

(ng/L)

January 

2006 

(ng/L)

February 

2006 

(ng/L)

March–

April 2006 

(ng/L)

PCB-61 + 74 <0.026 <0.013 <0.056 <0.033 <0.029 e0.029 <0.039 <0.015 <0.054 <0.098

PCB-62 + 65 <0.015 <0.014 <0.029 <0.029 <0.027 <0.009 <0.022 <0.017 <0.029 <0.074

PCB-63 <0.026 <0.013 <0.056 <0.033 <0.029 <0.012 <0.039 <0.015 <0.054 <0.098

PCB-66 + 80 0.046 <0.013 <0.056 0.048 0.051 0.046 <0.039 <0.015 <0.054 <0.098

PCB-67 <0.048 <0.024 <0.103 <0.061 <0.053 <0.024 <0.076 <0.030 <0.105 <0.189

PCB-69 <0.015 <0.014 <0.029 <0.029 <0.027 <0.009 <0.022 <0.017 <0.029 <0.074

PCB-70 + 76 0.041 <0.013 <0.056 0.038 0.037 0.047 <0.039 0.016 <0.054 <0.098

PCB-72 <0.016 <0.016 <0.032 <0.032 <0.030 <0.011 <0.025 <0.020 <0.032 <0.083

PCB-77 <0.048 <0.024 <0.048 <0.052 <0.047 <0.012 <0.035 <0.019 <0.054 <0.112

PCB-78 <0.048 <0.024 <0.048 <0.052 <0.047 <0.012 <0.035 <0.019 <0.054 <0.112

PCB-79 <0.048 <0.024 <0.048 <0.052 <0.047 <0.012 <0.035 <0.019 <0.054 <0.112

PCB-81 <0.048 <0.024 <0.048 <0.052 <0.047 <0.012 <0.035 <0.019 <0.054 <0.112

PCB-82 <0.039 <0.034 <0.049 <0.052 <0.028 <0.021 <0.045 <0.031 <0.068 <0.117

PCB-83 + 108 <0.034 <0.032 <0.033 <0.038 <0.031 <0.015 <0.025 <0.020 <0.037 <0.066

PCB-84 0.032 <0.028 0.054 0.047 0.045 0.049 <0.021 <0.017 <0.032 <0.056

PCB-85 + 120 <0.039 <0.034 <0.049 <0.052 <0.028 <0.021 <0.045 <0.031 <0.068 <0.117

PCB-86 + 97 <0.039 <0.034 <0.049 <0.052 <0.028 <0.021 <0.045 <0.031 <0.068 <0.117

PCB-87 + 115 + 116 <0.039 <0.034 <0.049 <0.052 <0.028 0.034 <0.045 <0.031 <0.068 <0.117

PCB-88 + 121 <0.034 <0.033 <0.034 <0.039 <0.032 <0.015 <0.026 <0.021 <0.039 <0.068

PCB-89 + 90 + 101 0.078 <0.028 0.077 0.084 0.059 0.074 <0.021 0.034 <0.032 <0.056

PCB-91 0.049 <0.033 e0.039 <0.039 0.037 e0.039 <0.026 <0.021 <0.039 <0.068

PCB-92 <0.029 <0.028 <0.029 <0.033 <0.027 0.024 <0.021 <0.017 <0.032 <0.056

PCB-93 + 95 0.106 <0.033 0.146 0.166 0.134 0.162 0.042 0.057 0.054 0.127

PCB-94 <0.034 <0.033 <0.034 <0.039 <0.032 <0.015 <0.026 <0.021 <0.039 <0.068

PCB-96 <0.034 <0.033 <0.034 <0.039 <0.032 <0.015 <0.026 <0.021 <0.039 <0.068

PCB-98 + 102 <0.034 <0.033 <0.034 <0.039 <0.032 <0.015 <0.026 <0.021 <0.039 <0.068

PCB-99 0.034 <0.027 <0.028 <0.032 0.029 0.033 <0.021 <0.016 <0.031 <0.055

PCB-100 <0.034 <0.033 <0.034 <0.039 <0.032 <0.015 <0.026 <0.021 <0.039 <0.068

PCB-103 <0.034 <0.033 <0.034 <0.039 <0.032 0.016 <0.026 <0.021 <0.039 <0.068

PCB-104 <0.024 <0.023 <0.024 <0.027 <0.022 <0.011 <0.018 <0.014 <0.027 <0.048

PCB-105 + 127 <0.029 <0.025 <0.036 <0.038 <0.020 <0.015 <0.032 <0.022 <0.048 <0.083

PCB-106 + 118 <0.026 <0.022 <0.033 <0.032 0.032 0.029 <0.032 <0.022 <0.048 <0.083

PCB-107 + 109 <0.027 <0.024 <0.034 <0.037 <0.019 <0.015 <0.031 <0.022 <0.047 <0.082

PCB-110 0.106 <0.024 0.112 0.124 0.111 0.112 <0.031 0.045 <0.047 <0.082

PCB-111 + 117 <0.039 <0.034 <0.049 <0.052 <0.028 <0.021 <0.045 <0.031 <0.068 <0.117

PCB-112 <0.034 <0.032 <0.033 <0.038 <0.031 <0.015 <0.025 <0.020 <0.037 <0.066

PCB-113 <0.029 <0.028 <0.029 <0.033 <0.027 <0.012 <0.021 <0.017 <0.032 <0.056

PCB-114 <0.027 <0.024 <0.034 <0.036 <0.019 <0.015 <0.031 <0.021 <0.047 <0.081

PCB-119 <0.028 <0.027 <0.028 <0.032 <0.026 <0.012 <0.021 <0.016 <0.031 <0.055

PCB-122 <0.027 <0.024 <0.034 <0.036 <0.019 <0.015 <0.031 <0.021 <0.047 <0.081

PCB-123 <0.026 <0.022 <0.033 <0.032 <0.019 <0.015 <0.032 <0.022 <0.048 <0.083

PCB-124 <0.027 <0.024 <0.034 <0.037 <0.019 <0.015 <0.031 <0.022 <0.047 <0.082

PCB-125 <0.039 <0.034 <0.049 <0.052 <0.028 <0.021 <0.045 <0.031 <0.068 <0.117

PCB-126 <0.030 <0.026 <0.038 <0.040 <0.021 <0.015 <0.032 <0.022 <0.049 <0.084

PCB-128 <0.020 <0.019 <0.039 <0.033 <0.033 <0.022 <0.034 <0.021 <0.043 <0.083

PCB-129 <0.020 <0.019 <0.039 <0.033 <0.033 <0.022 <0.034 <0.021 <0.043 <0.083

PCB-130 <0.020 <0.019 <0.039 <0.033 <0.033 <0.022 <0.034 <0.021 <0.043 <0.083
64 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 10. Concentrations of dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls measured in water samples collected at U.S. Geological Survey 

streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (01105566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–2006.—Continued

[IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; A, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the first column of two columns in series; B, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the second column of two columns in series; ng/L, nanogram per liter; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than 

value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

May 2005 

A 

(ng/L)

May 2005 

B 

(ng/L)

June 2005 

(ng/L)

August September December July 2005 2005 2005 2005 (ng/L) (ng/L) (ng/L) (ng/L)January 

2006 

(ng/L)

February 

2006 

(ng/L)

March–

April 2006 

(ng/L)

PCB-131 + 142

PCB-132 + 168

PCB-133

PCB-134 + 143

PCB-135 + 144

PCB-136

PCB-137

PCB-138 + 163 + 164

PCB-139 + 149

PCB-140

PCB-141

PCB-145

PCB-146

PCB-147

PCB-148

PCB-150

PCB-151

PCB-152

PCB-153

PCB-154

PCB-155

PCB-156

PCB-157

PCB-158 + 160

PCB-159

PCB-161

PCB-162

PCB-165

PCB-166

PCB-167

PCB-169

PCB-170 + 190

PCB-171

PCB-172 + 192

PCB-173

PCB-174 + 181

PCB-175

PCB-176

PCB-177

PCB-178

PCB-179

PCB-180

PCB-182 + 187

PCB-183

PCB-184

PCB-185

PCB-186

<0.010

0.028

<0.010

<0.010

e0.010

0.017

<0.017

0.052

0.047

<0.010

<0.017

<0.010

<0.009

<0.010

<0.010

<0.010

<0.013

<0.010

0.028

<0.010

<0.007

<0.014

<0.014

<0.017

<0.017

<0.009

<0.017

<0.009

<0.017

<0.014

<0.014

<0.014

<0.011

<0.011

<0.011

<0.011

<0.011

<0.008

<0.011

<0.011

<0.008

<0.011

<0.011

<0.011

<0.008

<0.011

<0.011

<0.015

<0.017

<0.015

<0.015

<0.015

<0.015

<0.016

<0.016

<0.015

<0.015

<0.016

<0.015

<0.014

<0.015

<0.015

<0.015

<0.019

<0.015

<0.014

<0.015

<0.010

<0.013

<0.013

<0.016

<0.016

<0.014

<0.016

<0.014

<0.016

<0.013

<0.013

<0.025

<0.021

<0.021

<0.021

<0.022

<0.021

<0.016

<0.022

<0.021

<0.016

<0.021

<0.021

<0.022

<0.016

<0.022

<0.021

<0.023

<0.035

<0.023

<0.023

<0.023

<0.023

<0.033

0.050

0.060

<0.023

<0.033

<0.023

<0.021

<0.023

<0.023

<0.023

<0.029

<0.023

<0.029

<0.023

<0.016

<0.026

<0.027

<0.033

<0.033

<0.021

<0.033

<0.021

<0.033

<0.026

<0.027

<0.044

<0.037

<0.037

<0.037

<0.037

<0.037

<0.027

<0.037

<0.037

<0.027

<0.037

<0.037

<0.037

<0.027

<0.037

<0.037

<0.027

0.032

<0.027

<0.027

<0.027

<0.027

<0.028

0.065

0.064

<0.027

<0.028

<0.027

<0.024

<0.027

<0.027

<0.027

<0.033

<0.027

0.038

<0.027

<0.018

<0.023

<0.024

<0.028

<0.028

<0.024

<0.028

<0.024

<0.028

<0.022

<0.023

<0.037

<0.031

<0.031

<0.031

<0.032

<0.031

<0.023

<0.032

<0.031

<0.023

<0.031

<0.031

<0.032

<0.023

<0.032

<0.031

<0.017

0.031

<0.017

<0.017

<0.017

0.019

<0.028

0.058

0.048

<0.017

<0.028

<0.017

<0.015

<0.017

<0.017

<0.017

<0.021

<0.017

0.035

<0.017

<0.011

<0.022

<0.023

<0.028

<0.028

<0.015

<0.028

<0.015

<0.028

<0.022

<0.023

<0.023

<0.019

<0.019

<0.019

<0.019

<0.019

<0.014

<0.019

<0.019

<0.014

<0.019

<0.019

<0.019

<0.014

<0.019

<0.019

<0.034

e0.022

<0.034

<0.034

<0.034

<0.034

<0.018

0.054

0.055

<0.034

<0.018

<0.034

<0.031

<0.034

<0.034

<0.034

<0.043

<0.034

0.032

<0.034

<0.024

<0.014

<0.014

<0.018

<0.018

<0.031

<0.018

<0.031

<0.018

<0.014

<0.014

<0.016

<0.013

<0.013

<0.013

<0.013

<0.013

<0.010

<0.013

<0.013

<0.010

<0.013

<0.013

<0.013

<0.010

<0.013

<0.013

<0.026

<0.031

<0.026

<0.026

<0.026

<0.026

<0.029

<0.029

<0.026

<0.026

<0.029

<0.026

<0.023

<0.026

<0.026

<0.026

<0.032

<0.026

<0.026

<0.026

<0.018

<0.022

<0.023

<0.029

<0.029

<0.023

<0.029

<0.023

<0.029

<0.022

<0.022

<0.037

<0.031

<0.031

<0.031

<0.032

<0.032

<0.024

<0.032

<0.032

<0.024

<0.031

<0.032

<0.032

<0.024

<0.032

<0.032

<0.017

<0.020

<0.017

<0.017

<0.017

<0.017

<0.018

0.023

0.023

<0.017

<0.018

<0.017

<0.015

<0.017

<0.017

<0.017

<0.021

<0.017

<0.017

<0.017

<0.012

<0.014

<0.014

<0.018

<0.018

<0.015

<0.018

<0.015

<0.018

<0.014

<0.014

<0.014

<0.012

<0.012

<0.012

<0.012

<0.012

<0.009

<0.012

<0.012

<0.009

<0.012

<0.012

<0.012

<0.009

<0.012

<0.012

<0.036

<0.039

<0.036

<0.036

<0.036

<0.036

e0.433

<0.036

<0.036

<0.036

<0.036

<0.036

<0.033

<0.036

<0.036

<0.036

<0.045

<0.036

<0.033

<0.036

<0.026

<0.028

<0.028

<0.036

<0.036

<0.033

<0.036

<0.033

<0.036

<0.028

<0.028

<0.045

<0.037

<0.037

<0.037

<0.038

<0.038

<0.029

<0.038

<0.038

<0.029

<0.037

<0.038

<0.038

<0.029

<0.038

<0.038

<0.050

<0.076

<0.050

<0.050

<0.050

<0.050

<0.071

<0.071

<0.050

<0.050

<0.071

<0.050

<0.046

<0.050

<0.050

<0.050

<0.063

<0.050

<0.065

<0.050

<0.036

<0.055

<0.056

<0.071

<0.071

<0.046

<0.071

<0.046

<0.071

<0.054

<0.055

<0.064

<0.053

<0.053

<0.053

<0.054

<0.054

<0.042

<0.054

<0.054

<0.042

<0.053

<0.054

<0.054

<0.042

<0.054

<0.054
Table 10 65

Table 10. Concentrations of dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls measured in water samples collected at U.S. Geological Survey 

streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (01105566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–2006.—Continued

[IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; A, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the first column of two columns in series; B, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the second column of two columns in series; ng/L, nanogram per liter; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than 

value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

May 2005 

A 

(ng/L)

May 2005 

B 

(ng/L)

June 2005 

(ng/L)

July 2005 

(ng/L)

August 

2005 

(ng/L)

September 

2005 

(ng/L)

December 

2005 

(ng/L)

January 

2006 

(ng/L)

February 

2006 

(ng/L)

March–

April 2006 

(ng/L)

PCB-188 <0.008 <0.016 <0.027 <0.023 <0.014 <0.010 <0.024 <0.009 <0.029 <0.042

PCB-189 <0.009 <0.018 <0.031 <0.026 <0.016 <0.011 <0.026 <0.010 <0.031 <0.044

PCB-191 <0.011 <0.021 <0.037 <0.031 <0.019 <0.013 <0.031 <0.012 <0.037 <0.053

PCB-193 <0.011 <0.021 <0.037 <0.031 <0.019 <0.013 <0.031 <0.012 <0.037 <0.053

PCB-194 <0.035 <0.033 <0.061 <0.045 <0.054 <0.034 <0.046 <0.030 <0.060 <0.112

PCB-195 <0.035 <0.033 <0.061 <0.045 <0.054 <0.034 <0.046 <0.030 <0.060 <0.112

PCB-196 + 203 <0.032 <0.031 <0.057 <0.043 <0.051 <0.033 <0.046 <0.030 <0.059 <0.111

PCB-197 <0.023 <0.022 <0.040 <0.030 <0.036 <0.024 <0.033 <0.021 <0.042 <0.079

PCB-198 <0.032 <0.031 <0.057 <0.043 <0.051 <0.033 <0.046 <0.030 <0.059 <0.111

PCB-199 <0.032 <0.031 <0.057 <0.043 <0.051 <0.033 <0.046 <0.030 <0.059 <0.111

PCB-200 <0.023 <0.022 <0.040 <0.030 <0.036 <0.024 <0.033 <0.021 <0.042 <0.079

PCB-201 <0.023 <0.022 <0.040 <0.030 <0.036 <0.024 <0.033 <0.021 <0.042 <0.079

PCB-202 <0.026 <0.025 <0.045 <0.034 <0.041 <0.027 <0.037 <0.024 <0.048 <0.089

PCB-204 <0.023 <0.022 <0.040 <0.030 <0.036 <0.024 <0.033 <0.021 <0.042 <0.079

PCB-205 <0.026 <0.025 <0.045 <0.034 <0.041 <0.025 <0.035 <0.023 <0.046 <0.085

PCB-206 <0.049 <0.060 <0.085 <0.085 <0.049 <0.041 <0.046 <0.036 <0.107 <0.196

PCB-207 <0.042 <0.052 <0.073 <0.073 <0.042 <0.037 <0.040 <0.032 <0.094 <0.173

PCB-208 <0.042 <0.052 <0.073 <0.073 <0.042 <0.037 <0.040 <0.032 <0.094 <0.173

PCB-209 <0.014 <0.017 <0.027 <0.035 <0.025 <0.016 <0.018 <0.022 <0.041 <0.170

Total 12.3 0.046 12.7 11.7 16.5 15.6 1.19 1.61 8.49 2.57

Polychlorinated biphenyl homologs

Total Monochlorobiphenyls 0.033 <0.026 0.046 0.056 0.205 <0.051 -- -- -- --

Total Dichlorobiphenyls 5.17 <0.071 5.44 5.10 8.56 8.1 0.200 0.264 0.485 0.820

Total Trichlorobiphenyls 3.25 <0.035 3.38 3.28 4.61 4.58 0.305 0.514 0.497 0.883

Total Tetrachlorobiphenyls 3.22 0.046 3.34 2.66 2.46 2.20 0.646 0.657 7.46 0.746

Total Pentachlorobiphenyls 0.407 <0.034 0.388 0.421 0.446 0.533 0.042 0.135 0.054 0.127

Total Hexachlorobiphenyls 0.171 <0.019 0.111 0.198 0.191 0.141 -- 0.046 -- --

Total Heptachlorobiphenyls <0.014 <0.025 <0.044 <0.037 <0.023 <0.016 -- -- -- --

Total Octachlorobiphenyls <0.035 <0.033 <0.061 <0.045 <0.054 <0.034 -- -- -- --

Total Nonachlorobiphenyls <0.049 <0.060 <0.085 <0.085 <0.049 <0.041 -- -- -- --

Decachlorobiphenyls <0.014 <0.017 <0.027 <0.035 <0.025 <0.016 -- -- -- --

Polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclors

Aroclor 1221 <0.062 <0.077 <0.104 <0.100 <0.066 <0.098 <0.079 <0.036 <0.112 <0.260

Aroclor 1232 <0.113 <0.104 <0.128 <0.175 <0.097 <0.175 <0.151 <0.083 <0.200 <0.467

Aroclor 1016/1242 2.65 <0.155 2.54 1.91 3.41 3.60 <0.168 0.410 0.699 0.769

Aroclor 1248 <0.144 <0.091 <0.310 <0.185 <0.170 <0.068 <0.216 <0.110 <0.298 <0.539

Aroclor 1254 <0.396 <0.346 <0.496 <0.528 0.294 0.670 <0.455 <0.316 <0.683 <1.178

Aroclor 1260 <0.099 <0.184 <0.313 <0.269 <0.163 <0.116 <0.268 <0.102 <0.319 <0.455
66 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 11. Concentrations of particulate polychlorinated biphenyls measured in water samples collected at U.S. Geological Survey 

streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–2006.—Continued

[IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng/L, nanograms per liter; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value 

shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

May 2005 

(ng/L)

June 2005 

(ng/L)

July 2005 

(ng/L)

August 2005 

(ng/L)

September 

2005 

(ng/L)

December 

2005 

(ng/L)

January 

2006 

(ng/L)

February 

2006 

(ng/L)

March–April 

2006 

(ng/L)

PCB-1 0.288 0.217 0.266 0.293 e0.042 <0.039 <0.014 <0.036 e0.204

PCB-2 <0.024 <0.014 <0.047 <0.038 e0.176 <0.039 <0.014 <0.035 <0.068

PCB-3 0.159 0.120 0.188 0.122 e0.030 <0.039 0.043 e0.042 <0.068

PCB-4 + 10 0.946 0.656 0.834 1.90 1.18 <0.053 0.122 0.094 <0.213

PCB-5 + 8 0.460 0.381 0.528 0.482 0.551 0.049 0.096 0.079 0.132

PCB-6 0.081 0.076 0.113 0.108 0.122 <0.030 <0.009 <0.034 <0.121

PCB-7 + 9 <0.014 <0.024 <0.034 <0.039 e0.032 <0.030 <0.009 <0.034 <0.121

PCB-11 e0.201 0.031 0.110 e0.060 e0.125 e0.086 <0.009 e0.094 <0.121

PCB-12 + 13 e0.039 e0.042 e0.070 e0.071 e0.25 <0.030 <0.009 <0.034 <0.121

PCB-14 <0.014 <0.024 <0.034 <0.039 <0.011 <0.030 <0.009 <0.034 <0.121

PCB-15 0.624 0.519 0.640 0.647 0.554 e0.111 0.175 0.183 0.158

PCB-16 + 32 0.350 0.275 0.436 0.580 0.546 0.087 0.089 0.101 <0.217

PCB-17 0.264 0.219 0.260 0.398 0.368 <0.052 0.055 <0.090 <0.217

PCB-18 0.159 0.127 0.182 0.337 <0.026 <0.052 0.051 <0.090 <0.217

PCB-19 0.267 0.201 0.291 0.494 0.322 <0.061 0.047 <0.106 <0.253

PCB-20 + 21 + 33 0.055 <0.034 0.060 0.068 0.043 <0.047 0.027 <0.062 <0.111

PCB-22 0.055 0.050 0.068 0.099 0.083 <0.047 0.026 <0.062 <0.111

PCB-23 + 34 <0.015 <0.014 <0.020 <0.036 <0.016 <0.032 <0.008 <0.055 <0.133

PCB-24 + 27 0.220 0.169 0.245 0.353 0.248 <0.052 0.040 <0.090 <0.217

PCB-25 0.149 0.119 0.155 0.217 0.168 <0.032 0.027 <0.055 <0.133

PCB-26 0.210 0.197 0.282 0.368 0.282 <0.032 0.048 <0.055 <0.133

PCB-28 0.302 0.243 0.362 0.424 0.432 0.088 0.132 0.127 <0.156

PCB-29 <0.015 <0.014 <0.020 <0.036 <0.016 <0.032 <0.008 <0.055 <0.133

PCB-30 <0.020 <0.019 <0.027 <0.048 <0.026 <0.052 <0.014 <0.090 <0.217

PCB-31 0.350 0.360 0.393 0.550 0.444 e0.055 0.079 0.075 <0.133

PCB-35 <0.028 <0.036 <0.042 <0.058 0.031 <0.051 <0.012 <0.068 <0.121

PCB-36 <0.027 <0.034 <0.040 <0.055 <0.026 <0.047 <0.011 <0.062 <0.111

PCB-37 0.108 0.080 0.102 0.100 e0.118 <0.051 0.041 <0.068 <0.121

PCB-38 e0.053 e0.045 <0.042 <0.058 e0.104 <0.051 <0.012 <0.068 <0.121

PCB-39 <0.027 <0.034 <0.040 <0.055 <0.026 <0.047 <0.011 <0.062 <0.111

PCB-40 <0.064 <0.069 <0.106 <0.112 e0.072 <0.116 <0.044 <0.136 <0.210

PCB-41 + 64 + 68 + 71 0.511 0.473 0.734 0.798 1.00 0.152 0.177 <0.072 <0.135

PCB-42 + 59 0.117 0.115 0.178 0.207 0.219 <0.052 <0.020 <0.072 <0.135

PCB-43 + 49 0.359 0.297 0.491 0.563 0.582 0.075 0.126 0.112 <0.130

PCB-44 0.196 0.184 0.313 0.425 0.371 <0.052 0.097 <0.072 <0.135

PCB-45 0.035 0.030 0.049 0.078 0.046 <0.046 <0.018 <0.064 <0.120

PCB-46 0.020 <0.021 0.039 0.040 0.031 <0.046 <0.018 <0.064 <0.120

PCB-47 + 48 + 75 1.01 1.05 2.05 1.34 3.68 0.272 0.217 0.954 <0.120

PCB-50 <0.015 <0.017 <0.016 <0.023 <0.018 <0.039 <0.015 <0.053 <0.101

PCB-51 0.146 0.140 0.265 0.160 0.421 <0.046 0.032 <0.064 <0.120

PCB-52 + 73 0.409 0.357 0.540 0.707 0.644 0.068 0.154 0.112 <0.120

PCB-53 0.137 0.116 0.169 0.243 0.199 <0.046 0.035 <0.064 <0.120

PCB-54 <0.015 <0.017 <0.016 <0.023 <0.018 <0.039 <0.015 <0.053 <0.101

PCB-55 <0.036 <0.038 <0.059 <0.063 <0.017 <0.063 <0.024 <0.074 <0.115

PCB-56 + 60 0.102 0.085 0.121 0.147 0.147 <0.063 0.057 <0.074 <0.115

PCB-57 <0.064 <0.069 <0.106 <0.112 <0.032 <0.116 <0.044 <0.136 <0.210

PCB-58 <0.064 <0.069 <0.106 <0.112 <0.032 <0.116 <0.044 <0.136 <0.210

PCB-61 + 74 0.104 0.087 0.129 0.149 0.160 <0.060 0.043 <0.070 <0.108
Table 11 67

Table 11. Concentrations of particulate polychlorinated biphenyls measured in water samples collected at U.S. Geological Survey 

streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–2006.—Continued

[IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng/L, nanograms per liter; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value 

shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

May 2005 

(ng/L)

June 2005 

(ng/L)

July 2005 

(ng/L)

September December August 2005 2005 2005 (ng/L) (ng/L) (ng/L)January 

2006 

(ng/L)

February 

2006 

(ng/L)

March–April 

2006 

(ng/L)

PCB-62 + 65

PCB-63

PCB-66 + 80

PCB-67

PCB-69

PCB-70 + 76

PCB-72

PCB-77

PCB-78

PCB-79

PCB-81

PCB-82

PCB-83 + 108

PCB-84

PCB-85 + 120

PCB-86 + 97

PCB-87 + 115 + 116

PCB-88 + 121

PCB-89 + 90 + 101

PCB-91

PCB-92

PCB-93 + 95

PCB-94

PCB-96

PCB-98 + 102

PCB-99

PCB-100

PCB-103

PCB-104

PCB-105 + 127

PCB-106 + 118

PCB-107 + 109

PCB-110

PCB-111 + 117

PCB-112

PCB-113

PCB-114

PCB-119

PCB-122

PCB-123

PCB-124

PCB-125

PCB-126

PCB-128

PCB-129

PCB-130

PCB-131 + 142

PCB-132 + 168

<0.018

e0.057

0.206

<0.064

<0.018

0.193

0.022

e0.088

<0.037

<0.037

e0.143

<0.069

0.036

0.097

e0.076

0.101

0.131

<0.020

0.336

0.115

0.092

0.302

<0.020

<0.020

0.031

0.171

<0.020

e0.026

<0.014

0.086

0.265

<0.048

0.498

<0.069

<0.020

<0.017

<0.048

0.033

<0.048

<0.047

<0.048

<0.069

<0.053

0.090

<0.021

0.033

<0.016

0.144

<0.021

e0.061

0.185

<0.069

<0.021

0.152

<0.023

e0.063

<0.055

<0.055

<0.055

<0.049

0.038

0.093

0.053

0.093

0.147

<0.011

0.266

0.083

0.087

0.275

<0.011

<0.011

e0.022

0.138

<0.011

<0.011

<0.007

0.092

0.192

<0.035

0.450

<0.049

<0.010

<0.009

<0.034

0.021

<0.034

<0.031

<0.035

<0.049

<0.038

0.079

<0.020

e0.025

<0.020

0.133

<0.020

e0.092

0.254

<0.106

<0.020

0.258

0.029

<0.049

<0.049

<0.049

<0.049

0.065

0.054

e0.121

e0.086

0.136

0.173

<0.037

0.363

0.129

0.107

0.424

<0.037

<0.037

<0.037

0.170

<0.037

<0.037

<0.026

0.106

0.272

<0.041

0.578

<0.058

<0.037

<0.032

<0.040

<0.030

<0.040

<0.040

<0.041

<0.058

<0.045

0.093

<0.045

<0.045

<0.025

0.138

<0.029

<0.061

0.299

<0.112

<0.029

0.258

<0.031

<0.063

<0.063

<0.063

<0.063

<0.074

<0.042

0.119

e0.078

0.107

0.177

<0.043

0.328

0.129

0.091

0.359

<0.043

<0.043

0.052

0.165

<0.043

<0.043

<0.030

0.108

0.247

<0.052

0.512

<0.074

<0.042

<0.037

<0.052

<0.035

<0.052

<0.056

<0.052

<0.074

<0.058

0.072

<0.038

<0.038

<0.020

0.109

<0.021

e0.062

0.300

<0.032

<0.021

0.287

<0.024

e0.092

<0.037

<0.037

<0.037

e0.087

0.051

0.137

e0.083

0.144

0.203

<0.023

0.351

0.125

e0.109

0.423

<0.023

<0.023

e0.034

0.176

<0.023

<0.023

<0.017

e0.108

0.290

0.029

0.595

e0.020

<0.023

<0.019

e0.016

e0.023

<0.012

<0.012

<0.012

<0.018

<0.013

0.117

0.032

0.047

<0.016

0.163

<0.046

<0.060

<0.060

<0.116

<0.046

<0.060

<0.052

<0.042

<0.042

<0.042

<0.042

<0.057

<0.032

<0.027

<0.057

<0.057

<0.057

<0.033

0.054

<0.033

<0.027

0.065

<0.033

<0.033

<0.033

<0.026

<0.033

<0.033

<0.023

<0.040

<0.040

<0.040

0.067

<0.057

<0.032

<0.027

<0.039

<0.026

<0.039

<0.040

<0.040

<0.057

<0.041

<0.113

<0.113

<0.113

<0.046

<0.104

<0.018

<0.022

0.091

<0.044

<0.018

0.093

<0.020

0.024

<0.014

<0.014

<0.014

<0.034

<0.012

0.034

<0.034

0.040

0.067

<0.013

0.115

0.035

0.030

0.114

<0.013

<0.013

<0.013

0.068

<0.013

<0.013

<0.009

0.046

0.096

<0.023

0.175

<0.034

<0.012

<0.011

<0.023

<0.010

<0.023

<0.024

<0.023

<0.034

<0.024

0.034

<0.018

<0.018

<0.013

0.045

<0.064

<0.070

0.077

<0.136

<0.064

<0.070

<0.072

<0.104

<0.104

<0.104

<0.104

<0.128

<0.083

<0.071

<0.128

<0.128

<0.128

<0.087

0.104

<0.087

<0.071

<0.087

<0.087

<0.087

<0.087

<0.070

<0.087

<0.087

<0.061

<0.090

0.103

<0.089

0.169

<0.128

<0.083

<0.071

<0.088

<0.070

<0.088

<0.087

<0.089

<0.128

<0.092

<0.111

<0.111

<0.111

<0.063

<0.102

<0.120

<0.108

<0.108

<0.210

<0.120

<0.108

<0.135

<0.132

<0.132

<0.132

<0.132

<0.169

<0.099

<0.085

<0.169

<0.169

<0.169

<0.103

<0.085

<0.103

<0.085

<0.103

<0.103

<0.103

<0.103

<0.083

<0.103

<0.103

<0.072

<0.119

<0.113

<0.118

<0.118

<0.169

<0.099

<0.085

<0.116

<0.083

<0.116

<0.113

<0.118

<0.169

<0.122

<0.090

<0.090

<0.090

<0.087

<0.083
68 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 11. Concentrations of particulate polychlorinated biphenyls measured in water samples collected at U.S. Geological Survey 

streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (01105566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–2006.—Continued

[IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng/L, nanograms per liter; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value 

shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

May 2005 

(ng/L)

June 2005 

(ng/L)

July 2005 

(ng/L)

August 2005 

(ng/L)

September 

2005 

(ng/L)

December 

2005 

(ng/L)

January 

2006 

(ng/L)

February 

2006 

(ng/L)

March–April 

2006 

(ng/L)

PCB-133 <0.016 <0.020 <0.025 <0.020 <0.016 <0.046 <0.013 <0.063 <0.087

PCB-134 + 143 0.021 <0.020 <0.025 <0.020 e0.022 <0.046 <0.013 <0.063 <0.087

PCB-135 + 144 0.056 0.053 0.066 0.054 0.075 <0.046 0.024 <0.063 <0.087

PCB-136 0.071 0.058 0.074 0.055 0.064 <0.046 0.022 <0.063 <0.087

PCB-137 0.034 0.022 <0.038 <0.032 <0.026 <0.096 e0.073 e0.138 <0.076

PCB-138 + 163 + 164 0.498 0.382 0.446 0.359 0.517 <0.096 0.155 0.153 <0.076

PCB-139 + 149 0.288 0.269 0.288 0.252 0.312 <0.046 0.093 0.083 <0.087

PCB-140 <0.016 <0.020 <0.025 <0.020 <0.016 <0.046 <0.013 <0.063 <0.087

PCB-141 0.052 0.047 0.051 0.042 0.058 <0.096 0.017 <0.094 <0.076

PCB-145 <0.016 <0.020 <0.025 <0.020 <0.016 <0.046 <0.013 <0.063 <0.087

PCB-146 0.059 e0.049 0.044 e0.030 e0.056 <0.042 0.020 <0.057 <0.079

PCB-147 0.018 <0.020 <0.025 <0.020 e0.019 <0.046 <0.013 <0.063 <0.087

PCB-148 <0.016 <0.020 <0.025 <0.020 <0.016 <0.046 <0.013 <0.063 <0.087

PCB-150 <0.016 <0.020 <0.025 <0.020 <0.016 <0.046 <0.013 <0.063 <0.087

PCB-151 0.076 0.067 0.095 0.062 0.094 <0.057 0.029 <0.079 <0.108

PCB-152 <0.016 <0.020 <0.025 <0.020 <0.016 <0.046 <0.013 <0.063 <0.087

PCB-153 0.308 0.231 0.274 0.233 0.295 <0.088 0.099 <0.087 <0.070

PCB-154 <0.016 <0.020 <0.025 <0.020 <0.016 <0.046 <0.013 <0.063 <0.087

PCB-155 <0.011 <0.014 <0.017 <0.013 <0.011 <0.032 <0.009 <0.045 <0.061

PCB-156 0.036 e0.028 e0.036 <0.026 0.049 <0.075 0.014 <0.073 <0.059

PCB-157 e0.018 <0.014 <0.032 <0.027 <0.020 <0.076 <0.012 <0.075 <0.060

PCB-158 + 160 0.048 0.045 0.051 e0.048 0.060 <0.096 0.017 <0.094 <0.076

PCB-159 <0.018 <0.017 <0.038 <0.032 <0.026 <0.096 <0.016 <0.094 <0.076

PCB-161 <0.015 <0.018 <0.022 <0.018 <0.015 <0.042 <0.012 <0.057 <0.079

PCB-162 <0.018 <0.017 <0.038 <0.032 <0.026 <0.096 <0.016 <0.094 <0.076

PCB-165 <0.015 <0.018 <0.022 <0.018 <0.015 <0.042 <0.012 <0.057 <0.079

PCB-166 <0.018 <0.017 <0.038 <0.032 <0.026 <0.096 <0.016 <0.094 <0.076

PCB-167 0.017 0.021 <0.030 <0.026 <0.020 <0.074 <0.012 <0.072 <0.059

PCB-169 <0.015 <0.014 <0.032 <0.027 <0.020 <0.075 <0.012 <0.074 <0.060

PCB-170 + 190 0.089 0.087 0.098 0.109 0.140 <0.065 0.036 <0.083 e0.124

PCB-171 e0.025 <0.013 e0.025 <0.042 <0.030 <0.054 <0.023 <0.069 <0.081

PCB-172 + 192 <0.014 <0.013 <0.020 <0.042 <0.030 <0.054 <0.023 <0.069 <0.081

PCB-173 <0.014 <0.013 <0.020 <0.042 <0.030 <0.054 <0.023 <0.069 <0.081

PCB-174 + 181 0.055 0.044 <0.020 0.047 0.067 <0.056 <0.024 <0.071 <0.084

PCB-175 <0.014 <0.013 <0.020 <0.042 <0.030 <0.055 <0.024 <0.071 <0.084

PCB-176 <0.011 <0.010 <0.015 <0.032 <0.023 <0.042 <0.018 <0.054 <0.064

PCB-177 0.037 0.029 0.033 <0.028 0.051 <0.056 <0.024 <0.071 <0.084

PCB-178 <0.014 <0.013 <0.020 <0.042 <0.030 <0.055 <0.024 <0.071 <0.084

PCB-179 0.029 0.022 0.021 <0.032 0.040 <0.042 <0.018 <0.054 <0.064

PCB-180 0.135 0.124 0.135 0.121 0.149 <0.054 0.052 <0.069 <0.081

PCB-182 + 187 0.074 0.067 0.071 0.055 0.087 <0.055 0.026 <0.071 <0.084

PCB-183 0.034 0.031 e0.026 0.033 0.049 <0.056 <0.024 <0.071 <0.084

PCB-184 <0.011 <0.010 <0.015 <0.032 <0.023 <0.042 <0.018 <0.054 <0.064

PCB-185 <0.015 <0.014 <0.020 <0.028 <0.030 <0.056 <0.024 <0.071 <0.084

PCB-186 <0.014 <0.013 <0.020 <0.042 <0.030 <0.055 <0.024 <0.071 <0.084

PCB-188 <0.011 <0.010 <0.015 <0.032 <0.023 <0.042 <0.018 <0.054 <0.064

PCB-189 <0.012 <0.011 <0.017 <0.036 <0.025 <0.045 <0.019 <0.057 <0.068

PCB-191 <0.014 <0.013 <0.020 <0.042 <0.030 <0.054 <0.023 <0.069 <0.081
Table 11 69

Table 11. Concentrations of particulate polychlorinated biphenyls measured in water samples collected at U.S. Geological Survey 

streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (01105566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–2006.—Continued

[IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng/L, nanograms per liter; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value 

shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

May 2005 

(ng/L)

June 2005 

(ng/L)

July 2005 

(ng/L)

September December August 2005 2005 2005 (ng/L) (ng/L) (ng/L)January 

2006 

(ng/L)

February 

2006 

(ng/L)

March–April 

2006 

(ng/L)

PCB-193

PCB-194

PCB-195

PCB-196 + 203

PCB-197

PCB-198

PCB-199

PCB-200

PCB-201

PCB-202

PCB-204

PCB-205

PCB-206

PCB-207

PCB-208

PCB-209

Total

<0.014

e0.041

<0.020

e0.051

<0.013

<0.019

0.037

<0.013

<0.013

<0.015

<0.013

<0.015

<0.055

<0.047

<0.047

0.045

13.3

<0.013

e0.032

<0.025

0.045

<0.016

<0.023

e0.033

<0.016

<0.016

<0.019

<0.016

<0.019

<0.034

<0.029

<0.029

0.039

11.3

<0.020

<0.042

<0.042

<0.039

<0.027

<0.039

<0.039

<0.027

<0.027

<0.031

<0.027

<0.031

<0.055

<0.047

<0.047

<0.020

15.6

<0.042

<0.059

<0.059

<0.055

<0.038

<0.055

<0.055

<0.038

<0.038

<0.044

<0.038

<0.044

<0.081

<0.069

<0.069

<0.025

16.9

<0.030

e0.062

<0.052

e0.078

<0.036

<0.050

e0.057

<0.036

<0.036

<0.041

<0.036

<0.038

e0.058

<0.042

<0.042

0.060

18.6

<0.054

<0.070

<0.070

<0.069

<0.049

<0.069

<0.069

<0.049

<0.049

<0.056

<0.049

<0.053

<0.119

<0.105

<0.105

<0.055

0.972

<0.023

<0.021

<0.021

<0.021

<0.015

<0.021

<0.021

<0.015

<0.015

<0.017

<0.015

<0.016

<0.025

<0.022

<0.022

<0.018

3.75

<0.069

<0.133

<0.133

<0.132

<0.094

<0.132

<0.132

<0.094

<0.094

<0.106

<0.094

<0.101

<0.217

<0.191

<0.191

<0.067

2.52

<0.081

<0.138

<0.138

<0.137

<0.097

<0.137

<0.137

<0.097

<0.097

<0.110

<0.097

<0.105

<0.332

<0.292

<0.292

<0.224

0.291

Polychlorinated biphenyl homologs

Total Monochlorobiphenyls

Total Dichlorobiphenyls

Total Trichlorobiphenyls

Total Tetrachlorobiphenyls

Total Pentachlorobiphenyls

Total Hexachlorobiphenyls

Total Heptachlorobiphenyls

Total Octachlorobiphenyls

Total Nonachlorobiphenyls

Decachlorobiphenyls

0.447

2.11

2.49

3.57

2.29

1.85

0.453

0.037

<0.055

0.045

0.338

1.66

2.04

3.27

2.02

1.41

0.403

0.045

<0.034

0.039

0.454

2.22

2.83

5.62

2.58

1.62

0.359

<0.042

<0.055

<0.020

0.415

3.14

3.99

5.41

2.40

1.24

0.364

<0.059

<0.081

<0.025

<0.022

2.41

2.97

8.1

2.52

1.88

0.582

<0.052

<0.047

0.060

--

0.049

0.174

0.567

0.186

--

--

--

--

--

0.043

0.392

0.662

1.15

0.823

0.568

0.114

--

--

--

--

0.356

0.303

1.25

0.375

0.236

--

--

--

--

--

0.291

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

Polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclors

Aroclor 1221

Aroclor 1232

Aroclor 1016/1242

Aroclor 1248

Aroclor 1254

Aroclor 1260

<0.046

<0.082

4.83

<0.192

4.02

1.83

<0.046

<0.064

4.23

<0.207

3.78

1.72

<0.089

<0.160

5.56

<0.319

4.78

1.84

<0.075

<0.163

6.81

<0.337

4.50

1.86

<0.042

<0.089

5.42

<0.142

5.22

2.39

<0.075

<0.177

0.518

<0.331

<0.577

<0.464

<0.028

<0.050

1.36

<0.126

1.76

0.630

<0.068

<0.307

1.07

<0.396

<1.280

<0.594

<0.231

<0.739

<0.824

<0.746

<1.693

<0.698
70 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 12. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) collected from the Neponset River, 

Massachusetts, 2005.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; percent lipid for fillets from fish collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth 

Impoundment equal to 2.92; percent lipid for whole fish collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth Impoundment equal to 7.621; percent lipid for fillets from 

fish collected from the Walter Baker Impoundment equal to 2.88; percent lipid for whole fish collected from the Walter Baker Impoundment equal to 6.2184; Tileston 

and Hollingsworth and Walter Baker whole-fish sample sizes equal to 10.1 and 10.3 g, respectively; laboratory blank 1 corresponds to fillet samples; laboratory 

blank 2 corresponds to whole fish samples; matrix spike 1 results correspond to fillet samples; matrix spike 2 results correspond to whole fish samples; matrix spike 

3 corresponds to fillet samples collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth Impoundment and analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography mass spectrometry; 

matrix spike 4 corresponds to fillet samples collected from the Walter Baker Impoundment and analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography mass spectrometry; 

matrix spike 5 corresponds to whole fish samples analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography spectrometry. IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied 

Chemistry; ng/g, nanogram per gram; ng, nanogram; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Fish samples Quality-control samples

Tileston and Hollingsworth 

Impoundment 

(ng/g wet weight)

Walter Baker 

Impoundment 

(ng/g wet weight)

Laboratory blanks 

(ng/sample)

Matrix spike 

(percent recovery)

Fillet Whole Fillet Whole 1 2 1 2 3 4 5

PCB-1 37.7 70.8 14.3 36.4 <0.0122 <0.082 87.4 71.5 -- -- --

PCB-2 <0.307 <0.152 <0.152 <0.101 <0.0121 <0.081 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-3 1.25 1.96 0.443 1.31 <0.0121 <0.081 97.4 74.7 -- -- --

PCB-4 + 10 172 315 80.2 197 <0.0206 <0.174 85.6 70.1 -- -- --

PCB-5 + 8 117 178 37.8 96.4 <0.0120 <0.098 101 73.1 -- -- --

PCB-6 16.5 30 8.29 19.2 <0.0120 <0.098 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-7 + 9 3.07 7.11 1.37 3.7 <0.0120 e0.327 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-11 0.135 <0.095 0.085 e0.191 <0.0120 <0.098 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-12 + 13 e0.191 0.467 0.143 0.611 <0.0120 <0.098 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-14 <0.114 <0.095 <0.0444 <0.102 <0.0120 <0.098 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-15 9.92 25.6 7 22.8 <0.0131 <0.112 113 79 -- -- --

PCB-16 + 32 133 279 74.3 164 <0.0192 <0.214 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-17 89.1 194 48.2 110 <0.0192 <0.214 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-18 21.1 53.6 18.5 40.5 <0.0192 <0.214 86.3 72.8 -- -- --

PCB-19 52 116 25.5 68.3 <0.0226 <0.251 78.8 68.9 -- -- --

PCB-20 + 21 + 33 8.4 16.7 6.46 12 <0.0191 <0.124 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-22 11.9 25.7 11.5 21.2 <0.0191 <0.124 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-23 + 34 2.49 5.85 1.54 3.17 <0.0131 <0.137 92.2 71.7 -- -- --

PCB-24 + 27 50 114 25.4 65.9 <0.0192 <0.214 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-25 20.8 46.9 15.5 39.1 <0.0131 <0.137 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-26 42.6 96.2 35.9 77.9 <0.0131 <0.137 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-28 89.6 248 98.9 164 <0.0133 <0.150 103 74.2 -- -- --

PCB-29 <0.156 0.328 <0.135 <0.205 <0.0131 <0.137 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-30 <0.229 e0.266 <0.198 <0.321 <0.0192 <0.214 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-31 90.3 159 61.1 147 <0.0131 <0.137 96.9 79.6 -- -- --

PCB-35 <0.518 <0.289 <0.263 <0.276 <0.0196 <0.134 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-36 <0.505 0.683 0.311 0.528 <0.0191 <0.124 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-37 3.42 9.64 4.17 8.21 <0.0196 <0.134 107 78.3 -- -- --

PCB-38 <0.518 <0.558 <0.263 <0.328 <0.0196 <0.134 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-39 <0.505 <0.267 <0.256 <0.255 <0.0191 <0.124 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-40 5.29 10.5 6.42 11.2 <0.0294 <0.187 94.4 72 -- -- --

PCB-41 + 64 + 68 + 71 125 283 129 219 <0.0125 <0.154 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-42 + 59 37 81.3 39.9 65 <0.0125 <0.154 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-43 + 49 153 338 146 223 <0.0130 <0.145 93.1 68.3 -- -- --

PCB-44 53.9 116 62.8 105 <0.0125 <0.154 90 72 -- -- --

PCB-45 5.8 11.2 5.58 10.3 <0.0111 <0.132 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-46 3.34 6.94 2.81 5.16 <0.0111 <0.132 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-47 + 48 + 75 132 333 119 187 <0.0111 <0.132 -- -- -- -- --
Table 12 71

Table 12. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) collected from the Neponset River, 

Massachusetts, 2005.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; percent lipid for fillets from fish collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth 

Impoundment equal to 2.92; percent lipid for whole fish collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth Impoundment equal to 7.621; percent lipid for fillets from 

fish collected from the Walter Baker Impoundment equal to 2.88; percent lipid for whole fish collected from the Walter Baker Impoundment equal to 6.2184; Tileston 

and Hollingsworth and Walter Baker whole-fish sample sizes equal to 10.1 and 10.3 g, respectively; laboratory blank 1 corresponds to fillet samples; laboratory 

blank 2 corresponds to whole fish samples; matrix spike 1 results correspond to fillet samples; matrix spike 2 results correspond to whole fish samples; matrix spike 

3 corresponds to fillet samples collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth Impoundment and analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography mass spectrometry; 

matrix spike 4 corresponds to fillet samples collected from the Walter Baker Impoundment and analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography mass spectrometry; 

matrix spike 5 corresponds to whole fish samples analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography spectrometry. IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied 

Chemistry; ng/g, nanogram per gram; ng, nanogram; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Fish samples Quality-control samples

Tileston and Hollingsworth Walter Baker IUPAC number Laboratory blanks Matrix spike Impoundment Impoundment (ng/sample) (percent recovery) (ng/g wet weight) (ng/g wet weight)

Fillet Whole Fillet Whole 1 2 1 2 3 4 5

PCB-50 0.857 2.06 0.511 1.1 <0.0093 <0.112 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-51 19.3 46.9 11.9 23.8 <0.0111 <0.132 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-52 + 73 50.9 105 35.8 73 <0.0111 <0.132 91.3 69.2 -- -- --

PCB-53 31.2 72.6 20.6 42.2 <0.0111 <0.132 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-54 1.34 3.43 0.668 1.85 <0.0093 <0.112 76.5 63.3 -- -- --

PCB-55 e0.301 0.684 0.272 e0.369 <0.0157 <0.101 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-56 + 60 30.8 70.5 27 40.3 <0.0157 <0.101 96.3 76.2 -- -- --

PCB-57 4.49 8.81 3.16 6.03 <0.0294 <0.187 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-58 0.989 1.93 0.852 e1.04 <0.0294 <0.187 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-61 + 74 46.1 132 52.5 77.7 <0.0151 <0.099 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-62 + 65 0.329 <0.321 0.272 <0.191 <0.0111 <0.132 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-63 11 28.6 11.1 16.8 <0.0151 <0.099 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-66 + 80 80.2 200 83.4 121 <0.0151 <0.099 96.6 76.2 -- -- --

PCB-67 2.76 5.69 2.1 4.27 <0.0294 <0.187 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-69 1.08 2.18 0.78 1.4 <0.0111 <0.132 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-70 + 76 67.8 125 60.7 89.8 <0.0151 <0.099 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-72 7.15 17.6 6.37 10.6 <0.0125 <0.154 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-77 3.47 11.1 3.77 9.12 e0.0045 e0.00170 106 79.1 75.9 77 112

PCB-78 0.631 e1.07 e0.503 e0.714 <0.0106 <0.084 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-79 e2.52 <0.256 e1.76 <0.296 <0.0106 <0.084 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-81 e2.64 e4.52 1.98 2.34 <0.0106 <0.084 104 79.6 -- -- --

PCB-82 10.9 21.3 9.11 13.1 <0.0184 <0.152 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-83 + 108 7.7 13.9 5.77 8.84 <0.0160 <0.092 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-84 20.3 35.2 13.5 21.3 <0.0136 <0.080 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-85 + 120 28.3 54.5 22.4 31.4 <0.0184 <0.152 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-86 + 97 43.8 82.9 30.7 42 <0.0184 <0.152 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-87 + 115 + 116 49.7 124 35.1 61.7 <0.0184 <0.152 101 76.2 -- -- --

PCB-88 + 121 0.509 0.805 0.391 0.525 <0.0164 <0.097 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-89 + 90 + 101 134 247 84.1 121 <0.0136 <0.080 98.4 75.1 -- -- --

PCB-91 33.3 64.2 24.6 35.5 <0.0164 <0.097 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-92 24.1 48.2 14.7 24.8 <0.0136 <0.080 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-93 + 95 81.1 140 48.1 75.9 <0.0164 <0.097 98.8 75.6 -- -- --

PCB-94 1.94 4.38 1.22 2.28 <0.0164 <0.097 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-96 1.61 3.3 1.06 1.73 <0.0164 <0.097 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-98 + 102 7.07 14.3 5.36 8.86 <0.0164 <0.097 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-99 91.5 170 64.1 86.6 <0.0133 <0.078 98.4 78.2 -- -- --
72 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 12. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) collected from the Neponset River, 

Massachusetts, 2005.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; percent lipid for fillets from fish collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth 

Impoundment equal to 2.92; percent lipid for whole fish collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth Impoundment equal to 7.621; percent lipid for fillets from 

fish collected from the Walter Baker Impoundment equal to 2.88; percent lipid for whole fish collected from the Walter Baker Impoundment equal to 6.2184; Tileston 

and Hollingsworth and Walter Baker whole-fish sample sizes equal to 10.1 and 10.3 g, respectively; laboratory blank 1 corresponds to fillet samples; laboratory 

blank 2 corresponds to whole fish samples; matrix spike 1 results correspond to fillet samples; matrix spike 2 results correspond to whole fish samples; matrix spike 

3 corresponds to fillet samples collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth Impoundment and analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography mass spectrometry; 

matrix spike 4 corresponds to fillet samples collected from the Walter Baker Impoundment and analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography mass spectrometry; 

matrix spike 5 corresponds to whole fish samples analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography spectrometry. IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied 

Chemistry; ng/g, nanogram per gram; ng, nanogram; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Fish samples Quality-control samples

Tileston and Hollingsworth 

Impoundment 

(ng/g wet weight)

Walter Baker 

Impoundment 

(ng/g wet weight)

Laboratory blanks 

(ng/sample)

Matrix spike 

(percent recovery)

Fillet Whole Fillet Whole 1 2 1 2 3 4 5

PCB-100 2.85 7.08 1.81 2.83 <0.0164 <0.097 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-103 3.08 6.9 1.92 3.06 <0.0164 <0.097 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-104 0.064 <0.183 0.033 e0.105 <0.0115 <0.068 90.7 72 -- -- --

PCB-105 + 127 30.4 63.5 24.2 32.7 <0.0135 <0.109 99.5 76.6 -- -- --

PCB-106 + 118 121 214 85.1 108 <0.0152 <0.111 98.5 75.6 -- -- --

PCB-107 + 109 11.3 21.3 8.13 10.5 <0.0129 <0.108 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-110 161 306 115 164 <0.0129 <0.108 101 77.3 -- -- --

PCB-111 + 117 12.7 e2.25 11.3 e3.13 <0.0184 <0.152 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-112 0.798 1.67 0.742 0.95 <0.0160 <0.092 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-113 1.66 2.35 1.07 1.31 <0.0136 <0.080 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-114 2.6 5.05 2.25 2.78 <0.0133 <0.107 103 75.4 -- -- --

PCB-119 10.9 22 7.39 10.4 <0.0133 <0.078 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-122 1.05 1.92 0.754 0.875 <0.0133 <0.107 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-123 4.22 6.39 2.73 3.4 <0.0152 <0.111 90.5 71.6 -- -- --

PCB-124 4.57 7.82 2.77 3.59 <0.0129 <0.108 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-125 1.09 e0.417 0.813 1.12 <0.0184 <0.152 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-126 0.169 0.56 0.154 0.362 0.00051 e0.00054 -- -- 81 82.7 108

PCB-128 23.2 40.4 12 16.9 <0.0134 <0.110 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-129 5.45 9.34 2.82 3.89 <0.0134 <0.110 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-130 8.05 14.9 4.77 7.09 <0.0134 <0.110 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-131 + 142 1.55 2.33 0.767 0.959 <0.0071 <0.122 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-132 + 168 40.5 56.9 16.5 27.1 <0.0128 <0.100 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-133 2.49 4.16 1.55 1.76 <0.0071 <0.122 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-134 + 143 4.97 0.508 2.6 0.253 <0.0071 <0.122 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-135 + 144 13.1 22.7 7.23 11.4 <0.0071 <0.122 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-136 11 19.7 5.32 8.27 <0.0071 <0.122 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-137 8.27 14 4.07 5.82 <0.0114 <0.093 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-138 + 163 + 164 174 266 90.1 118 <0.0114 <0.093 95.1 77 -- -- --

PCB-139 + 149 77 133 43.8 66.6 <0.0071 <0.122 101 80.4 -- -- --

PCB-140 1.08 1.65 0.584 0.704 <0.0071 <0.122 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-141 12.5 23.1 6.43 9.9 <0.0114 <0.093 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-145 0.054 <0.159 0.033 <0.215 <0.0071 <0.122 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-146 21.8 34.7 12.3 15.6 <0.0064 <0.110 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-147 5.12 9.46 3.09 4.21 <0.0071 <0.122 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-148 0.271 0.649 0.181 0.284 <0.0071 <0.122 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-150 0.305 0.681 0.176 0.264 <0.0071 <0.122 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-151 20.7 36.6 11.3 16.6 <0.0084 <0.149 100 79.6 -- -- --

PCB-152 0.218 0.512 0.119 0.216 <0.0071 <0.122 -- -- -- -- --
Table 12 73

Table 12. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) collected from the Neponset River, 

Massachusetts, 2005.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; percent lipid for fillets from fish collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth 

Impoundment equal to 2.92; percent lipid for whole fish collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth Impoundment equal to 7.621; percent lipid for fillets from 

fish collected from the Walter Baker Impoundment equal to 2.88; percent lipid for whole fish collected from the Walter Baker Impoundment equal to 6.2184; Tileston 

and Hollingsworth and Walter Baker whole-fish sample sizes equal to 10.1 and 10.3 g, respectively; laboratory blank 1 corresponds to fillet samples; laboratory 

blank 2 corresponds to whole fish samples; matrix spike 1 results correspond to fillet samples; matrix spike 2 results correspond to whole fish samples; matrix spike 

3 corresponds to fillet samples collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth Impoundment and analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography mass spectrometry; 

matrix spike 4 corresponds to fillet samples collected from the Walter Baker Impoundment and analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography mass spectrometry; 

matrix spike 5 corresponds to whole fish samples analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography spectrometry. IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied 

Chemistry; ng/g, nanogram per gram; ng, nanogram; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Fish samples Quality-control samples

Tileston and Hollingsworth Walter Baker IUPAC number Laboratory blanks Matrix spike Impoundment Impoundment (ng/sample) (percent recovery) (ng/g wet weight) (ng/g wet weight)

Fillet Whole Fillet Whole 1 2 1 2 3 4 5

PCB-153 145 203 76.4 94.9 <0.0109 <0.085 98.7 77.9 -- -- --

PCB-154 2.28 4.43 1.36 1.92 <0.0071 <0.122 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-155 <0.0134 <0.110 <0.0217 <0.148 <0.0051 <0.084 96.1 78 -- -- --

PCB-156 11.1 18.8 6.38 8.2 <0.0096 <0.074 96.5 73.4 -- -- --

PCB-157 2.87 4.76 1.6 2.06 <0.0099 <0.074 99.5 73.5 -- -- --

PCB-158 + 160 18.4 31 9.52 13.1 <0.0114 <0.093 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-159 0.682 1.15 0.5 0.735 <0.0114 <0.093 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-161 0.03 <0.144 <0.0277 <0.195 <0.0064 <0.110 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-162 0.939 1.38 0.51 0.707 <0.0114 <0.093 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-165 0.13 0.316 0.118 <0.195 <0.0064 <0.110 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-166 0.811 1.44 0.454 0.601 <0.0114 <0.093 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-167 6.17 8.55 3.16 3.63 <0.0096 <0.071 97.8 75 -- -- --

PCB-169 0.00401 0.0102 0.00267 <0.00855 0.00053 e0.00061 105 73.4 81.3 83.3 113

PCB-170 + 190 17.6 33.3 11.4 15.2 <0.0176 <0.208 100 77 -- -- --

PCB-171 3.22 6.08 1.96 2.77 <0.0138 <0.170 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-172 + 192 1.9 3.97 1.26 1.9 <0.0138 <0.170 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-173 0.253 0.492 0.14 0.24 <0.0138 <0.170 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-174 + 181 6.32 12.1 4.18 7.47 <0.0141 <0.169 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-175 0.465 0.952 0.303 0.386 <0.0141 <0.168 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-176 1.05 2.2 0.66 1.07 <0.0107 <0.133 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-177 5.29 10.4 3.69 5.62 <0.0141 <0.169 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-178 2.12 4.36 1.51 2.19 <0.0141 <0.168 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-179 2.76 6.15 1.71 2.94 <0.0107 <0.133 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-180 26 52.9 17.8 26.3 <0.0138 <0.170 93 76.8 -- -- --

PCB-182 + 187 17 31.9 12.1 17.8 <0.0141 <0.168 97.8 78.6 -- -- --

PCB-183 7.06 13.2 4.6 6.75 <0.0141 <0.169 98.6 79.3 -- -- --

PCB-184 0.022 <0.110 <0.0161 <0.097 <0.0107 <0.133 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-185 0.949 1.87 0.647 0.987 <0.0141 <0.169 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-186 <0.0252 <0.139 <0.0211 <0.123 <0.0141 <0.168 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-188 0.034 0.129 0.027 <0.097 <0.0107 <0.133 96 79.5 -- -- --

PCB-189 0.604 1.26 0.392 0.599 <0.0137 <0.144 102 75.6 -- -- --

PCB-191 0.578 1.19 0.372 0.483 <0.0138 <0.170 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-193 1.69 3.37 1.21 1.67 <0.0138 <0.170 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-194 4.55 9.65 3.96 4.66 <0.0175 <0.276 98.5 77.9 -- -- --

PCB-195 1.58 3.47 1.36 e1.63 <0.0175 <0.276 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-196 + 203 5.65 11.4 4.69 5.9 <0.0168 <0.265 98.6 79.8 -- -- --
74 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 12. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in white sucker (Catostomus commersoni) collected from the Neponset River, 

Massachusetts, 2005.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; percent lipid for fillets from fish collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth 

Impoundment equal to 2.92; percent lipid for whole fish collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth Impoundment equal to 7.621; percent lipid for fillets from 

fish collected from the Walter Baker Impoundment equal to 2.88; percent lipid for whole fish collected from the Walter Baker Impoundment equal to 6.2184; Tileston 

and Hollingsworth and Walter Baker whole-fish sample sizes equal to 10.1 and 10.3 g, respectively; laboratory blank 1 corresponds to fillet samples; laboratory 

blank 2 corresponds to whole fish samples; matrix spike 1 results correspond to fillet samples; matrix spike 2 results correspond to whole fish samples; matrix spike 

3 corresponds to fillet samples collected from the Tileston and Hollingsworth Impoundment and analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography mass spectrometry; 

matrix spike 4 corresponds to fillet samples collected from the Walter Baker Impoundment and analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography mass spectrometry; 

matrix spike 5 corresponds to whole fish samples analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography spectrometry. IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied 

Chemistry; ng/g, nanogram per gram; ng, nanogram; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Fish samples Quality-control samples

Tileston and Hollingsworth 

Impoundment 

(ng/g wet weight)

Walter Baker 

Impoundment 

(ng/g wet weight)

Laboratory blanks 

(ng/sample)

Matrix spike 

(percent recovery)

Fillet Whole Fillet Whole 1 2 1 2 3 4 5

PCB-197 0.129 e0.375 0.108 e0.148 <0.0115 <0.184 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-198 0.21 0.55 0.184 0.311 <0.0168 <0.265 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-199 5.01 9.6 4.03 5.15 <0.0168 <0.265 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-200 0.323 0.738 0.257 0.371 <0.0115 <0.184 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-201 0.483 0.925 0.354 0.419 <0.0115 <0.184 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-202 0.939 1.99 0.71 0.963 <0.0128 <0.210 94.6 77.6 -- -- --

PCB-204 <0.0140 <0.145 <0.0125 <0.111 <0.0115 <0.184 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-205 0.212 e0.486 0.197 e0.259 <0.0133 <0.208 97 74.4 -- -- --

PCB-206 2.46 4.61 1.91 2.45 <0.0270 <0.325 101 76.6 -- -- --

PCB-207 0.28 0.634 0.205 0.377 <0.0247 <0.279 -- -- -- -- --

PCB-208 0.97 1.58 0.704 1.03 <0.0247 <0.279 107 80 -- -- --

PCB-209 0.897 1.43 0.688 0.918 <0.0097 <0.185 96.7 76.4 -- -- --

Total 3,490 6,890 2,450 4,080 <0.0294 <0.325 -- -- -- -- --

Polychlorinated biphenyl homologs

Total Monochlorobiphenyls 38.9 72.8 14.8 37.7 <0.0122 <0.0819 -- -- -- -- --

Total Dichlorobiphenyls 318 556 135 340 <0.0206 <0.174 -- -- -- -- --

Total Trichlorobiphenyls 615 1,370 427 922 <0.0226 <0.251 -- -- -- -- --

Total Tetrachlorobiphenyls 876 2,000 835 1,340 <0.0294 <0.187 -- -- -- -- --

Total Pentachlorobiphenyls 905 1,690 627 881 <0.0184 <0.152 -- -- -- -- --

Total Hexachlorobiphenyls 620 966 326 442 <0.0134 <0.149 -- -- -- -- --

Total Heptachlorobiphenyls 94.9 186 64.1 94.4 <0.0176 <0.208 -- -- -- -- --

Total Octachlorobiphenyls 19.1 38.3 15.9 17.8 <0.0175 <0.276 -- -- -- -- --

Total Nonachlorobiphenyls 3.71 6.82 2.82 3.86 <0.0270 <0.325 -- -- -- -- --

Decachlorobiphenyls 0.897 1.43 0.688 0.918 <0.0097 <0.185 -- -- -- -- --

Polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclors

Aroclor 1221 <0.795 <0.291 <0.446 <0.194 <0.0232 <0.186 -- -- -- -- --

Aroclor 1232 <1.42 <0.520 <0.673 <1.09 <0.0653 <0.728 -- -- -- -- --

Aroclor 1016/1242 1,210 2,430 822 1,700 <0.0730 <0.813 -- -- -- -- --

Aroclor 1248 <2.72 <0.930 <2.7 <1.01 <0.0830 <0.847 -- -- -- -- --

Aroclor 1254 1,850 3,770 1,300 1,900 <0.184 <1.52 -- -- -- -- --

Aroclor 1260 359 706 240 343 <0.125 <1.48 -- -- -- -- --
Table 13 75

Table 13. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in the whole bodies of common mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) collected from 

the Neponset River Estuary, Massachusetts, 2005.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; percent lipid equal to 1.45; sample size equal to about 10.3 g; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng/g, nanogram per gram; ng, nanogram; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

IUPAC number

Neponset 

Estuary 

(ng/g wet 

weight)

Laboratory 

blank 

(ng/sample)

Matrix spike 

(percent 

recovery)

PCB-1 2.63 <0.015 91.8 --

PCB-2 <0.048 <0.015 -- --

PCB-3 <0.048 <0.015 98.5 --

PCB-4 + 10 16 <0.036 92.5 --

PCB-5 + 8 6.22 <0.020 96.9 --

PCB-6 1.38 <0.020 -- --

PCB-7 + 9 0.184 <0.020 -- --

PCB-11 e0.159 <0.020 -- --

PCB-12 + 13 <0.077 <0.020 -- --

PCB-14 <0.077 <0.020 -- --

PCB-15 0.702 <0.024 104 --

PCB-16 + 32 17.9 <0.028 -- --

PCB-17 10.7 <0.028 -- --

PCB-18 7.76 <0.028 91.9 --

PCB-19 4.07 <0.033 87.8 --

PCB-20 + 21 + 33 1.11 <0.023 -- --

PCB-22 2.89 <0.023 -- --

PCB-23 + 34 0.268 <0.018 91.6 --

PCB-24 + 27 6.2 <0.028 -- --

PCB-25 2.8 <0.018 -- --

PCB-26 7.38 <0.018 -- --

PCB-28 27.9 <0.019 87.4 --

PCB-29 0.043 <0.018 -- --

PCB-30 <0.054 <0.028 -- --

PCB-31 17.9 <0.018 88.2 --

PCB-35 <0.089 <0.026 -- --

PCB-36 <0.079 <0.023 -- --

PCB-37 0.406 <0.026 103 --

PCB-38 e0.930 <0.026 -- --

PCB-39 <0.079 <0.023 -- --

PCB-40 1.82 <0.028 91.6 --

PCB-41 + 64 + 68 

+ 71

38.9 <0.015 -- --

PCB-42 + 59 9.12 <0.015 -- --

PCB-43 + 49 33.3 <0.013 90.2 --

PCB-44 17.1 <0.015 93.6 --

PCB-45 1.49 <0.013 -- --

PCB-46 0.381 <0.013 -- --

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

IUPAC number

Neponset 

Estuary 

(ng/g wet 

weight)

Laboratory 

blank 

(ng/sample)

Matrix spike 

(percent 

recovery)

PCB-47 + 48 + 75 27.9 <0.013 -- --

PCB-50 0.089 <0.011 -- --

PCB-51 3 <0.013 -- --

PCB-52 + 73 36.4 <0.013 90.5 --

PCB-53 5.81 <0.013 -- --

PCB-54 0.146 <0.011 87.3 --

PCB-55 <0.083 <0.015 -- --

PCB-56 + 60 9.16 <0.015 101 --

PCB-57 0.47 <0.028 -- --

PCB-58 0.176 <0.028 -- --

PCB-61 + 74 21.9 <0.014 -- --

PCB-62 + 65 e0.166 <0.013 -- --

PCB-63 2.9 <0.014 -- --

PCB-66 + 80 34.1 <0.014 95.2 --

PCB-67 e0.263 <0.028 -- --

PCB-69 <0.091 <0.013 -- --

PCB-70 + 76 16 <0.014 -- --

PCB-72 1.32 <0.015 -- --

*PCB-77 0.667 0.0005 103 96.9

PCB-78 <0.057 <0.012 -- --

PCB-79 e0.619 <0.012 -- --

PCB-81 0.55 <0.012 107 --

PCB-82 1.25 <0.016 -- --

PCB-83 + 108 1.2 <0.025 -- --

PCB-84 1.9 <0.021 -- --

PCB-85 + 120 8.99 <0.016 -- --

PCB-86 + 97 5.12 <0.016 -- --

PCB-87 + 115 + 

116

<0.135 <0.016 98 --

PCB-88 + 121 <0.064 <0.026 -- --

PCB-89 + 90 + 

101

25.8 <0.021 94.4 --

PCB-91 5.13 <0.026 -- --

PCB-92 5.88 <0.021 -- --

PCB-93 + 95 17.2 <0.026 93.6 --

PCB-94 0.222 <0.026 -- --

PCB-96 0.206 <0.026 -- --

PCB-98 + 102 1.62 <0.026 --
76 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 13. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in the whole bodies of common mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) collected from 

the Neponset River Estuary, Massachusetts, 2005.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; percent lipid equal to 1.45; sample size equal to about 10.3 g; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng/g, nanogram per gram; ng, nanogram; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

IUPAC number

Neponset 

Estuary 

(ng/g wet 

weight)

Laboratory 

blank 

(ng/sample)

Matrix spike 

(percent 

recovery)

PCB-99 21.1 <0.021 96.1 --

PCB-100 0.477 <0.026 -- --

PCB-103 0.586 <0.026 -- --

PCB-104 <0.044 <0.018 87.6 --

PCB-105 + 127 10.1 <0.011 99.7 --

PCB-106 + 118 27.7 <0.011 97.3 --

PCB-107 + 109 2.64 <0.011 -- --

PCB-110 26.2 <0.011 100 --

PCB-111 + 117 14.1 <0.016 -- --

PCB-112 0.225 <0.025 -- --

PCB-113 0.164 <0.021 -- --

PCB-114 0.809 <0.010 99.3 --

PCB-119 1.85 <0.021 -- --

PCB-122 <0.091 <0.010 -- --

PCB-123 0.801 <0.011 92 --

PCB-124 0.464 <0.011 -- --

PCB-125 0.215 <0.016 -- --

*PCB-126 0.062 e0.0003 -- 100

PCB-128 4.12 <0.016 -- --

PCB-129 0.438 <0.016 -- --

PCB-130 1.62 <0.016 -- --

PCB-131 + 142 <0.069 <0.012 -- --

PCB-132 + 168 2.99 <0.014 -- --

PCB-133 0.446 <0.012 -- --

PCB-134 + 143 0.506 <0.012 -- --

PCB-135 + 144 1.99 <0.012 -- --

PCB-136 1.23 <0.012 -- --

PCB-137 1.22 <0.014 -- --

PCB-138 + 163 

+ 164

26.8 <0.014 96.4 --

PCB-139 + 149 10.5 <0.012 101 --

PCB-140 0.153 <0.012 -- --

PCB-141 2.21 <0.014 -- --

PCB-145 <0.069 <0.012 -- --

PCB-146 3.86 <0.011 -- --

PCB-147 0.788 <0.012 -- --

PCB-148 <0.069 <0.012 -- --

PCB-150 <0.069 <0.012 -- --

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

IUPAC number

Neponset 

Estuary 

(ng/g wet 

weight)

Laboratory 

blank 

(ng/sample)

Matrix spike 

(percent 

recovery)

PCB-151 4.28 <0.015 97.2 --

PCB-152 <0.069 <0.012 -- --

PCB-153 24 <0.012 94.4 --

PCB-154 0.445 <0.012 -- --

PCB-155 <0.048 <0.008 91.4 --

PCB-156 1.79 <0.011 99 --

PCB-157 0.477 <0.011 99.3 --

PCB-158 + 160 3.35 <0.014 -- --

PCB-159 0.215 <0.014 -- --

PCB-161 <0.061 <0.011 -- --

PCB-162 0.168 <0.014 -- --

PCB-165 <0.061 <0.011 -- --

PCB-166 0.161 <0.014 -- --

PCB-167 0.988 <0.010 96.5 --

*PCB-169 0.0015 0.0002 100 99.4

PCB-170 + 190 4.12 <0.014 97 --

PCB-171 0.919 <0.012 -- --

PCB-172 + 192 0.494 <0.012 -- --

PCB-173 <0.086 <0.012 -- --

PCB-174 + 181 1.26 <0.012 -- --

PCB-175 0.137 <0.012 -- --

PCB-176 0.212 <0.009 -- --

PCB-177 1.76 <0.012 -- --

PCB-178 0.702 <0.012 -- --

PCB-179 0.448 <0.009 -- --

PCB-180 8.08 <0.012 95.5 --

PCB-182 + 187 5.64 <0.012 96.1 --

PCB-183 2.5 <0.012 96.6 --

PCB-184 <0.066 <0.009 -- --

PCB-185 0.194 <0.012 -- --

PCB-186 <0.087 <0.012 -- --

PCB-188 <0.066 <0.009 94.8 --

PCB-189 0.097 <0.009 96.3 --

PCB-191 0.179 <0.012 -- --

PCB-193 0.485 <0.012 -- --

PCB-194 1.33 <0.021 100 --

PCB-195 0.549 <0.021 -- --

PCB-196 + 203 1.86 <0.021 97.5 --
Table 13 77

Table 13. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in the whole bodies of common mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) collected from 

the Neponset River Estuary, Massachusetts, 2005.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; percent lipid equal to 1.45; sample size equal to about 10.3 g; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng/g, nanogram per gram; ng, nanogram; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

IUPAC number

Neponset 

Estuary 

(ng/g wet 

weight)

Laboratory 

blank 

(ng/sample)

Matrix spike 

(percent 

recovery)

PCB-197 e0.064 <0.015 -- --

PCB-198 <0.076 <0.021 -- --

PCB-199 1.65 <0.021 -- --

PCB-200 e0.056 <0.015 -- --

PCB-201 0.233 <0.015 -- --

PCB-202 0.459 <0.017 98.7 --

PCB-204 <0.054 <0.015 -- --

PCB-205 e0.062 <0.016 100 --

PCB-206 0.586 <0.057 94 --

PCB-207 0.143 <0.048 -- --

PCB-208 0.336 <0.048 93.5 --

PCB-209 0.408 <0.024 91.7 --

Total 708 < -- --

Polychlorinated biphenyl homologs

Total Monochlorobiphenyls2.63 < -- --

Total Dichlorobiphenyls24.5 < -- --

Total Trichlorobiphenyls107 < -- --

Total Tetrachlorobiphenyls262 < -- --

Total Pentachlorobiphenyls182 < -- --

Total Hexachlorobiphenyls94.7 < -- --

Total Heptachlorobiphenyls27.2 < -- --

Total Octachlorobiphenyls

6.08 < -- --

Total Nonachlorobiphenyls

1.07 < -- --

Decachlorobiphenyls 0.408 < -- --

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

IUPAC number

Neponset 

Estuary 

(ng/g wet 

weight)

Laboratory 

blank 

(ng/sample)

Matrix spike 

(percent 

recovery)

Polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclors

Aroclor 1221 <0.146 <0.0378 -- --

Aroclor 1232 <0.185 <0.0955 -- --

Aroclor 1016/1242 227 <0.107 -- --

Aroclor 1248 <1.74 <0.0836 -- --

Aroclor 1254 262 <0.207 -- --

Aroclor 1260 104 <0.0987 -- --

*

 Structurally, PCBs generally resemble propeller blades because the 

large chlorine atoms sterically interfere with coplanarity of the benzene 

rings; however, as long as the chlorine atoms are far enough apart, the 

benzene rings can be considered coplanar. In nonorthosubstituted PCB 

congeners, hydrogen atoms are not substituted by chlorine atoms at the 

ortho positions or the positions adjacent to the other ring, and therefore, the 

benzene rings are coplanar.
78 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 14. Masses and concentrations of total polychlorinated biphenyls measured in water samples collected at 

U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, October and 

November 2005.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; ng/L, nanogram per liter; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; laboratory QC samples correspond 

to October and November samples; --, not done]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Monthly composite river samples Quality-control samples

10/1/2005 

(ng/sample)

11/1/2005 

(ng/sample)

10/1/2005 

(ng/L)

11/1/2005 

(ng/L)

Laboratory blank 

(ng/sample)

Matrix spike 

(percent recovery)

PCB-1 8.36 e2.18 0.419 e0.187 <1.63 85.1

PCB-2 e0.136 <0.186 e0.006 <0.016 <1.64 --

PCB-3 e3.29 0.793 e0.164 0.068 <1.64 95.2

PCB-4 + 10 54.9 24.3 2.75 2.09 <0.498 85.8

PCB-5 + 8 13.9 3.38 0.697 0.291 <0.647 94.1

PCB-6 3.13 0.936 0.157 0.081 <0.647 --

PCB-7 + 9 2.96 e2.06 0.148 e0.177 e0.586 --

PCB-11 e0.484 <0.700 e0.024 <0.060 e0.394 --

PCB-12 + 13 2 <0.700 0.100 <0.060 <0.647 --

PCB-14 <0.098 <0.700 <0.004 <0.060 <0.647 --

PCB-15 18 2.74 0.903 0.236 <0.767 106

PCB-16 + 32 17.2 5.42 0.863 0.467 <0.249 --

PCB-17 10.3 4.34 0.517 0.374 <0.249 --

PCB-18 7.92 3.03 0.397 0.261 <0.249 87.8

PCB-19 23.7 7.05 1.189 0.607 <0.290 80.7

PCB-20 + 21 + 33 1.53 e0.482 0.077 e0.041 <0.112 --

PCB-22 2.06 e0.562 0.103 e0.048 <0.112 --

PCB-23 + 34 <0.263 <0.255 <0.013 <0.021 <0.164 88.1

PCB-24 + 27 12.9 3.65 0.647 0.314 <0.249 --

PCB-25 4.72 1.39 0.237 0.120 <0.164 --

PCB-26 7.87 2.48 0.395 0.214 <0.164 --

PCB-28 12.7 3.78 0.637 0.326 <0.174 86.1

PCB-29 <0.263 <0.255 <0.013 <0.021 <0.164 --

PCB-30 <0.398 <0.386 <0.019 <0.033 <0.249 --

PCB-31 12 3.63 0.602 0.313 <0.164 103

PCB-35 <0.397 <0.411 <0.019 <0.035 <0.131 --

PCB-36 <0.342 <0.354 <0.017 <0.030 <0.112 --

PCB-37 <0.397 <0.411 <0.019 <0.035 <0.131 113

PCB-38 <0.397 <0.411 <0.019 <0.035 <0.131 --

PCB-39 <0.342 <0.354 <0.017 <0.030 <0.112 --

PCB-40 2.76 0.662 0.138 0.057 <0.271 87.5

PCB-41 + 64 + 68 + 71 20.2 4.71 1.013 0.406 <0.123 --

PCB-42 + 59 7.03 1.4 0.353 0.121 <0.123 --

PCB-43 + 49 20.6 3.83 1.033 0.330 <0.121 87.7

PCB-44 13 2.5 0.652 0.215 <0.123 83.1

PCB-45 2.48 0.639 0.124 0.055 <0.110 --

PCB-46 1.36 e0.269 0.068 e0.023 <0.110 --

PCB-47 + 48 + 75 31.1 7.64 1.560 0.658 <0.110 --

PCB-50 0.189 <0.182 0.009 <0.015 <0.091 --

PCB-51 5.08 1.37 0.255 0.118 <0.110 --

PCB-52 + 73 24.5 5.2 1.229 0.448 <0.110 81.7

PCB-53 9.36 2.06 0.469 0.177 <0.110 --

PCB-54 0.672 <0.182 0.034 <0.015 <0.091 68.6

PCB-55 <0.486 <0.122 <0.024 <0.010 <0.150 --

PCB-56 + 60 4.28 0.893 0.215 0.077 <0.150 99.4
Table 14 79

Table 14. Masses and concentrations of total polychlorinated biphenyls measured in water samples collected at 

U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, October and 

November 2005.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; ng/L, nanogram per liter; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; laboratory QC samples correspond 

to October and November samples; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Monthly composite river samples Quality-control samples IUPAC number

10/1/2005 11/1/2005 10/1/2005 11/1/2005 Laboratory blank Matrix spike 

(ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/L) (ng/L) (ng/sample) (percent recovery)

PCB-57 <0.882 0.289 <0.044 0.025 <0.271 --

PCB-58 <0.882 <0.222 <0.044 <0.019 <0.271 --

PCB-61 + 74 4.32 0.656 0.217 0.057 <0.145 --

PCB-62 + 65 e0.170 <0.219 e0.008 <0.018 <0.110 --

PCB-63 0.999 0.221 0.050 0.019 <0.145 --

PCB-66 + 80 8.98 1.5 0.450 0.129 <0.145 94.1

PCB-67 <0.882 <0.222 <0.044 <0.019 <0.271 --

PCB-69 e0.168 <0.219 e0.008 <0.018 <0.110 --

PCB-70 + 76 9.09 1.6 0.456 0.138 <0.145 --

PCB-72 0.801 <0.245 0.040 <0.021 <0.123 --

PCB-77 e0.772 <0.301 e0.038 <0.025 <0.110 110

PCB-78 <0.409 <0.301 <0.020 <0.025 <0.110 --

PCB-79 <0.409 <0.301 <0.020 <0.025 <0.110 --

PCB-81 <0.409 <0.301 <0.020 <0.025 <0.110 107

PCB-82 e1.79 <0.662 e0.089 <0.057 <0.309 --

PCB-83 + 108 1.24 e0.282 0.062 e0.024 <0.266 --

PCB-84 4.65 e0.809 0.233 e0.069 <0.230 --

PCB-85 + 120 3.26 <0.662 0.163 <0.057 <0.309 --

PCB-86 + 97 4.99 0.998 0.250 0.086 <0.309 --

PCB-87 + 115 + 116 6.22 1.21 0.312 0.104 <0.309 101

PCB-88 + 121 <0.332 <0.274 <0.016 <0.023 <0.280 --

PCB-89 + 90 + 101 14.9 2.67 0.747 0.230 <0.230 96.5

PCB-91 4.67 e0.779 0.234 e0.067 <0.280 --

PCB-92 4.21 0.77 0.211 0.066 <0.230 --

PCB-93 + 95 16.8 3.21 0.843 0.276 <0.280 89.4

PCB-94 0.492 <0.274 0.025 <0.023 <0.280 --

PCB-96 0.569 <0.274 0.029 <0.023 <0.280 --

PCB-98 + 102 1.32 e0.337 0.066 e0.029 <0.280 --

PCB-99 7.46 1.12 0.374 0.096 <0.226 97.5

PCB-100 0.444 <0.274 0.022 <0.023 <0.280 --

PCB-103 0.563 <0.274 0.028 <0.023 <0.280 --

PCB-104 <0.233 <0.192 <0.011 <0.016 <0.196 78.4

PCB-105 + 127 3.76 0.826 0.189 0.071 <0.226 110

PCB-106 + 118 10.4 1.67 0.522 0.144 <0.213 92.8

PCB-107 + 109 e0.936 <0.468 e0.046 <0.040 <0.218 --

PCB-110 23 3.96 1.153 0.341 <0.218 103

PCB-111 + 117 <0.580 <0.662 <0.029 <0.057 <0.309 --

PCB-112 <0.316 e0.324 <0.015 e0.027 <0.266 --

PCB-113 <0.273 <0.225 <0.013 <0.019 <0.230 --

PCB-114 <0.415 <0.475 <0.020 <0.040 <0.221 106

PCB-119 1.04 <0.222 0.052 <0.019 <0.226 --

PCB-122 <0.415 <0.475 <0.020 <0.040 <0.221 --

PCB-123 e0.492 <0.468 e0.024 <0.040 <0.213 86.8

PCB-124 e0.442 <0.468 e0.022 <0.040 <0.218 --

PCB-125 <0.580 <0.662 <0.029 <0.057 <0.309 --
80 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 14. Masses and concentrations of total polychlorinated biphenyls measured in water samples collected at 

U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, October and 

November 2005.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; ng/L, nanogram per liter; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; laboratory QC samples correspond 

to October and November samples; --, not done]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Monthly composite river samples Quality-control samples

10/1/2005 

(ng/sample)

11/1/2005 

(ng/sample)

10/1/2005 

(ng/L)

11/1/2005 

(ng/L)

Laboratory blank 

(ng/sample)

Matrix spike 

(percent recovery)

PCB-126 <0.450 <0.514 <0.022 <0.044 <0.240 --

PCB-128 3.33 e0.531 0.167 e0.045 <0.133 --

PCB-129 0.948 <0.375 0.048 <0.032 <0.133 --

PCB-130 1.13 <0.375 0.057 <0.032 <0.133 --

PCB-131 + 142 0.243 <0.170 0.012 <0.014 <0.158 --

PCB-132 + 168 5.95 1.15 0.298 0.099 <0.121 --

PCB-133 0.276 <0.170 0.014 <0.014 <0.158 --

PCB-134 + 143 <0.223 <0.170 <0.011 <0.014 <0.158 --

PCB-135 + 144 2.5 <0.170 0.125 <0.014 <0.158 --

PCB-136 2.54 0.542 0.127 0.047 <0.158 --

PCB-137 0.952 <0.319 0.048 <0.027 <0.113 --

PCB-138 + 163 + 164 18.7 2.92 0.938 0.252 <0.113 96.8

PCB-139 + 149 11.3 2.04 0.567 0.176 <0.158 105

PCB-140 <0.223 <0.170 <0.011 <0.014 <0.158 --

PCB-141 2.01 <0.319 0.101 <0.027 <0.113 --

PCB-145 <0.223 <0.170 <0.011 <0.014 <0.158 --

PCB-146 2.06 0.33 0.103 0.028 <0.145 --

PCB-147 e0.523 <0.170 e0.026 <0.014 <0.158 --

PCB-148 <0.223 <0.170 <0.011 <0.014 <0.158 --

PCB-150 <0.223 <0.170 <0.011 <0.014 <0.158 --

PCB-151 2.96 0.567 0.148 0.049 <0.196 102

PCB-152 <0.223 <0.170 <0.011 <0.014 <0.158 --

PCB-153 11.8 2.02 0.592 0.174 <0.103 93.3

PCB-154 0.236 <0.170 0.012 <0.014 <0.158 --

PCB-155 <0.158 <0.120 <0.007 <0.010 <0.111 90

PCB-156 1.3 <0.252 0.065 <0.021 <0.090 95.5

PCB-157 0.527 <0.258 0.026 <0.022 <0.092 98

PCB-158 + 160 2.36 0.39 0.118 0.034 <0.113 --

PCB-159 <0.453 <0.319 <0.022 <0.027 <0.113 --

PCB-161 <0.205 <0.156 <0.010 <0.013 <0.145 --

PCB-162 <0.453 <0.319 <0.022 <0.027 <0.113 --

PCB-165 <0.205 <0.156 <0.010 <0.013 <0.145 --

PCB-166 <0.453 <0.319 <0.022 <0.027 <0.113 --

PCB-167 e0.448 <0.248 e0.022 <0.021 <0.088 96.6

PCB-169 <0.363 <0.256 <0.018 <0.022 <0.091 96.5

PCB-170 + 190 3.82 e0.913 0.192 e0.078 <0.202 96.7

PCB-171 0.699 <0.245 0.035 <0.021 <0.169 --

PCB-172 + 192 0.458 <0.245 0.023 <0.021 <0.169 --

PCB-173 <0.274 <0.245 <0.013 <0.021 <0.169 --

PCB-174 + 181 <0.271 <0.242 <0.013 <0.020 <0.167 --

PCB-175 <0.272 <0.242 <0.013 <0.020 <0.167 --

PCB-176 0.303 <0.188 0.015 <0.016 <0.130 --

PCB-177 1.48 <0.242 0.074 <0.020 <0.167 --

PCB-178 0.486 <0.242 0.024 <0.020 <0.167 --

PCB-179 0.94 0.225 0.047 0.019 <0.130 --
Table 14 81

Table 14. Masses and concentrations of total polychlorinated biphenyls measured in water samples collected at 

U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, October and 

November 2005.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; ng/L, nanogram per liter; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; laboratory QC samples correspond 

to October and November samples; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Monthly composite river samples Quality-control samples IUPAC number

10/1/2005 11/1/2005 10/1/2005 11/1/2005 Laboratory blank Matrix spike 

(ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/L) (ng/L) (ng/sample) (percent recovery)

PCB-180 5.89 0.928 0.295 0.080 <0.169 96.1

PCB-182 + 187 3.17 0.422 0.159 0.036 <0.167 93.7

PCB-183 1.39 <0.242 0.070 <0.020 <0.167 95.4

PCB-184 <0.211 <0.188 <0.010 <0.016 <0.130 --

PCB-185 e0.281 <0.242 e0.014 <0.020 <0.167 --

PCB-186 <0.272 <0.242 <0.013 <0.020 <0.167 --

PCB-188 <0.211 <0.188 <0.010 <0.016 <0.130 90.3

PCB-189 <0.230 <0.205 <0.011 <0.017 <0.141 97.4

PCB-191 <0.274 <0.245 <0.013 <0.021 <0.169 --

PCB-193 0.44 <0.245 0.022 <0.021 <0.169 --

PCB-194 e1.72 e0.493 e0.086 e0.042 <0.188 100

PCB-195 e0.750 <0.371 e0.037 <0.031 <0.188 --

PCB-196 + 203 1.95 <0.364 0.098 <0.031 <0.184 101

PCB-197 <0.153 <0.260 <0.007 <0.022 <0.131 --

PCB-198 <0.215 <0.364 <0.010 <0.031 <0.184 --

PCB-199 1.86 <0.364 0.093 <0.031 <0.184 --

PCB-200 <0.153 <0.260 <0.007 <0.022 <0.131 --

PCB-201 0.159 <0.260 0.008 <0.022 <0.131 --

PCB-202 0.398 <0.292 0.020 <0.025 <0.148 95.5

PCB-204 <0.153 <0.260 <0.007 <0.022 <0.131 --

PCB-205 <0.168 <0.285 <0.008 <0.024 <0.144 97.6

PCB-206 1.59 <0.816 0.080 <0.070 <0.860 93.6

PCB-207 <0.574 <0.740 <0.028 <0.063 <0.780 --

PCB-208 0.753 <0.740 0.038 <0.063 <0.780 96.5

PCB-209 1.32 <0.287 0.066 <0.024 <0.138 92

Total 591 130 29.6 11.2 <1.64 --

Polychlorinated biphenyl homologs

Total Monochlorobiphenyls 8.36 0.793 0.419 0.068 <1.64 --

Total Dichlorobiphenyls 94.9 31.4 4.76 2.70 <0.767 --

Total Trichlorobiphenyls 113 34.8 5.67 3.00 <0.290 --

Total Tetrachlorobiphenyls 167 35.2 8.38 3.03 <0.271 --

Total Pentachlorobiphenyls 110 16.4 5.52 1.41 <0.309 --

Total Hexachlorobiphenyls 71.1 9.96 3.57 0.858 <0.196 --

Total Heptachlorobiphenyls 19.1 1.58 0.958 0.136 <0.202 --

Total Octachlorobiphenyls 4.37 <0.371 0.219 <0.031 <0.188 --

Total Nonachlorobiphenyls 2.34 <0.816 0.117 <0.070 <0.860 --

Decachlorobiphenyls 1.32 <0.287 0.066 <0.024 <0.138 --

Polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclors

Aroclor 1221 <0.245 <1.33 <0.012 <0.114 <3.12 --

Aroclor 1232 <1.35 <1.31 <0.067 <0.112 <5.58 --

Aroclor 1016/1242 177 52.5 8.88 4.52 <2.46 --

Aroclor 1248 <2.59 <1.35 <0.129 <0.116 <0.798 --

Aroclor 1254 187 33.3 9.38 2.87 <3.09 --

Aroclor 1260 78.8 6.59 3.95 0.568 <1.43 --
82 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts Table 15. Concentrations of particulate and dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls in water upstream (at Blue Hill Avenue) and downstream (at Central Avenue) of the Braided Channel, Neponset River, Massachusetts, October, 15, 2005.—Continued [Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done] Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners IUPAC number Quality-control samples Blue Hill Avenue Central Avenue Laboratory blank Matrix spike Particulate (ng/sample) Particulate (ng/liter) Dissolved (ng/sample) Dissolved (ng/liter) Particulate (ng/sample) Particulate (ng/liter) Dissolved (ng/sample) Dissolved (ng/liter) Particulate (ng/sample) Dissolved (ng/sample) Particulate (percent recovery) Dissolved (percent recovery) PCB-1 5.85 0.493 37.6 3.17 7.92 0.596 23.4 1.76 <2.13 e0.333 75.1 79.8 PCB-2 <0.419 <0.035 <0.142 <0.011 0.361 0.027 <0.283 <0.021 <2.12 0.287 -- -- PCB-3 2.51 0.212 e1.07 e0.090 2.86 0.215 e0.417 e0.031 <2.12 e0.064 94.6 89.5 PCB-4 + 10 12.6 1.06 76.3 6.433 19.5 1.47 91 6.85 <0.324 <0.072 69.6 82.1 PCB-5 + 8 13.3 1.12 18.5 1.560 12.9 0.971 12.8 0.963 <0.183 e0.141 91 87.7 PCB-6 2.47 0.208 3.57 0.301 2.75 0.207 2.88 0.217 e0.256 <0.041 -- -- PCB-7 + 9 e1.28 e0.107 e1.35 e0.113 e0.855 e0.064 e1.47 e0.110 e1.52 e0.246 -- -- PCB-11 e1.66 e0.139 e2.28 e0.192 e1.27 e0.095 e1.27 e0.095 <0.183 e0.367 -- -- PCB-12 + 13 0.847 0.071 e6.75 e0.569 e1.63 e0.122 <0.240 <0.018 <0.183 e0.457 -- -- PCB-14 <0.309 <0.026 <0.195 <0.016 e4.10 e0.308 <0.240 <0.018 <0.183 e0.061 -- -- PCB-15 13.4 1.13 e3.01 e0.253 13.5 1.02 e3.82 e0.287 e0.623 e0.093 107 85.9 PCB-16 + 32 9.25 0.780 12.0 1.012 10.5 0.790 13.6 1.02 <0.108 e0.093 -- -- PCB-17 6.46 0.545 8.64 0.728 8.16 0.614 10.7 0.805 <0.108 <0.056 -- -- PCB-18 2.79 0.235 4.67 0.394 4.23 0.318 6.99 0.526 <0.108 <0.056 77.5 82.9 PCB-19 3.61 0.304 12.0 1.012 5.58 0.420 16.8 1.26 <0.129 <0.066 64.7 78.4 PCB-20 + 21 + 33 0.788 0.066 e0.602 e0.050 1.14 0.086 e0.498 e0.037 e0.113 <0.077 -- -- PCB-22 1.28 0.108 0.531 0.045 1.71 0.129 0.999 0.075 <0.075 <0.077 -- -- PCB-23 + 34 0.188 0.016 <0.129 <0.010 0.256 0.019 0.156 0.012 <0.068 <0.035 79.9 76.1 PCB-24 + 27 4.91 0.414 6.94 0.585 5.76 0.433 9.35 0.704 <0.108 <0.056 -- -- PCB-25 3.37 0.284 1.76 0.148 4.02 0.302 1.91 0.144 <0.068 e0.078 -- -- PCB-26 5.52 0.465 3.14 0.265 6.13 0.461 3.97 0.299 <0.068 e0.188 -- -- PCB-28 8.84 0.745 2.38 0.201 e8.66 e0.651 3.57 0.269 e0.096 e0.079 92.9 88.5 PCB-29 <0.153 <0.012 <0.129 <0.010 <0.086 <0.006 <0.107 <0.008 <0.068 e0.042 -- -- PCB-30 <0.242 <0.020 <0.205 <0.017 <0.136 <0.010 <0.170 <0.012 <0.108 <0.056 -- -- PCB-31 8.83 0.745 5.25 0.443 12 0.903 5.36 0.403 <0.068 e0.053 92.2 85.3 PCB-35 <0.221 <0.018 <0.399 <0.033 0.242 0.018 <0.445 <0.033 <0.080 e0.698 -- -- PCB-36 <0.206 <0.017 <0.373 <0.031 e0.242 e0.018 <0.416 <0.031 <0.075 e1.06 -- -- PCB-37 e1.25 e0.105 <0.399 <0.033 2.41 0.181 e0.549 e0.041 <0.080 e0.138 105 88.5

PCB-38 0.456 0.038 0.525 0.044 e0.823 e0.061 e0.560 e0.042 <0.080 <0.082 -- --
Table 15 83

Table 15. Concentrations of particulate and dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls in water upstream (at Blue Hill Avenue) and downstream (at Central Avenue) of the Braided Channel, Neponset River, Massachusetts, October, 15, 2005.—Continued[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Quality-control samples

Blue Hill Avenue Central Avenue Laboratory blank Matrix spike

IUPAC number Particulate Dissolved Particulate Particulate Dissolved Dissolved Particulate Particulate Dissolved Dissolved Particulate Dissolved (percent (percent (ng/sample) (ng/liter) (ng/sample) (ng/liter) (ng/sample) (ng/liter) (ng/sample) (ng/liter) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) recovery) recovery)

PCB-39 <0.206 <0.017 <0.373 <0.031 e0.222 e0.016 <0.416 <0.031 <0.075 e0.082 -- --PCB-40 0.76 0.064 0.329 0.028 1.13 0.085 0.548 0.041 <0.191 <0.136 88.5 81.8PCB-41 + 64 + 68 + 71 9.33 0.787 4.42 0.373 12.8 0.963 6.23 0.469 <0.080 <0.074 -- --PCB-42 + 59 2.37 0.200 0.999 0.084 3.51 0.264 0.427 0.032 <0.080 <0.074 -- --PCB-43 + 49 8.54 0.720 3.73 0.315 11.8 0.888 4.69 0.353 <0.084 <0.077 83.9 82.8PCB-44 3.66 0.309 1.73 0.146 6.19 0.466 3.37 0.254 <0.080 <0.074 82.9 80.7PCB-45 e0.372 e0.031 0.423 0.036 0.887 0.067 0.64 0.048 <0.071 <0.065 -- --

PCB-46 0.314 0.026 0.221 0.019 0.508 0.038 0.389 0.029 <0.071 <0.065 -- --PCB-47 + 48 + 75 12.7 1.07 10.8 0.911 20.4 1.53 13.1 0.986 <0.071 <0.065 -- --PCB-50 <0.180 <0.015 <0.098 <0.008 <0.128 <0.009 0.101 0.008 <0.060 <0.055 -- --PCB-51 1.84 0.155 2.65 0.223 2.88 0.217 2.8 0.211 <0.071 <0.065 -- --PCB-52 + 73 7.99 0.674 4.34 0.366 11.7 0.880 5.9 0.444 <0.071 <0.065 80.8 79.1PCB-53 2.39 0.202 2.3 0.194 3.39 0.255 3.11 0.234 <0.071 <0.065 -- --PCB-54 e0.190 e0.016 0.236 0.020 e0.260 e0.019 0.284 0.021 <0.060 <0.055 63.5 73.3PCB-55 <0.097 <0.008 <0.080 <0.006 <0.161 <0.012 <0.093 <0.006 <0.100 <0.072 -- --PCB-56 + 60 2.06 0.174 e0.215 e0.018 3.14 0.236 0.587 0.044 <0.100 <0.072 93.4 84.3PCB-57 0.53 0.045 <0.152 <0.012 e0.655 e0.049 <0.177 <0.013 <0.191 <0.136 -- --PCB-58 <0.184 <0.015 <0.152 <0.012 <0.306 <0.023 <0.177 <0.013 <0.191 <0.136 -- --PCB-61 + 74 2.04 0.172 0.346 0.029 3.08 0.232 0.448 0.034 <0.098 <0.070 -- --PCB-62 + 65 <0.213 <0.017 <0.116 <0.009 <0.151 <0.011 <0.110 <0.008 <0.071 <0.065 -- --PCB-63 0.674 0.057 0.156 0.013 0.86 0.065 0.187 0.014 <0.098 <0.070 -- --PCB-66 + 80 3.59 0.303 0.644 0.054 5.72 0.430 0.993 0.075 <0.098 <0.070 92 84PCB-67 0.266 0.022 <0.152 <0.012 0.552 0.042 <0.177 <0.013 <0.191 <0.136 -- --PCB-69 7.83 0.660 <0.116 <0.009 <0.151 <0.011 <0.110 <0.008 <0.071 <0.065 -- --PCB-70 + 76 3.29 0.277 0.721 0.061 5.14 0.387 1.05 0.079 <0.098 <0.070 -- --PCB-72 0.39 0.033 <0.132 <0.011 e0.614 e0.046 <0.125 <0.009 <0.080 <0.074 -- --PCB-77 0.643 0.054 e0.235 e0.019 e1.71 e0.128 e0.186 e0.013 <0.145 e0.165 102 92.5PCB-78 <0.150 <0.012 <0.149 <0.012 <0.173 <0.013 <0.160 <0.012 <0.145 <0.082 -- --

PCB-79 <0.150 <0.012 <0.149 <0.012 <0.173 <0.013 <0.160 <0.012 <0.145 <0.082 -- --PCB-81 <0.150 <0.012 <0.149 <0.012 0.269 0.020 <0.160 <0.012 <0.145 e0.242 103 94.5
84 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts Table 15. Concentrations of particulate and dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls in water upstream (at Blue Hill Avenue) and downstream (at Central Avenue) of the Braided Channel, Neponset River, Massachusetts, October, 15, 2005.—Continued [Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done] Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners IUPAC number Quality-control samples Blue Hill Avenue Central Avenue Laboratory blank Matrix spike Particulate (ng/sample) Particulate (ng/liter) Dissolved (ng/sample) Dissolved (ng/liter) Particulate (ng/sample) Particulate (ng/liter) Dissolved (ng/sample) Dissolved (ng/liter) Particulate (ng/sample) Dissolved (ng/sample) Particulate (percent recovery) Dissolved (percent recovery) PCB-82 0.639 0.054 <0.108 <0.009 1.06 0.080 e0.195 e0.014 <0.081 <0.097 -- -- PCB-83 + 108 e0.676 e0.056 <0.153 <0.012 e0.745 e0.056 <0.237 <0.017 <0.093 <0.063 -- -- PCB-84 1.46 0.123 e0.388 e0.032 2.03 0.153 e0.701 e0.052 <0.080 <0.054 -- -- PCB-85 + 120 1.26 0.106 e0.163 e0.013 e2.49 e0.187 e0.216 e0.016 <0.081 e0.747 -- -- PCB-86 + 97 1.83 0.154 0.33 0.028 2.63 0.198 0.562 0.042 <0.081 <0.097 -- -- PCB-87 + 115 + 116 2.83 0.239 e0.355 e0.029 3.79 0.285 <0.134 <0.010 <0.081 <0.097 97.1 88.4 PCB-88 + 121 <0.240 <0.020 <0.156 <0.013 <0.162 <0.012 <0.242 <0.018 <0.095 <0.064 -- -- PCB-89 + 90 + 101 5.32 0.449 1.02 0.086 7.54 0.567 1.33 0.100 <0.080 <0.054 93 83.2 PCB-91 1.89 0.159 e0.441 e0.037 2.64 0.199 0.548 0.041 <0.095 <0.064 -- -- PCB-92 1.73 0.146 0.39 0.033 2.33 0.175 e0.422 e0.031 <0.080 <0.054 -- -- PCB-93 + 95 5.03 0.424 1.5 0.126 7.26 0.546 2.45 0.184 <0.095 <0.064 89.2 81.5 PCB-94 <0.240 <0.020 <0.156 <0.013 0.377 0.028 <0.242 <0.018 <0.095 <0.064 -- -- PCB-96 <0.240 <0.020 <0.156 <0.013 0.246 0.019 <0.242 <0.018 <0.095 <0.064 -- -- PCB-98 + 102 0.5 0.042 e0.212 e0.017 0.747 0.056 <0.242 <0.018 <0.095 <0.064 -- -- PCB-99 3.09 0.261 0.441 0.037 3.99 0.300 0.605 0.046 <0.077 e0.052 93.6 82.6 PCB-100 <0.240 <0.020 <0.156 <0.013 e0.292 e0.021 <0.242 <0.018 <0.095 <0.064 -- -- PCB-103 <0.240 <0.020 <0.156 <0.013 0.398 0.030 <0.242 <0.018 <0.095 e0.097 -- -- PCB-104 <0.175 <0.014 <0.114 <0.009 <0.119 <0.008 <0.176 <0.013 <0.069 <0.046 78.7 78.3 PCB-105 + 127 1.68 0.142 e0.128 e0.010 2.2 0.166 <0.093 <0.006 <0.056 <0.068 97.7 85.5 PCB-106 + 118 4.04 0.341 0.462 0.039 6.2 0.467 0.531 0.040 <0.052 <0.071 91.8 80.9 PCB-107 + 109 0.4 0.034 <0.075 <0.006 0.642 0.048 <0.092 <0.006 <0.056 <0.067 -- -- PCB-110 8.51 0.718 1.37 0.116 11.4 0.858 1.97 0.148 <0.056 <0.067 94.3 83.9 PCB-111 + 117 <0.197 <0.016 <0.108 <0.009 0.321 0.024 e0.171 e0.012 <0.081 <0.097 -- -- PCB-112 <0.236 <0.019 <0.153 <0.012 <0.160 <0.012 <0.237 <0.017 <0.093 <0.063 -- -- PCB-113 <0.202 <0.017 <0.131 <0.011 <0.136 <0.010 <0.203 <0.015 <0.080 <0.054 -- -- PCB-114 e0.153 e0.012 <0.075 <0.006 e0.159 e0.011 <0.093 <0.006 <0.056 <0.067 99.3 85.1 PCB-119 0.66 0.056 <0.127 <0.010 0.702 0.053 <0.196 <0.014 <0.077 <0.052 -- -- PCB-122 <0.136 <0.011 <0.075 <0.006 0.134 0.010 <0.093 <0.006 <0.056 <0.067 -- --

PCB-123 0.173 0.015 <0.073 <0.006 0.249 0.019 <0.093 <0.006 <0.052 e0.079 85.3 78.4

PCB-124 e0.213 e0.017 <0.075 <0.006 e0.247 e0.018 <0.092 <0.006 <0.056 <0.067 -- --
Table 15 85

Table 15. Concentrations of particulate and dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls in water upstream (at Blue Hill Avenue) and downstream (at Central Avenue) of the Braided Channel, Neponset River, Massachusetts, October, 15, 2005.—Continued[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Quality-control samples

Blue Hill Avenue Central Avenue Laboratory blank Matrix spike

IUPAC number Particulate Dissolved Particulate Particulate Dissolved Dissolved Particulate Particulate Dissolved Dissolved Particulate Dissolved (percent (percent (ng/sample) (ng/liter) (ng/sample) (ng/liter) (ng/sample) (ng/liter) (ng/sample) (ng/liter) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) recovery) recovery)

PCB-125 <0.197 <0.016 <0.108 <0.009 <0.166 <0.012 <0.134 <0.010 <0.081 <0.097 -- --PCB-126 <0.143 <0.012 <0.079 <0.006 <0.121 <0.009 <0.097 <0.007 <0.059 <0.070 -- --PCB-128 1.27 0.107 <0.095 <0.008 1.76 0.132 0.236 0.018 <0.022 <0.106 -- --PCB-129 0.274 0.023 <0.095 <0.008 0.409 0.031 <0.113 <0.008 <0.022 <0.106 -- --PCB-130 0.519 0.044 <0.095 <0.008 0.633 0.048 <0.113 <0.008 e0.034 <0.106 -- --PCB-131 + 142 <0.155 <0.013 <0.080 <0.006 <0.112 <0.008 <0.109 <0.008 <0.065 <0.054 -- --PCB-132 + 168 2.13 0.180 0.247 0.021 2.75 0.207 0.321 0.024 <0.020 <0.097 -- --

PCB-133 <0.155 <0.013 <0.080 <0.006 0.193 0.015 <0.109 <0.008 <0.065 <0.054 -- --PCB-134 + 143 0.358 0.030 <0.080 <0.006 e0.551 e0.041 <0.109 <0.008 <0.065 <0.054 -- --PCB-135 + 144 0.907 0.076 e0.121 e0.010 1.3 0.098 0.198 0.015 <0.065 <0.054 -- --PCB-136 1.04 0.088 0.162 0.014 1.21 0.091 0.215 0.016 <0.065 <0.054 -- --PCB-137 0.321 0.027 <0.081 <0.006 0.474 0.036 <0.096 <0.007 0.025 <0.090 -- --PCB-138 + 163 + 164 7.03 0.593 0.639 0.054 9.35 0.704 0.975 0.073 0.023 <0.090 94.1 88.5PCB-139 + 149 4.11 0.347 0.527 0.044 5.57 0.419 e0.641 e0.048 <0.065 <0.054 98.2 85PCB-140 <0.155 <0.013 <0.080 <0.006 <0.112 <0.008 <0.109 <0.008 <0.065 <0.054 -- --PCB-141 e0.529 e0.044 <0.081 <0.006 0.96 0.072 <0.096 <0.007 e0.034 <0.090 -- --PCB-145 <0.155 <0.013 <0.080 <0.006 <0.112 <0.008 <0.109 <0.008 <0.065 <0.054 -- --

PCB-146 0.833 0.070 0.151 0.013 1.24 0.093 0.141 0.011 <0.060 <0.049 -- --PCB-147 0.288 0.024 <0.080 <0.006 e0.426 e0.032 <0.109 <0.008 <0.065 <0.054 -- --PCB-148 <0.155 <0.013 <0.080 <0.006 <0.112 <0.008 <0.109 <0.008 <0.065 <0.054 -- --PCB-150 <0.155 <0.013 <0.080 <0.006 <0.112 <0.008 <0.109 <0.008 <0.065 <0.054 -- --PCB-151 1.17 0.099 0.178 0.015 1.61 0.121 e0.306 e0.023 <0.082 <0.067 99.6 87PCB-152 <0.155 <0.013 <0.080 <0.006 <0.112 <0.008 <0.109 <0.008 <0.065 <0.054 -- --PCB-153 4.29 0.362 0.511 0.043 6.24 0.470 0.611 0.046 0.018 <0.082 94.7 88.1PCB-154 <0.155 <0.013 <0.080 <0.006 0.145 0.011 <0.109 <0.008 <0.065 <0.054 -- --PCB-155 <0.108 <0.009 <0.056 <0.004 <0.078 <0.005 <0.076 <0.005 <0.046 <0.038 89.6 79.5PCB-156 0.554 0.047 <0.063 <0.005 0.84 0.063 <0.075 <0.005 0.029 <0.071 93.9 88PCB-157 0.168 0.014 <0.064 <0.005 0.242 0.018 <0.076 <0.005 0.021 <0.071 94.9 88.3

PCB-158 + 160 0.798 0.067 0.091 0.008 1.01 0.076 e0.122 e0.009 <0.018 <0.090 -- --PCB-159 <0.135 <0.011 <0.081 <0.006 <0.162 <0.012 <0.096 <0.007 <0.018 <0.090 -- --
86 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts Table 15. Concentrations of particulate and dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls in water upstream (at Blue Hill Avenue) and downstream (at Central Avenue) of the Braided Channel, Neponset River, Massachusetts, October, 15, 2005.—Continued [Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done] Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners IUPAC number Quality-control samples Blue Hill Avenue Central Avenue Laboratory blank Matrix spike Particulate (ng/sample) Particulate (ng/liter) Dissolved (ng/sample) Dissolved (ng/liter) Particulate (ng/sample) Particulate (ng/liter) Dissolved (ng/sample) Dissolved (ng/liter) Particulate (ng/sample) Dissolved (ng/sample) Particulate (percent recovery) Dissolved (percent recovery) PCB-161 <0.141 <0.011 <0.073 <0.006 <0.102 <0.007 <0.099 <0.007 <0.060 <0.049 -- -- PCB-162 <0.135 <0.011 <0.081 <0.006 <0.162 <0.012 <0.096 <0.007 <0.018 <0.090 -- -- PCB-165 <0.141 <0.011 <0.073 <0.006 <0.102 <0.007 <0.099 <0.007 <0.060 <0.049 -- -- PCB-166 <0.135 <0.011 <0.081 <0.006 <0.162 <0.012 <0.096 <0.007 <0.018 <0.090 -- -- PCB-167 0.244 0.021 <0.062 <0.005 0.327 0.025 <0.073 <0.005 0.016 <0.069 93.1 86.2 PCB-169 <0.106 <0.008 <0.064 <0.005 <0.128 <0.009 <0.076 <0.005 e0.043 <0.071 96.1 88.4 PCB-170 + 190 1.21 0.102 0.14 0.012 1.85 0.139 e0.228 e0.017 <0.129 <0.110 96.7 85.4 PCB-171 <0.100 <0.008 <0.043 <0.003 0.329 0.025 <0.110 <0.008 <0.105 <0.089 -- -- PCB-172 + 192 e0.132 e0.011 <0.043 <0.003 e0.219 e0.016 <0.110 <0.008 <0.105 <0.089 -- -- PCB-173 <0.100 <0.008 <0.043 <0.003 <0.132 <0.009 <0.110 <0.008 <0.105 <0.089 -- -- PCB-174 + 181 0.71 0.060 e0.047 e0.003 e0.888 e0.066 <0.111 <0.008 <0.105 <0.090 -- -- PCB-175 <0.101 <0.008 <0.044 <0.003 <0.135 <0.010 <0.112 <0.008 <0.107 <0.091 -- -- PCB-176 0.091 0.008 e0.035 e0.002 e0.173 e0.013 <0.086 <0.006 <0.082 <0.070 -- -- PCB-177 0.467 0.039 <0.043 <0.003 0.773 0.058 <0.111 <0.008 <0.105 <0.090 -- -- PCB-178 e0.134 e0.011 <0.044 <0.003 0.214 0.016 <0.112 <0.008 <0.107 <0.091 -- -- PCB-179 0.357 0.030 e0.034 e0.002 0.517 0.039 e0.107 e0.008 <0.082 <0.070 -- -- PCB-180 <0.100 <0.008 0.269 0.023 2.51 0.189 <0.110 <0.008 <0.105 <0.089 91.3 84.1 PCB-182 + 187 1.1 0.093 0.108 0.009 1.29 0.097 0.182 0.014 <0.107 <0.091 93.7 86.2 PCB-183 e0.536 e0.045 e0.046 e0.003 0.634 0.048 <0.111 <0.008 <0.105 <0.090 94.5 87.5 PCB-184 <0.078 <0.006 e0.040 e0.003 <0.104 <0.007 <0.086 <0.006 <0.082 <0.070 -- -- PCB-185 e0.114 e0.009 <0.043 <0.003 0.143 0.011 <0.111 <0.008 <0.105 <0.090 -- -- PCB-186 <0.101 <0.008 <0.044 <0.003 <0.135 <0.010 <0.112 <0.008 <0.107 <0.091 -- -- PCB-188 <0.078 <0.006 <0.034 <0.002 <0.104 <0.007 <0.086 <0.006 <0.082 <0.070 92 85.3 PCB-189 0.111 0.009 e0.051 e0.004 <0.110 <0.008 <0.092 <0.006 <0.087 <0.074 94.1 84.6 PCB-191 <0.100 <0.008 <0.043 <0.003 <0.132 <0.009 <0.110 <0.008 <0.105 <0.089 -- -- PCB-193 <0.100 <0.008 <0.043 <0.003 <0.132 <0.009 <0.110 <0.008 <0.105 <0.089 -- -- PCB-194 e0.418 e0.035 e0.174 e0.014 e0.751 e0.056 <0.301 <0.022 <0.137 <0.115 98.9 85.4 PCB-195 <0.306 <0.025 e0.155 e0.013 <0.213 <0.016 <0.301 <0.022 <0.137 <0.115 -- --

PCB-196 + 203 e0.405 e0.034 e0.148 e0.012 e0.764 e0.057 <0.291 <0.021 <0.133 <0.111 98.3 85.9

PCB-197 <0.212 <0.017 <0.095 <0.008 <0.148 <0.011 <0.209 <0.015 <0.095 <0.080 -- --
Table 15 87

Table 15. Concentrations of particulate and dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls in water upstream (at Blue Hill Avenue) and downstream (at Central Avenue) of the Braided Channel, Neponset River, Massachusetts, October, 15, 2005.—Continued[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Quality-control samples

Blue Hill Avenue Central Avenue Laboratory blank Matrix spike

IUPAC number Particulate Dissolved Particulate Particulate Dissolved Dissolved Particulate Particulate Dissolved Dissolved Particulate Dissolved (percent (percent (ng/sample) (ng/liter) (ng/sample) (ng/liter) (ng/sample) (ng/liter) (ng/sample) (ng/liter) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) recovery) recovery)

PCB-198 <0.296 <0.024 <0.133 <0.011 <0.206 <0.015 <0.291 <0.021 <0.133 <0.111 -- --PCB-199 e0.573 e0.048 <0.133 <0.011 e0.837 e0.062 <0.291 <0.021 <0.133 <0.111 -- --PCB-200 <0.212 <0.017 <0.095 <0.008 <0.148 <0.011 <0.209 <0.015 <0.095 <0.080 -- --PCB-201 <0.212 <0.017 <0.095 <0.008 <0.148 <0.011 <0.209 <0.015 <0.095 <0.080 -- --PCB-202 <0.240 <0.020 <0.108 <0.009 <0.167 <0.012 <0.236 <0.017 <0.108 <0.090 94.5 84.1PCB-204 <0.212 <0.017 <0.095 <0.008 <0.148 <0.011 <0.209 <0.015 <0.095 <0.080 -- --PCB-205 <0.227 <0.019 <0.102 <0.008 <0.158 <0.011 <0.224 <0.016 <0.102 <0.085 92.2 81.4

PCB-206 0.563 0.047 <0.302 <0.025 0.948 0.071 e0.312 e0.023 <0.173 <0.428 92.1 82.2PCB-207 <0.229 <0.019 <0.273 <0.023 <0.430 <0.032 e0.261 e0.019 e0.173 <0.387 -- --PCB-208 <0.229 <0.019 <0.273 <0.023 0.502 0.038 <0.191 <0.014 e0.193 <0.387 94.5 83.7PCB-209 0.517 0.044 0.142 0.012 0.809 0.061 e0.259 e0.019 <0.123 e0.162 90.4 78.4

Total 251 21.2 237 19.983 320 24.1 259 19.5 0.132 0.287 -- --

Polychlorinated biphenyl homologs

Total Monochlorobiphenyls 8.36 0.705 37.6 3.170 11.1 0.835 23.4 1.76 <2.13 0.287 -- --Total Dichlorobiphenyls 42.6 3.59 98.4 8.297 48.7 3.66 107 8.05 <0.324 <0.0721 -- --Total Trichlorobiphenyls 56.3 4.75 57.8 4.874 62.1 4.67 73.4 5.52 <0.129 <0.0824 -- --Total Tetrachlorobiphenyls 71.2 6.00 34.0 2.867 94 7.07 44.9 3.38 <0.191 <0.136 -- --Total Pentachlorobiphenyls 41 3.46 5.51 0.465 56.9 4.28 8 0.602 <0.0948 <0.0968 -- --Total Hexachlorobiphenyls 26.3 2.22 2.51 0.212 36.3 2.73 2.7 0.203 0.132 <0.106 -- --Total Heptachlorobiphenyls 4.05 0.341 0.517 0.044 8.26 0.622 0.182 0.014 <0.129 <0.110 -- --Total Octachlorobiphenyls <0.306 <0.025 <0.137 <0.011 <0.213 <0.016 <0.301 <0.022 <0.137 <0.115 -- --Total Nonachlorobiphenyls 0.563 0.047 <0.302 <0.025 1.45 0.109 <0.211 <0.015 <0.173 <0.428 -- --Decachlorobiphenyls 0.517 0.044 0.142 0.012 0.809 0.061 <0.167 <0.012 <0.123 <0.0930 -- --

Polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclors

Aroclor 1221 <0.802 <0.067 <0.371 <0.031 <0.414 <0.031 <0.542 <0.040 <4.05 <0.0775 -- --Aroclor 1232 <1.43 <0.120 <0.697 <0.058 <0.462 <0.034 <0.969 <0.072 <7.24 <0.189 -- --Aroclor 1016/1242 128 10.79 117 9.87 111 8.35 109 8.20 <0.695 <0.211 -- --

Aroclor 1248 <1.39 <0.117 <0.759 <0.063 <0.996 <0.074 <0.721 <0.054 <0.537 <0.425 -- --Aroclor 1254 77.5 6.53 7.71 0.650 104 7.83 11.7 0.880 <0.808 <0.968 -- --Aroclor 1260 8.59 0.724 2.9 0.245 35.5 2.67 <0.959 <0.072 <0.916 <0.781 -- --
88 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 16. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in hexane measured in passive in situ chemical-extraction samplers deployed in 

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; St., Street; 

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners 

Pleasant 

St. 

(ng/sample)

Neponset 

St. 

(ng/sample)

Paul’s 

Bridge 

(ng/sample)

Paul’s 

Bridge-D 

(ng/sample)

Incinerator 

Road 

(ng/sample)

Reservation Park 

(ng/sample)

Reservation 

Park-D 

(ng/sample)

Facility #2 

(ng/sample)

Facility 

#2-D 

(ng/sample)

PCB-1 e3.54 6.67 12.4 7.86 e2.25 3.91 3.62 53.2 20.7 

PCB-2 <0.780 <0.257 <0.544 <0.941 <0.248 <0.806 <0.628 <0.418 <0.225 

PCB-3 e1.23 e0.596 e1.40 e1.23 e0.348 e2.98 e2.05 5.66 2.26 

PCB-4 + 10 10.6 116 189 111 <0.462 14.4 10.6 181 79.2 

PCB-5 + 8 2.99 4.45 7.19 4.05 e0.388 4.68 3.67 79.1 38.5 

PCB-6 0.96 5.56 6.87 4.4 <0.266 e2.10 1.48 18.8 9.2 

PCB-7 + 9 e0.931 5.62 7.6 4.75 <0.266 e0.955 e0.643 3.61 1.35 

PCB-11 <0.247 <0.369 <0.397 <0.377 <0.266 e1.08 e0.549 e1.62 e0.440 

PCB-12 + 13 e0.456 <0.369 e0.473 <0.377 <0.266 e0.786 e0.622 e4.13 e2.03 

PCB-14 <0.247 <0.369 <0.397 <0.377 <0.266 <0.311 <0.275 <0.357 <0.204 

PCB-15 e3.12 3.85 7.46 4.24 <0.332 3.96 2.87 28.1 12.3 

PCB-16 + 32 5.42 16.5 28.6 17.4 0.782 8.12 6.03 55.1 27 

PCB-17 4.02 35.5 44.8 28.7 <0.412 6.59 4.12 38.8 20.7 

PCB-18 6.47 14.8 26.9 17 0.89 9.4 6.18 48.8 24.1 

PCB-19 3.21 38.4 63.4 37.8 <0.480 4.52 3.18 27.7 12.8 

PCB-20 + 21 + 33 e3.48 3.67 e10.6 e6.62 0.601 4.21 2.25 23.8 11.9 

PCB-22 e0.922 1.12 2.33 1.35 <0.457 2.94 1.65 19 10.2 

PCB-23 + 34 <0.598 <0.332 <0.614 <0.612 <0.310 <0.568 <0.381 0.757 0.368 

PCB-24 + 27 2.79 17.8 28.8 17 <0.412 3.72 2.34 15.4 7.02 

PCB-25 2.26 11.1 14.9 9.51 <0.310 1.9 1.21 9.97 5.39 

PCB-26 3.86 24.2 31.9 19.5 <0.310 3.43 2.39 15.9 8.31 

PCB-28 6.17 8.76 16.9 9.92 1.71 10.9 7.67 75.5 42 

PCB-29 <0.598 <0.332 <0.614 <0.612 <0.310 <0.568 <0.381 <0.419 <0.273 

PCB-30 <0.794 <0.441 <0.815 <0.813 <0.412 <0.755 <0.505 <0.556 <0.362 

PCB-31 5.59 8.8 16.6 10.8 1.24 9.4 6.16 67 32.6 

PCB-35 e1.04 <0.788 e1.35 <1.19 <0.480 <1.11 <0.591 0.844 <0.412 

PCB-36 e2.07 <0.750 <0.850 <1.13 <0.457 e2.32 <0.562 e1.36 e0.409 

PCB-37 e2.52 <0.788 3.01 e2.15 <0.480 1.99 1.7 14.2 6.75 

PCB-38 <0.795 <0.788 <0.893 <1.19 <0.480 <1.11 <0.591 <0.657 <0.412 

PCB-39 <0.756 <0.750 <0.850 <1.13 <0.457 <1.06 <0.562 <0.625 <0.392 

PCB-40 e1.46 1.3 3.52 2.12 <0.909 e2.07 1.32 10.2 4.34 

PCB-41 + 64 + 68 + 71 9.22 19.5 39.7 25.9 4.4 12.2 8.49 61.8 30.1 

PCB-42 + 59 1.89 4.58 10.9 7.01 e0.593 <0.922 1.49 20.1 9.49 

PCB-43 + 49 11.4 30.9 65.5 42.3 2.08 9.02 5.71 45.4 22.2 

PCB-44 10.6 12.3 31 18.9 2.5 8.06 4.99 42.4 20.6 

PCB-45 1.59 1.09 3.39 2.02 <0.389 1.75 0.906 8.3 3.43 

PCB-46 <0.643 2.15 4.69 2.76 <0.389 <0.838 <0.594 3.57 1.62 

PCB-47 + 48 + 75 5.26 16.1 33.9 22.9 0.977 6.33 3.8 32.4 16 

PCB-50 <0.519 <0.415 0.474 e0.438 <0.315 <0.677 <0.480 <0.343 <0.286 

PCB-51 1.15 8.75 13.5 8.9 <0.389 1.13 0.678 4.52 2.35 

PCB-52 + 73 26.3 41.8 101 65.4 5.23 16.2 10.2 54.1 26.8 

PCB-53 4.71 20.8 36.8 23.9 0.985 4.08 2.41 12.7 5.91 

PCB-54 <0.519 2.07 3.16 2.15 <0.315 <0.677 <0.480 0.403 <0.286 

PCB-55 <0.561 <0.447 <0.553 <0.435 <0.510 <0.974 <0.600 <0.592 <0.415 

PCB-56 + 60 e1.68 0.939 3.58 2.51 0.926 3.59 2.09 33.8 16.3 

PCB-57 <1.00 1.77 1.91 1.8 <0.909 <1.74 <1.07 <1.06 <0.741 

PCB-58 <1.00 <0.797 <0.986 <0.776 <0.909 <1.74 <1.07 <1.06 <0.741 

PCB-61 + 74 e4.70 1.55 4.47 3.01 e1.15 3.47 2.6 30.6 16.4 

PCB-62 + 65 e0.733 <0.513 <0.463 <0.223 <0.389 <0.838 <0.594 <0.425 <0.354 
Table 16 89

Mother Brook and the Neponset River and Estuary from July 25 through August 12, 2005.—Continued

 Ave., Avenue; -D, field duplicate; ng, nanogram; e, estimated; <, actual value is less than value shown; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Hyde Park Fairmont Fairmont Milton Village Granite Granite Neponset Ave. Dana Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave.-D Marina Ave. Ave.-D Rte. 3A Bridge (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample)

Buoy 

(Neponset 

Estuary) 

(ng/sample)

Laboratory 

blank 

(ng/sample)

Matrix 

spike 

(percent 

recovery)

242 156 983 1,050 718 168 168 34.9 23.3 <0.0398 85.3

e1.28 <0.661 1.3 1.33 <0.854 <0.670 <0.795 <1.18 <0.525 <0.0413 --

10 7.95 75.5 71.2 33.7 10.4 10.4 e3.72 e3.08 <0.0413 88.5

421 341 1,580 1,590 1,770 656 678 199 166 <0.172 87.4

98.4 78.8 513 450 322 136 137 44.1 31.8 <0.0990 92.5

26.9 21 75.3 66.7 71.6 33.1 33.2 10.6 e7.32 <0.0990 --

5.68 5.33 11.8 16.1 13 6.34 7.09 3.08 2.5 <0.0990 --

e2.57 e1.89 e6.78 e7.55 e7.70 e8.03 e8.87 e5.66 e6.61 <0.0990 --

e7.10 e5.17 e11.5 e10.6 e17.9 e12.6 e12.2 e5.38 e4.12 <0.0990 --

<0.281 <0.298 <0.424 <0.293 <0.246 <0.810 <1.04 e0.568 <0.395 <0.0990 --

59.8 60.8 113 126 188 90.1 88.4 36.1 24.6 <0.123 101

87.3 85.4 226 261 223 128 131 51.9 45.5 <0.109 --

54.7 52.8 124 124 166 94.4 97 37.3 32.4 <0.109 --

57.2 50.7 49.7 49.9 126 103 107 43.3 39 <0.109 83.3

59.5 66.3 196 200 227 90 95.7 31.1 26.8 <0.127 79.3

17.1 14 8.07 8.91 19.7 31.9 30.6 15.5 13.7 <0.104 --

19.2 16.2 14 13.3 27.9 26.5 26.8 12.2 10.8 <0.104 --

e0.616 e0.621 4.41 3.24 3.54 1.77 1.76 <0.379 <0.662 <0.0823 90.3

26.8 29.7 118 119 119 51.1 54.9 19.8 17 <0.109 --

15 14.4 41.4 56.7 57.3 32.7 32.6 13.3 11.8 <0.0823 --

23 24.8 66.4 74.4 102 60.5 61.4 25.2 21 <0.0823 --

85.4 80.5 54.2 65.5 117 114 111 53 46.1 <0.0754 87.3

<0.390 <0.374 <0.534 <0.521 <0.248 <0.625 <0.523 <0.379 <0.662 <0.0823 --

<0.517 <0.496 <0.709 <0.692 <0.329 <0.830 <0.694 <0.503 <0.879 <0.109 --

66.8 57.9 103 134 170 130 133 55.7 47.1 <0.0823 95

<0.522 e0.849 <0.754 e1.26 0.845 e2.74 1.44 e1.40 e1.27 <0.109 --

<0.497 e1.26 <0.717 <0.636 e1.17 e1.52 <1.02 e1.10 e1.36 <0.104 --

13.3 10.9 7.09 8.34 17.2 17.2 16.7 8.26 7.08 <0.109 102

e0.700 <0.587 e2.24 e2.92 e1.93 <1.35 <1.07 <0.473 <0.901 <0.109 --

<0.497 <0.559 1.21 0.898 e0.599 <1.29 <1.02 <0.450 <0.857 <0.104 --

9.28 6.31 4.41 3.49 12.1 12.5 12.2 6.21 5.99 <0.155 89.9

57.6 48.1 60.8 76.4 90.2 83.2 83.8 38.2 35.5 <0.0808 --

19 16.1 16.7 23.4 29.1 26 26.6 12.2 11.7 <0.0808 --

43.4 40.2 71.4 103 87.7 65.2 66.4 29.3 27.6 <0.0826 85.4

38 32.3 20.6 25.2 57.2 54.3 54.5 24.8 24.6 <0.0808 83.6

7.71 6.89 7.28 6.95 12.4 12.4 12.2 5.64 5.07 <0.0735 --

4.08 3.94 3.38 3.88 6.58 5.37 5.73 2.39 2.44 <0.0735 --

30.4 29 78.9 99.7 58.7 46.3 46.1 21.8 19.5 <0.0735 --

0.44 0.347 1.51 1.43 0.959 0.575 <0.429 <0.287 <0.374 <0.0594 --

6.11 7.58 18.3 20.5 16.7 9.63 10.1 4.14 3.54 <0.0735 --

53.3 55.4 59.4 73.2 102 77.8 79.3 34.5 33.8 <0.0735 83.6

15.2 18.6 27.8 37.3 40.9 26.7 26.6 10.9 10.1 <0.0735 --

0.726 1.19 2.91 3.16 2.79 1.47 1.46 0.553 0.481 <0.0594 77.7

<0.694 <0.476 <0.639 <0.582 <0.588 <0.703 <0.565 e0.530 <0.416 <0.0869 --

24.5 16.8 8.31 8.6 15.4 25.2 24.2 12.5 11.5 <0.0869 94.1

<1.24 <0.848 5.53 3.04 2.18 1.66 <1.01 e0.813 <0.741 <0.155 --

<1.24 <0.848 <1.14 <1.04 <1.05 <1.25 <1.01 <0.401 <0.741 <0.155 --

23.5 16.4 11.6 25.3 17.3 24.3 22.9 12 11.7 <0.0843 --

<0.462 <0.425 <0.354 <0.562 <0.313 <0.587 <0.531 <0.355 <0.463 <0.0735 --
90 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 16. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in hexane measured in passive in situ chemical-extraction samplers deployed in 

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; St., Street; 

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners 

Pleasant 

St. 

(ng/sample)

Neponset 

St. 

(ng/sample)

Paul’s 

Bridge 

(ng/sample)

Paul’s 

Bridge-D 

(ng/sample)

Incinerator 

Road 

(ng/sample)

Reservation Park 

(ng/sample)

Reservation 

Park-D 

(ng/sample)

Facility #2 

(ng/sample)

Facility 

#2-D 

(ng/sample)

PCB-63 <0.544 0.655 1.08 e0.576 <0.495 <0.945 <0.582 2.88 1.6 

PCB-66 + 80 5.73 5.56 17.1 11.4 2.11 6.68 3.97 50 25.8 

PCB-67 <1.00 <0.797 1.07 0.79 <0.909 <1.74 <1.07 3.26 1.54 

PCB-69 <0.643 <0.513 <0.463 <0.223 <0.389 <0.838 <0.594 <0.425 <0.354 

PCB-70 + 76 9.22 7.06 20 12.6 3.21 7.46 6 54.8 28.1 

PCB-72 <0.707 1.71 2.97 2.27 <0.428 <0.922 <0.653 e0.495 <0.390 

PCB-77 e0.909 <0.447 e2.28 e1.41 <0.670 <1.00 <0.638 4.9 2.61 

PCB-78 <0.720 <0.447 <0.425 <0.578 <0.670 <1.00 <0.638 <0.832 <0.523 

PCB-79 <0.720 <0.447 <0.425 <0.578 <0.670 <1.00 <0.638 <0.832 <0.523 

PCB-81 <0.720 <0.447 e0.619 <0.578 <0.670 <1.00 <0.638 <0.832 <0.523 

PCB-82 e1.12 0.88 3.83 2.92 <0.918 <1.21 e0.696 3.9 1.94 

PCB-83 + 108 e3.98 e3.82 e6.30 e6.50 e2.77 <0.419 e4.22 e4.03 e3.74 

PCB-84 5.28 4.56 17.8 12.1 1.42 2.81 1.69 6.15 3.36 

PCB-85 + 120 e0.869 1.74 e6.77 e4.32 <0.918 e1.71 e0.792 5.84 2.54 

PCB-86 + 97 4.56 3.76 14.9 10.6 e1.62 3.41 2.04 9.04 4.57 

PCB-87 + 115 + 116 6.33 4.52 18.5 13 1.87 4.28 2.98 10.5 5.3 

PCB-88 + 121 <0.432 <0.435 <0.404 <0.436 <0.429 <0.428 <0.559 <0.364 <0.258 

PCB-89 + 90 + 101 15.4 12.9 53.1 37.6 5.48 10.5 6.62 19.6 10.5 

PCB-91 3.43 4.04 12.2 8.54 0.686 1.87 1.25 5.34 2.8 

PCB-92 3.28 4.36 14.2 10.5 0.885 1.8 1.04 3.46 1.8 

PCB-93 + 95 20.9 19.1 74.4 50.4 4.56 11.6 7.23 19.2 9.2 

PCB-94 <0.432 e0.444 0.909 0.726 <0.429 <0.428 <0.559 e0.421 <0.258 

PCB-96 <0.432 0.61 1.3 1.16 <0.429 <0.428 <0.559 0.71 e0.363 

PCB-98 + 102 0.925 e0.577 2.83 2.18 0.681 0.61 <0.559 1.72 0.965 

PCB-99 5.28 5 20.9 15.5 1.95 4.62 2.69 11.1 5.77 

PCB-100 <0.432 <0.435 0.848 0.559 <0.429 <0.428 <0.559 <0.364 <0.258 

PCB-103 <0.432 <0.435 1.54 1.35 <0.429 <0.428 <0.559 <0.364 <0.258 

PCB-104 <0.304 <0.306 <0.284 <0.306 <0.301 <0.300 <0.393 <0.255 <0.181 

PCB-105 + 127 e4.62 3.23 7.1 6.21 2.53 2.1 1.4 10 7.46 

PCB-106 + 118 7.85 5.5 20.2 15.6 3.41 6.15 3.66 17 8.82 

PCB-107 + 109 e0.765 0.684 2.2 1.65 <0.647 <0.851 <0.396 e1.72 e0.867 

PCB-110 18.8 17.2 63.2 44.2 4.55 12 7.2 22.8 11.7 

PCB-111 + 117 <0.631 <0.595 1.94 e0.884 <0.918 <1.21 <0.562 0.938 0.671 

PCB-112 <0.423 <0.426 <0.395 <0.426 <0.420 <0.419 <0.547 <0.356 <0.252 

PCB-113 <0.367 <0.369 e0.494 <0.370 <0.364 <0.363 <0.474 <0.309 <0.219 

PCB-114 <0.438 <0.414 <0.419 <0.293 <0.638 <0.839 <0.390 e0.786 <0.411 

PCB-119 0.867 1.28 3.23 2.44 <0.350 <0.349 <0.456 0.97 <0.210 

PCB-122 <0.438 <0.414 <0.419 <0.293 <0.638 <0.839 <0.390 <0.510 <0.411 

PCB-123 <0.409 <0.406 e0.750 <0.282 <0.613 <0.862 <0.414 <0.520 <0.404 

PCB-124 <0.444 <0.420 1.15 0.922 <0.647 <0.851 <0.396 e0.646 <0.416 

PCB-125 <0.631 <0.595 <0.602 <0.421 <0.918 <1.21 <0.562 <0.734 <0.591 

PCB-126 <0.488 <0.461 <0.466 <0.326 <0.711 <0.935 <0.435 <0.569 <0.457 

PCB-128 1.76 0.714 4.48 3.24 <0.799 <1.49 <0.674 1.77 <0.946 

PCB-129 <0.526 <0.412 1.24 0.86 <0.799 <1.49 <0.674 <0.678 <0.946 

PCB-130 <0.526 <0.412 1.75 1.21 <0.799 <1.49 <0.674 <0.678 <0.946 

PCB-131 + 142 <0.409 <0.347 <0.382 <0.286 <0.309 <0.528 <0.460 <0.437 <0.361 

PCB-132 + 168 3.76 2.63 9.55 7.51 e1.16 1.9 1.91 2.64 e1.80 

PCB-133 <0.409 <0.347 <0.382 e0.346 <0.309 <0.528 <0.460 <0.437 <0.361 

PCB-134 + 143 0.631 0.5 1.69 1.41 <0.309 <0.528 <0.460 <0.437 <0.361 
Table 16 91

Mother Brook and the Neponset River and Estuary from July 25 through August 12, 2005.—Continued

 Ave., Avenue; -D, field duplicate; ng, nanogram; e, estimated; <, actual value is less than value shown; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Hyde Park Fairmont Fairmont Milton Village Granite Granite Neponset Ave. Dana Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave.-D Marina Ave. Ave.-D Rte. 3A Bridge (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample)

Buoy 

(Neponset 

Estuary) 

(ng/sample)

Laboratory 

blank 

(ng/sample)

Matrix 

spike 

(percent 

recovery)

2.32 1.95 8.28 7.87 3.75 3.81 3.01 1.44 e1.67 <0.0843 --

36.8 27.1 14.2 30.8 27.5 37.8 36.7 18.9 18.8 <0.0843 93.7

2.36 1.83 2.09 3.19 2.63 2.98 2.69 1.22 1.69 <0.155 --

<0.462 <0.425 1.29 1 0.617 <0.587 <0.531 <0.355 <0.463 <0.0735 --

38.3 29.6 11.9 24.1 26.3 38.7 37.6 18.7 18.2 <0.0843 --

<0.508 e0.772 5.43 4.41 2.19 e1.40 e1.32 0.926 <0.510 <0.0808 --

3.39 2.39 e1.95 4.89 e3.25 4 3.25 1.59 1.9 <0.0798 105

<1.31 <0.532 <1.25 <1.17 <0.355 <0.675 <0.582 <0.253 <0.477 <0.0798 --

<1.31 <0.532 <1.25 <1.17 <0.355 <0.675 <0.582 <0.253 <0.477 <0.0798 --

<1.31 <0.532 <1.25 <1.17 <0.355 <0.675 <0.582 <0.253 <0.477 <0.0798 104

3.01 2.26 1.27 1.35 2.21 2.32 2.61 1.18 1.36 <0.302 --

e4.35 e5.33 e4.41 e5.96 e3.90 e3.92 e4.57 e3.55 e4.02 <0.240 --

5.31 6.52 4.35 5.78 7.23 6.5 6.22 3.26 3.48 <0.208 --

e4.18 e3.37 2.66 3.55 e3.18 3.49 e3.67 e1.94 e2.42 <0.302 --

7.11 5.89 3.26 6.26 5.32 6.26 5.98 3.14 3.66 <0.302 --

8.29 8.54 3.39 4.09 5.81 7.36 7.38 4.25 3.69 <0.302 96.1

<0.545 <0.511 <0.574 <0.537 <0.400 <0.526 <0.503 <0.470 <0.539 <0.246 --

15.3 17 13.9 20.6 14.4 14.9 15 8.3 8.89 <0.208 92.7

4.15 4.68 10.5 14.1 5.84 5.66 5.12 2.57 2.43 <0.246 --

3.03 3.77 8.11 8.53 4.69 3.49 3.72 1.88 1.85 <0.208 --

16.8 22.2 15.6 19.3 22.3 21.5 21.5 11.2 11.5 <0.246 91.5

<0.545 <0.511 1.44 1.51 0.508 <0.526 <0.503 <0.470 <0.539 <0.246 --

<0.545 e0.594 0.821 1.29 0.906 0.817 0.777 <0.470 <0.539 <0.246 --

1.58 1.7 2.77 3.95 1.91 1.68 1.65 1.09 e1.11 <0.246 --

7.84 7.82 8.9 15.8 7.25 8.66 7.98 4.58 4.64 <0.200 94.6

<0.545 <0.511 1.33 1.14 <0.400 <0.526 <0.503 <0.470 <0.539 <0.246 --

<0.545 <0.511 1.23 1.32 0.582 <0.526 <0.503 <0.470 <0.539 <0.246 --

<0.383 <0.359 <0.403 <0.377 <0.281 <0.369 <0.354 <0.330 <0.379 <0.173 83.1

5.95 6.28 2.7 8.41 e4.17 6.26 6.35 4.08 4.31 0.916 104

10.7 9.53 9.11 22 7.09 9.17 8.55 5.12 5.29 <0.205 87.1

e1.05 e0.992 2.06 2.95 e0.756 e0.769 e0.750 <0.335 <0.540 <0.213 --

19.2 20.3 21.4 31 21.2 20 19.7 10.8 11.2 <0.213 98.4

<1.02 <0.710 5.3 5.36 1.71 <0.707 <0.662 <0.476 <0.767 <0.302 --

<0.534 <0.501 <0.562 <0.526 <0.391 <0.514 <0.493 <0.460 <0.528 <0.240 --

<0.463 <0.434 <0.487 <0.456 <0.339 <0.446 <0.427 <0.399 <0.457 <0.208 --

<0.708 <0.493 <0.492 0.755 <0.296 <0.492 <0.460 <0.331 <0.533 <0.210 97.1

<0.445 0.741 2.4 2.77 1.05 0.693 e0.623 <0.383 <0.440 <0.200 --

<0.708 <0.493 <0.492 <0.446 <0.296 <0.492 <0.460 <0.331 <0.533 <0.210 --

<0.683 <0.467 <0.480 <0.452 <0.274 <0.471 <0.435 <0.316 <0.498 <0.205 82

<0.718 <0.500 e0.565 <0.453 <0.300 <0.499 <0.466 <0.335 <0.540 <0.213 --

<1.02 <0.710 <0.708 <0.642 <0.426 <0.707 <0.662 <0.476 <0.767 <0.302 --

<0.789 <0.550 <0.548 <0.497 <0.330 <0.548 <0.512 <0.368 <0.593 <0.234 --

1.18 1.74 2.23 2.94 0.713 1.07 0.763 <0.482 0.663 <0.0674 --

<0.905 <0.741 <1.05 <0.964 <0.327 <0.336 <0.443 <0.482 <0.349 <0.0674 --

<0.905 <0.741 <1.05 <0.964 e0.338 <0.336 <0.443 <0.482 <0.349 <0.0674 --

<0.514 <0.224 <0.370 <0.498 <0.334 <0.318 <0.294 <0.235 <0.310 <0.0997 --

2.32 e3.40 3.22 3.73 1.95 2.2 1.96 e1.32 1.25 <0.0603 --

<0.514 <0.224 e0.513 <0.498 <0.334 <0.318 <0.294 <0.235 <0.310 <0.0997 --

<0.514 0.509 0.861 1.16 <0.334 <0.318 <0.294 <0.235 <0.310 <0.0997 --
92 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 16. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in hexane measured in passive in situ chemical-extraction samplers deployed in 

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; St., Street; 

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners 

Pleasant 

St. 

(ng/sample)

Neponset 

St. 

(ng/sample)

Paul’s 

Bridge 

(ng/sample)

Paul’s 

Bridge-D 

(ng/sample)

Incinerator 

Road 

(ng/sample)

Reservation Park 

(ng/sample)

Reservation 

Park-D 

(ng/sample)

Facility #2 

(ng/sample)

Facility 

#2-D 

(ng/sample)

PCB-135 + 144 1.6 1.24 4.61 3.79 0.454 1.01 0.614 1.04 0.722 

PCB-136 1.76 1.49 6.04 3.97 0.532 1.23 0.698 1.22 0.636 

PCB-137 <0.447 e0.503 1.17 0.758 <0.679 <1.27 <0.573 <0.576 <0.804 

PCB-138 + 163 + 164 8.13 5.53 23.5 18.6 2.76 6.86 4.28 7.73 3.96 

PCB-139 + 149 7.44 4.7 20.1 16.1 1.77 5.1 3.13 4.91 2.4 

PCB-140 <0.409 <0.347 <0.382 <0.286 <0.309 <0.528 <0.460 <0.437 <0.361 

PCB-141 1.01 e0.414 2.77 2.47 <0.679 <1.27 <0.573 1.15 <0.804 

PCB-145 <0.409 <0.347 <0.382 <0.286 <0.309 <0.528 <0.460 <0.437 <0.361 

PCB-146 e1.05 0.719 2.72 2.09 e0.372 <0.472 <0.412 0.831 0.446 

PCB-147 <0.409 <0.347 0.805 0.63 <0.309 <0.528 <0.460 <0.437 <0.361 

PCB-148 <0.409 <0.347 <0.382 <0.286 <0.309 <0.528 <0.460 <0.437 <0.361 

PCB-150 <0.409 <0.347 <0.382 <0.286 <0.309 <0.528 <0.460 <0.437 <0.361 

PCB-151 2.03 1.67 5.5 4.26 0.608 1.49 1.05 1.48 0.711 

PCB-152 <0.409 <0.347 <0.382 <0.286 <0.309 <0.528 <0.460 <0.437 <0.361 

PCB-153 5.39 3.98 15.8 12.5 1.89 5.74 2.66 4.93 2.64 

PCB-154 <0.409 <0.347 <0.382 0.339 <0.309 <0.528 <0.460 <0.437 <0.361 

PCB-155 <0.279 <0.237 <0.261 <0.195 <0.211 <0.361 <0.314 <0.298 <0.247 

PCB-156 0.557 <0.282 1.29 1.09 <0.547 <1.02 <0.462 0.885 <0.648 

PCB-157 <0.375 <0.294 <0.489 <0.421 <0.570 <1.06 <0.481 <0.484 <0.675 

PCB-158 + 160 1.05 0.769 2.61 2.25 <0.679 <1.27 <0.573 1.13 <0.804 

PCB-159 <0.447 <0.350 <0.582 <0.502 <0.679 <1.27 <0.573 <0.576 <0.804 

PCB-161 <0.366 <0.311 <0.342 <0.256 <0.276 <0.472 <0.412 <0.391 <0.323 

PCB-162 <0.447 <0.350 <0.582 <0.502 <0.679 <1.27 <0.573 <0.576 <0.804 

PCB-165 <0.366 <0.311 <0.342 <0.256 <0.276 <0.472 <0.412 <0.391 <0.323 

PCB-166 <0.447 <0.350 <0.582 <0.502 <0.679 <1.27 <0.573 <0.576 <0.804 

PCB-167 <0.356 <0.279 0.685 0.516 <0.542 <1.01 <0.457 <0.459 <0.641 

PCB-169 e0.492 <0.290 <0.483 <0.416 <0.563 <1.05 <0.475 <0.478 <0.667 

PCB-170 + 190 0.891 <0.463 1.32 1.32 <0.235 e0.696 e0.499 1.02 1.07 

PCB-171 <0.228 <0.389 0.319 <0.281 <0.197 <0.278 <0.314 <0.268 <0.281 

PCB-172 + 192 <0.228 <0.389 <0.255 <0.281 <0.197 <0.278 <0.314 <0.268 <0.281 

PCB-173 <0.228 <0.389 <0.255 <0.281 <0.197 <0.278 <0.314 <0.268 <0.281 

PCB-174 + 181 <0.232 <0.395 1.01 0.923 <0.200 0.822 0.441 0.809 0.476 

PCB-175 <0.229 <0.390 <0.255 <0.281 <0.197 <0.279 <0.315 <0.268 <0.281 

PCB-176 <0.172 <0.293 <0.192 <0.211 <0.148 <0.210 <0.237 <0.202 <0.212 

PCB-177 0.367 <0.395 0.757 0.468 <0.200 0.311 <0.319 0.483 e0.323 

PCB-178 <0.229 <0.390 <0.255 <0.281 <0.197 <0.279 <0.315 <0.268 <0.281 

PCB-179 e3.59 e3.38 e3.54 e4.84 e3.29 e3.01 e4.64 e3.50 e5.31 

PCB-180 1.01 e0.453 2.12 1.52 0.438 1.53 1.24 1.84 1.13 

PCB-182 + 187 0.859 <0.390 1.19 1.13 0.307 1.02 0.498 1.09 0.602 

PCB-183 e0.261 <0.395 0.623 0.458 <0.200 0.511 <0.319 0.532 <0.285 

PCB-184 <0.172 <0.293 <0.192 <0.211 <0.148 <0.210 <0.237 <0.202 <0.212 

PCB-185 <0.232 <0.395 <0.258 <0.285 <0.200 <0.283 <0.319 <0.272 <0.285 

PCB-186 <0.229 <0.390 <0.255 <0.281 <0.197 <0.279 <0.315 <0.268 <0.281 

PCB-188 <0.172 <0.293 <0.192 <0.211 <0.148 <0.210 <0.237 <0.202 <0.212 

PCB-189 <0.193 <0.330 <0.216 <0.238 <0.167 <0.236 <0.267 <0.227 <0.238 

PCB-191 <0.228 <0.389 <0.255 <0.281 <0.197 <0.278 <0.314 <0.268 <0.281 

PCB-193 <0.228 <0.389 <0.255 <0.281 <0.197 <0.278 <0.314 <0.268 <0.281 

PCB-194 <0.392 <0.757 <0.700 <0.850 <0.664 <0.806 <0.661 <0.669 <0.608 

PCB-195 <0.392 <0.757 <0.700 <0.850 <0.664 <0.806 <0.661 <0.669 <0.608 
Table 16 93

Mother Brook and the Neponset River and Estuary from July 25 through August 12, 2005.—Continued

Ave., Avenue; -D, field duplicate; ng, nanogram; e, estimated; <, actual value is less than value shown; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Hyde Park 

Ave. 

(ng/sample)

Dana Ave. 

(ng/sample)

Fairmont 

Ave. 

(ng/sample)

Fairmont 

Ave.-D 

(ng/sample)

Milton Village 

Marina 

(ng/sample)

Granite 

Ave. 

(ng/sample)

Granite 

Ave.-D 

(ng/sample)

Neponset Ave. 

Rte. 3A Bridge 

(ng/sample)

Buoy 

(Neponset 

Estuary) 

(ng/sample)

Laboratory 

blank 

(ng/sample)

Matrix 

spike 

(percent 

recovery)

1.07

1.17

<0.769

6.14

4.11

<0.514

0.94

<0.514

<0.460

<0.514

<0.514

<0.514

1.38

<0.514

4.53

<0.514

<0.351

<0.620

<0.645

<0.769

<0.769

<0.460

<0.769

<0.460

<0.769

<0.613

<0.638

0.873

<0.273

<0.273

<0.273

0.616

<0.274

<0.206

0.36

<0.274

e3.42

1.52

0.7

<0.277

<0.206

<0.277

<0.274

<0.206

<0.232

<0.273

<0.273

<0.464

<0.464

1.15

1.46

e2.80

8.14

5.16

<0.224

1.08

<0.224

0.899

e0.257

<0.224

<0.224

1.53

<0.224

5.62

<0.224

<0.153

e1.15

<0.529

1.18

<0.630

<0.200

<0.630

<0.200

<0.630

<0.502

<0.522

2.49

0.318

<0.301

<0.301

1.16

<0.301

<0.227

0.645

<0.301

e5.04

3.26

1.29

0.724

<0.227

<0.305

<0.301

<0.227

<0.255

<0.301

<0.301

e1.15

<0.625

2.02

1.72

<0.893

12.5

8.35

<0.370

1.44

<0.370

1.84

1.51

<0.370

<0.370

3.28

<0.370

8.65

0.558

<0.253

1.86

<0.749

1.65

<0.893

<0.331

<0.893

<0.331

<0.893

<0.712

<0.740

5.12

0.923

0.626

<0.328

2.18

<0.328

0.258

1.76

0.786

e4.53

8.32

4.37

2.03

<0.247

<0.333

<0.328

<0.247

<0.278

<0.328

0.632

e3.68

e1.40

2.32

2.19

1.4

15.8

9.71

<0.498

2

<0.498

2.25

1.1

<0.498

<0.498

3.34

<0.498

10.4

0.562

<0.340

2.16

<0.688

2.59

<0.820

<0.445

<0.820

<0.445

<0.820

0.909

<0.680

4.39

0.526

0.633

<0.421

2.06

<0.422

<0.317

1.45

0.501

e5.24

6.78

3.14

1.73

<0.317

<0.427

<0.422

<0.317

<0.357

<0.421

0.642

e2.69

e1.15

0.849

1.27

<0.278

4.76

3.94

<0.334

0.355

<0.334

0.652

<0.334

<0.334

<0.334

1.38

<0.334

3.1

<0.334

<0.228

<0.224

<0.233

0.506

<0.278

<0.299

<0.278

<0.299

<0.278

<0.221

<0.230

0.333

<0.131

<0.131

<0.131

<0.133

<0.131

<0.0984

0.197

<0.131

e3.10

0.544

0.378

<0.133

<0.0984

<0.133

<0.131

<0.0984

<0.111

<0.131

<0.131

<0.320

<0.320

1.11

1.3

<0.286

5.65

4.6

<0.318

e0.554

<0.318

0.689

<0.318

<0.318

<0.318

1.5

<0.318

3.67

<0.318

<0.217

<0.230

<0.240

0.695

<0.286

<0.285

<0.286

<0.285

<0.286

<0.228

<0.237

0.522

<0.204

<0.204

<0.204

<0.207

<0.204

<0.154

0.307

<0.204

e3.03

0.741

0.676

<0.207

<0.154

<0.207

<0.204

<0.154

<0.173

<0.204

<0.204

<0.442

<0.442

0.982

1.19

<0.377

5.29

4.21

<0.294

0.399

<0.294

0.561

<0.294

<0.294

<0.294

1.6

<0.294

3.48

<0.294

<0.201

<0.303

<0.316

e0.699

<0.377

<0.263

<0.377

<0.263

<0.377

<0.300

<0.312

e0.654

<0.284

<0.284

<0.284

<0.289

<0.285

<0.214

<0.289

<0.285

e4.34

0.466

0.496

<0.289

<0.214

<0.289

<0.285

<0.214

<0.241

<0.284

<0.284

<0.331

<0.331

0.588

0.716

<0.410

3.38

2.82

<0.235

<0.410

<0.235

0.321

<0.235

<0.235

<0.235

0.841

<0.235

2.3

<0.235

<0.161

<0.330

<0.344

<0.410

<0.410

<0.210

<0.410

<0.210

<0.410

<0.327

<0.340

<0.317

<0.266

<0.266

<0.266

<0.270

<0.266

<0.200

<0.270

<0.266

e3.20

0.37

e0.419

<0.270

<0.200

<0.270

<0.266

<0.200

<0.225

<0.266

<0.266

<0.146

<0.146

0.764

0.893

<0.297

3.64

2.98

<0.310

e0.334

<0.310

0.41

<0.310

<0.310

<0.310

1.03

<0.310

2.6

<0.310

<0.212

<0.239

<0.249

0.374

<0.297

<0.277

<0.297

<0.277

<0.297

<0.237

<0.246

<0.311

<0.261

<0.261

<0.261

<0.265

<0.262

<0.197

<0.265

<0.262

e3.51

0.345

0.484

<0.265

<0.197

<0.265

<0.262

<0.197

<0.222

<0.261

<0.261

<0.327

<0.327

<0.0997

<0.0997

<0.0573

<0.0573

<0.0997

<0.0997

<0.0573

<0.0997

<0.0892

<0.0997

<0.0997

<0.0997

<0.124

<0.0997

<0.0513

<0.0997

<0.0681

<0.0462

<0.0481

<0.0573

<0.0573

<0.0892

<0.0573

<0.0892

<0.0573

<0.0457

<0.0475

<0.131

<0.110

<0.110

<0.110

<0.111

<0.110

<0.0827

<0.111

<0.110

e1.51

<0.110

<0.110

<0.111

<0.0827

<0.111

<0.110

<0.0827

<0.0931

<0.110

<0.110

<0.140

<0.140

--

--

--

94.2

103

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

100

--

92.4

--

90.2

96.5

99.8

--

--

--

--

--

--

96.7

97.9

97.8

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

97

96.4

101

--

--

--

92.2

99.5

--

--

105

--
94 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 16. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in hexane measured in passive in situ chemical-extraction samplers deployed in 

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; St., Street; 

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners 

Pleasant 

St. 

(ng/sample)

Neponset 

St. 

(ng/sample)

Paul’s 

Bridge 

(ng/sample)

Paul’s 

Bridge-D 

(ng/sample)

Incinerator 

Road 

(ng/sample)

Reservation Park 

(ng/sample)

Reservation 

Park-D 

(ng/sample)

Facility #2 

(ng/sample)

Facility 

#2-D 

(ng/sample)

PCB-196 + 203 <0.369 <0.712 <0.658 <0.799 <0.625 <0.757 <0.621 <0.628 <0.571 

PCB-197 <0.258 <0.498 <0.460 <0.559 <0.437 <0.530 <0.434 <0.439 <0.399 

PCB-198 <0.369 <0.712 <0.658 <0.799 <0.625 <0.757 <0.621 <0.628 <0.571 

PCB-199 <0.369 <0.712 <0.658 <0.799 <0.625 <0.757 <0.621 e0.726 <0.571 

PCB-200 <0.258 <0.498 <0.460 <0.559 <0.437 <0.530 <0.434 <0.439 <0.399 

PCB-201 <0.258 <0.498 <0.460 <0.559 <0.437 <0.530 <0.434 <0.439 <0.399 

PCB-202 <0.295 <0.570 <0.527 <0.640 <0.500 <0.606 <0.497 <0.503 <0.457 

PCB-204 <0.258 <0.498 <0.460 <0.559 <0.437 <0.530 <0.434 <0.439 <0.399 

PCB-205 <0.294 <0.568 <0.525 <0.637 <0.498 <0.604 <0.495 <0.501 <0.455 

PCB-206 <0.540 <0.431 <0.417 <0.536 <0.483 <0.590 <0.678 <0.681 <0.514 

PCB-207 e0.528 <0.369 <0.357 <0.459 <0.414 <0.505 <0.581 <0.583 <0.441 

PCB-208 <0.462 <0.369 <0.357 <0.459 <0.414 <0.505 <0.581 <0.583 <0.441 

PCB-209 <0.282 <0.477 <0.522 <0.344 <0.248 0.407 0.338 <0.310 <0.311 

Total 273 616 1,360 891 64.4 264 176 1,440 700 

Polychlorinated biphenyl homologs 

Total Monochlorobiphenyls <0.780 6.67 12.4 7.86 <0.248 3.91 3.62 58.9 23 

Total Dichlorobiphenyls 14.5 135 218 128 <0.462 23 18.6 311 141 

Total Trichlorobiphenyls 39.8 181 278 169 5.21 67.1 44.9 413 209 

Total Tetrachlorobiphenyls 87.1 181 399 259 22.4 79.9 54.6 476 235 

Total Pentachlorobiphenyls 92.8 89.4 336 238 28 61.7 37.8 148 77.4 

Total Hexachlorobiphenyls 35.1 23.9 106 83.6 8.01 23.3 14.3 29.7 11.5 

Total Heptachlorobiphenyls 3.13 <0.463 7.33 5.83 0.745 4.19 2.18 5.78 3.28 

Total Octachlorobiphenyls <0.392 <0.757 <0.700 <0.850 <0.664 <0.806 <0.661 <0.669 <0.608 

Total Nonachlorobiphenyls <0.540 <0.431 <0.417 <0.536 <0.483 <0.590 <0.678 <0.681 <0.514 

Decachlorobiphenyls <0.282 <0.477 <0.522 <0.344 <0.248 0.407 0.338 <0.310 <0.311 

Polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclors 

Aroclor 1221 <1.48 <0.702 <1.03 <1.79 <0.506 <1.53 <1.19 <0.795 <0.427 

Aroclor 1232 <2.70 <1.50 <2.77 <3.20 <1.40 <2.74 <2.14 <1.89 <1.23 

Aroclor 1016/1242 80.6 140 257 158 14.6 130 89.9 1,030 521 

Aroclor 1248 <3.97 <3.17 <2.95 <2.32 <2.72 <5.20 <3.67 <3.16 <2.22 

Aroclor 1254 162 133 543 391 38.2 123 77.1 306 156 

Aroclor 1260 13.5 <3.29 28.8 23.4 3.11 14.5 8.8 24.1 15.6 
Table 16 95

Mother Brook and the Neponset River and Estuary from July 25 through August 12, 2005.—Continued

 Ave., Avenue; -D, field duplicate; ng, nanogram; e, estimated; <, actual value is less than value shown; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Hyde Park Fairmont Fairmont Milton Village Granite Granite Neponset Ave. Dana Ave. Ave. Ave. Ave.-D Marina Ave. Ave.-D Rte. 3A Bridge (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample)

Buoy 

(Neponset 

Estuary) 

(ng/sample)

Laboratory 

blank 

(ng/sample)

Matrix 

spike 

(percent 

recovery)

<0.436 e1.15 3.67 2.61 <0.301 <0.416 <0.312 <0.137 <0.307 <0.132 99.9

<0.305 <0.411 <0.283 <0.611 <0.210 <0.291 <0.218 <0.0958 <0.215 <0.0922 --

<0.436 <0.588 <0.405 <0.873 <0.301 <0.416 <0.312 <0.137 <0.307 <0.132 --

<0.436 e0.909 e3.55 e2.63 <0.301 <0.416 <0.312 <0.137 <0.307 <0.132 --

<0.305 <0.411 e0.327 <0.611 <0.210 <0.291 <0.218 <0.0958 <0.215 <0.0922 --

<0.305 <0.411 e0.433 <0.611 <0.210 <0.291 <0.218 <0.0958 <0.215 <0.0922 --

<0.350 <0.471 e0.493 <0.699 <0.241 <0.333 <0.250 <0.110 <0.246 <0.106 97.5

<0.305 <0.411 <0.283 <0.611 <0.210 <0.291 <0.218 <0.0958 <0.215 <0.0922 --

<0.348 <0.469 <0.323 <0.696 <0.240 <0.332 <0.248 <0.109 <0.245 <0.105 99.3

<0.545 <0.839 1.84 1.14 <0.379 <0.442 <0.574 <0.622 <0.413 e0.268 96.4

<0.467 <0.718 <0.420 <0.892 <0.324 <0.378 <0.491 <0.533 <0.354 <0.144 --

<0.467 <0.718 0.532 <0.892 <0.324 <0.378 <0.491 <0.533 <0.354 <0.144 93.9

<0.292 <0.234 <0.285 <0.323 <0.137 <0.356 <0.362 <0.168 <0.138 <0.0555 87.5

1,940 1,690 5,020 5,360 5,240 2,680 2,710 1,020 889 0.916 --

Polychlorinated biphenyl homologs

253 163 1,060 1,120 752 178 178 34.9

612 507 2,290 2,250 2,370 922 944 293

525 504 1,010 1,120 1,380 881 902 366

416 362 442 591 615 560 555 258

23.3

225

318

244

<0.0413

<0.172

<0.127

<0.155

--

--

--

--

108 117 123 182 110 119 113 61.5 62.3 0.916 --

22.8 28.5 51.7 64.5 19.5 22.5 20.4 11 14.6 <0.124 --

4.07 9.89 27 21.9 1.45 2.25 0.962 0.37 0.829 <0.131 --

<0.464 <0.625 3.67 2.61 <0.320 <0.442 <0.331 <0.146 <0.327 <0.140 --

<0.545 <0.839 2.37 1.14 <0.379 <0.442 <0.574 <0.622 <0.413 <0.168 --

<0.292 <0.234 <0.285 <0.323 <0.137 <0.356 <0.362 <0.168 <0.138 <0.0555 --

Polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclors

<0.924 <1.26 <2.33 <0.987 <0.987 <1.54 <1.97 <2.24 <0.998 <0.188 --

<1.76 <2.25 <4.17 <2.35 <2.35 <2.82 <2.70 <4.01 <2.99 <0.372 --

1,170 1,020 2,740 2,660 2,660 1,840 1,860 745

<3.70 <2.63 <3.41 <3.47 <3.47 <3.75 <3.28 <2.20

623

<2.86

<0.415

<0.464

--

--

232 223 155 261 261 223 213 120 120 <3.02 --

17 46 110 91.6 91.6 8.97 3.31 2.63 2.45 <0.928 --
96 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 17. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in hexane measured in passive in situ chemical-extraction samplers deployed 

concurrently with the collection and analysis of white sucker tissue, Neponset River, Massachusetts, 2004.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; -D, field 

duplicate; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Tileston and 

Hollingsworth 

(ng/sample)

Tileston and 

Hollingsworth-D 

(ng/sample)

Walter Baker 

Impoundment 

(ng/sample)

Walter Baker 

Impoundment-D 

(ng/sample)

Laboratory 

blank 

(ng/sample)

Matrix spike 

(percent 

recovery)

PCB-1 419 392 176 335 <0.621 95.7

PCB-2 <1.20 <2.49 <0.758 <1.76 <0.613 --

PCB-3 31.9 31 13.1 25.2 <0.613 95.1

PCB-3 917 897 319 614 <1.08 91.6

PCB-5 + 8 303 306 115 217 <0.625 98.1

PCB-6 58.8 59.9 20.1 38.5 <0.625 --

PCB-7 + 9 13 12.5 4.59 8.62 <0.625 --

PCB-11 e9.93 e9.44 e6.26 e7.65 <0.625 --

PCB-12 + 13 e13.7 e13.3 e3.82 e7.45 <0.625 --

PCB-14 <0.539 <0.781 <0.488 <0.565 <0.625 --

PCB-15 131 127 34.5 65.2 <0.683 101

PCB-16 + 32 185 188 48.7 94.6 <1.52 --

PCB-17 139 143 37.6 73.3 <1.52 --

PCB-18 89.2 91.8 19.2 37 <1.52 87.7

PCB-19 151 155 43.3 83.9 <1.79 85.9

PCB-20 + 21 + 33 12.7 13.2 2.57 4.81 <0.944 --

PCB-22 19.2 19.5 4.22 8.05 <0.944 --

PCB-23 + 34 2.36 2.39 0.632 1.46 <1.04 91.4

PCB-24 + 27 91.3 93.1 25.6 50 <1.52 --

PCB-25 41.8 42.2 10.2 19.6 <1.04 --

PCB-26 70.6 73.2 16.9 32 <1.04 --

PCB-28 95.6 86.9 19.1 35 <1.05 106

PCB-29 <0.293 <0.452 <0.332 <0.423 <1.04 --

PCB-30 <0.430 <0.664 <0.488 <0.622 <1.52 --

PCB-31 114 127 29.6 59 <1.04 92.7

PCB-35 0.624 <0.985 <0.681 <1.25 <0.968 --

PCB-36 0.831 <0.960 <0.664 <1.22 <0.944 --

PCB-37 11 11.2 2.29 4.61 <0.968 110

PCB-38 <0.600 <0.985 <0.681 <1.25 <0.968 --

PCB-39 e0.586 <0.960 <0.664 <1.22 <0.944 --

PCB-40 7.75 7.61 1.62 2.69 <1.28 90.9

PCB-41 + 64 + 68 + 71 66.9 71.6 14.1 28.2 <0.963 --

PCB-42 + 59 22 22.4 4.52 8.82 <0.963 --

PCB-43 + 49 68 75.3 15.8 31.1 <1.00 86.5

PCB-44 40.6 42.7 7.47 14.9 <0.963 86

PCB-45 8.91 9.13 1.88 3.37 <0.857 --

PCB-46 4.71 5.17 1.03 1.82 <0.857 --

PCB-47 + 48 + 75 48.8 50.8 11.3 23.3 <0.857 --

PCB-50 0.878 0.831 <0.339 0.424 <0.713 --

PCB-51 14.4 15.5 3.71 7.6 <0.857 --

PCB-52 + 73 82.1 86.6 17.7 35.8 <0.857 81.7

PCB-53 32.9 35.2 7.73 15.8 <0.857 --

PCB-54 2.35 2.63 0.674 1.26 <0.713 70.1

PCB-55 <0.519 <0.921 <0.418 <0.553 <0.687 --

PCB-56 + 60 10.5 10.4 2.37 4.5 <0.687 95.8
Table 17 97

Table 17. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in hexane measured in passive in situ chemical-extraction samplers deployed 

concurrently with the collection and analysis of white sucker tissue, Neponset River, Massachusetts, 2004.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; -D, field 

duplicate; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Tileston and 

Hollingsworth 

(ng/sample)

Tileston and 

Hollingsworth-D 

(ng/sample)

Walter Baker Walter Baker 

Impoundment Impoundment-D 

(ng/sample) (ng/sample)

Laboratory 

blank 

(ng/sample)

Matrix spike 

(percent 

recovery)

PCB-57

PCB-58

PCB-61 + 74

PCB-62 + 65

PCB-63

PCB-66 + 80

PCB-67

PCB-69

PCB-70 + 76

PCB-72

PCB-77

PCB-78

PCB-79

PCB-81

PCB-82

PCB-83 + 108

PCB-84

PCB-85 + 120

PCB-86 + 97

PCB-87 + 115 + 116

PCB-88 + 121

PCB-89 + 90 + 101

PCB-91

PCB-92

PCB-93 + 95

PCB-94

PCB-96

PCB-98 + 102

PCB-99

PCB-100

PCB-103

PCB-104

PCB-105 + 127

PCB-106 + 118

PCB-107 + 109

PCB-110

PCB-111 + 117

PCB-112

PCB-113

PCB-114

PCB-119

PCB-122

PCB-123

PCB-124

PCB-125

1.78

<0.968

11.6

<0.324

3.02

19.5

1.72

e0.453

21.1

2.03

2.46

<0.600

<0.600

<0.600

2.1

1.64

7.28

3.39

5.97

6.97

<0.321

17.6

6.08

5.14

25.7

0.678

0.731

1.98

8.12

0.448

0.573

<0.227

2.74

8.15

e0.728

23.4

1.33

0.427

<0.267

<0.362

1.19

<0.362

<0.367

0.382

<0.504

2.32

<1.72

11.7

<0.793

2.93

21.1

2.19

<0.793

22.2

2.01

2.49

<0.986

<0.986

<0.986

1.92

1.72

7.55

3.65

6.24

7.34

<0.513

19

6.78

5.83

28.3

0.582

0.918

2.11

8.86

<0.513

0.694

<0.363

2.95

9.53

e0.923

24.9

1.37

<0.502

<0.428

<0.633

1.12

<0.633

<0.682

<0.615

<0.882

<0.779

<0.779

2.33

<0.408

0.736

4.25

<0.779

<0.408

4.56

0.563

0.589

<0.418

<0.418

<0.418

<0.660

e0.426

1.89

0.897

1.48

1.72

<0.240

4.82

1.59

1.49

6.92

<0.240

<0.240

0.514

2.18

<0.240

<0.240

<0.169

0.603

2.33

<0.460

6.26

<0.660

<0.234

<0.200

<0.473

e0.325

<0.473

<0.501

<0.460

<0.660

<1.03

<1.03

5.28

<0.269

1.6

9.05

<1.03

<0.269

9.49

1.02

1.18

<0.422

<0.422

<0.422

1.02

e0.85

3.35

1.76

3.04

3.69

<0.293

9.78

3.4

2.93

13.2

<0.293

0.352

1.08

4.52

<0.293

e0.461

<0.207

1.61

4.62

0.577

12.6

e0.639

<0.286

<0.244

<0.339

0.73

<0.339

<0.366

<0.330

<0.473

<1.28

<1.28

<0.660

<0.857

<0.660

<0.660

<1.28

<0.857

<0.660

<0.963

<0.662

<0.662

<0.662

<0.662

<0.746

<0.865

<0.737

<0.746

<0.746

<0.746

<0.885

<0.737

<0.885

<0.737

<0.885

<0.885

<0.885

<0.885

<0.720

<0.885

<0.885

<0.625

<0.546

<0.631

<0.520

<0.520

<0.746

<0.865

<0.737

<0.535

<0.720

<0.535

<0.631

<0.520

<0.746

--

--

--

--

--

91.4

--

--

--

--

105

--

--

105

--

--

--

--

--

105

--

100

--

--

94.4

--

--

--

100

--

--

--

82.2

105

98.9

104

--

--

--

109

--

--

90

--

--
98 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 17. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in hexane measured in passive in situ chemical-extraction samplers deployed 

concurrently with the collection and analysis of white sucker tissue, Neponset River, Massachusetts, 2004.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; -D, field 

duplicate; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Tileston and 

Hollingsworth 

(ng/sample)

Tileston and 

Hollingsworth-D 

(ng/sample)

Walter Baker 

Impoundment 

(ng/sample)

Walter Baker 

Impoundment-D 

(ng/sample)

Laboratory 

blank 

(ng/sample)

Matrix spike 

(percent 

recovery)

PCB-126 <0.381 <0.667 <0.499 <0.358 <0.564 --

PCB-128 0.986 1.42 0.326 0.772 <0.847 --

PCB-129 <0.573 <0.903 <0.320 <0.361 <0.847 --

PCB-130 <0.573 <0.903 <0.320 <0.361 <0.847 --

PCB-131 + 142 <0.187 <0.632 <0.303 <0.301 <0.718 --

PCB-132 + 168 2.63 3.12 0.933 1.53 <0.807 --

PCB-133 <0.187 <0.632 <0.303 <0.301 <0.718 --

PCB-134 + 143 0.499 <0.632 <0.303 <0.301 <0.718 --

PCB-135 + 144 1.3 1.5 e0.351 0.864 <0.718 --

PCB-136 1.55 1.63 0.459 0.945 <0.718 --

PCB-137 <0.487 <0.767 <0.272 <0.307 <0.720 --

PCB-138 + 163 + 164 6.56 6.99 1.96 4.13 <0.720 93.2

PCB-139 + 149 5.72 5.94 1.74 3.34 <0.718 109

PCB-140 <0.187 <0.632 <0.303 <0.301 <0.718 --

PCB-141 0.744 0.975 <0.272 0.478 <0.720 --

PCB-145 <0.187 <0.632 <0.303 <0.301 <0.718 --

PCB-146 0.795 0.982 0.342 0.598 <0.655 --

PCB-147 0.261 <0.632 <0.303 <0.301 <0.718 --

PCB-148 <0.187 <0.632 <0.303 <0.301 <0.718 --

PCB-150 <0.187 <0.632 <0.303 <0.301 <0.718 --

PCB-151 1.72 1.85 0.564 0.999 <0.854 107

PCB-152 <0.187 <0.632 <0.303 <0.301 <0.718 --

PCB-153 4.18 5.22 1.5 2.96 <0.686 96.4

PCB-154 <0.187 <0.632 <0.303 <0.301 <0.718 --

PCB-155 <0.134 <0.451 <0.216 <0.215 <0.513 93.9

PCB-156 <0.410 <0.647 <0.229 0.283 <0.607 93.9

PCB-157 <0.422 <0.666 <0.236 <0.266 <0.624 97.2

PCB-158 + 160 e0.802 0.895 <0.272 0.527 <0.720 --

PCB-159 <0.487 <0.767 <0.272 <0.307 <0.720 --

PCB-161 <0.171 <0.576 <0.276 <0.274 <0.655 --

PCB-162 <0.487 <0.767 <0.272 <0.307 <0.720 --

PCB-165 <0.171 <0.576 <0.276 <0.274 <0.655 --

PCB-166 <0.487 <0.767 <0.272 <0.307 <0.720 --

PCB-167 <0.410 <0.646 <0.229 <0.258 <0.606 97.1

PCB-169 <0.435 <0.686 <0.243 <0.274 <0.643 97.6

PCB-170 + 190 0.521 <0.634 <0.329 e0.828 <0.635 99.2

PCB-171 <0.295 <0.497 <0.258 <0.325 <0.498 --

PCB-172 + 192 <0.295 <0.497 <0.258 <0.325 <0.498 --

PCB-173 <0.295 <0.497 <0.258 <0.325 <0.498 --

PCB-174 + 181 <0.302 <0.509 <0.264 <0.333 <0.510 --

PCB-175 <0.301 <0.508 <0.264 <0.332 <0.509 --

PCB-176 <0.229 <0.387 <0.201 <0.253 <0.388 --

PCB-177 <0.302 <0.509 <0.264 <0.333 <0.510 --

PCB-178 <0.301 <0.508 <0.264 <0.332 <0.509 --

PCB-179 <0.229 <0.387 <0.201 <0.253 <0.388 --
Table 17 99

Table 17. Polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in hexane measured in passive in situ chemical-extraction samplers deployed 

concurrently with the collection and analysis of white sucker tissue, Neponset River, Massachusetts, 2004.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; -D, field 

duplicate; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Tileston and 

Hollingsworth 

(ng/sample)

Tileston and 

Hollingsworth-D 

(ng/sample)

Walter Baker Walter Baker 

Impoundment Impoundment-D 

(ng/sample) (ng/sample)

Laboratory 

blank 

(ng/sample)

Matrix spike 

(percent 

recovery)

PCB-180

PCB-182 + 187

PCB-183

PCB-184

PCB-185

PCB-186

PCB-188

PCB-189

PCB-191

PCB-193

PCB-194

PCB-195

PCB-196 + 203

PCB-197

PCB-198

PCB-199

PCB-200

PCB-201

PCB-202

PCB-204

PCB-205

PCB-206

PCB-207

PCB-208

PCB-209

Total

0.666

0.47

<0.302

<0.229

<0.302

<0.301

<0.229

<0.293

<0.295

<0.295

<0.333

<0.333

<0.320

<0.220

<0.320

<0.320

<0.220

<0.220

<0.244

<0.220

<0.255

<0.496

<0.453

<0.453

<0.252

3,530

0.801

0.631

<0.509

<0.387

<0.509

<0.508

<0.387

<0.494

<0.497

<0.497

<0.736

<0.736

<0.707

<0.486

<0.707

<0.707

<0.486

<0.486

<0.539

<0.486

<0.563

<1.04

<0.951

<0.951

<0.408

3,550

0.377

<0.264

<0.264

<0.201

<0.264

<0.264

<0.201

<0.256

<0.258

<0.258

<0.439

<0.439

<0.422

<0.290

<0.422

<0.422

<0.290

<0.290

<0.322

<0.290

<0.336

<0.609

<0.556

<0.556

<0.310

1,090

0.839

0.487

<0.333

<0.253

<0.333

<0.332

<0.253

<0.323

<0.325

<0.325

<0.387

<0.387

<0.373

<0.256

<0.373

<0.373

<0.256

<0.256

<0.284

<0.256

<0.296

<0.529

<0.483

<0.483

<0.270

2,100

<0.498

<0.509

<0.510

<0.388

<0.510

<0.509

<0.388

<0.495

<0.498

<0.498

<0.820

<0.820

<0.788

<0.542

<0.788

<0.788

<0.542

<0.542

<0.601

<0.542

<0.627

<0.991

<0.905

<0.905

<0.394

<1.79

90.9

94.8

97.9

--

--

--

90

98.8

--

--

96.1

--

101

--

--

--

--

--

94.6

--

95.2

101

--

107

95

--

Polychlorinated biphenyl homologs

Total Monochlorobiphenyls

Total Dichlorobiphenyls

Total Trichlorobiphenyls

Total Tetrachlorobiphenyls

Total Pentachlorobiphenyls

Total Hexachlorobiphenyls

Total Heptachlorobiphenyls

Total Octachlorobiphenyls

Total Nonachlorobiphenyls

Decachlorobiphenyls

451

1,420

1,020

474

132

26.9

1.66

<0.333

<0.496

<0.252

423

1,400

1,050

503

141

30.5

1.43

<0.736

<1.04

<0.408

189

493

260

103

32.7

7.83

0.377

<0.439

<0.609

<0.310

360

944

503

207

68.3

17.4

1.33

<0.387

<0.529

<0.270

<0.621

<1.08

<1.79

<1.28

<0.885

<0.854

<0.635

<0.820

<0.991

<0.394

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

Polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclors

Aroclor 1221

Aroclor 1232

Aroclor 1016/1242

Aroclor 1248

Aroclor 1254

Aroclor 1260

<2.32

<4.15

2,290

<2.74

211

8.42

<4.79

<8.57

2,330

<5.1

224

5.69

<1.46

<2.61

695

<2.62

53.7

2.68

<3.4

<6.08

1,320

<2.92

113

5.96

<1.19 --

<5.18 --

<5.78 --

<5.52 --

<7.46 --

<4.51 --
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Appendix 1 101

Appendix 1. Sampling and Sample Processing

Techniques

Contents

Sampling and Sample Processing Techniques.....................................................................................102

Bottom-Sediment Grab Sampling and Sample Processing.......................................................102

Automatic, Flow-Proportional, Fixed-Point Sampling of Water and Sample Processing.....102

Fish Sampling and Processing for Tissue Samples ....................................................................102

Stormwater Sampling and Sample Processing...........................................................................103

Passive Chemical-Extraction Samplers........................................................................................103

Reference....................................................................................................................................................103

Figure

1–1. Photograph showing (A) apparatus and (B) schematic diagram of apparatus for the 

separation of particulate (with diameters greater than one micron) and dissolved 

(with diameters less than one micron) polychlorinated biphenyls ..................................103
102 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Appendix 1. Sampling and Sample Processing Techniques

Sampling techniques included automatic, flow-proportional, 

fixed point sampling of water and the collection of bottom-sediment 

grab, fish-tissue, stormwater, and passive in situ chemicalextraction samples.

Bottom-Sediment Grab Sampling and Sample 

Processing

Bottom-sediment grab samples were collected at 23 locations 

in the Neponset River, Neponset River Estuary, and Mother Brook. In 

water deeper than about 3 ft, the top 4 in. of sediment was collected 

by means of a stainless-steel dredge. In water shallower than about 

3 ft, bottom sediment was scooped by a Teflon scoop directly into a 

precleaned Teflon bag. A minimum of three samples was collected 

at each sampling location. In the lab, grab samples were manually 

homogenized in the Teflon bag and squeezed out of the bag into 

500-mL amber-glass jars. Sediment grab samples were sent on ice 

to a commercial laboratory for PCB-congener analysis. Subsamples 

were also collected and sent to a commercial laboratory for 

elemental analysis. 

Automatic, Flow-Proportional, Fixed-Point 

Sampling of Water and Sample Processing

The mass of PCBs transported in river water to the estuary 

was measured for one year (May 2005 to April 2006) by outfitting 

a USGS streamgage (Neponset River at Milton Village, 011055566) 

with an ISCO automated sampler and Campbell Scientific, Inc.14

data logger. Each time a specified volume of water passed the 

streamgage, the data logger initiated a sequence that included 

purging the intake line; rinsing the intake line with river water; 

and opening a two-way valve, which directed a 50-mL sample 

of river water into a 20–L precleaned Teflon bag. The specified 

volume was 1.6, 3.2, or 6.4 Mft3

, predicted on the basis of longterm discharge records and local weather forecasts. The 50-mL 

samples were composited in this way for 1 month. At the end of 

each month, the samples were retrieved and brought to the USGS 

laboratory in Northborough. One exception to this procedure was 

implemented during March and April 2006, when low streamflow 

necessitated combining the water samples collected during these 

two months into one sample. For this reason, 11 (instead of 12) 

flow-proportional water samples were collected between May 2005 

and April 2006, with each sample consisting of 120 to 617 discrete 

samples. These samples comprise a total of 2,656 discrete water 

samples or about 133 L of river water collected over a period of one 

year. Ideally, similar numbers of samples would have been collected 

each month; however, unpredictable changes in the flow regime as 

14 Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does 

not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

a result of changes in weather (for example, storms or dry spells) 

and streamflow regulation (for example, diversion of water from the 

Charles River into Mother Brook) resulted in variation in the number 

of discrete monthly samples collected.

Dissolved and particulate PCBs in water samples were 

extracted from the water phase onto a glass-fiber filter (GFF; 

particulate) and an XAD–2 resin column (dissolved). Samples were 

pumped slowly at less than 3 mL/min by a peristaltic pump with 

C–Flex tubing in the pump head and Teflon tubing through a GFF with 

0.1-μm pore size that had been baked at 400°C for 4 hours and a 

XAD–2 resin extraction column (fig. 1–1). Teflon tubing and the filter 

housing were cleaned by soaking in acetone, hexane, and methanol, 

in that order (Litten, 1993); C–Flex tubing was soaked in methanol 

only. After being soaked, the tubing and filter housings were rinsed 

with tap water. After the sample was filtered, the Teflon sample bag 

was rinsed with 1 L of tap water, which was also filtered through the 

GFF cartridge and XAD–2 extraction column, to remove any remaining 

solids left behind in the bag. GFF cartridges, XAD columns, and Teflon 

sample bags were wrapped in hexane-rinsed aluminum foil, put on 

ice, and shipped to a commercial laboratory for PCB analysis. 

Fish Sampling and Processing for Tissue 

Samples

White sucker (Catostomus commersoni) were collected 

twice (in August 2003 and September 2005) from the Tileston and 

Hollingsworth and Walter Baker Impoundments in gill nets along 

the bank and across the river. Eight fish were collected from each 

impoundment on each sampling date (a total of 32 fish), stored 

on ice, and brought back to the USGS laboratory in Northborough. 

Common mummichog were collected from the Neponset River 

Estuary on July 6, 2006, in minnow traps baited with cat food. 

Cat-food containers were perforated with a sharp knife so that the 

fish could smell, but not eat, the bait and were placed in the 

minnow traps.

In the lab, fish were measured and weighed. Fish were then 

wrapped in aluminum foil, packed on ice, and shipped overnight to 

a commercial laboratory for PCB-congener analysis. Fish collected 

in 2003 were skinned and filleted prior to analysis, whereas fish 

collected in 2005 were analyzed whole. White sucker collected in 

2005, however, had their stomach contents emptied prior to analysis 

by removal of the intestinal tract, extrusion of the contents, and 

replacement of the intestines. Intestinal contents were removed 

so that PCB-congener concentrations and patterns measured in 

fish tissue were not biased by PCB-contaminated bottom sediment 

that may have been ingested by the fish just prior to capture. This 

procedure was done to determine the primary pathway(s)—PCBcontaminated water and (or) PCB-contaminated bottom sediment—

through which fish, white sucker in particular, became contaminated 

with PCBs in the Neponset River. Five samples of filleted and whole 

fish were homogenized by sampling location and date.
Appendix 1 103

Teflon sample bag

Peristaltic 

pump 

1.0 micron glass fiber 

filter cartridge holder

XAD-2 resin 

extraction column

Graduated 

cylinder

Teflon tubing

Sample

A

B

Figure 1–1. (A) Apparatus and (B) schematic diagram of 

apparatus for the separation of particulate (with diameters greater 

than one micron) and dissolved (with diameters less than one 

micron) polychlorinated biphenyls.

Stormwater Sampling and Sample Processing

Isokinetic, equal-width integrated (EWI) samples were collected 

by means of a USGS DH–81 sampler with a 1–L precleaned (acetone, 

hexane, and DIW rinse) Teflon bottle at about 20 locations along 

the cross section of the river. Once filled, the 1–L Teflon bottle 

was poured into a 20–L Teflon bag. While water quality was being 

sampled, concurrent measurements of streamflow were made with 

an acoustic doppler current profiler (ADCP). Water samples were 

brought back to the USGS laboratory in Northborough and processed 

as described previously.

Passive Chemical-Extraction Samplers

PISCES were deployed at 15 sampling locations in the 

Neponset River, Neponset River Estuary, and Mother Brook. Prior 

to deployment, samplers were cleaned in the laboratory with soap 

and water and a deionized water (DIW) rinse and then were air 

dried. Low-density polyethylene membranes and Viton O–Rings 

were cleaned by a 7-hour Soxhlet extraction with hexane. After 

being cleaned, the samplers were assembled and wrapped in 

hexane-rinsed aluminum foil. In the field, the assembled samplers 

were rinsed with hexane again and were filled with 0.2 L of hexane 

just before deployment. PISCES were attached to cinder blocks, 

buoys, bridges, or pilings about 6 in. below the surface of the water. 

Dissolved PCBs diffuse from the water column through the membrane 

during the time the samplers are deployed, thus providing timeintegrated samples of dissolved PCBs. PISCES were retrieved after 

nearly two weeks. At the time of sample collection, hexane from 

each PISCES was carefully poured into a 125-mL amber-glass vial and 

sent on ice to AXYS Analytical Laboratory for PCB-congener analysis. 

At the time of retrieval, water temperature and specific conductance 

were measured, and the condition of each sampler was noted.

Reference

Litten, S., Mead, B., and Hassett, J., 1993, Application of passive 

samplers (PISCES) to locating a source of PCBs on the Black River, 

New York: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 12, 

p. 639–647.
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Appendix 2 105

Appendix 2. Chemical Analysis of Water, 

Sediment, and Fish

Contents

Chemical Analysis of Water, Sediment, and Fish .................................................................................106

PCB–Congener Analysis..................................................................................................................106

Bias and Variability of PCB–Congener Concentrations .............................................................106

Elemental Analysis............................................................................................................................107

Bias and Variability of Element Concentrations ..........................................................................107
106 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Appendix 2. Chemical Analysis of Water, Sediment, and Fish

Water, bottom-sediment, fish-tissue, stormwater, and passive 

in situ chemical-extraction samples were analyzed for 209 PCB 

congeners using high-resolution gas chromatography/low-resolution 

mass spectrometry (HRGC/LRMS). Fish-tissue samples were also 

analyzed for three nonorthosubstituted, coplanar PCBs using highresolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry 

(HRGC/HRMS).15

PCB–Congener Analysis

AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., a commercial laboratory in 

Sidney, British Columbia, Canada, analyzed the water, bottomsediment, and fish-tissue samples. Methods were documented in 

internal documents prepared by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., 

hereafter named AXYS Analytical (AXYS Analytical, written commun., 

2005). The condition of each sample received at the laboratory was 

noted, including labeling, holding times, and temperature. Samples 

were stored at the laboratory at -20°C until analysis. Just prior to 

analysis, samples or subsamples split on the basis of weight were 

spiked with a blend of isotopically labeled (13C) surrogate standards 

and extracted. Sediment and tissue samples were dried with sodium 

sulphate (Na2

SO4) prior to extraction. Samples were extracted by 

means of the Soxhlet procedure with dichloromethane (DCM), 

with the exception of particulate samples, which were extracted 

by the Dean-Stark procedure with toluene. Tissue samples were 

also eluted through a gel-permeation column to remove lipids. For 

water samples, the masses of PCBs on the filter and resin column 

(in nanograms) quantified the mass of PCBs in the volume of water 

that had passed through the filter and column in each sample. Mass 

values were divided by the volume of each water sample to give 

dissolved and particulate PCB concentrations. Teflon sample bags 

used to collect water samples were rinsed with seastar water, 

methanol, and DCM, in that order. After the methanol and water 

were discarded, the DCM was dried by means of Na2

SO4 and added 

to the XAD extract. 

Next, extracts were split into two or more samples by weight; 

one split sample was archived or, in the case of tissue analysis, used 

for HRGC/HRMS. The one-half of the extract for chemical analysis 

was purified by means of Florisil or a combination of Florisil, acid/

base silica, and alumina chromatographic columns (not necessarily 

in that order). Tissue-sample extracts were further purified in carbon 

celite chromatographic columns to remove selected analytes. Once 

purified, the extracts were reduced in volume, spiked with labeled 

recovery (internal) standards, and split into two equal fractions. 

One fraction was analyzed for PCBs by HRGC/LRMS. In some cases, 

extracts were diluted and reanalyzed.

PCB concentrations were determined by HRGC/LRMS with 

a gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with a quadrupole mass 

15 Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does 

not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

spectrometer (MS). A J&W Scientific, Inc., DB-5 chromatography 

column (60 m, 0.25-mm inside diameter, 0.10-μm film thickness) 

was coupled directly to the MS source. The MS was operated at a 

unit-mass resolution in the electron ionization (EI) mode with multiple 

ion detection (MID) that acquired two characteristic ions for each 

target analyte and surrogate standard. A splitless/split injection 

sequence was used (AXYS Analytical, written commun., 2005). Gas 

chromatography/electron capture detection (ECD) analysis was done 

with a gas chromatograph, a 63Ni electron-capture detector, and an 

integrator. A J&W Scientific DB–5 capillary column was coupled 

directly to the ECD source. When needed, confirmation was provided 

by simultaneous analysis with a J&W Scientific DB–17MS capillary 

column (30 m long, 0.25-mm inside diameter, 0.25-μm film thickness) 

(AXYS Analytical, written commun., 2005).

Coplanar PCB congeners were analyzed by means of a 

Micromass Ultima high-resolution mass selective detector (MSD) 

interfaced to a HP 6890 GC. A DB–5 chromatography column was 

coupled directly to the MS source. The MS was operated at 10,000 

(static) mass resolution in the EI mode with MID. At least two ions 

were acquired for each target and surrogate compound. Target 

concentrations were determined by the isotope-dilution or internalstandard method by means of Micromass OPUSQUAN software. A 

splitless/split injection sequence was used.

Initial calibration was done by means of a series of solutions 

that covered the working concentration range of the instrument. 

These solutions contained surrogates, recovery standards, and target 

compounds. Calibration was verified at least once every 12 hours by 

analysis of a midlevel calibration standard. Sample-specific detection 

limits were determined from the analysis data by converting the 

minimum detectable signal (equal to three times the noise level) to 

a concentration by the same procedures used to convert the target 

peak response to concentrations. (AXYS Analytical, written 

commun., 2005).

Bias and Variability of PCB–Congener 

Concentrations

Environmental samples were analyzed by AXYS Analytical in 

batches of 20 samples or fewer. Each sample batch was accompanied 

by quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) samples—including 

procedural blanks, 13C-labeled surrogate standards, labeled recovery 

(internal) standards, matrix-spike samples, or laboratory duplicate 

samples—to test laboratory bias and variability. Before analytical 

results were accepted, QA/QC had to meet method criteria that 

included PCB–congener concentrations measured in procedural 

blanks that were less than 1 ng/sample; congener-specific percentrecovery values for 13C-labeled surrogate standards, recovery 

standards, and matrix-spike samples that generally were 40–

130 percent, 60–130 percent, and 60–130 percent, respectively; 

and relative percent differences (RPD) between duplicate samples 

of 40 percent or less. Laboratory instruments were calibrated in 
Appendix 2 107

accordance with AXYS Analytical’s standard operating procedures 

(SOP; AXYS Analytical, written commun., 2005). The percent 

difference between midlevel calibration standards and calibration 

verification concentrations had to be within 20 percent of the actual 

concentrations. The condition of each batch and the results of QA/QC 

samples are discussed by sample type and batch in appendix 3.

Elemental Analysis

SGS Laboratory, a commercial laboratory in Ontario, Canada, 

analyzed the bottom-sediment samples. The condition of each sample 

received at the laboratory was noted, including labeling, holding 

times, temperature. Just prior to chemical analysis, an aliquot (about 

1 g) was collected from each bottom-sediment grab sample and 

milled in a stainless-steel mortar.16 Next, the sample was digested in 

2 mL of nitric acid HNO3

 and heated at 80 to 90°C for 0.5 hour. After 

the sample had cooled slightly, the digestates were spiked with 

4 mL of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and heated for 2 hours in a water 

bath. Next, the digestates were allowed to cool to room temperature 

16 Milling of bottom-sediment samples may expose to the digestive acids elements 

that otherwise would be locked in mineral grains. Therefore, elements exposed to 

digestive acids by milling are likely to be detected at greater concentrations than 

elements in unmilled samples. Milling may bias samples by increasing measured 

concentrations of chromium and nickel.

and diluted with distilled water to a final volume of 20 mL. About 

5 mL of this solution was poured into a test tube for inductively 

coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) analysis by an 

Optima spectrometer.

Bias and Variability of Element Concentrations

Environmental samples were analyzed by SGS in batches of up 

to 40 samples. Each batch was accompanied by QA/QC samples—

including procedural blanks, laboratory spikes, matrix spikes, matrixspike samples, recovery standards, or standard reference material—

to test laboratory bias and variability. Before analytical results were 

accepted, QA/QC samples had to meet method criteria that included 

element concentrations measured in procedural blanks that were less 

than quantification limits; RPDs between laboratory duplicate and 

matrix-spike samples that were no more than 10 percent; percentrecovery ranges that were 50–100 percent; and standard reference 

materials that were within 20 percent of certified values. Laboratory 

instruments were calibrated in accordance with the SOPs of SGS 

(SOP; SGS, written commun., 2005) and were required to meet 

method specifications. The condition of each batch and the results 

of the QA/QC analysis are discussed by sample type and batch in 

appendix 3.
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Appendix 3 109

Appendix 3. Quality Assurance and Quality

Control

Contents

Quality Assurance and Quality Control ..................................................................................................110

Bias and Variability in Field and Laboratory Analyses ...............................................................110

Flow-Proportional Water Samples (AXYS Batches WG16542, WG17610, WG18055, 

and WG18692) ......................................................................................................................111

Passive In Situ Chemical-Extraction Samples (AXYS Batches WG13865 and WG16781)....112

Bottom-Sediment Grab Samples (AXYS Batch WG16492).........................................................112

Fish-Tissue Samples (AXYS Batches WG15112, WG17077, WG17812, and WG19863) .........112

Bottom-Sediment Grab Samples (SGS, Batch 084037)...............................................................113

References..................................................................................................................................................113

Tables

3–1. Percent recoveries of 13C-labeled surrogate standards measured in spiked 

XAD columns .............................................................................................................................110

3–2. Masses and concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls in point and equal-widthincrement water samples collected at the U.S. Geological Survey streamgage 

Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Massachusetts, June 7, 2006 ................114

3–3. Masses and concentrations of particulate and dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls 

in equipment blanks .................................................................................................................119
110 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Appendix 3. Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Field and laboratory quality-assurance/quality-control (QA/QC) 

samples were evaluated as part of this study. Field QA/QC samples 

included field duplicates, 13C-labeled field spikes, an equipment 

blank, a standard reference material, and a pair of samples collected 

to characterize differences between fixed-point samples and 

samples integrated across the channel cross section. Laboratory 

QA/QC samples included procedural blanks, 13C-labeled surrogate 

standards, recovery standards, matrix-spike samples, and laboratory 

duplicate samples.

Bias and Variability in Field and Laboratory 

Analyses

Environmental samples were collected and analyzed along 

with QA/QC samples, including field duplicates and 13C-labeled 

field spikes. These QA/QC samples were collected, processed, and 

analyzed in exactly the same way as the environmental samples. 

Therefore, by their very nature, field QA/QC samples are affected 

by bias and variability associated with environmental conditions, 

sample collection, and sample processing, as well as with laboratory 

processing (appendix 1). Duplicate PISCES samples were collected 

at 7 of 15 locations from two samplers hung from the same buoy/

cinder block at the same location and analyzed separately. Duplicate 

sediment samples collected at 2 of 13 locations consisted of two 

representative aliquots of sediment that were taken from separate 

bottom-sediment grab samples and analyzed separately. Field spikes 

were processed by XAD columns that were spiked with 13C-labeled 

surrogate standards.

Field QA/QC data17� indicate that PCBs (and other constituents) 

in samples were neither lost nor gained as a result of processing, 

shipping, handling, holding times, or laboratory analytical procedures: 

•	RPDs for total PCB-congener concentrations between duplicate PISCES samples ranged from 0.56 to 69 percent and 

averaged about 32 percent; however, the range of RPDs for 

individual PCB congeners was much wider;

•	RPDs for total PCB-congener concentrations between duplicate sediment grab samples ranged from 26 to 51 percent 

and averaged about 39 percent; however, the range of RPDs 

for individual PCB congeners was much wider;

•	Root mean square differences (RMSDs) between PCB concentrations in duplicate PISCES samples ranged from 0.05 to 

0.30 and averaged about 0.18;

•	RMSDs between PCB concentrations in duplicate sediment 

grab split samples ranged from 0.11 to 0.21 and averaged 

about 0.16;

17 Data presented here are from PISCES and sediment-grab samples collected as 

part of this study.

•	RPDs calculated for detectable element concentrations 

between duplicate bottom-sediment grab samples were 

less than 25 percent (8.9 percent, on average) with a few 

exceptions. In particular, RPDs calculated for detectable copper, molybdenum, silver, and zinc concentrations measured 

in BGY–141 split samples were 26, 46, 86, and 27 percent, 

respectively; and

•	Percent recoveries of 13C-labeled surrogate standards measured in spiked XAD columns ranged from 82 to 130 percent 

and averaged about 100 percent (table 3–1).

In addition to routine QA/QC, samples were collected to test 

the study design. Specifically, the use of a single point sample to represent concentrations across the river was tested by collecting paired 

water samples. The sample pair consisted of a 17–L water sample 

collected at the fixed-point sampling location (the USGS streamgage 

at Milton Village) by means of the pump from the automatic sampler 

and a 14–L water sample collected by equal-width increment (EWI) 

methods (Wilde and others, 1999) at the same time from the entire 

width of the river. These samples were processed and analyzed by 

the same methods as the other water samples.

Table 3–1. Percent recoveries of 13C-labeled surrogate 

standards measured in spiked XAD columns.

[

13C, Carbon-13, a natural, stable isotope of carbon; EWI, equal-widthintergrated sample; --, not done]

Sample Batch

13C-labeled surrogates

PCB-31 PCB-95 PCB-153

May 05a WG16542 93.3 103 96.7

May 05b WG16542 100 99.4 103

June 05 WG16542 94.3 107.0 107

July 05 WG16542 102 112 108

August 05 WG16542 130 116 107

September 05 WG17610 82.5 97.7 102

October 05 WG18055 103 89.4 93.3

November 05 WG18055 103 89.4 93.3

December 05 WG18692 -- -- --

January 06 WG18692 -- -- --

February 06 WG18692 -- -- --

March–April 06 WG18692 -- -- --

Point sample WG18692 -- -- --

EWI WG18692 -- -- --

Blue Hill Avenue WG17610 86.0 97.5 95.5

Central Avenue WG17610 87.1 98.4 102

Tap water WG17610 85.1 103 104
Appendix 3 111

Comparison of calculated PCB-congener concentrations18�

measured in fixed-point and EWI samples indicates that, at least 

under the flow conditions at the time of sampling, concentrations 

measured through fixed-point sampling could be considered representative of the entire cross section; RPDs were about 18 percent, on 

average, for all PCB congeners (table 3–2). More than 90 percent of 

the detected PCB-congener concentrations were greater in the EWI 

sample than in the fixed-point sample; however, the RPDs between 

the EWI and fixed-point samples were low with a maximum of 

about 43 percent. Some of the observed differences between the 

concentrations measured in the EWI and fixed-point samples may be 

explained by environmental variability. The fixed-point sample was 

collected during a time interval of about 5 minutes, whereas the EWI 

sample took about 45 minutes to collect; during this time interval, the 

flow increased from 1,680 to 1,750 ft3

/sec. PCB-congener patterns 

measured in fixed-point and EWI samples were also similar with an 

RMSD equal to 0.41.

Because about 1 L of tap water was used to rinse sample bags 

and equipment, it was necessary to ensure that the tap water was 

free of PCBs, or at least to quantify tap-water PCB concentrations and 

thus to determine the effectiveness of cleaning. Some tap water that 

had been used to rinse a sample bag was collected as an equipment 

blank sample. Several individual PCB congeners were detected in 

the tap-water equipment blank; however, most did not meet AXYS 

Analytical quantification limits (table 2–3). Of the PCB congeners that 

were measured at concentrations greater than analytical quantification limits, only one group of unresolved PCB congeners (PCB 47 + 

48 + 75) was detected in particulate (1.06 ng/sample) and dissolved 

(4.56 ng/sample) form at concentrations above 1 ng/sample (considered acceptable for blank samples). PCB 6 (0.104 ng/sample), 

PCB 14 (0.122 ng/sample), PCB 51 (0.582 ng/sample), and PCB 89 + 

90 + 101 (0.112 ng/sample) were detected in the XAD sample, but the 

concentrations were all less than 1 ng/sample. The total concentrations of PCB-congeners measured in particulate and dissolved 

tap-water samples corresponded to a particulate PCB concentration 

of about 0.063 ng/L and a dissolved PCB concentration of about 

0.324 ng/L. It is unclear whether or not PCBs in the equipment blank 

were the result of contaminated tap water or inadequate cleaning of 

filter apparatus.

XAD columns with sufficient sorptive capacity were used to 

sorb dissolved PCBs in large-volume (about 20-L) water samples 

collected from the Neponset River. The sorptive capacity needed 

was determined from PCB-congener concentrations measured in 

samples collected in PISCES samplers deployed near the USGS 

Milton Village streamgage in the Walter Baker Impoundment (Breault 

and others, 2004a). The ability of XAD resin to sorb PCBs was tested 

by filtering an environmental sample through two XAD columns in 

series; breakthrough of PCBs would be indicated by the detection 

of PCBs on the second column. Only one group of unresolved PCB 

congeners (PCB 47 + 48 + 75) was detected in the second XAD 

column (0.621 ng/sample, less than 0.4 percent of the total dissolved 

PCB concentration for that sample).

18 PCB-congener concentrations (ng/L) were calculated by dividing the mass of PCB 

congeners measured in water samples (ng/sample) by the volume of water filtered (L). 

Estimated congener concentrations and censored congeners were excluded.

Flow-Proportional Water Samples (AXYS 

Batches WG16542, WG17610, WG18055, and 

WG18692)

On July 19, August 1, and September 13, 2005, XAD columns, 

GFFs, and Teflon bags were shipped overnight from U.S. Geological 

Survey (USGS) in Northborough, MA, to AXYS Analytical Services, 

Ltd. in Sidney, British Columbia (hereafter named AXYS Analytical, 

Ltd.). Columns, GFFs, and Teflon bags were shipped in coolers 

packed with ice. The condition of the columns, glass-fiber filers 

(GFFs), and Teflon sample bags received by the laboratory was good. 

Although temperatures in the coolers were high (16 to 27°C), AXYS 

Analytical scientists determined that these high temperatures would 

not compromise the integrity of the samples (Brian Fowler, AXYS 

Analytical, Sidney, British Columbia, written commun., 2005). The 

samples were assigned batch number WG16542. PCB-congener 

concentrations measured in the blank sample analyzed with batch 

WG16542 were all less than the detection limit. The percent 

surrogate recoveries of the 13C-labeled PCB 3, PCB 28, PCB 101, 

PCB 118, PCB 180, PCB 202, and PCB 206 surrogates were below 

method criteria in the XAD procedural blank; however, it was 

determined that this difference would not substantially affect PCBcongener quantification (Candice Navaroli, AXYS Analytical, Sidney, 

British Columbia, written commun., 2005). The percent recoveries 

of PCB 37 (133 percent) and PCB-54 (56.4 percent) in particulate 

XAD matrix-spike samples were above and below method criteria, 

respectively. As a result, PCB 37 and PCB 54 data for batch WG16542 

were flagged as outside quantification limits and excluded from data 

analysis. All other QA/QC results were within method criteria. No 

laboratory duplicates were analyzed with this batch.

On November 9, 2005, XAD-2 columns, GFFs, and Teflon bags 

were shipped to AXYS Analytical. The condition of the columns, GFFs, 

and Teflon sample bags received by the laboratory was good. These 

samples were assigned batch number WG17610. Two blank samples 

(WG17610-101 and WG17610-103) were analyzed with batch 

WG17610. Most PCB-congener concentrations measured in blank 

sample WG17610-101 were less than the detection limit; however, 

26 PCB congeners were detected. Of these, the concentration of only 

one PCB congener (PCB 36; 1.06 ng/sample) was greater than 

1.0 ng/sample. Similarly, most PCB-congener concentrations measured in the other blank sample (WG17610-103) were less than the 

detection limit; however, 16 PCB congeners were detected. Of these, 

the concentration of one PCB congener (PCB 7; 1.52 ng/sample) was 

greater than 1.0 ng/sample. The percent recoveries of the 13C-labeled 

PCB 3, PCB 8, and PCB 28 surrogates in the XAD procedural blank and 

the 13C-labeled PCB-3 surrogate in water samples collected at Blue 

Hill Avenue and Central Street were below method criteria; however, 

it was determined that this difference would not substantially affect 

PCB-congener quantification (Ziqing Ou, AXYS Analytical, Sidney, 

British Columbia, written commun., 2005). The percent recoveries 

for matrix spikes were within method criteria for all PCB congeners 

with the exception of particulate concentrations for PCB 54 measured 

in a spiked XAD-2 column (63.5 percent); percent recoveries may be 

similar for PCB 54 measured in environmental samples. No laboratory 

duplicates were analyzed with this batch.
112 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

On December 14, 2005, XAD-2 columns, GFFs, and Teflon bags 

were shipped overnight to AXYS Analytical. The condition of the 

columns, GFFs, and Teflon sample bags received by the laboratory 

was good. These samples were assigned batch number WG18055. 

PCB-congener concentrations measured in the blank sample analyzed 

with batch WG18055 were all less than the detection limit, with two 

exceptions: PCB 7 (0.586 ng/sample) and PCB 11 (0.394 ng/sample), 

were detected but in concentrations less than 1.0 ng/sample. Percent 

recoveries for 13C-labeled surrogate standards and labeled recovery 

(internal) standards were within method criteria. The percent 

recoveries for particulate matrix spikes were within method criteria 

for all PCB congeners with the exception of PCB 54 (63.5 percent) 

measured in a spiked XAD-2 column and GFF; percent recoveries 

may be similar for PCB 54 measured in environmental samples. No 

laboratory duplicates were analyzed with this batch.

On February 21, March 15, May 16, and June 14, 2006, XAD-2 

columns, GFFs, and Teflon bags were shipped overnight to AXYS 

Analytical. The condition of the columns, GFFs, and Teflon sample 

bags received by the laboratory was good, with one exception: 

samples shipped on March 15, 2006 arrived at the laboratory at 6°C, 

slightly higher than the targeted temperature (4°C). These samples 

were assigned batch number WG18692. Two blanks were analyzed 

along with batch WG18692. A few PCB congeners were measured in 

the first blank sample analyzed with batch WG18692, but all detected 

PCB-congener concentrations were less than 1.0 ng/sample. No PCB 

congeners were detected in the second blank sample analyzed with 

batch WG18692. The percent recoveries of 13C-labeled surrogate 

standards and labeled recovery (internal) standards were within 

method criteria, with one exception. The percent recoveries of the 

13C-labeled PCB 28, PCB 101, PCB 118, PCB 180, PCB 202, PCB 206, 

and PCB 209 surrogates in particulate samples collected during 

February 2006 were below method criteria. Matrix-spike percent 

recoveries were within method criteria for all PCB congeners. No 

laboratory duplicates were analyzed with this batch.

Passive In Situ Chemical-Extraction Samples 

(AXYS Batches WG13865 and WG16781)

On September 2, 2004, four hexane samples collected from 

passive in situ chemical extraction samplers (PISCES) were shipped 

overnight in a cooler packed with ice to AXYS Analytical. The condition of the hexane samples received by the laboratory was good. 

These samples were assigned batch number WG13865. PCB-congener concentrations measured in the blank sample analyzed with batch 

WG13865 were all less than the detection limit. Percent recoveries 

for 13C-labeled surrogate standards, labeled recovery (internal) standards, and matrix-spike samples were within method criteria, with 

one exception: the percent surrogate recoveries of 13C-labeled surrogates in the procedural blank were all below method criteria because 

some of the blank sample was accidentally spilled in the laboratory. It 

is unlikely that this accident affected the analytical results (Ziqing Ou, 

AXYS Analytical, Sidney, British Columbia, written commun., 2005). 

No laboratory duplicates were analyzed with this batch.

On August 16, 2005, 18 hexane samples collected from PISCES 

samplers were shipped in a cooler packed with ice overnight to AXYS 

Analytical. The condition of the hexane samples received by the laboratory was good; however, the temperature in the cooler (6°C) was 

slightly higher than the targeted temperature (4°C). These samples 

were assigned batch number WG16781. PCB-congener concentrations measured in the blank sample analyzed with batch WG16781 

were all less than the detection limit, with three exceptions: 

PCB 105 + 127 (0.916 ng/sample), PCB 179 (1.51 ng/sample), and 

PCB 206 (0.268 ng/sample). As a result of these findings, PCB 179 

data were flagged as outside quantification limits and excluded from 

data analysis. Percent recoveries for 13C-labeled surrogate standards, 

labeled recovery (internal) standards, and matrix-spike samples were 

within method criteria. No laboratory duplicates were analyzed with 

this batch.

Bottom-Sediment Grab Samples (AXYS Batch 

WG16492)

On June 7, 2005, 14 bottom-sediment grab samples were 

shipped overnight in a cooler packed with ice to AXYS Analytical. The 

condition of the grab samples received by the laboratory was good; 

however, the temperature in the cooler (10°C) was slightly higher 

than the targeted temperature (4°C). These samples were assigned 

batch number WG16492. PCB-congener concentrations measured 

in the blank sample analyzed with batch WG16492 were all less 

than the detection limit, with two exceptions: PCB 137 (0.024 ng/

sample) and PCB 209 (0.023 ng/sample), which were detected but 

in concentrations less than 1.0 ng/sample. The percent recoveries for 13C-labeled surrogate standards, labeled recovery (internal) 

standards, and matrix-spike samples were within method criteria. 

Bottom-sediment grab sample QYY 003, which was collected from 

the Neponset River Estuary, was selected by laboratory personnel 

for duplicate analysis. The RPDs for PCB-congener concentrations 

between duplicate aliquots of sample QYY 003 were less than 

40 percent and averaged 8 percent.

Fish-Tissue Samples (AXYS Batches WG15112, 

WG17077, WG17812, and WG19863)

On September 2, 2004, 16 white sucker were shipped overnight 

to AXYS Analytical. Fish were wrapped in hexane-rinsed aluminum 

foil and packed in a cooler with ice. The condition of the tissue 

samples received by the laboratory was good. These fish were 

skinned, filleted, and assigned batch number WG15112. PCBcongener concentrations measured in the blank sample analyzed with 

batch WG15112 were all less than the detection limit. The percent 

recoveries for 13C-labeled surrogate standards, labeled recovery 

(internal) standards, and matrix-spike samples were within method 

criteria. No laboratory duplicates were analyzed with this batch.

Skinless fillet extracts, which were analyzed for coplanar 

PCB congeners by high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS), were also assigned batch 

number WG15112. PCB-congener concentrations measured in the 

blank sample (corn oil) analyzed with batch WG17077 were 

detected at very low levels (PCB 77, 0.00045 ng/sample; PCB 126, 
Appendix 3 113

0.00051 ng/sample; and PCB 169, 0.00053 ng/sample). The percent 

recoveries of 13C-labeled surrogates and matrix-spike samples were 

within method criteria. No laboratory duplicates were analyzed with 

this batch.

On September 26, 2005, 16 whole white sucker were shipped 

overnight to AXYS Analytical. The fish were wrapped in hexanerinsed aluminum foil and packed in a cooler with ice. The condition 

of the tissue samples received by the laboratory was good. These 

samples were assigned batch number WG17812. PCB-congener 

concentrations measured in the blank sample analyzed with batch 

WG17812 were all less than the detection limit, with one exception: 

PCB 7 (0.327 ng/sample), which was detected at a concentration 

less than 1.0 ng/sample. The percent recoveries of 13C-labeled 

surrogates in the fish-tissue sample collected from the Tileston 

and Hollingsworth Impoundment were generally within the method 

criteria; however, PCB 118 (131 percent), PCB 180 (130 percent), and 

PCB 202 (130 percent) were high. Generally, the percent recoveries 

for matrix-spike samples were also within the method criteria; 

however, PCB 43 + 49 (68.3 percent), PCB 52 + 73 (69.2 percent), 

and PCB 54 (63.3 percent) were low. No laboratory duplicates were 

analyzed with this batch.

Whole fish-tissue extracts, which were analyzed for coplanar 

PCB congeners by HRGC/HRMS, were assigned batch number 

WG17077. PCB-congener concentrations in the blank sample (corn 

oil) analyzed with batch WG17077 were detected at very low levels 

(PCB 77, 0.00170 ng/sample; PCB 126, 0.00054 ng/sample; and 

PCB 169, 0.00061 ng/sample). The percent recoveries for 13C-labeled 

surrogates and matrix-spike samples were within method criteria. No 

laboratory duplicates were analyzed with this batch.

On July 6, 2006, 21 whole common mummichog were shipped 

overnight to AXYS Analytical. Fish were wrapped in hexane-rinsed 

aluminum foil and packed in a cooler with ice. The condition of the 

tissue samples received by the laboratory was good. These samples 

were assigned batch number WG19863. PCB-congener concentrations in the blank sample analyzed with batch WG19863 were all less 

than the detection limit. The percent recoveries for 13C-labeled surrogate standards, labeled recovery (internal) standards, and matrixspike samples were within method criteria. No laboratory duplicates 

were analyzed with this batch.

Whole fish-tissue extracts, which were analyzed for coplanar 

PCB congeners by HRGC/HRMS, were also assigned batch number 

WG19863. PCB-congener concentrations measured in the blank 

sample (corn oil) were detected at very low levels (PCB 77, 

0.000482 ng/sample; PCB 126, 0.000272 ng/sample; and PCB 169, 

0.000248 ng/sample). The percent recoveries of 13C-labeled surrogates and matrix-spike samples were within method criteria. No 

laboratory duplicates were analyzed with this batch.

Bottom-Sediment Grab Samples (SGS, Batch 

084037)

On August 7, 2005, 14 bottom-sediment grab samples were 

shipped overnight to SGS, Toronto, Ontario. Bottom-sediment 

grab samples were shipped in a cooler packed with ice. The 

condition of the grab samples received by the laboratory was good. 

These samples were assigned batch number 084037. Element 

concentrations measured in the blank sample analyzed with batch 

084037 were all less than the detection limit. Bottom-sediment 

grab samples DDY–001 and QYY–003, which were collected from 

Mother Brook and the Neponset River Estuary, respectively, were 

selected by laboratory personnel for duplicate analysis. The RPDs 

for element concentrations between duplicate aliquots of samples 

DDY–001 and QYY–003 were less than 10 percent, with a few 

exceptions: the RPDs for beryllium concentrations between duplicate 

aliquots of sample DYY–001 and silver concentrations between 

duplicate aliquots of sample QYY–003 were about 40 percent. 

Element concentrations measured in performance and blind (standard 

submitted by USGS) performance standards were generally within 

acceptable limits; however, concentrations of 9 of the 23 elements 

measured in the blind performance sample were slightly higher than 

best estimates for the true number. Best estimates do not meet the 

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) qualification 

limits; however, chemical concentrations are not certified in NIST 

standards if analyzed by means of a mild digestion like the one used 

as part of this study. NIST standards that were sent to SGS and 

analyzed by the same basic methods but with a more robust digestion 

(by hydrofluoric acid) generally were within certified values (Breault, 

R.F., U.S. Geological Survey, unpub. data, 2005).

References

Breault, R.F., Cooke, M.G., and Merrill, Michael, 2004a, Sediment 

quality and polychlorinated biphenyls in the lower Neponset River, 

Massachusetts, and implications for urban river restoration: 

U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2004–5109, 

48 p.

Wilde, F.D., Radtke, D.B., Gibs, Jacob, and Iwatsubo, R.T., 1999, 

Collection of water samples, in National field manual for the collection of water-quality data: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques 

of Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chap. A4, accessed 

September 10, 2002, at http://water.usgs.gov/owq/FieldManual/

chapter4/html/Ch4_contents.html
114 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 3–2. Masses and concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls in point and equal-width-increment 

water samples collected at the U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village 

(011055566), Massachusetts, June 7, 2006.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and 

Applied Chemistry; EWI, equal-width increment; ng, nanogram; ng/L, nanograms per liter; RPD, relative percent difference; 

PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, relative percent difference was not calculated because concentrations of one or more of the congeners measured in the point sample or the EWI sample were less than 

detection limit or estimated; analytical batch number WG18692 was assigned to these samples by AXYS Analytical Services, 

Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; fixed-point and EWI sample volumes were equal to 17.13 and 13.90 L, respectively]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

IUPAC number Point sample 

(ng/sample)

EWI 

(ng/sample)

Point sample 

(ng/L)

EWI 

(ng/L) RPD

PCB-1 12.8 e20.3 0.747 e1.460 --

PCB-2 <0.514 <0.595 <0.030 <0.042 --

PCB-3 1.92 2.06 0.112 0.148 27.8

PCB-4 + 10 55.6 69.6 3.25 5.01 42.7

PCB-5 + 8 11.8 14.1 0.689 1.014 38.2

PCB-6 2.94 3.41 0.172 0.245 35.3

PCB-7 + 9 e0.740 0.982 e0.043 0.071 --

PCB-11 <0.335 <0.378 <0.019 <0.027 --

PCB-12 + 13 0.88 e0.761 0.051 e0.054 --

PCB-14 <0.335 <0.378 <0.019 <0.027 --

PCB-15 12.8 9.9 0.747 0.712 4.8

PCB-16 + 32 24.8 29 1.45 2.09 36.1

PCB-17 15 18.2 0.876 1.31 39.7

PCB-18 12.6 14.8 0.736 1.06 36.6

PCB-19 17.9 22 1.04 1.58 40.9

PCB-20 + 21 + 33 3.21 3.93 0.187 0.283 40.6

PCB-22 3.14 3.67 0.183 0.264 36.1

PCB-23 + 34 <0.262 <0.613 <0.015 <0.044 --

PCB-24 + 27 12.4 13.9 0.724 1.00 32.0

PCB-25 4.77 4.99 0.278 0.359 25.3

PCB-26 8.85 9.3 0.517 0.669 25.7

PCB-28 17.5 19.8 1.02 1.42 32.9

PCB-29 <0.262 <0.613 <0.015 <0.044 --

PCB-30 <0.425 <0.993 <0.024 <0.071 --

PCB-31 17.7 16.4 1.03 1.18 13.2

PCB-35 <0.430 <0.862 <0.025 <0.062 --

PCB-36 <0.393 <0.788 <0.022 <0.056 --

PCB-37 3.02 3.62 0.176 0.260 38.5

PCB-38 <0.430 <0.862 <0.025 <0.062 --

PCB-39 <0.393 <0.788 <0.022 <0.056 --

PCB-40 3.17 3.08 0.185 0.222 18.0

PCB-41 + 64 + 68 + 71 22.6 21.2 1.32 1.53 14.5

PCB-42 + 59 7.09 7.03 0.414 0.506 20.0

PCB-43 + 49 19.6 18.2 1.14 1.31 13.5

PCB-44 14.5 13.2 0.846 0.950 11.5

PCB-45 2.61 2.42 0.152 0.174 13.3

PCB-46 1.23 0.951 0.072 0.068 4.8

PCB-47 + 48 + 75 17.1 15.5 0.998 1.115 11.1

PCB-50 <0.509 <0.635 <0.029 <0.045 --
Table 3–2 115

Table 3–2. Masses and concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls in point and equal-width-increment 

water samples collected at the U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village 

(011055566), Massachusetts, June 7, 2006.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and 

Applied Chemistry; EWI, equal-width increment; ng, nanogram; ng/L, nanograms per liter; RPD, relative percent difference; 

PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, relative percent difference was not calculated because concentrations of one or more of the congeners measured in the point sample or the EWI sample were less than 

detection limit or estimated; analytical batch number WG18692 was assigned to these samples by AXYS Analytical Services, 

Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; fixed-point and EWI sample volumes were equal to 17.13 and 13.90 L, respectively]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

IUPAC number Point sample 

(ng/sample)

EWI 

(ng/sample)

Point sample 

(ng/L)

EWI 

(ng/L) RPD

PCB-51

PCB-52 + 73

PCB-53

PCB-54

PCB-55

PCB-56 + 60

PCB-57

PCB-58

PCB-61 + 74

PCB-62 + 65

PCB-63

PCB-66 + 80

PCB-67

PCB-69

PCB-70 + 76

PCB-72

PCB-77

PCB-78

PCB-79

PCB-81

PCB-82

PCB-83 + 108

PCB-84

PCB-85 + 120

PCB-86 + 97

PCB-87 + 115 + 116

PCB-88 + 121

PCB-89 + 90 + 101

PCB-91

PCB-92

PCB-93 + 95

PCB-94

PCB-96

PCB-98 + 102

PCB-99

PCB-100

PCB-103

PCB-104

PCB-105 + 127

3.85

23.2

7.11

<0.509

<0.726

6.7

<1.32

<1.32

5.42

<0.606

1.07

10.5

<1.32

<0.606

11

<0.682

1.65

<0.484

<0.484

<0.484

1.48

0.916

3.22

2.81

4.48

6.39

<0.436

11.6

2.62

2.95

12

<0.436

<0.436

0.935

5.64

<0.436

<0.436

<0.307

3.71

3.52

21.4

6.31

<0.635

<0.961

5.77

<1.75

<1.75

5.57

<0.756

<0.904

9.52

<1.75

<0.756

9.62

<0.851

e1.36

<0.665

<0.665

<0.665

1.56

0.78

2.97

e2.32

3.53

5.5

<0.515

9.94

2.47

2.26

10.2

<0.515

<0.515

0.784

4.96

<0.515

<0.515

<0.363

3.29

0.225

1.35

0.415

<0.029

<0.042

0.391

<0.077

<0.077

0.316

<0.035

0.062

0.613

<0.077

<0.035

0.642

<0.039

0.096

<0.028

<0.028

<0.028

0.086

0.053

0.188

0.164

0.262

0.373

<0.025

0.677

0.153

0.172

0.701

<0.025

<0.025

0.055

0.329

<0.025

<0.025

<0.017

0.217

0.253

1.54

0.454

<0.045

<0.069

0.415

<0.125

<0.125

0.401

<0.054

<0.065

0.685

<0.125

<0.054

0.692

<0.061

e0.097

<0.047

<0.047

<0.047

0.112

0.056

0.214

e0.166

0.254

0.396

<0.037

0.715

0.178

0.163

0.734

<0.037

<0.037

0.056

0.357

<0.037

<0.037

<0.026

0.237

11.9

12.8

9.0

--

--

5.9

--

--

23.5

--

--

11.1

--

--

7.5

--

--

--

--

--

26.0

4.8

12.8

--

2.9

5.9

--

5.4

15.0

5.7

4.6

--

--

3.3

8.0

--

--

--

8.9
116 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 3–2. Masses and concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls in point and equal-width-increment 

water samples collected at the U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village 

(011055566), Massachusetts, June 7, 2006.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and 

Applied Chemistry; EWI, equal-width increment; ng, nanogram; ng/L, nanograms per liter; RPD, relative percent difference; 

PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, relative percent difference was not calculated because concentrations of one or more of the congeners measured in the point sample or the EWI sample were less than 

detection limit or estimated; analytical batch number WG18692 was assigned to these samples by AXYS Analytical Services, 

Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; fixed-point and EWI sample volumes were equal to 17.13 and 13.90 L, respectively]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

IUPAC number Point sample 

(ng/sample)

EWI 

(ng/sample)

Point sample 

(ng/L)

EWI 

(ng/L) RPD

PCB-106 + 118

PCB-107 + 109

PCB-110

PCB-111 + 117

PCB-112

PCB-113

PCB-114

PCB-119

PCB-122

PCB-123

PCB-124

PCB-125

PCB-126

PCB-128

PCB-129

PCB-130

PCB-131 + 142

PCB-132 + 168

PCB-133

PCB-134 + 143

PCB-135 + 144

PCB-136

PCB-137

PCB-138 + 163 + 164

PCB-139 + 149

PCB-140

PCB-141

PCB-145

PCB-146

PCB-147

PCB-148

PCB-150

PCB-151

PCB-152

PCB-153

PCB-154

PCB-155

PCB-156

PCB-157

8.74

0.664

16.3

<0.595

<0.419

<0.359

<0.410

0.656

<0.410

<0.416

<0.416

<0.595

<0.429

2

<0.860

<0.860

<0.389

3.11

<0.389

<0.389

1.47

1.73

e1.43

10.9

7.26

<0.389

1.46

<0.389

1.46

<0.389

<0.389

<0.389

2.16

<0.389

7.6

<0.389

<0.276

0.832

<0.579

7.28

<0.665

13.8

<0.951

<0.496

<0.425

<0.656

0.501

<0.656

<0.692

<0.665

<0.951

<0.686

2.06

<1.02

<1.02

<0.419

3.28

<0.419

<0.419

1.48

1.38

<0.865

10.5

6.64

<0.419

1.41

<0.419

1.21

<0.419

<0.419

<0.419

1.82

<0.419

7.13

<0.419

<0.297

0.815

<0.685

0.510

0.039

0.952

<0.034

<0.024

<0.020

<0.023

0.038

<0.023

<0.024

<0.024

<0.034

<0.025

0.117

<0.050

<0.050

<0.022

0.182

<0.022

<0.022

0.086

0.101

e0.083

0.636

0.424

<0.022

0.085

<0.022

0.085

<0.022

<0.022

<0.022

0.126

<0.022

0.444

<0.022

<0.016

0.049

<0.033

0.524

<0.047

0.993

<0.068

<0.035

<0.030

<0.047

0.036

<0.047

<0.049

<0.047

<0.068

<0.049

0.148

<0.073

<0.073

<0.030

0.236

<0.030

<0.030

0.106

0.099

<0.062

0.755

0.478

<0.030

0.101

<0.030

0.087

<0.030

<0.030

<0.030

0.131

<0.030

0.513

<0.030

<0.021

0.059

<0.049

2.6

--

4.2

--

--

--

--

6.1

--

--

--

--

--

23.7

--

--

--

26.1

--

--

21.5

1.7

--

17.1

12.0

--

17.4

--

2.1

--

--

--

3.8

--

14.5

--

--

18.8

--
Table 3–2 117

Table 3–2. Masses and concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls in point and equal-width-increment 

water samples collected at the U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village 

(011055566), Massachusetts, June 7, 2006.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and 

Applied Chemistry; EWI, equal-width increment; ng, nanogram; ng/L, nanograms per liter; RPD, relative percent difference; 

PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, relative percent difference was not calculated because concentrations of one or more of the congeners measured in the point sample or the EWI sample were less than 

detection limit or estimated; analytical batch number WG18692 was assigned to these samples by AXYS Analytical Services, 

Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; fixed-point and EWI sample volumes were equal to 17.13 and 13.90 L, respectively]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

IUPAC number Point sample 

(ng/sample)

EWI 

(ng/sample)

Point sample 

(ng/L)

EWI 

(ng/L) RPD

PCB-158 + 160

PCB-159

PCB-161

PCB-162

PCB-165

PCB-166

PCB-167

PCB-169

PCB-170 + 190

PCB-171

PCB-172 + 192

PCB-173

PCB-174 + 181

PCB-175

PCB-176

PCB-177

PCB-178

PCB-179

PCB-180

PCB-182 + 187

PCB-183

PCB-184

PCB-185

PCB-186

PCB-188

PCB-189

PCB-191

PCB-193

PCB-194

PCB-195

PCB-196 + 203

PCB-197

PCB-198

PCB-199

PCB-200

PCB-201

PCB-202

PCB-204

PCB-205

1.38

<0.731

<0.353

<0.731

<0.353

<0.731

<0.562

<0.572

<0.777

<0.648

<0.648

<0.648

<0.666

<0.664

<0.509

0.958

<0.664

0.622

3.89

1.97

0.976

<0.509

<0.666

<0.664

<0.509

<0.538

<0.648

<0.648

1.08

<0.473

1.31

<0.335

<0.471

e1.03

<0.335

<0.335

<0.379

<0.335

<0.363

1.45

<0.865

<0.380

<0.865

<0.380

<0.865

<0.665

<0.677

2.13

<0.624

<0.624

<0.624

<0.641

<0.640

<0.490

0.864

<0.640

0.695

3.6

2.06

1.06

<0.490

<0.641

<0.640

<0.490

<0.518

<0.624

<0.624

e1.14

<0.954

e1.11

<0.676

<0.950

e1.33

<0.676

<0.676

<0.764

<0.676

<0.732

0.081

<0.042

<0.020

<0.042

<0.020

<0.042

<0.032

<0.033

<0.045

<0.037

<0.037

<0.037

<0.038

<0.038

<0.029

0.056

<0.038

0.036

0.227

0.115

0.057

<0.029

<0.038

<0.038

<0.029

<0.031

<0.037

<0.037

0.063

<0.027

0.076

<0.019

<0.027

e0.060

<0.019

<0.019

<0.022

<0.019

<0.021

0.104

<0.062

<0.027

<0.062

<0.027

<0.062

<0.047

<0.048

0.153

<0.044

<0.044

<0.044

<0.046

<0.046

<0.035

0.062

<0.046

0.050

0.259

0.148

0.076

<0.035

<0.046

<0.046

<0.035

<0.037

<0.044

<0.044

e0.082

<0.068

e0.079

<0.048

<0.068

e0.095

<0.048

<0.048

<0.054

<0.048

<0.052

25.7

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

10.6

--

31.7

13.1

25.2

28.9

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--

--
118 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 3–2. Masses and concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls in point and equal-width-increment 

water samples collected at the U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village 

(011055566), Massachusetts, June 7, 2006.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and 

Applied Chemistry; EWI, equal-width increment; ng, nanogram; ng/L, nanograms per liter; RPD, relative percent difference; 

PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, relative percent difference was not calculated because concentrations of one or more of the congeners measured in the point sample or the EWI sample were less than 

detection limit or estimated; analytical batch number WG18692 was assigned to these samples by AXYS Analytical Services, 

Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; fixed-point and EWI sample volumes were equal to 17.13 and 13.90 L, respectively]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

IUPAC number Point sample 

(ng/sample)

EWI 

(ng/sample)

Point sample 

(ng/L)

EWI 

(ng/L) RPD

PCB-206

PCB-207

PCB-208

PCB-209

Total

<1.03

<0.906

<0.906

0.706

536

<1.32

<1.16

<1.16

<1.31

522

<0.060

<0.052

<0.052

0.041

31.29

<0.094

<0.083

<0.083

<0.094

37.55

--

--

--

--

18.2

Polychlorinated biphenyl homologs

Homolog Point sample 

(ng/sample)

EWI 

(ng/sample)

Point sample 

(ng/L)

EWI 

(ng/L) RPD

Total Monochlorobiphenyls

Total Dichlorobiphenyls

Total Trichlorobiphenyls

Total Tetrachlorobiphenyls

Total Pentachlorobiphenyls

Total Hexachlorobiphenyls

Total Heptachlorobiphenyls

Total Octachlorobiphenyls

Total Nonachlorobiphenyls

Decachlorobiphenyls

14.7

84

141

158

85.1

41.4

8.42

2.39

--

0.706

2.06

98

160

143

69.8

39.2

10.4

--

--

--

0.858

4.90

8.23

9.22

4.97

2.42

0.492

0.140

--

0.041

0.148

7.05

11.51

10.29

5.02

2.82

0.748

--

--

--

141.1

35.9

33.2

10.9

1.1

15.4

41.4

--

--

--

Polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclors

Aroclor Point sample 

(ng/sample)

EWI 

(ng/sample)

Point sample 

(ng/L)

EWI 

(ng/L) RPD

Aroclor 1221

Aroclor 1232

Aroclor 1016/1242

Aroclor 1248

Aroclor 1254

Aroclor 1260

<0.988

<1.77

226

<3.76

165

34.5

<1.14

<3.38

247

<4.97

140

48.2

<0.057

<0.103

13.19

<0.219

9.63

2.01

<0.082

<0.243

17.77

<0.357

10.07

3.47

--

--

29.6

--

4.5

53.0
Table 3–3 119

Table 3–3. Masses and concentrations of particulate and dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls in equipment blanks.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; GFF, glass fiber 

filter; ng, nanograms; ng/L, nanograms per liter; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not calculated or tested 

by the laboratory]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

IUPAC number

Equipment blank Quality-control samples

GFF XAD Tap water Laboratory blank Laboratory matrix spike

Particulate 

(ng/sample)

Dissolved 

(ng/sample)

Particulate 

(ng/L)

Dissolved 

(ng/L)

Particulate 

(ng/sample)

Dissolved 

(ng/sample)

Particulate 

(percent 

recovery)

Dissolved 

(percent 

recovery)

PCB-1 e0.166 e0.508 e0.009 e0.030 <2.13 e0.333 79.8 75.1

PCB-2 <0.152 <0.221 <0.008 <0.013 <2.12 0.287 -- --

PCB-3 <0.152 <0.221 <0.008 <0.013 <2.12 e0.064 89.5 94.6

PCB-4 + 10 <0.407 e0.206 <0.024 e0.012 <0.324 <0.072 82.1 69.6

PCB-5 + 8 <0.230 <0.092 <0.013 <0.005 <0.183 e0.141 87.7 91

PCB-6 <0.230 0.104 <0.013 0.006 e0.256 <0.041 -- --

PCB-7 + 9 e0.437 e2.73 e0.025 e0.161 e1.52 e0.246 -- --

PCB-11 e0.614 e0.816 e0.036 e0.048 <0.183 e0.367 -- --

PCB-12 + 13 <0.230 e2.37 <0.013 e0.140 <0.183 e0.457 -- --

PCB-14 <0.230 0.122 <0.013 0.007 <0.183 e0.061 -- --

PCB-15 <0.251 e1.28 <0.014 e0.075 e0.623 e0.093 85.9 107

PCB-16 + 32 <0.217 e0.280 <0.012 e0.016 <0.108 e0.093 -- --

PCB-17 <0.217 <0.136 <0.012 <0.008 <0.108 <0.056 -- --

PCB-18 <0.217 <0.136 <0.012 <0.008 <0.108 <0.056 82.9 77.5

PCB-19 <0.258 <0.162 <0.015 <0.009 <0.129 <0.066 78.4 64.7

PCB-20 + 21 + 33 <0.197 <0.091 <0.011 <0.005 e0.113 <0.077 -- --

PCB-22 <0.197 e0.216 <0.011 e0.012 <0.075 <0.077 -- --

PCB-23 + 34 <0.137 <0.086 <0.008 <0.005 <0.068 <0.035 76.1 79.9

PCB-24 + 27 <0.217 <0.136 <0.012 <0.008 <0.108 <0.056 -- --

PCB-25 <0.137 <0.086 <0.008 <0.005 <0.068 e0.078 -- --

PCB-26 <0.137 <0.086 <0.008 <0.005 <0.068 e0.188 -- --

PCB-28 <0.157 <0.098 <0.009 <0.005 e0.096 e0.079 88.5 92.9

PCB-29 <0.137 <0.086 <0.008 <0.005 <0.068 e0.042 -- --

PCB-30 <0.217 <0.136 <0.012 <0.008 <0.108 <0.056 -- --

PCB-31 <0.137 <0.086 <0.008 <0.005 <0.068 e0.053 85.3 92.2

PCB-35 <0.211 e0.152 <0.012 e0.008 <0.080 e0.698 -- --

PCB-36 <0.197 <0.091 <0.011 <0.005 <0.075 e1.06 -- --

PCB-37 <0.211 <0.098 <0.012 <0.005 <0.080 e0.138 88.5 105

PCB-38 <0.211 e0.328 <0.012 e0.019 <0.080 <0.082 -- --

PCB-39 <0.197 <0.091 <0.011 <0.005 <0.075 e0.082 -- --

PCB-40 <0.293 <0.290 <0.017 <0.017 <0.191 <0.136 81.8 88.5

PCB-41 + 64 + 68 + 71 <0.468 <0.185 <0.027 <0.010 <0.080 <0.074 -- --

PCB-42 + 59 <0.468 <0.185 <0.027 <0.010 <0.080 <0.074 -- --

PCB-43 + 49 <0.491 <0.194 <0.029 <0.011 <0.084 <0.077 82.8 83.9

PCB-44 <0.468 <0.185 <0.027 <0.010 <0.080 <0.074 80.7 82.9

PCB-45 <0.412 <0.163 <0.024 <0.009 <0.071 <0.065 -- --

PCB-46 <0.412 <0.163 <0.024 <0.009 <0.071 <0.065 -- --
120 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 3–3. Masses and concentrations of particulate and dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls in equipment blanks.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; GFF, glass fiber 

filter; ng, nanograms; ng/L, nanograms per liter; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not calculated or tested 

by the laboratory]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Equipment blank Quality-control samples

GFF XAD Tap water Laboratory blank Laboratory matrix spike

IUPAC number Particulate Dissolved Particulate Dissolved Particulate Dissolved Particulate Dissolved (percent (percent (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/L) (ng/L) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) recovery) recovery)

PCB-47 + 48 + 75 1.06 4.56 0.063 0.270 <0.071 <0.065 -- --

PCB-50 <0.349 <0.138 <0.020 <0.008 <0.060 <0.055 -- --

PCB-51 <0.412 0.582 <0.024 0.034 <0.071 <0.065 -- --

PCB-52 + 73 <0.412 <0.163 <0.024 <0.009 <0.071 <0.065 79.1 80.8

PCB-53 <0.412 <0.163 <0.024 <0.009 <0.071 <0.065 -- --

PCB-54 <0.349 <0.138 <0.020 <0.008 <0.060 <0.055 73.3 63.5

PCB-55 <0.154 <0.152 <0.009 <0.008 <0.100 <0.072 -- --

PCB-56 + 60 <0.154 <0.152 <0.009 <0.008 <0.100 <0.072 84.3 93.4

PCB-57 <0.293 <0.290 <0.017 <0.017 <0.191 <0.136 -- --

PCB-58 <0.293 <0.290 <0.017 <0.017 <0.191 <0.136 -- --

PCB-61 + 74 <0.150 <0.149 <0.008 <0.008 <0.098 <0.070 -- --

PCB-62 + 65 <0.412 <0.163 <0.024 <0.009 <0.071 <0.065 -- --

PCB-63 <0.150 <0.149 <0.008 <0.008 <0.098 <0.070 -- --

PCB-66 + 80 <0.150 <0.149 <0.008 <0.008 <0.098 <0.070 84 92

PCB-67 <0.293 <0.290 <0.017 <0.017 <0.191 <0.136 -- --

PCB-69 <0.412 <0.163 <0.024 <0.009 <0.071 <0.065 -- --

PCB-70 + 76 <0.150 <0.149 <0.008 <0.008 <0.098 <0.070 -- --

PCB-72 <0.468 <0.185 <0.027 <0.010 <0.080 <0.074 -- --

PCB-77 <0.187 <0.189 <0.011 <0.011 <0.145 e0.165 92.5 102

PCB-78 <0.187 <0.189 <0.011 <0.011 <0.145 <0.082 -- --

PCB-79 <0.187 <0.189 <0.011 <0.011 <0.145 <0.082 -- --

PCB-81 <0.187 <0.189 <0.011 <0.011 <0.145 e0.242 94.5 103

PCB-82 <0.145 <0.088 <0.008 <0.005 <0.081 <0.097 -- --

PCB-83 + 108 <0.190 <0.082 <0.011 <0.004 <0.093 <0.063 -- --

PCB-84 <0.162 e0.094 <0.009 e0.005 <0.080 <0.054 -- --

PCB-85 + 120 <0.145 <0.088 <0.008 <0.005 <0.081 e0.747 -- --

PCB-86 + 97 <0.145 <0.088 <0.008 <0.005 <0.081 <0.097 -- --

PCB-87 + 115 + 116 <0.145 <0.088 <0.008 <0.005 <0.081 <0.097 88.4 97.1

PCB-88 + 121 <0.193 <0.083 <0.011 <0.004 <0.095 <0.064 -- --

PCB-89 + 90 + 101 <0.162 0.112 <0.009 0.007 <0.080 <0.054 83.2 93

PCB-91 <0.193 <0.083 <0.011 <0.004 <0.095 <0.064 -- --

PCB-92 <0.162 <0.070 <0.009 <0.004 <0.080 <0.054 -- --

PCB-93 + 95 <0.193 e0.305 <0.011 e0.018 <0.095 <0.064 81.5 89.2

PCB-94 <0.193 <0.083 <0.011 <0.004 <0.095 <0.064 -- --

PCB-96 <0.193 <0.083 <0.011 <0.004 <0.095 <0.064 -- --

PCB-98 + 102 <0.193 <0.083 <0.011 <0.004 <0.095 <0.064 -- --

PCB-99 <0.157 <0.068 <0.009 <0.004 <0.077 e0.052 82.6 93.6
Table 3–3 121

Table 3–3. Masses and concentrations of particulate and dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls in equipment blanks.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; GFF, glass fiber 

filter; ng, nanograms; ng/L, nanograms per liter; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not calculated or tested 

by the laboratory]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Equipment blank Quality-control samples

GFF XAD Tap water Laboratory blank Laboratory matrix spike

IUPAC number Particulate Dissolved Particulate Dissolved Particulate Dissolved Particulate Dissolved (percent (percent (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/L) (ng/L) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) recovery) recovery)

PCB-100 <0.193 <0.083 <0.011 <0.004 <0.095 <0.064 -- --

PCB-103 <0.193 <0.083 <0.011 <0.004 <0.095 e0.097 -- --

PCB-104 <0.141 <0.061 <0.008 <0.003 <0.069 <0.046 78.3 78.7

PCB-105 + 127 <0.101 <0.062 <0.005 <0.003 <0.056 <0.068 85.5 97.7

PCB-106 + 118 <0.096 <0.061 <0.005 <0.003 <0.052 <0.071 80.9 91.8

PCB-107 + 109 <0.100 <0.061 <0.005 <0.003 <0.056 <0.067 -- --

PCB-110 e0.137 e0.201 e0.008 e0.011 <0.056 <0.067 83.9 94.3

PCB-111 + 117 <0.145 <0.088 <0.008 <0.005 <0.081 <0.097 -- --

PCB-112 <0.190 <0.082 <0.011 <0.004 <0.093 <0.063 -- --

PCB-113 <0.162 <0.070 <0.009 <0.004 <0.080 <0.054 -- --

PCB-114 <0.101 <0.061 <0.005 <0.003 <0.056 <0.067 85.1 99.3

PCB-119 <0.157 <0.068 <0.009 <0.004 <0.077 <0.052 -- --

PCB-122 <0.101 <0.061 <0.005 <0.003 <0.056 <0.067 -- --

PCB-123 <0.096 <0.061 <0.005 <0.003 <0.052 e0.079 78.4 85.3

PCB-124 <0.100 <0.061 <0.005 <0.003 <0.056 <0.067 -- --

PCB-125 <0.145 <0.088 <0.008 <0.005 <0.081 <0.097 -- --

PCB-126 <0.105 <0.064 <0.006 <0.003 <0.059 <0.070 -- --

PCB-128 <0.180 <0.207 <0.010 <0.012 <0.022 <0.106 -- --

PCB-129 <0.180 <0.207 <0.010 <0.012 <0.022 <0.106 -- --

PCB-130 <0.180 <0.207 <0.010 <0.012 e0.034 <0.106 -- --

PCB-131 + 142 <0.171 <0.078 <0.010 <0.004 <0.065 <0.054 -- --

PCB-132 + 168 <0.164 <0.188 <0.009 <0.011 <0.020 <0.097 -- --

PCB-133 <0.171 <0.078 <0.010 <0.004 <0.065 <0.054 -- --

PCB-134 + 143 <0.171 <0.078 <0.010 <0.004 <0.065 <0.054 -- --

PCB-135 + 144 <0.171 <0.078 <0.010 <0.004 <0.065 <0.054 -- --

PCB-136 <0.171 <0.078 <0.010 <0.004 <0.065 <0.054 -- --

PCB-137 <0.153 <0.176 <0.009 <0.010 0.025 <0.090 -- --

PCB-138 + 163 + 164 <0.153 <0.176 <0.009 <0.010 0.023 <0.090 88.5 94.1

PCB-139 + 149 <0.171 <0.078 <0.010 <0.004 <0.065 <0.054 85 98.2

PCB-140 <0.171 <0.078 <0.010 <0.004 <0.065 <0.054 -- --

PCB-141 <0.153 <0.176 <0.009 <0.010 e0.034 <0.090 -- --

PCB-145 <0.171 <0.078 <0.010 <0.004 <0.065 <0.054 -- --

PCB-146 <0.156 <0.072 <0.009 <0.004 <0.060 <0.049 -- --

PCB-147 <0.171 <0.078 <0.010 <0.004 <0.065 <0.054 -- --

PCB-148 <0.171 <0.078 <0.010 <0.004 <0.065 <0.054 -- --

PCB-150 <0.171 <0.078 <0.010 <0.004 <0.065 <0.054 -- --

PCB-151 <0.214 <0.098 <0.012 <0.005 <0.082 <0.067 87 99.6
122 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 3–3. Masses and concentrations of particulate and dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls in equipment blanks.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; GFF, glass fiber 

filter; ng, nanograms; ng/L, nanograms per liter; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not calculated or tested 

by the laboratory]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Equipment blank Quality-control samples

GFF XAD Tap water Laboratory blank Laboratory matrix spike

IUPAC number Particulate Dissolved Particulate Dissolved Particulate Dissolved Particulate Dissolved (percent (percent (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/L) (ng/L) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) recovery) recovery)

PCB-152 <0.171 <0.078 <0.010 <0.004 <0.065 <0.054 -- --

PCB-153 <0.140 <0.160 <0.008 <0.009 0.018 <0.082 88.1 94.7

PCB-154 <0.171 <0.078 <0.010 <0.004 <0.065 <0.054 -- --

PCB-155 <0.119 <0.055 <0.007 <0.003 <0.046 <0.038 79.5 89.6

PCB-156 <0.120 <0.137 <0.007 <0.008 0.029 <0.071 88 93.9

PCB-157 <0.121 <0.139 <0.007 <0.008 0.021 <0.071 88.3 94.9

PCB-158 + 160 <0.153 <0.176 <0.009 <0.010 <0.018 <0.090 -- --

PCB-159 <0.153 <0.176 <0.009 <0.010 <0.018 <0.090 -- --

PCB-161 <0.156 <0.072 <0.009 <0.004 <0.060 <0.049 -- --

PCB-162 <0.153 <0.176 <0.009 <0.010 <0.018 <0.090 -- --

PCB-165 <0.156 <0.072 <0.009 <0.004 <0.060 <0.049 -- --

PCB-166 <0.153 <0.176 <0.009 <0.010 <0.018 <0.090 -- --

PCB-167 <0.117 <0.134 <0.006 <0.007 0.016 <0.069 86.2 93.1

PCB-169 <0.121 e0.181 <0.007 e0.010 e0.043 <0.071 88.4 96.1

PCB-170 + 190 <0.109 <0.153 <0.006 <0.009 <0.129 <0.110 85.4 96.7

PCB-171 <0.088 <0.125 <0.005 <0.007 <0.105 <0.089 -- --

PCB-172 + 192 <0.088 <0.125 <0.005 <0.007 <0.105 <0.089 -- --

PCB-173 <0.088 <0.125 <0.005 <0.007 <0.105 <0.089 -- --

PCB-174 + 181 <0.088 <0.125 <0.005 <0.007 <0.105 <0.090 -- --

PCB-175 <0.090 <0.127 <0.005 <0.007 <0.107 <0.091 -- --

PCB-176 <0.069 <0.098 <0.004 <0.005 <0.082 <0.070 -- --

PCB-177 <0.088 <0.125 <0.005 <0.007 <0.105 <0.090 -- --

PCB-178 <0.090 <0.127 <0.005 <0.007 <0.107 <0.091 -- --

PCB-179 <0.069 <0.098 <0.004 <0.005 <0.082 <0.070 -- --

PCB-180 <0.088 <0.125 <0.005 <0.007 <0.105 <0.089 84.1 91.3

PCB-182 + 187 <0.090 <0.127 <0.005 <0.007 <0.107 <0.091 86.2 93.7

PCB-183 <0.088 <0.125 <0.005 <0.007 <0.105 <0.090 87.5 94.5

PCB-184 <0.069 <0.098 <0.004 <0.005 <0.082 <0.070 -- --

PCB-185 <0.088 <0.125 <0.005 <0.007 <0.105 <0.090 -- --

PCB-186 <0.090 <0.127 <0.005 <0.007 <0.107 <0.091 -- --

PCB-188 <0.069 <0.098 <0.004 <0.005 <0.082 <0.070 85.3 92

PCB-189 e0.081 <0.104 e0.004 <0.006 <0.087 <0.074 84.6 94.1

PCB-191 <0.088 <0.125 <0.005 <0.007 <0.105 <0.089 -- --

PCB-193 <0.088 <0.125 <0.005 <0.007 <0.105 <0.089 -- --

PCB-194 <0.451 <0.145 <0.026 <0.008 <0.137 <0.115 85.4 98.9

PCB-195 <0.451 <0.145 <0.026 <0.008 <0.137 <0.115 -- --

PCB-196 + 203 <0.437 e0.145 <0.025 e0.008 <0.133 <0.111 85.9 98.3
Table 3–3 123

Table 3–3. Masses and concentrations of particulate and dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls in equipment blanks.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; GFF, glass fiber 

filter; ng, nanograms; ng/L, nanograms per liter; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not calculated or tested 

by the laboratory]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Equipment blank Quality-control samples

GFF XAD Tap water Laboratory blank Laboratory matrix spike

IUPAC number Particulate Dissolved Particulate Dissolved Particulate Dissolved Particulate Dissolved (percent (percent (ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/L) (ng/L) (ng/sample) (ng/sample) recovery) recovery)

PCB-197 <0.313 <0.101 <0.018 <0.005 <0.095 <0.080 -- --

PCB-198 <0.437 <0.140 <0.025 <0.008 <0.133 <0.111 -- --

PCB-199 <0.437 <0.140 <0.025 <0.008 <0.133 <0.111 -- --

PCB-200 <0.313 <0.101 <0.018 <0.005 <0.095 <0.080 -- --

PCB-201 <0.313 <0.101 <0.018 <0.005 <0.095 <0.080 -- --

PCB-202 <0.354 <0.114 <0.020 <0.006 <0.108 <0.090 84.1 94.5

PCB-204 <0.313 <0.101 <0.018 <0.005 <0.095 <0.080 -- --

PCB-205 <0.335 <0.108 <0.019 <0.006 <0.102 <0.085 81.4 92.2

PCB-206 <0.291 <0.267 <0.017 <0.015 <0.173 <0.428 82.2 92.1

PCB-207 <0.263 <0.241 <0.015 <0.014 e0.173 <0.387 -- --

PCB-208 <0.263 <0.241 <0.015 <0.014 e0.193 <0.387 83.7 94.5

PCB-209 <0.241 <0.122 <0.014 <0.007 <0.123 e0.162 78.4 90.4

Total 1.06 5.48 0.063 0.324 0.132 0.287 -- --

Polychlorinated biphenyl homologs

Total Monochlorobiphenyls <0.153 <0.222 <0.009 <0.013 <2.13 0.287 -- --

Total Dichlorobiphenyls <0.407 0.226 <0.024 0.013 <0.324 <0.0721 -- --

Total Trichlorobiphenyls <0.258 <0.162 <0.015 <0.009 <0.129 <0.0824 -- --

Total Tetrachlorobiphenyls 1.06 5.14 0.063 0.304 <0.191 <0.136 -- --

Total Pentachlorobiphenyls <0.193 0.112 <0.011 0.007 <0.0948 <0.0968 -- --

Total Hexachlorobiphenyls <0.214 <0.207 <0.012 <0.012 0.132 <0.106 -- --

Total Heptachlorobiphenyls <0.109 <0.153 <0.006 <0.009 <0.129 <0.110 -- --

Total Octachlorobiphenyls <0.451 <0.145 <0.026 <0.008 <0.137 <0.115 -- --

Total Nonachlorobiphenyls <0.291 <0.267 <0.017 <0.015 <0.173 <0.428 -- --

Decachlorobiphenyls <0.241 <0.122 <0.014 <0.007 <0.123 <0.0930 -- --

Polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclors

Aroclor 1221 <0.437 <0.422 <0.025 <0.024 <4.05 <0.0775 -- --

Aroclor 1232 <0.738 <0.755 <0.043 <0.044 <7.24 <0.189 -- --

Aroclor 1016/1242 <0.874 <0.517 <0.051 <0.030 <0.695 <0.211 -- --

Aroclor 1248 <2.70 <1.07 <0.159 <0.063 <0.537 <0.425 -- --

Aroclor 1254 <1.57 <0.884 <0.092 <0.052 <0.808 <0.968 -- --

Aroclor 1260 <0.774 <1.09 <0.045 <0.064 <0.916 <0.781 -- --
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Appendix 4 125

Appendix 4. Polychlorinated Biphenyl Masses

Measured in Water Samples

Tables

4–1. Masses of dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls in water at U.S. Geological Survey 

streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 

2005–06 .......................................................................................................................................126

4–2. Masses of particulate polychlorinated biphenyls in water at U.S. Geological Survey 

streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 

2005–2006 ...................................................................................................................................132
126 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts Table 4–1. Masses of dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls in water at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–06.—Continued [Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; A, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the first column of two columns in series; B, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the second column of two columns in series; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done] Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners IUPAC number Monthly composite river samples Quality-control samples May 2005 A (ng/ sample) May 2005 B (ng/ sample) June 2005 (ng/ sample) July 2005 (ng/ sample) August 2005 (ng/ sample) Septem- ber 2005 (ng/ sample) Decem- ber 2005 (ng/ sample) January 2006 (ng/ sample) February 2006 (ng/ sample) March– April 2006 (ng/ sample) Laboratory blank (ng/sample) Matrix spike (percent recovery) May-05 to Au- gust-05 Sep- tember 2005 Decem- ber-05 to April-06 May-05 to Au- gust-05 Sep- tember 2005 Decem- ber-05 to April-06 PCB-1 0.449 <0.352 0.488 0.585 1.81 e1.32 e0.525 <0.268 e0.749 <0.785 <0.303 e0.333 e0.220 76.9 79.8 84.9 PCB-2 <0.291 <0.365 <0.367 <0.540 <0.255 <0.414 <0.209 <0.265 <0.644 <0.775 <0.314 0.287 <0.215 -- -- -- PCB-3 <0.291 <0.365 <0.367 <0.540 <0.255 <0.414 <0.209 <0.265 <0.644 <0.775 <0.314 e0.064 <0.215 99.9 89.5 97.5 PCB-4 + 10 68.1 <0.964 57.4 53.5 74 64.7 2.18 5.9 5.34 4.68 <0.554 <0.072 <0.392 82.7 82.1 90.9 PCB-5 + 8 1.87 <0.555 0.988 <0.550 1.35 1.14 <0.456 <0.432 <0.472 <0.414 <0.319 e0.141 <0.224 100 87.7 98.6 PCB-6 <0.448 <0.555 <0.589 <0.550 0.391 <0.313 <0.456 <0.432 <0.472 <0.414 <0.319 <0.041 <0.224 -- -- -- PCB-7 + 9 <0.448 <0.555 <0.589 <0.550 <0.309 e1.66 <0.456 e0.457 <0.472 <0.414 <0.319 e0.246 e0.340 -- -- -- PCB-11 <0.448 <0.555 <0.589 <0.550 <0.309 e0.756 <0.456 <0.432 <0.472 <0.414 <0.319 e0.367 e0.265 -- -- -- PCB-12 + 13 <0.448 <0.555 <0.589 <0.550 <0.309 <0.313 <0.456 <0.432 <0.472 <0.414 <0.319 e0.457 <0.224 -- -- -- PCB-14 <0.448 <0.555 <0.589 <0.550 <0.309 <0.313 <0.456 <0.432 <0.472 <0.414 <0.319 e0.061 <0.224 -- -- -- PCB-15 <0.557 <0.692 <0.733 <0.685 <0.385 <0.341 <0.495 <0.468 <0.512 <0.449 <0.398 e0.093 <0.243 122 85.9 109 PCB-16 + 32 7.39 <0.417 5.63 5.99 6.16 6.79 0.839 2.49 1.18 0.856 <0.312 e0.093 <0.604 -- -- -- PCB-17 5.28 <0.417 3.89 3.61 4.15 4.26 <0.484 0.792 0.914 <0.525 <0.312 <0.056 <0.604 -- -- -- PCB-18 3.59 <0.417 3.14 3.04 4.09 3.78 <0.484 1.1 0.933 <0.525 <0.312 <0.056 <0.604 86 82.9 94 PCB-19 15.4 <0.486 13.3 12.8 16.9 11.7 1.58 3.89 1.35 2.38 <0.364 <0.066 <0.708 76 78.4 88 PCB-20 + 21 + 33 <0.653 <0.460 <0.462 <0.563 <0.356 e0.164 <0.516 <0.337 <0.428 <0.587 <0.373 <0.077 e0.980 -- -- -- PCB-22 <0.653 <0.460 <0.462 <0.563 <0.356 0.324 <0.516 <0.337 <0.428 <0.587 <0.373 <0.077 <0.373 -- -- -- PCB-23 + 34 <0.342 <0.314 <0.306 <0.188 <0.155 <0.154 <0.299 <0.337 <0.332 <0.324 <0.235 <0.035 <0.373 98.7 76.1 87.4 PCB-24 + 27 5.82 <0.417 4.77 4.82 5.17 5.02 0.503 1.58 <0.537 0.648 <0.312 <0.056 <0.604 -- -- -- PCB-25 0.837 <0.314 0.884 0.51 0.612 0.629 <0.299 <0.337 <0.332 <0.324 <0.235 e0.078 <0.373 -- -- -- PCB-26 1.76 <0.314 1.53 1.35 1.19 1.56 <0.299 0.359 <0.332 <0.324 <0.235 e0.188 <0.373 -- -- -- PCB-28 1.36 <0.288 1.21 0.931 0.79 1.05 0.398 0.776 0.578 0.762 <0.215 e0.079 e0.501 90.3 88.5 101 PCB-29 <0.342 <0.314 <0.306 <0.188 <0.155 <0.154 <0.299 <0.337 <0.332 <0.324 <0.235 e0.042 <0.373 -- -- -- PCB-30 <0.454 <0.417 <0.406 <0.249 <0.206 <0.245 <0.484 <0.546 <0.537 <0.525 <0.312 <0.056 <0.604 -- -- -- PCB-31 2.6 <0.314 1.82 1.28 1.71 1.7 <0.299 0.539 0.515 0.394 <0.235 e0.053 e0.563 115 85.3 95.2 PCB-35 <0.687 <0.483 <0.486 <0.592 <0.375 <0.097 <0.564 <0.369 <0.467 <0.641 <0.392 e0.698 <0.408 -- -- -- PCB-36 <0.653 <0.460 <0.462 <0.563 <0.356 <0.091 <0.516 <0.337 <0.428 <0.587 <0.373 e1.06 <0.373 -- -- -- PCB-37 <0.687 <0.483 <0.486 <0.592 <0.375 0.186 <0.564 <0.369 <0.467 <0.641 <0.392 e0.138 <0.408 118 88.5 103 PCB-38 <0.687 <0.483 <0.486 <0.592 <0.375 <0.097 <0.564 <0.369 e2.09 <0.641 <0.392 <0.082 <0.408 -- -- -- PCB-39 <0.653 <0.460 <0.462 <0.563 <0.356 <0.091 <0.516 <0.337 <0.428 <0.587 <0.373 e0.082 <0.373 -- -- -- PCB-40 <0.653 <0.335 <1.11 <0.648 <0.472 0.338 <0.831 <0.687 <1.16 <1.08 <0.633 <0.136 <0.945 92.7 81.8 90.1
Table 4–1 127

Table 4–1. Masses of dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls in water at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–06.—Continued[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; A, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the first column of two columns in series; B, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the second column of two columns in series; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Monthly composite river samples Quality-control samples

Laboratory blank Matrix spike May 2005 May August Septem- Decem- January February March– June 2005 July 2005 (ng/sample) (percent recovery) IUPAC number A 2005 B 2005 ber 2005 ber 2005 2006 2006 April 2006 (ng/ (ng/ May-05 Sep- Decem- May-05 Sep- Decem- (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ sample) sample) to Au- tember ber-05 to to Au- tember ber-05 to sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) gust-05 2005 April-06 gust-05 2005 April-06

PCB-41 + 64 + 68 7.98 <0.220 5.25 4.12 2.66 2.71 0.966 2.28 8.52 1.18 <0.216 <0.074 <0.391 -- -- --

+ 71

PCB-42 + 59 0.889 <0.220 0.816 0.953 0.829 e0.112 <0.273 <0.451 <0.362 <0.479 <0.216 <0.074 <0.391 -- -- --

PCB-43 + 49 3.11 <0.225 2.21 2.31 2.04 1.97 0.358 1.13 1.42 <0.462 <0.221 <0.077 <0.377 85.2 82.8 79.1

PCB-44 1.65 <0.220 1.67 1.82 1.8 1.7 0.403 1.28 0.714 <0.479 <0.216 <0.074 <0.391 86.8 80.7 87.7

PCB-45 0.519 <0.200 0.559 0.471 0.638 0.475 <0.242 <0.400 <0.322 <0.426 <0.197 <0.065 <0.347 -- -- --

PCB-46 0.301 <0.200 0.359 e0.418 e0.362 0.259 <0.242 <0.400 <0.322 <0.426 <0.197 <0.065 <0.347 -- -- --

PCB-47 + 48 + 75 15.4 0.621 13.9 8.58 5.64 3.24 3.47 5.23 66.1 1.72 <0.197 <0.065 <0.347 -- -- --

PCB-50 <0.167 <0.162 <0.255 <0.249 <0.198 <0.067 <0.204 <0.336 <0.270 <0.358 <0.159 <0.055 <0.292 -- -- --

PCB-51 6.93 <0.200 5.12 2.9 2.13 1.16 0.762 1.08 4.08 0.524 <0.197 <0.065 <0.347 -- -- --

PCB-52 + 73 3.39 <0.200 3.41 3.39 3.09 3.07 0.773 2.12 0.92 0.836 <0.197 <0.065 <0.347 87.4 79.1 85.4

PCB-53 2.28 <0.200 2.46 2.2 2.21 1.66 0.309 1.17 0.33 <0.426 <0.197 <0.065 <0.347 -- -- --

PCB-54 e0.320 <0.162 <0.255 0.254 e0.237 0.161 <0.204 <0.336 <0.270 <0.358 <0.159 <0.055 <0.292 71 73.3 77.8

PCB-55 <0.366 <0.188 <0.624 <0.363 <0.265 <0.103 <0.456 <0.377 <0.636 <0.594 <0.355 <0.072 <0.518 -- -- --

PCB-56 + 60 <0.366 <0.188 <0.624 <0.363 <0.265 0.283 <0.456 <0.377 <0.636 <0.594 <0.355 <0.072 <0.518 108 84.3 94.4

PCB-57 <0.653 <0.335 <1.11 <0.648 <0.472 <0.197 <0.831 <0.687 <1.16 <1.08 <0.633 <0.136 <0.945 -- -- --

PCB-58 <0.653 <0.335 <1.11 <0.648 <0.472 <0.197 <0.831 <0.687 <1.16 <1.08 <0.633 <0.136 <0.945 -- -- --

PCB-61 + 74 <0.356 <0.182 <0.605 <0.353 <0.257 e0.238 <0.429 <0.355 <0.599 <0.560 <0.344 <0.070 <0.488 -- -- --

PCB-62 + 65 <0.207 <0.200 <0.316 <0.308 <0.245 <0.079 <0.242 <0.400 <0.322 <0.426 <0.197 <0.065 <0.347 -- -- --

PCB-63 <0.356 <0.182 <0.605 <0.353 <0.257 <0.101 <0.429 <0.355 <0.599 <0.560 <0.344 <0.070 <0.488 -- -- --

PCB-66 + 80 0.628 <0.182 <0.605 0.504 0.453 0.371 <0.429 <0.355 <0.599 <0.560 <0.344 <0.070 <0.488 102 84 91.5

PCB-67 <0.653 <0.335 <1.11 <0.648 <0.472 <0.197 <0.831 <0.687 <1.16 <1.08 <0.633 <0.136 <0.945 -- -- --

PCB-69 <0.207 <0.200 <0.316 <0.308 <0.245 <0.079 <0.242 <0.400 <0.322 <0.426 <0.197 <0.065 <0.347 -- -- --

PCB-70 + 76 0.558 <0.182 <0.605 0.397 0.326 0.381 <0.429 0.365 <0.599 <0.560 <0.344 <0.070 <0.488 -- -- --

PCB-72 <0.228 <0.220 <0.348 <0.339 <0.269 <0.090 <0.273 <0.451 <0.362 <0.479 <0.216 <0.074 <0.391 -- -- --

PCB-77 <0.661 <0.332 <0.517 <0.553 <0.417 <0.103 <0.388 <0.438 <0.599 <0.644 <0.398 e0.165 <0.259 120 92.5 106

PCB-78 <0.661 <0.332 <0.517 <0.553 <0.417 <0.103 <0.388 <0.438 <0.599 <0.644 <0.398 <0.082 <0.259 -- -- --

PCB-79 <0.661 <0.332 <0.517 <0.553 <0.417 <0.103 <0.388 <0.438 <0.599 <0.644 <0.398 <0.082 <0.259 -- -- --

PCB-81 <0.661 <0.332 <0.517 <0.553 <0.417 <0.103 <0.388 <0.438 <0.599 <0.644 <0.398 e0.242 <0.259 117 94.5 108

PCB-82 <0.537 <0.469 <0.532 <0.554 <0.249 <0.177 <0.496 <0.709 <0.753 <0.673 <0.420 <0.097 <0.435 -- -- --

PCB-83 + 108 <0.461 <0.444 <0.364 <0.404 <0.278 <0.123 <0.274 <0.454 <0.417 <0.377 <0.372 <0.063 <0.333 -- -- --

PCB-84 0.427 <0.385 0.574 0.488 0.394 0.394 <0.235 <0.389 <0.358 <0.323 <0.322 <0.054 <0.285 -- -- --

PCB-85 + 120 <0.537 <0.469 <0.532 <0.554 <0.249 <0.177 <0.496 <0.709 <0.753 <0.673 <0.420 e0.747 <0.435 -- -- --
128 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts Table 4–1. Masses of dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls in water at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–06.—Continued [Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; A, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the first column of two columns in series; B, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the second column of two columns in series; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done] Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners Monthly composite river samples Quality-control samples Laboratory blank Matrix spike May 2005 May August Septem- Decem- January February March– June 2005 July 2005 (ng/sample) (percent recovery) IUPAC number A 2005 B 2005 ber 2005 ber 2005 2006 2006 April 2006 (ng/ (ng/ May-05 Sep- Decem- May-05 Sep- Decem- (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ sample) sample) to Au- tember ber-05 to to Au- tember ber-05 to sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) gust-05 2005 April-06 gust-05 2005 April-06 PCB-86 + 97 <0.537 <0.469 <0.532 <0.554 <0.249 <0.177 <0.496 <0.709 <0.753 <0.673 <0.420 <0.097 <0.435 -- -- -- PCB-87 + 115 <0.537 <0.469 <0.532 <0.554 <0.249 0.278 <0.496 <0.709 <0.753 <0.673 <0.420 <0.097 <0.435 110 88.4 99 + 116 PCB-88 + 121 <0.471 <0.454 <0.372 <0.413 <0.284 <0.125 <0.285 <0.472 <0.434 <0.392 <0.380 <0.064 <0.346 -- -- -- PCB-89 + 90 + 1.05 <0.385 0.823 0.885 0.52 0.599 <0.235 0.757 <0.358 <0.323 <0.322 <0.054 <0.285 103 83.2 92.6 101 PCB-91 0.669 <0.454 e0.420 <0.413 0.325 e0.318 <0.285 <0.472 <0.434 <0.392 <0.380 <0.064 <0.346 -- -- -- PCB-92 <0.400 <0.385 <0.316 <0.350 <0.241 0.19 <0.235 <0.389 <0.358 <0.323 <0.322 <0.054 <0.285 -- -- -- PCB-93 + 95 1.44 <0.454 1.56 1.74 1.19 1.31 0.46 1.27 0.592 0.727 <0.380 <0.064 <0.346 94.4 81.5 88.2 PCB-94 <0.471 <0.454 <0.372 <0.413 <0.284 <0.125 <0.285 <0.472 <0.434 <0.392 <0.380 <0.064 <0.346 -- -- -- PCB-96 <0.471 <0.454 <0.372 <0.413 <0.284 <0.125 <0.285 <0.472 <0.434 <0.392 <0.380 <0.064 <0.346 -- -- -- PCB-98 + 102 <0.471 <0.454 <0.372 <0.413 <0.284 <0.125 <0.285 <0.472 <0.434 <0.392 <0.380 <0.064 <0.346 -- -- -- PCB-99 0.465 <0.370 <0.304 <0.337 0.26 0.263 <0.229 <0.380 <0.349 <0.315 <0.310 e0.052 <0.278 102 82.6 93 PCB-100 <0.471 <0.454 <0.372 <0.413 <0.284 <0.125 <0.285 <0.472 <0.434 <0.392 <0.380 <0.064 <0.346 -- -- -- PCB-103 <0.471 <0.454 <0.372 <0.413 <0.284 0.133 <0.285 <0.472 <0.434 <0.392 <0.380 e0.097 <0.346 -- -- -- PCB-104 <0.331 <0.319 <0.261 <0.290 <0.199 <0.091 <0.201 <0.333 <0.306 <0.276 <0.267 <0.046 <0.244 83.9 78.3 83.1 PCB-105 + 127 <0.396 <0.345 <0.392 <0.408 <0.183 <0.124 <0.350 <0.501 <0.532 <0.475 <0.310 <0.068 <0.307 118 85.5 99.9 PCB-106 + 118 <0.360 <0.299 <0.364 <0.344 0.283 0.238 <0.355 <0.495 <0.531 <0.474 <0.276 <0.071 <0.328 96 80.9 90.9 PCB-107 + 109 <0.378 <0.330 <0.375 <0.391 <0.175 <0.122 <0.347 <0.495 <0.526 <0.471 <0.296 <0.067 <0.304 -- -- -- PCB-110 1.44 <0.330 1.2 1.3 0.982 0.905 <0.347 1 <0.526 <0.471 <0.296 <0.067 <0.304 109 83.9 94.7 PCB-111 + 117 <0.537 <0.469 <0.532 <0.554 <0.249 <0.177 <0.496 <0.709 <0.753 <0.673 <0.420 <0.097 <0.435 -- -- -- PCB-112 <0.461 <0.444 <0.364 <0.404 <0.278 <0.123 <0.274 <0.454 <0.417 <0.377 <0.372 <0.063 <0.333 -- -- -- PCB-113 <0.400 <0.385 <0.316 <0.350 <0.241 <0.105 <0.235 <0.389 <0.358 <0.323 <0.322 <0.054 <0.285 -- -- -- PCB-114 <0.373 <0.326 <0.370 <0.385 <0.173 <0.123 <0.342 <0.489 <0.519 <0.464 <0.292 <0.067 <0.300 112 85.1 97.4 PCB-119 <0.384 <0.370 <0.304 <0.337 <0.232 <0.102 <0.229 <0.380 <0.349 <0.315 <0.310 <0.052 <0.278 -- -- -- PCB-122 <0.373 <0.326 <0.370 <0.385 <0.173 <0.123 <0.342 <0.489 <0.519 <0.464 <0.292 <0.067 <0.300 -- -- -- PCB-123 <0.360 <0.299 <0.364 <0.344 <0.175 <0.122 <0.355 <0.495 <0.531 <0.474 <0.276 e0.079 <0.328 89.2 78.4 89.9 PCB-124 <0.378 <0.330 <0.375 <0.391 <0.175 <0.122 <0.347 <0.495 <0.526 <0.471 <0.296 <0.067 <0.304 -- -- -- PCB-125 <0.537 <0.469 <0.532 <0.554 <0.249 <0.177 <0.496 <0.709 <0.753 <0.673 <0.420 <0.097 <0.435 -- -- -- PCB-126 <0.416 <0.363 <0.412 <0.429 <0.193 <0.128 <0.358 <0.511 <0.543 <0.485 <0.325 <0.070 <0.314 -- -- -- PCB-128 <0.282 <0.264 <0.420 <0.356 <0.294 <0.178 <0.374 <0.490 <0.474 <0.478 <0.289 <0.106 <0.381 -- -- -- PCB-129 <0.282 <0.264 <0.420 <0.356 <0.294 <0.178 <0.374 <0.490 <0.474 <0.478 <0.289 <0.106 <0.381 -- -- --

PCB-130 <0.282 <0.264 <0.420 <0.356 <0.294 <0.178 <0.374 <0.490 <0.474 <0.478 <0.289 <0.106 <0.381 -- -- --
Table 4–1 129

Table 4–1. Masses of dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls in water at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–06.—Continued[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; A, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the first column of two columns in series; B, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the second column of two columns in series; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Monthly composite river samples Quality-control samples

Laboratory blank Matrix spike May 2005 May August Septem- Decem- January February March– June 2005 July 2005 (ng/sample) (percent recovery) IUPAC number A 2005 B 2005 ber 2005 ber 2005 2006 2006 April 2006 (ng/ (ng/ May-05 Sep- Decem- May-05 Sep- Decem- (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ sample) sample) to Au- tember ber-05 to to Au- tember ber-05 to sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) gust-05 2005 April-06 gust-05 2005 April-06

PCB-131 + 142 <0.143 <0.214 <0.254 <0.287 <0.151 <0.282 <0.287 <0.382 <0.406 <0.290 <0.247 <0.054 <0.269 -- -- --

PCB-132 + 168 0.373 <0.236 <0.376 0.336 0.275 e0.184 <0.344 <0.450 <0.435 <0.439 <0.258 <0.097 <0.350 -- -- --

PCB-133 <0.143 <0.214 <0.254 <0.287 <0.151 <0.282 <0.287 <0.382 <0.406 <0.290 <0.247 <0.054 <0.269 -- -- --

PCB-134 + 143 <0.143 <0.214 <0.254 <0.287 <0.151 <0.282 <0.287 <0.382 <0.406 <0.290 <0.247 <0.054 <0.269 -- -- --

PCB-135 + 144 e0.143 <0.214 <0.254 <0.287 <0.151 <0.282 <0.287 <0.382 <0.406 <0.290 <0.247 <0.054 <0.269 -- -- --

PCB-136 0.236 <0.214 <0.254 <0.287 0.171 <0.282 <0.287 <0.382 <0.406 <0.290 <0.247 <0.054 <0.269 -- -- --

PCB-137 <0.240 <0.224 <0.357 <0.302 <0.250 <0.151 <0.318 <0.416 e4.77 <0.406 <0.246 <0.090 <0.324 -- -- --

PCB-138 + 163 0.704 <0.224 0.541 0.677 0.511 0.437 <0.318 0.523 <0.403 <0.406 <0.246 <0.090 <0.324 103 88.5 90.5

+ 164

PCB-139 + 149 0.636 <0.214 0.644 0.668 0.423 0.442 <0.287 0.506 <0.406 <0.290 <0.247 <0.054 <0.269 116 85 99.7

PCB-140 <0.143 <0.214 <0.254 <0.287 <0.151 <0.282 <0.287 <0.382 <0.406 <0.290 <0.247 <0.054 <0.269 -- -- --

PCB-141 <0.240 <0.224 <0.357 <0.302 <0.250 <0.151 <0.318 <0.416 <0.403 <0.406 <0.246 <0.090 <0.324 -- -- --

PCB-145 <0.143 <0.214 <0.254 <0.287 <0.151 <0.282 <0.287 <0.382 <0.406 <0.290 <0.247 <0.054 <0.269 -- -- --

PCB-146 <0.128 <0.191 <0.227 <0.257 <0.135 <0.258 <0.261 <0.347 <0.368 <0.264 <0.221 <0.049 <0.244 -- -- --

PCB-147 <0.143 <0.214 <0.254 <0.287 <0.151 <0.282 <0.287 <0.382 <0.406 <0.290 <0.247 <0.054 <0.269 -- -- --

PCB-148 <0.143 <0.214 <0.254 <0.287 <0.151 <0.282 <0.287 <0.382 <0.406 <0.290 <0.247 <0.054 <0.269 -- -- --

PCB-150 <0.143 <0.214 <0.254 <0.287 <0.151 <0.282 <0.287 <0.382 <0.406 <0.290 <0.247 <0.054 <0.269 -- -- --

PCB-151 <0.177 <0.266 <0.315 <0.356 <0.187 <0.354 <0.358 <0.476 <0.505 <0.361 <0.306 <0.067 <0.335 113 87 100

PCB-152 <0.143 <0.214 <0.254 <0.287 <0.151 <0.282 <0.287 <0.382 <0.406 <0.290 <0.247 <0.054 <0.269 -- -- --

PCB-153 0.374 <0.200 <0.320 0.399 0.31 0.256 <0.292 <0.382 <0.370 <0.373 <0.220 <0.082 <0.298 103 88.1 92.2

PCB-154 <0.143 <0.214 <0.254 <0.287 <0.151 <0.282 <0.287 <0.382 <0.406 <0.290 <0.247 <0.054 <0.269 -- -- --

PCB-155 <0.0976 <0.146 <0.173 <0.196 <0.103 <0.198 <0.204 <0.271 <0.288 <0.206 <0.169 <0.038 <0.191 99 79.5 90.9

PCB-156 <0.193 <0.180 <0.288 <0.244 <0.202 <0.118 <0.248 <0.325 <0.314 <0.317 <0.198 <0.071 <0.253 106 88 92.6

PCB-157 <0.201 <0.188 <0.300 <0.254 <0.210 <0.119 <0.252 <0.330 <0.319 <0.322 <0.206 <0.071 <0.257 110 88.3 91.8

PCB-158 + 160 <0.240 <0.224 <0.357 <0.302 <0.250 <0.151 <0.318 <0.416 <0.403 <0.406 <0.246 <0.090 <0.324 -- -- --

PCB-159 <0.240 <0.224 <0.357 <0.302 <0.250 <0.151 <0.318 <0.416 <0.403 <0.406 <0.246 <0.090 <0.324 -- -- --

PCB-161 <0.128 <0.191 <0.227 <0.257 <0.135 <0.258 <0.261 <0.347 <0.368 <0.264 <0.221 <0.049 <0.244 -- -- --

PCB-162 <0.240 <0.224 <0.357 <0.302 <0.250 <0.151 <0.318 <0.416 <0.403 <0.406 <0.246 <0.090 <0.324 -- -- --

PCB-165 <0.128 <0.191 <0.227 <0.257 <0.135 <0.258 <0.261 <0.347 <0.368 <0.264 <0.221 <0.049 <0.244 -- -- --

PCB-166 <0.240 <0.224 <0.357 <0.302 <0.250 <0.151 <0.318 <0.416 <0.403 <0.406 <0.246 <0.090 <0.324 -- -- --

PCB-167 <0.191 <0.179 <0.285 <0.241 <0.199 <0.116 <0.245 <0.320 <0.310 <0.312 <0.196 <0.069 <0.249 107 86.2 91.4

PCB-169 <0.199 <0.186 <0.296 <0.251 <0.207 <0.119 <0.249 <0.326 <0.315 <0.318 <0.204 <0.071 <0.254 109 88.4 95.1

PCB-170 + 190 <0.190 <0.350 <0.473 <0.397 <0.205 <0.133 <0.412 <0.323 <0.496 <0.366 <0.293 <0.110 <0.216 104 85.4 97.6
130 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts Table 4–1. Masses of dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls in water at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–06.—Continued [Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; A, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the first column of two columns in series; B, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the second column of two columns in series; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done] Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners Monthly composite river samples Quality-control samples Laboratory blank Matrix spike May 2005 May August Septem- Decem- January February March– June 2005 July 2005 (ng/sample) (percent recovery) IUPAC number A 2005 B 2005 ber 2005 ber 2005 2006 2006 April 2006 (ng/ (ng/ May-05 Sep- Decem- May-05 Sep- Decem- (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ sample) sample) to Au- tember ber-05 to to Au- tember ber-05 to sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) gust-05 2005 April-06 gust-05 2005 April-06 PCB-171 <0.159 <0.294 <0.397 <0.333 <0.172 <0.108 <0.343 <0.269 <0.413 <0.305 <0.246 <0.089 <0.180 -- -- -- PCB-172 + 192 <0.159 <0.294 <0.397 <0.333 <0.172 <0.108 <0.343 <0.269 <0.413 <0.305 <0.246 <0.089 <0.180 -- -- -- PCB-173 <0.159 <0.294 <0.397 <0.333 <0.172 <0.108 <0.343 <0.269 <0.413 <0.305 <0.246 <0.089 <0.180 -- -- -- PCB-174 + 181 <0.162 <0.298 <0.403 <0.338 <0.175 <0.108 <0.353 <0.277 <0.425 <0.314 <0.250 <0.090 <0.185 -- -- -- PCB-175 <0.160 <0.295 <0.398 <0.334 <0.172 <0.110 <0.352 <0.276 <0.424 <0.313 <0.246 <0.091 <0.185 -- -- -- PCB-176 <0.120 <0.222 <0.299 <0.251 <0.130 <0.085 <0.270 <0.212 <0.325 <0.240 <0.185 <0.070 <0.142 -- -- -- PCB-177 <0.162 <0.298 <0.403 <0.338 <0.175 <0.108 <0.353 <0.277 <0.425 <0.314 <0.250 <0.090 <0.185 -- -- -- PCB-178 <0.160 <0.295 <0.398 <0.334 <0.172 <0.110 <0.352 <0.276 <0.424 <0.313 <0.246 <0.091 <0.185 -- -- -- PCB-179 <0.120 <0.222 <0.299 <0.251 <0.130 <0.085 <0.270 <0.212 <0.325 <0.240 <0.185 <0.070 <0.142 -- -- -- PCB-180 <0.159 <0.294 <0.397 <0.333 <0.172 <0.108 <0.343 <0.269 <0.413 <0.305 <0.246 <0.089 <0.180 104 84.1 95.4 PCB-182 + 187 <0.160 <0.295 <0.398 <0.334 <0.172 <0.110 <0.352 <0.276 <0.424 <0.313 <0.246 <0.091 <0.185 104 86.2 95.6 PCB-183 <0.162 <0.298 <0.403 <0.338 <0.175 <0.108 <0.353 <0.277 <0.425 <0.314 <0.250 <0.090 <0.185 108 87.5 96.2 PCB-184 <0.120 <0.222 <0.299 <0.251 <0.130 <0.085 <0.270 <0.212 <0.325 <0.240 <0.185 <0.070 <0.142 -- -- -- PCB-185 <0.162 <0.298 <0.403 <0.338 <0.175 <0.108 <0.353 <0.277 <0.425 <0.314 <0.250 <0.090 <0.185 -- -- -- PCB-186 <0.160 <0.295 <0.398 <0.334 <0.172 <0.110 <0.352 <0.276 <0.424 <0.313 <0.246 <0.091 <0.185 -- -- -- PCB-188 <0.120 <0.222 <0.299 <0.251 <0.130 <0.085 <0.270 <0.212 <0.325 <0.240 <0.185 <0.070 <0.142 96 85.3 90.3 PCB-189 <0.135 <0.249 <0.337 <0.282 <0.146 <0.090 <0.285 <0.224 <0.344 <0.254 <0.208 <0.074 <0.150 109 84.6 99.4 PCB-191 <0.159 <0.294 <0.397 <0.333 <0.172 <0.108 <0.343 <0.269 <0.413 <0.305 <0.246 <0.089 <0.180 -- -- -- PCB-193 <0.159 <0.294 <0.397 <0.333 <0.172 <0.108 <0.343 <0.269 <0.413 <0.305 <0.246 <0.089 <0.180 -- -- -- PCB-194 <0.474 <0.459 <0.654 <0.482 <0.486 <0.280 <0.511 <0.692 <0.663 <0.640 <0.339 <0.115 <0.843 113 85.4 108 PCB-195 <0.474 <0.459 <0.654 <0.482 <0.486 <0.280 <0.511 <0.692 <0.663 <0.640 <0.339 <0.115 e2.77 -- -- -- PCB-196 + 203 <0.446 <0.432 <0.614 <0.453 <0.456 <0.270 <0.508 <0.688 <0.660 <0.637 <0.319 <0.111 e1.80 109 85.9 108 PCB-197 <0.312 <0.302 <0.430 <0.317 <0.319 <0.194 <0.362 <0.490 <0.469 <0.453 <0.223 <0.080 <0.597 -- -- -- PCB-198 <0.446 <0.432 <0.614 <0.453 <0.456 <0.270 <0.508 <0.688 <0.660 <0.637 <0.319 <0.111 <0.839 -- -- -- PCB-199 <0.446 <0.432 <0.614 <0.453 <0.456 <0.270 <0.508 <0.688 <0.660 <0.637 <0.319 <0.111 e2.63 -- -- -- PCB-200 <0.312 <0.302 <0.430 <0.317 <0.319 <0.194 <0.362 <0.490 <0.469 <0.453 <0.223 <0.080 <0.597 -- -- -- PCB-201 <0.312 <0.302 <0.430 <0.317 <0.319 <0.194 <0.362 <0.490 <0.469 <0.453 <0.223 <0.080 <0.597 -- -- -- PCB-202 <0.357 <0.346 <0.492 <0.363 <0.366 <0.219 <0.409 <0.554 <0.531 <0.513 <0.255 <0.090 <0.675 104 84.1 102 PCB-204 <0.312 <0.302 <0.430 <0.317 <0.319 <0.194 <0.362 <0.490 <0.469 <0.453 <0.223 <0.080 <0.597 -- -- -- PCB-205 <0.355 <0.344 <0.490 <0.361 <0.364 <0.207 <0.392 <0.531 <0.509 <0.491 <0.254 <0.085 <0.647 109 81.4 108 PCB-206 <0.676 <0.822 <0.916 <0.898 <0.441 <0.336 <0.502 <0.816 <1.18 <1.12 <0.734 <0.428 <0.371 99 82.2 101 PCB-207 <0.579 <0.704 <0.784 <0.769 <0.378 <0.304 <0.443 <0.720 <1.04 <0.989 <0.629 <0.387 <0.327 -- -- --
Table 4–1 131

Table 4–1. Masses of dissolved polychlorinated biphenyls in water at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–06.—Continued[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; A, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the first column of two columns in series; B, polychlorinated biphenyls eluted from the second column of two columns in series; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Monthly composite river samples Quality-control samples

Laboratory blank Matrix spike May 2005 May August Septem- Decem- January February March– June 2005 July 2005 (ng/sample) (percent recovery) IUPAC number A 2005 B 2005 ber 2005 ber 2005 2006 2006 April 2006 (ng/ (ng/ May-05 Sep- Decem- May-05 Sep- Decem- (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ sample) sample) to Au- tember ber-05 to to Au- tember ber-05 to sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) gust-05 2005 April-06 gust-05 2005 April-06

PCB-208 <0.579 <0.704 <0.784 <0.769 <0.378 <0.304 <0.443 <0.720 <1.04 <0.989 <0.629 <0.387 <0.327 97.5 83.7 98.6

PCB-209 <0.200 <0.242 <0.290 <0.368 <0.225 <0.137 <0.202 <0.502 <0.456 <0.972 <0.231 e0.162 <0.188 92.6 78.4 97.6

Total 166 0.621 136 123 146 126 13 36.1 93.5 14.7 <0.734 0.287 < -- -- --

Polychlorinated biphenyl homologs

Total Monochlo- 0.449 <0.365 0.488 0.585 1.81 <0.418 -- -- -- -- <0.314 0.287 < -- -- --

robiphenyls

Total Dichlorobi- 70 <0.964 58.3 53.5 75.8 65.8 2.18 5.9 5.34 4.68 <0.554 <0.0721 < -- -- --

phenyls

Total Trichlorobi- 44 <0.486 36.2 34.4 40.8 37 3.32 11.5 5.47 5.04 <0.392 <0.0824 < -- -- --

phenyls

Total Tetrachloro- 43.6 0.621 35.8 27.9 21.8 17.8 7.04 14.7 82.1 4.26 <0.633 <0.136 < -- -- --

biphenyls

Total Pentachlo- 5.5 <0.469 4.16 4.41 3.95 4.31 0.46 3.03 0.592 0.727 <0.420 <0.0968 < -- -- --

robiphenyls

Total Hexachloro- 2.32 <0.266 1.19 2.08 1.69 1.14 -- 1.03 -- -- <0.306 <0.106 < -- -- --

biphenyls

Total Heptachlo- <0.190 <0.350 <0.473 <0.397 <0.205 <0.133 -- -- -- -- <0.293 <0.110 < -- -- --

robiphenyls

Total Octachloro- <0.474 <0.459 <0.654 <0.482 <0.486 <0.280 -- -- -- -- <0.339 <0.115 < -- -- --

biphenyls

Total Nonachloro- <0.676 <0.822 <0.916 <0.898 <0.441 <0.336 -- -- -- -- <0.734 <0.428 < -- -- --

biphenyls

Decachlorobiphe- <0.200 <0.242 <0.290 <0.368 <0.225 <0.137 -- -- -- -- <0.231 <0.0930 < -- -- --

nyls

Polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclors

Aroclor 1221 <0.850 <1.05 <1.12 <1.05 <0.587 <0.794 <0.866 <0.821 <1.24 <1.49 <0.606 <0.0775 <0.426 -- -- --

Aroclor 1232 <1.54 <1.42 <1.38 <1.84 <0.866 <1.42 <1.65 <1.86 <2.21 <2.67 <1.07 <0.189 <2.05 -- -- --

Aroclor 35.8 <2.11 27.2 20 30.2 29.1 <1.84 9.18 7.7 4.39 <1.21 <0.211 <2.30 -- -- --

1016/1242

Aroclor 1248 <1.96 <1.24 <3.33 <1.94 <1.51 <0.556 <2.36 <2.48 <3.29 <3.08 <1.89 <0.425 <2.68 -- -- --

Aroclor 1254 <5.37 <4.69 <5.32 <5.54 2.6 5.41 <4.96 <7.09 <7.53 <6.73 <4.20 <0.968 <4.35 -- -- --

Aroclor 1260 <1.35 <2.49 <3.36 <2.82 <1.45 <0.944 <2.93 <2.29 <3.52 <2.60 <2.08 <0.781 <1.53 -- -- --
132 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts Table 4–2. Masses of particulate polychlorinated biphenyls in water at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–2006.—Continued [Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done] Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners IUPAC number Monthly composite river samples Quality-control samples May 2005 (ng/ sample) June 2005 (ng/ sample) July 2005 (ng/ sample) August 2005 (ng/ sample) Septem- ber 2005 (ng/ sample) Decem- ber 2005 (ng/ sample) January 2006 (ng/ sample) February 2006 (ng/ sample) March– April 2006 (ng/ sample) Laboratory blank (ng/sample) Matrix spike (percent recovery) May-05 to August-05 Septem- ber 2005 Decem- ber-05 to April-06 May-05 to August-05 Sep- tember 2005 Decem- ber-05 to April-06 PCB-1 3.9 2.33 2.79 2.59 e0.343 <0.435 <0.335 <0.399 e1.17 <1.01 <2.13 <0.469 85.3 75.1 84.9 PCB-2 <0.328 <0.156 <0.495 <0.340 e1.43 <0.430 <0.331 <0.394 <0.392 <1.04 <2.12 <0.463 -- -- -- PCB-3 2.15 1.29 1.97 1.08 e0.246 <0.430 0.97 e0.464 <0.392 <1.04 <2.12 <0.463 99.1 94.6 97.5 PCB-4 + 10 12.8 7.03 8.74 16.8 9.55 <0.581 2.72 1.04 <1.22 <1.18 <0.324 <1.04 83.3 69.6 90.9 PCB-5 + 8 6.22 4.08 5.53 4.27 4.45 0.532 2.14 0.868 0.753 <0.680 <0.183 <0.595 97.5 91 98.6 PCB-6 1.09 0.815 1.18 0.956 0.988 <0.331 <0.217 <0.378 <0.694 <0.680 e0.256 <0.595 -- -- -- PCB-7 + 9 <0.199 <0.264 <0.361 <0.353 e0.260 <0.331 <0.217 <0.378 <0.694 <0.680 e1.52 <0.595 -- -- -- PCB-11 e2.73 0.334 1.15 e0.538 e1.01 e0.945 <0.217 e1.04 <0.694 <0.680 <0.183 <0.595 -- -- -- PCB-12 + 13 e0.528 e0.452 e0.734 e0.636 e2.02 <0.331 <0.217 <0.378 <0.694 <0.680 <0.183 <0.595 -- -- -- PCB-14 <0.199 <0.264 <0.361 <0.353 <0.089 <0.331 <0.217 <0.378 <0.694 <0.680 <0.183 <0.595 -- -- -- PCB-15 8.44 5.56 6.71 5.73 4.48 e1.21 3.92 2.01 0.904 <0.846 e0.623 <0.646 126 107 109 PCB-16 + 32 4.73 2.95 4.57 5.13 4.41 0.945 1.98 1.11 <1.24 <0.743 <0.108 <0.666 -- -- -- PCB-17 3.57 2.35 2.72 3.52 2.97 <0.568 1.23 <0.997 <1.24 <0.743 <0.108 <0.666 -- -- -- PCB-18 2.15 1.36 1.91 2.98 <0.212 <0.568 1.14 <0.997 <1.24 <0.743 <0.108 <0.666 77.2 77.5 94 PCB-19 3.61 2.16 3.05 4.37 2.6 <0.666 1.06 <1.17 <1.45 <0.866 <0.129 <0.780 67.7 64.7 88 PCB-20 + 21 + 33 0.748 <0.374 0.624 0.599 0.345 <0.518 0.595 <0.689 <0.635 <0.721 e0.113 <0.667 -- -- -- PCB-22 0.743 0.538 0.712 0.875 0.674 <0.518 0.577 <0.689 <0.635 <0.721 <0.075 <0.667 -- -- -- PCB-23 + 34 <0.211 <0.154 <0.218 <0.321 <0.133 <0.351 <0.194 <0.616 <0.765 <0.559 <0.068 <0.411 93.1 79.9 87.4 PCB-24 + 27 2.98 1.81 2.57 3.12 2 <0.568 0.895 <0.997 <1.24 <0.743 <0.108 <0.666 -- -- -- PCB-25 2.02 1.28 1.62 1.92 1.36 <0.351 0.605 <0.616 <0.765 <0.559 <0.068 <0.411 -- -- -- PCB-26 2.84 2.11 2.96 3.26 2.28 <0.351 1.07 <0.616 <0.765 <0.559 <0.068 <0.411 -- -- -- PCB-28 4.08 2.61 3.79 3.75 3.49 0.956 2.95 1.4 <0.896 <0.513 e0.096 <0.482 93.1 92.9 101 PCB-29 <0.211 <0.154 <0.218 <0.321 <0.133 <0.351 <0.194 <0.616 <0.765 <0.559 <0.068 <0.411 -- -- -- PCB-30 <0.280 <0.204 <0.290 <0.426 <0.212 <0.568 <0.314 <0.997 <1.24 <0.743 <0.108 <0.666 -- -- -- PCB-31 4.74 3.86 4.12 4.87 3.59 e0.604 1.76 0.826 <0.765 <0.559 <0.068 <0.411 107 92.2 95.2 PCB-35 <0.386 <0.393 <0.443 <0.518 0.25 <0.566 <0.286 <0.753 <0.694 <0.758 <0.080 <0.729 -- -- -- PCB-36 <0.367 <0.374 <0.421 <0.492 <0.213 <0.518 <0.262 <0.689 <0.635 <0.721 <0.075 <0.667 -- -- -- PCB-37 1.46 0.862 1.07 0.886 e0.955 <0.566 0.923 <0.753 <0.694 <0.758 <0.080 <0.729 133 105 103 PCB-38 e0.724 e0.483 <0.443 <0.518 e0.845 <0.566 <0.286 <0.753 <0.694 <0.758 <0.080 <0.729 -- -- -- PCB-39 <0.367 <0.374 <0.421 <0.492 <0.213 <0.518 <0.262 <0.689 <0.635 <0.721 <0.075 <0.667 -- -- -- PCB-40 <0.872 <0.742 <1.12 <1.00 e0.582 <1.27 <0.994 <1.50 <1.20 <1.41 <0.191 <0.736 86.8 88.5 90.1 PCB-41 + 64 + 68 + 71 6.92 5.07 7.69 7.06 8.12 1.66 3.97 <0.795 <0.775 <0.580 <0.080 <0.345 -- -- --

PCB-42 + 59 1.58 1.23 1.87 1.83 1.77 <0.571 <0.465 <0.795 <0.775 <0.580 <0.080 <0.345 -- -- --
Table 4–2 133

Table 4–2. Masses of particulate polychlorinated biphenyls in water at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–2006.—Continued[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Monthly composite river samples Quality-control samples

Laboratory blank Matrix spike August Septem- Decem- January February March– (ng/sample) (percent recovery) IUPAC number May 2005 June 2005 July 2005 2005 ber 2005 ber 2005 2006 2006 April 2006 (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ Decem- Sep- Decem- sample) sample) sample) May-05 to Septem- May-05 to sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) ber-05 to tember ber-05 to August-05 ber 2005 August-05 April-06 2005 April-06

PCB-43 + 49 4.86 3.18 5.15 4.98 4.7 0.814 2.82 1.23 <0.748 <0.593 <0.084 <0.333 75.1 83.9 79.1

PCB-44 2.65 1.97 3.28 3.76 3 <0.571 2.17 <0.795 <0.775 <0.580 <0.080 <0.345 81.2 82.9 87.7

PCB-45 0.471 0.318 0.516 0.689 0.368 <0.507 <0.414 <0.706 <0.688 <0.528 <0.071 <0.307 -- -- --PCB-46 0.27 <0.228 0.413 0.35 0.248 <0.507 <0.414 <0.706 <0.688 <0.528 <0.071 <0.307 -- -- --

PCB-47 + 48 + 75 13.7 11.3 21.5 11.9 29.7 2.97 4.86 10.5 <0.688 <0.528 <0.071 <0.307 -- -- --PCB-50 <0.203 <0.184 <0.173 <0.208 <0.149 <0.426 <0.347 <0.593 <0.578 <0.426 <0.060 <0.258 -- -- --PCB-51 1.97 1.5 2.78 1.42 3.4 <0.507 0.723 <0.706 <0.688 <0.528 <0.071 <0.307 -- -- --PCB-52 + 73 5.53 3.83 5.66 6.26 5.2 0.737 3.44 1.23 <0.688 <0.528 <0.071 <0.307 76.3 80.8 85.4

PCB-53 1.86 1.24 1.77 2.15 1.61 <0.507 0.786 <0.706 <0.688 <0.528 <0.071 <0.307 -- -- --PCB-54 <0.203 <0.184 <0.173 <0.208 <0.149 <0.426 <0.347 <0.593 <0.578 <0.426 <0.060 <0.258 56.4 63.5 77.8PCB-55 <0.489 <0.416 <0.628 <0.561 <0.138 <0.697 <0.545 <0.825 <0.657 <0.789 <0.100 <0.404 -- -- --PCB-56 + 60 1.38 0.916 1.27 1.3 1.19 <0.697 1.28 <0.825 <0.657 <0.789 <0.100 <0.404 110 93.4 94.4

PCB-57 <0.872 <0.742 <1.12 <1.00 <0.263 <1.27 <0.994 <1.50 <1.20 <1.41 <0.191 <0.736 -- -- --PCB-58 <0.872 <0.742 <1.12 <1.00 <0.263 <1.27 <0.994 <1.50 <1.20 <1.41 <0.191 <0.736 -- -- --PCB-61 + 74 1.41 0.928 1.35 1.32 1.29 <0.656 0.951 <0.777 <0.619 <0.765 <0.098 <0.380 -- -- --PCB-62 + 65 <0.251 <0.228 <0.214 <0.258 <0.176 <0.507 <0.414 <0.706 <0.688 <0.528 <0.071 <0.307 -- -- --PCB-63 e0.772 e0.662 e0.970 <0.544 e0.507 <0.656 <0.513 <0.777 <0.619 <0.765 <0.098 <0.380 -- -- --PCB-66 + 80 2.79 1.98 2.66 2.65 2.42 <0.656 2.04 0.851 <0.619 <0.765 <0.098 <0.380 101 92 91.5PCB-67 <0.872 <0.742 <1.12 <1.00 <0.263 <1.27 <0.994 <1.50 <1.20 <1.41 <0.191 <0.736 -- -- --PCB-69 <0.251 <0.228 <0.214 <0.258 <0.176 <0.507 <0.414 <0.706 <0.688 <0.528 <0.071 <0.307 -- -- --PCB-70 + 76 2.61 1.63 2.7 2.28 2.32 <0.656 2.07 <0.777 <0.619 <0.765 <0.098 <0.380 -- -- --

PCB-72 0.299 <0.251 0.305 <0.283 <0.199 <0.571 <0.465 <0.795 <0.775 <0.580 <0.080 <0.345 -- -- --PCB-77 e1.20 e0.678 <0.519 <0.561 e0.746 <0.468 0.544 <1.15 <0.754 <1.51 <0.145 <0.356 128 102 106PCB-78 <0.507 <0.598 <0.519 <0.561 <0.299 <0.468 <0.329 <1.15 <0.754 <1.51 <0.145 <0.356 -- -- --PCB-79 <0.507 <0.598 <0.519 <0.561 <0.299 <0.468 <0.329 <1.15 <0.754 <1.51 <0.145 <0.356 -- -- --PCB-81 e1.94 <0.598 <0.519 <0.561 <0.299 <0.468 <0.329 <1.15 <0.754 <1.51 <0.145 <0.356 122 103 108PCB-82 <0.936 <0.535 0.676 <0.663 e0.703 <0.629 <0.767 <1.41 <0.967 <0.838 <0.081 <0.575 -- -- --PCB-83 + 108 0.491 0.41 0.563 <0.378 0.414 <0.349 <0.288 <0.924 <0.567 <1.14 <0.093 <0.355 -- -- --PCB-84 1.31 0.996 e1.27 1.05 1.11 <0.299 0.769 <0.792 <0.486 <0.986 <0.080 <0.305 -- -- --

PCB-85 + 120 e1.03 0.572 e0.907 e0.691 e0.671 <0.629 <0.767 <1.41 <0.967 <0.838 <0.081 <0.575 -- -- --PCB-86 + 97 1.37 0.992 1.43 0.943 1.16 <0.629 0.895 <1.41 <0.967 <0.838 <0.081 <0.575 -- -- --PCB-87 + 115 + 116 1.77 1.58 1.81 1.57 1.64 <0.629 1.5 <1.41 <0.967 <0.838 <0.081 <0.575 109 97.1 99
134 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts Table 4–2. Masses of particulate polychlorinated biphenyls in water at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–2006.—Continued [Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done] Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners Monthly composite river samples Quality-control samples Laboratory blank Matrix spike August Septem- Decem- January February March– (ng/sample) (percent recovery) IUPAC number May 2005 June 2005 July 2005 2005 ber 2005 ber 2005 2006 2006 April 2006 (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ Decem- Sep- Decem- sample) sample) sample) May-05 to Septem- May-05 to sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) ber-05 to tember ber-05 to August-05 ber 2005 August-05 April-06 2005 April-06 PCB-88 + 121 <0.284 <0.120 <0.397 <0.386 <0.192 <0.363 <0.299 <0.961 <0.590 <1.16 <0.095 <0.370 -- -- -- PCB-89 + 90 + 101 4.54 2.85 3.8 2.9 2.84 0.59 2.58 1.14 <0.486 <0.986 <0.080 <0.305 102 93 92.6 PCB-91 1.55 0.889 1.35 1.14 1.01 <0.363 0.773 <0.961 <0.590 <1.16 <0.095 <0.370 -- -- -- PCB-92 1.24 0.933 1.12 0.801 e0.887 <0.299 0.663 <0.792 <0.486 <0.986 <0.080 <0.305 -- -- -- PCB-93 + 95 4.09 2.95 4.44 3.18 3.42 0.709 2.55 <0.961 <0.590 <1.16 <0.095 <0.370 92.7 89.2 88.2 PCB-94 <0.284 <0.120 <0.397 <0.386 <0.192 <0.363 <0.299 <0.961 <0.590 <1.16 <0.095 <0.370 -- -- -- PCB-96 <0.284 <0.120 <0.397 <0.386 <0.192 <0.363 <0.299 <0.961 <0.590 <1.16 <0.095 <0.370 -- -- -- PCB-98 + 102 0.426 e0.236 <0.397 0.462 e0.275 <0.363 <0.299 <0.961 <0.590 <1.16 <0.095 <0.370 -- -- -- PCB-99 2.31 1.48 1.78 1.46 1.42 <0.292 1.53 <0.773 <0.474 <0.948 <0.077 <0.297 103 93.6 93 PCB-100 <0.284 <0.120 <0.397 <0.386 <0.192 <0.363 <0.299 <0.961 <0.590 <1.16 <0.095 <0.370 -- -- -- PCB-103 e0.357 <0.120 <0.397 <0.386 <0.192 <0.363 <0.299 <0.961 <0.590 <1.16 <0.095 <0.370 -- -- -- PCB-104 <0.200 <0.0841 <0.279 <0.271 <0.140 <0.256 <0.211 <0.678 <0.416 <0.816 <0.069 <0.261 73.9 78.7 83.1 PCB-105 + 127 1.16 0.99 1.11 0.954 e0.874 <0.444 1.02 <0.998 <0.683 <0.617 <0.056 <0.406 123 97.7 99.9 PCB-106 + 118 3.58 2.06 2.85 2.19 2.34 <0.442 2.15 1.13 <0.646 <0.529 <0.052 <0.392 93 91.8 90.9 PCB-107 + 109 <0.660 <0.377 <0.432 <0.468 0.233 <0.439 <0.536 <0.988 <0.676 <0.590 <0.056 <0.402 -- -- -- PCB-110 6.74 4.82 6.06 4.53 4.81 0.733 3.92 1.86 <0.676 <0.590 <0.056 <0.402 111 94.3 94.7 PCB-111 + 117 <0.936 <0.535 <0.613 <0.663 e0.167 <0.629 <0.767 <1.41 <0.967 <0.838 <0.081 <0.575 -- -- -- PCB-112 <0.278 <0.117 <0.388 <0.378 <0.188 <0.349 <0.288 <0.924 <0.567 <1.14 <0.093 <0.355 -- -- -- PCB-113 <0.241 <0.102 <0.337 <0.328 <0.161 <0.299 <0.247 <0.792 <0.486 <0.986 <0.080 <0.305 -- -- -- PCB-114 <0.651 <0.372 <0.426 <0.461 e0.131 <0.433 <0.529 <0.975 <0.667 <0.582 <0.056 <0.396 116 99.3 97.4 PCB-119 0.441 0.22 <0.324 <0.315 e0.186 <0.292 <0.241 <0.773 <0.474 <0.948 <0.077 <0.297 -- -- -- PCB-122 <0.651 <0.372 <0.426 <0.461 <0.101 <0.433 <0.529 <0.975 <0.667 <0.582 <0.056 <0.396 -- -- -- PCB-123 <0.649 <0.335 <0.426 <0.502 <0.103 <0.442 <0.548 <0.960 <0.646 <0.529 <0.052 <0.392 88.4 85.3 89.9 PCB-124 <0.660 <0.377 <0.432 <0.468 <0.100 <0.439 <0.536 <0.988 <0.676 <0.590 <0.056 <0.402 -- -- -- PCB-125 <0.936 <0.535 <0.613 <0.663 <0.146 <0.629 <0.767 <1.41 <0.967 <0.838 <0.081 <0.575 -- -- -- PCB-126 <0.725 <0.414 <0.475 <0.514 <0.106 <0.453 <0.553 <1.02 <0.697 <0.649 <0.059 <0.414 -- -- -- PCB-128 1.22 0.852 0.97 0.637 0.946 <1.24 0.76 <1.23 <0.516 <0.932 <0.022 <0.396 -- -- -- PCB-129 <0.297 <0.224 <0.479 <0.343 0.261 <1.24 <0.422 <1.23 <0.516 <0.932 <0.022 <0.396 -- -- -- PCB-130 0.452 e0.274 <0.479 <0.343 0.379 <1.24 <0.422 <1.23 <0.516 <0.932 e0.034 <0.396 -- -- -- PCB-131 + 142 <0.230 <0.223 <0.264 <0.181 <0.135 <0.506 <0.310 <0.703 <0.498 <0.429 <0.065 <0.361 -- -- -- PCB-132 + 168 1.95 1.43 1.45 0.963 1.32 <1.14 1.01 <1.13 <0.474 <0.834 <0.020 <0.364 -- -- -- PCB-133 <0.230 <0.223 <0.264 <0.181 <0.135 <0.506 <0.310 <0.703 <0.498 <0.429 <0.065 <0.361 -- -- --
Table 4–2 135

Table 4–2. Masses of particulate polychlorinated biphenyls in water at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–2006.—Continued[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Monthly composite river samples Quality-control samples

Laboratory blank Matrix spike August Septem- Decem- January February March– (ng/sample) (percent recovery) IUPAC number May 2005 June 2005 July 2005 2005 ber 2005 ber 2005 2006 2006 April 2006 (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ Decem- Sep- Decem- sample) sample) sample) May-05 to Septem- May-05 to sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) ber-05 to tember ber-05 to August-05 ber 2005 August-05 April-06 2005 April-06

PCB-134 + 143 0.285 <0.223 <0.264 <0.181 e0.185 <0.506 <0.310 <0.703 <0.498 <0.429 <0.065 <0.361 -- -- --PCB-135 + 144 0.751 0.564 0.696 0.48 0.61 <0.506 0.54 <0.703 <0.498 <0.429 <0.065 <0.361 -- -- --

PCB-136 0.963 0.624 0.779 0.486 0.516 <0.506 0.482 <0.703 <0.498 <0.429 <0.065 <0.361 -- -- --

PCB-137 0.462 0.233 <0.407 <0.291 <0.214 <1.05 e1.65 e1.52 <0.439 <0.792 0.025 <0.337 -- -- --

PCB-138 + 163 + 164 6.74 4.1 4.67 3.18 4.18 <1.05 3.47 1.68 <0.439 <0.792 0.023 <0.337 99.2 94.1 90.5PCB-139 + 149 3.89 2.88 3.02 2.23 2.52 <0.506 2.07 0.916 <0.498 <0.429 <0.065 <0.361 118 98.2 99.7

PCB-140 <0.230 <0.223 <0.264 <0.181 <0.135 <0.506 <0.310 <0.703 <0.498 <0.429 <0.065 <0.361 -- -- --PCB-141 0.709 0.509 0.535 0.374 0.466 <1.05 0.388 <1.04 <0.439 <0.792 e0.034 <0.337 -- -- --PCB-145 <0.230 <0.223 <0.264 <0.181 <0.135 <0.506 <0.310 <0.703 <0.498 <0.429 <0.065 <0.361 -- -- --PCB-146 0.798 e0.529 0.456 e0.273 e0.459 <0.459 0.44 <0.638 <0.452 <0.384 <0.060 <0.327 -- -- --PCB-147 0.24 <0.223 <0.264 <0.181 e0.159 <0.506 <0.310 <0.703 <0.498 <0.429 <0.065 <0.361 -- -- --PCB-148 <0.230 <0.223 <0.264 <0.181 <0.135 <0.506 <0.310 <0.703 <0.498 <0.429 <0.065 <0.361 -- -- --PCB-150 <0.230 <0.223 <0.264 <0.181 <0.135 <0.506 <0.310 <0.703 <0.498 <0.429 <0.065 <0.361 -- -- --PCB-151 1.03 0.715 1 0.547 0.763 <0.629 0.646 <0.875 <0.620 <0.532 <0.082 <0.449 114 99.6 100

PCB-152 <0.230 <0.223 <0.264 <0.181 <0.135 <0.506 <0.310 <0.703 <0.498 <0.429 <0.065 <0.361 -- -- --PCB-153 4.17 2.48 2.87 2.06 2.38 <0.966 2.21 <0.958 <0.403 <0.709 0.018 <0.309 96.6 94.7 92.2PCB-154 <0.230 <0.223 <0.264 <0.181 <0.135 <0.506 <0.310 <0.703 <0.498 <0.429 <0.065 <0.361 -- -- --PCB-155 <0.157 <0.152 <0.180 <0.123 <0.094 <0.358 <0.220 <0.498 <0.353 <0.293 <0.046 <0.255 95.2 89.6 90.9PCB-156 0.49 e0.302 e0.380 <0.235 0.395 <0.820 0.32 <0.814 <0.342 <0.638 0.029 <0.262 107 93.9 92.6

PCB-157 e0.247 <0.160 <0.342 <0.244 <0.169 <0.833 <0.284 <0.827 <0.348 <0.665 0.021 <0.267 110 94.9 91.8

PCB-158 + 160 0.645 0.48 0.539 e0.433 0.486 <1.05 0.383 <1.04 <0.439 <0.792 <0.018 <0.337 -- -- --

PCB-159 <0.253 <0.191 <0.407 <0.291 <0.214 <1.05 <0.359 <1.04 <0.439 <0.792 <0.018 <0.337 -- -- --PCB-161 <0.206 <0.199 <0.236 <0.162 <0.123 <0.459 <0.282 <0.638 <0.452 <0.384 <0.060 <0.327 -- -- --PCB-162 <0.253 <0.191 <0.407 <0.291 <0.214 <1.05 <0.359 <1.04 <0.439 <0.792 <0.018 <0.337 -- -- --PCB-165 <0.206 <0.199 <0.236 <0.162 <0.123 <0.459 <0.282 <0.638 <0.452 <0.384 <0.060 <0.327 -- -- --PCB-166 <0.253 <0.191 <0.407 <0.291 <0.214 <1.05 <0.359 <1.04 <0.439 <0.792 <0.018 <0.337 -- -- --PCB-167 0.227 0.225 <0.324 <0.232 <0.163 <0.809 <0.276 <0.803 <0.338 <0.631 0.016 <0.259 108 93.1 91.4PCB-169 <0.209 <0.158 <0.337 <0.241 <0.169 <0.823 <0.281 <0.816 <0.343 <0.657 e0.043 <0.263 112 96.1 95.1

PCB-170 + 190 1.2 0.93 1.03 0.965 1.13 <0.713 0.816 <0.921 e0.712 <0.802 <0.129 <0.374 106 96.7 97.6PCB-171 e0.350 <0.149 e0.272 <0.379 <0.246 <0.594 <0.536 <0.768 <0.468 <0.673 <0.105 <0.311 -- -- --PCB-172 + 192 <0.202 <0.149 <0.213 <0.379 <0.246 <0.594 <0.536 <0.768 <0.468 <0.673 <0.105 <0.311 -- -- --PCB-173 <0.202 <0.149 <0.213 <0.379 <0.246 <0.594 <0.536 <0.768 <0.468 <0.673 <0.105 <0.311 -- -- --PCB-174 + 181 0.749 0.467 <0.216 0.413 0.541 <0.611 <0.551 <0.789 <0.482 <0.683 <0.105 <0.320 -- -- --
136 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts Table 4–2. Masses of particulate polychlorinated biphenyls in water at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–2006.—Continued [Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done] Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners Monthly composite river samples Quality-control samples Laboratory blank Matrix spike August Septem- Decem- January February March– (ng/sample) (percent recovery) IUPAC number May 2005 June 2005 July 2005 2005 ber 2005 ber 2005 2006 2006 April 2006 (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ Decem- Sep- Decem- sample) sample) sample) May-05 to Septem- May-05 to sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) ber-05 to tember ber-05 to August-05 ber 2005 August-05 April-06 2005 April-06 PCB-175 <0.202 <0.149 <0.213 <0.379 <0.250 <0.609 <0.549 <0.787 <0.480 <0.674 <0.107 <0.319 -- -- -- PCB-176 <0.152 <0.112 <0.160 <0.285 <0.193 <0.467 <0.421 <0.604 <0.368 <0.507 <0.082 <0.245 -- -- -- PCB-177 0.494 0.308 0.35 <0.256 0.409 <0.611 <0.551 <0.789 <0.482 <0.683 <0.105 <0.320 -- -- -- PCB-178 <0.202 <0.149 <0.213 <0.379 <0.250 <0.609 <0.549 <0.787 <0.480 <0.674 <0.107 <0.319 -- -- -- PCB-179 0.396 0.236 0.221 <0.285 0.322 <0.467 <0.421 <0.604 <0.368 <0.507 <0.082 <0.245 -- -- -- PCB-180 1.83 1.33 1.41 1.07 1.2 <0.594 1.17 <0.768 <0.468 <0.673 <0.105 <0.311 105 91.3 95.4 PCB-182 + 187 1 0.719 0.748 0.484 0.706 <0.609 0.571 <0.787 <0.480 <0.674 <0.107 <0.319 101 93.7 95.6 PCB-183 0.466 0.329 e0.276 0.293 0.392 <0.611 <0.551 <0.789 <0.482 <0.683 <0.105 <0.320 106 94.5 96.2 PCB-184 <0.152 <0.112 <0.160 <0.285 <0.193 <0.467 <0.421 <0.604 <0.368 <0.507 <0.082 <0.245 -- -- -- PCB-185 <0.205 <0.151 <0.216 <0.256 <0.247 <0.611 <0.551 <0.789 <0.482 <0.683 <0.105 <0.320 -- -- -- PCB-186 <0.202 <0.149 <0.213 <0.379 <0.250 <0.609 <0.549 <0.787 <0.480 <0.674 <0.107 <0.319 -- -- -- PCB-188 <0.152 <0.112 <0.160 <0.285 <0.193 <0.467 <0.421 <0.604 <0.368 <0.507 <0.082 <0.245 91.8 92 90.3 PCB-189 <0.171 <0.126 <0.180 <0.321 <0.204 <0.493 <0.445 <0.638 <0.389 <0.571 <0.087 <0.259 109 94.1 99.4 PCB-191 <0.202 <0.149 <0.213 <0.379 <0.246 <0.594 <0.536 <0.768 <0.468 <0.673 <0.105 <0.311 -- -- -- PCB-193 <0.202 <0.149 <0.213 <0.379 <0.246 <0.594 <0.536 <0.768 <0.468 <0.673 <0.105 <0.311 -- -- -- PCB-194 e0.562 e0.346 <0.445 <0.523 e0.506 <0.765 <0.483 <1.47 <0.789 <0.925 <0.137 <0.593 118 98.9 108 PCB-195 <0.281 <0.272 <0.445 <0.523 <0.423 <0.765 <0.483 <1.47 <0.789 <0.925 <0.137 <0.593 -- -- -- PCB-196 + 203 e0.698 0.484 <0.419 <0.491 e0.635 <0.762 <0.480 <1.46 <0.785 <0.870 <0.133 <0.590 111 98.3 108 PCB-197 <0.185 <0.179 <0.293 <0.344 <0.293 <0.542 <0.342 <1.04 <0.559 <0.608 <0.095 <0.420 -- -- -- PCB-198 <0.264 <0.256 <0.419 <0.491 <0.409 <0.762 <0.480 <1.46 <0.785 <0.870 <0.133 <0.590 -- -- -- PCB-199 0.503 e0.361 <0.419 <0.491 e0.464 <0.762 <0.480 <1.46 <0.785 <0.870 <0.133 <0.590 -- -- -- PCB-200 <0.185 <0.179 <0.293 <0.344 <0.293 <0.542 <0.342 <1.04 <0.559 <0.608 <0.095 <0.420 -- -- -- PCB-201 <0.185 <0.179 <0.293 <0.344 <0.293 <0.542 <0.342 <1.04 <0.559 <0.608 <0.095 <0.420 -- -- -- PCB-202 <0.211 <0.205 <0.335 <0.393 <0.332 <0.613 <0.386 <1.17 <0.632 <0.697 <0.108 <0.475 105 94.5 102 PCB-204 <0.185 <0.179 <0.293 <0.344 <0.293 <0.542 <0.342 <1.04 <0.559 <0.608 <0.095 <0.420 -- -- -- PCB-205 <0.210 <0.204 <0.334 <0.392 <0.314 <0.587 <0.370 <1.12 <0.605 <0.694 <0.102 <0.455 115 92.2 108 PCB-206 <0.756 <0.375 <0.585 <0.722 e0.473 <1.30 <0.568 <2.39 <1.90 <1.67 <0.173 <0.986 98.2 92.1 101 PCB-207 <0.648 <0.321 <0.501 <0.618 <0.347 <1.15 <0.502 <2.11 <1.67 <1.43 e0.173 <0.870 -- -- -- PCB-208 <0.648 <0.321 <0.501 <0.618 <0.347 <1.15 <0.502 <2.11 <1.67 <1.43 e0.193 <0.870 96.9 94.5 98.6 PCB-209 0.611 0.419 <0.213 <0.226 0.483 <0.608 <0.409 <0.739 <1.28 <0.398 <0.123 <0.224 92.5 90.4 97.6 Total 180 121 164 150 150 10.6 83.8 27.8 1.66 <1.67 0.132 < -- -- --
Table 4–2 137

Table 4–2. Masses of particulate polychlorinated biphenyls in water at U.S. Geological Survey streamgage Neponset River at Milton Village (011055566), Milton, Massachusetts, 2005–2006.—Continued[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not done]

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Monthly composite river samples Quality-control samples

Laboratory blank Matrix spike August Septem- Decem- January February March– (ng/sample) (percent recovery) IUPAC number May 2005 June 2005 July 2005 2005 ber 2005 ber 2005 2006 2006 April 2006 (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ (ng/ Decem- Sep- Decem- sample) sample) sample) May-05 to Septem- May-05 to sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) sample) ber-05 to tember ber-05 to August-05 ber 2005 August-05 April-06 2005 April-06

Polychlorinated biphenyl homologs

Total Monochlorobi- 6.05 3.62 4.76 3.67 <0.180 < 0.97 < < <1.04 <2.13 < -- -- --

phenyls

Total Dichlorobiphe- 28.5 17.8 23.3 27.8 19.5 0.532 8.78 3.92 1.66 <1.18 <0.324 < -- -- --

nyls

Total Trichlorobiphe- 33.7 21.9 29.7 35.3 24 1.9 14.8 3.34 < <0.866 <0.129 < -- -- --

nyls

Total Tetrachlorobi- 48.3 35.1 58.9 47.9 65.3 6.18 25.7 13.8 < <1.51 <0.191 < -- -- --

phenyls

Total Pentachlorobi- 31 21.7 27 21.2 20.4 2.03 18.4 4.13 < <1.16 <0.0948 < -- -- --

phenyls

Total Hexachlorobi- 25 15.1 17 11 15.2 < 12.7 2.6 < <0.932 0.132 < -- -- --

phenyls

Total Heptachlorobi- 6.13 4.32 3.76 3.22 4.7 < 2.56 < < <0.802 <0.129 < -- -- --

phenyls

Total Octachlorobi- 0.503 0.484 <0.445 <0.523 <0.423 < < < < <0.925 <0.137 < -- -- --

phenyls

Total Nonachlorobi- <0.756 <0.375 <0.585 <0.722 <0.384 < < < < <1.67 <0.173 < -- -- --

phenyls

Decachlorobiphenyls 0.611 0.419 <0.213 <0.226 0.483 < < < < <0.398 <0.123 < -- -- --

Polychlorinated biphenyl Aroclors

Aroclor 1221 <0.624 <0.501 <0.940 <0.670 <0.342 <0.827 <0.637 <0.758 <1.32 <1.98 <4.05 <1.13 -- -- --

Aroclor 1232 <1.12 <0.694 <1.68 <1.45 <0.721 <1.93 <1.14 <3.39 <4.22 <3.55 <7.24 <2.26 -- -- --Aroclor 1016/1242 65.3 45.3 58.3 60.3 43.8 5.65 30.4 11.8 <4.71 <2.82 <0.695 <2.53 -- -- --Aroclor 1248 <2.61 <2.22 <3.35 <2.99 <1.15 <3.61 <2.82 <4.37 <4.26 <4.21 <0.537 <2.09 -- -- --Aroclor 1254 54.4 40.5 50.1 39.8 42.2 <6.29 39.3 <14.1 <9.67 <9.48 <0.808 <5.75 -- -- --Aroclor 1260 24.8 18.4 19.3 16.5 19.3 <5.06 14.1 <6.54 <3.99 <5.69 <0.916 <2.66 -- -- --
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Appendix 5 139

Appendix 5. Polychlorinated Biphenyl Masses

Measured in Commercially Available Aroclors

Table

5–1. Polychlorinated biphenyl masses measured in commercially available Aroclor 

mixtures analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd. ........................................................140
140 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 5–1. Polychlorinated biphenyl masses measured in commercially available Aroclor mixtures analyzed by AXYS Analytical 

Services, Ltd.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; 

PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not applicable]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Aroclor 1221 

(ng/sample)

Aroclor 1232 

(ng/sample)

Aroclor 1242 

(ng/sample)

Aroclor 1254 

(ng/sample)

Aroclor 1260 

(ng/sample)

Aroclor 1016 

(ng/sample)

Aroclor 1248 

(ng/sample)

PCB-1 1,280 686 22.7 0.645 0.992 14 1.76

PCB-2 124 68.4 1.2 <0.289 <0.425 0.711 <0.294

PCB-3 681 409 7.2 <0.289 <0.425 4.26 e0.630

PCB-4 + 10 280 198 146 2.61 2.28 99 16.7

PCB-5 + 8 465 365 280 4.86 3.74 199 38.7

PCB-6 134 88.4 56.2 0.883 e0.875 38.9 6.17

PCB-7 + 9 127 73.9 33.1 <0.518 <0.654 22 2.67

PCB-11 e3.96 2.48 e13.0 e14.1 e13.5 e14.8 e14.1

PCB-12 + 13 60 34.3 9.29 <0.518 <0.654 6.65 0.805

PCB-14 <0.253 <0.356 <0.807 <0.518 <0.654 <0.313 <0.442

PCB-15 147 128 76.8 0.977 <0.710 58.6 10.1

PCB-16 + 32 12.8 119 233 4.98 3.18 171 118

PCB-17 10.3 72.1 147 3.11 1.93 105 61.9

PCB-18 17.1 176 339 7.06 4.05 252 205

PCB-19 2.96 19.4 37.5 0.833 <1.11 27.7 11.9

PCB-20 + 21 + 33 11 114 206 4.09 2.51 151 108

PCB-22 4.96 57.1 101 2.29 1.31 73.7 60.8

PCB-23 + 34 e0.449 0.931 1.54 <0.380 <0.583 1.17 0.614

PCB-24 + 27 3.12 17.4 34.6 0.978 <0.944 24.6 10

PCB-25 2.91 12.7 23.3 0.55 <0.583 17.1 5.53

PCB-26 3.25 27.2 46.3 1.08 e0.753 35 18.9

PCB-28 14.7 150 327 5.98 4.23 237 205

PCB-29 <0.163 1.79 3.42 <0.380 <0.583 2.43 0.523

PCB-30 <0.244 <0.426 <1.23 <0.616 <0.944 <0.457 <0.503

PCB-31 10.5 149 261 8.19 2.49 201 225

PCB-35 <0.106 1.73 2.94 <0.816 <0.463 1.45 <0.790

PCB-36 0.132 e0.534 2.17 <0.747 <0.424 1.99 3

PCB-37 3.22 39 66.6 0.97 <0.463 22.8 33.6

PCB-38 e0.202 1.61 e4.09 <0.816 <0.463 2.85 e7.89

PCB-39 e0.740 <0.397 e1.29 <0.747 <0.424 <0.454 1.26

PCB-40 <1.40 17.6 37.5 5.73 <1.06 18 65.8

PCB-41 + 64 + 68 + 71 2.82 99 212 53.4 2.84 135 413

PCB-42 + 59 e0.984 35 76.7 8.13 <0.940 55.9 122

PCB-43 + 49 1.55 53.9 122 55.4 1.49 92.5 235

PCB-44 2.01 69.3 144 106 2.17 104 306

PCB-45 e0.817 15.9 36.8 1.72 <0.836 28 51.6

PCB-46 <0.747 6.5 12.7 e0.797 <0.836 9.64 19.8

PCB-47 + 48 + 75 1.24 43.9 100 10.9 1.34 74.9 169

PCB-50 <0.635 <0.784 0.668 <0.533 <0.702 0.553 0.744

PCB-51 <0.747 4.56 11.1 e0.853 <0.836 8.89 16.3

PCB-52 + 73 3.24 71.3 154 273 15 116 356

PCB-53 <0.747 15.2 32.4 5.34 <0.836 24.6 53.4

PCB-54 <0.635 <0.784 0.68 <0.533 <0.702 0.587 0.823
Table 5–1 141

Table 5–1. Polychlorinated biphenyl masses measured in commercially available Aroclor mixtures analyzed by AXYS Analytical 

Services, Ltd.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; 

PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not applicable]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Aroclor 1221 

(ng/sample)

Aroclor 1232 

(ng/sample)

Aroclor 1242 Aroclor 1254 Aroclor 1260 

(ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample)

Aroclor 1016 

(ng/sample)

Aroclor 1248 

(ng/sample)

PCB-55

PCB-56 + 60

PCB-57

PCB-58

PCB-61 + 74

PCB-62 + 65

PCB-63

PCB-66 + 80

PCB-67

PCB-69

PCB-70 + 76

PCB-72

PCB-77

PCB-78

PCB-79

PCB-81

PCB-82

PCB-83 + 108

PCB-84

PCB-85 + 120

PCB-86 + 97

PCB-87 + 115 + 116

PCB-88 + 121

PCB-89 + 90 + 101

PCB-91

PCB-92

PCB-93 + 95

PCB-94

PCB-96

PCB-98 + 102

PCB-99

PCB-100

PCB-103

PCB-104

PCB-105 + 127

PCB-106 + 118

PCB-107 + 109

PCB-110

PCB-111 + 117

PCB-112

PCB-113

PCB-114

PCB-119

<0.755

e1.51

<1.40

<1.40

e1.04

<0.747

<0.740

1.49

<1.40

<0.747

1.68

<0.837

<0.593

<0.593

<0.593

<0.593

<0.849

<0.554

<0.482

<0.849

<0.849

1.48

<0.568

4.04

<0.568

e0.549

3.84

<0.568

<0.568

<0.568

1.05

<0.568

<0.568

<0.417

<0.615

e0.903

<0.606

2.12

<0.849

<0.554

<0.482

e0.628

<0.465

e1.51

56.2

<1.39

<1.39

35.9

1.14

2.88

62.6

5.67

<0.921

74.7

<1.03

5.9

<1.07

<1.07

<1.07

3.67

1.4

4.7

4.83

6.59

8.61

<0.586

12.8

3.84

e1.86

12.9

<0.586

e0.949

e1.89

7.18

<0.586

<0.586

<0.430

6.08

8.71

<0.827

12.7

<1.16

<0.571

0.78

<0.817

0.504

4.8

126

2.44

<2.18

83.2

e1.41

6.52

133

12.8

e0.978

157

1.05

12.8

<1.26

<1.26

e1.82

10.3

3.19

12.7

e16.0

19.4

25.4

<0.802

37

11

5.32

32.4

<0.802

2.21

e3.93

21.8

<0.802

e1.05

<0.565

21.7

34.2

2.94

38.6

<1.30

<0.771

0.891

1.57

1.63

<0.804

28

<1.47

<1.47

36.8

e1.31

1.72

55.9

<1.47

<0.635

167

<0.715

e12.4

e1.51

e4.76

e9.39

42.4

<33.5

87.3

65.6

131

224

<34.9

405

50.1

60

352

<34.9

<34.9

<34.9

146

<34.9

<34.9

<24.6

141

338

19.4

430

e6.01

<33.5

<28.7

8.06

<28.0

<0.579

1.38

<1.06

<1.06

e1.39

e1.22

<0.546

7.39

<1.06

<0.836

2.48

<0.940

e1.77

<0.731

<0.731

1.02

8.88

e0.940

e6.70

<1.45

5.78

23.3

2.08

167

<0.912

15.8

150

<0.912

<0.912

e1.48

e2.70

<0.912

<0.912

<0.643

6.31

27.8

<1.02

69.2

<1.45

<0.877

1.58

<1.00

<0.733

e0.228

3.11

1.49

<0.382

9.12

e0.892

e0.927

9.59

2.68

0.528

15

e0.463

<0.310

<0.310

<0.310

<0.310

<0.464

<0.236

e0.954

e2.54

<0.464

<0.464

e0.453

e1.89

1.73

e0.315

7.92

0.343

1.44

1.27

0.55

<0.246

0.691

<0.173

<0.328

<0.350

e0.335

e0.394

<0.464

<0.236

<0.203

<0.320

<0.198

3.01

260

3.01

<1.40

175

1.75

11.7

293

12.4

e1.29

378

<0.772

24.8

0.853

<0.686

4.49

33.5

10.6

44.7

54.4

65.7

87.8

2.86

121

34.6

17.6

113

1.94

5.57

11.7

75.2

0.803

e2.04

<0.445

77.9

116

8.55

142

1.42

0.707

e1.18

5.77

3.55
142 Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts

Table 5–1. Polychlorinated biphenyl masses measured in commercially available Aroclor mixtures analyzed by AXYS Analytical 

Services, Ltd.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; 

PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not applicable]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Aroclor 1221 

(ng/sample)

Aroclor 1232 

(ng/sample)

Aroclor 1242 Aroclor 1254 Aroclor 1260 

(ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample)

Aroclor 1016 

(ng/sample)

Aroclor 1248 

(ng/sample)

PCB-122

PCB-123

PCB-124

PCB-125

PCB-126

PCB-128

PCB-129

PCB-130

PCB-131 + 142

PCB-132 + 168

PCB-133

PCB-134 + 143

PCB-135 + 144

PCB-136

PCB-137

PCB-138 + 163 + 164

PCB-139 + 149

PCB-140

PCB-141

PCB-145

PCB-146

PCB-147

PCB-148

PCB-150

PCB-151

PCB-152

PCB-153

PCB-154

PCB-155

PCB-156

PCB-157

PCB-158 + 160

PCB-159

PCB-161

PCB-162

PCB-165

PCB-166

PCB-167

PCB-169

PCB-170 + 190

PCB-171

PCB-172 + 192

PCB-173

<0.599

<0.597

<0.606

<0.849

<0.650

<0.640

<0.640

<0.640

<0.635

1.31

<0.635

<0.635

e1.27

1.54

<0.640

3.89

5.36

<0.635

1.12

<0.635

0.662

<0.635

<0.635

<0.635

2.83

<0.635

4.3

<0.635

<0.448

0.96

e0.618

<0.640

<0.640

<0.585

<0.640

<0.585

<0.640

0.621

<0.518

e1.77

e0.611

<0.578

<0.578

<0.817

<0.814

<0.827

<1.16

<0.886

<0.701

<0.701

<0.701

<0.449

0.843

<0.449

<0.449

e0.569

0.804

<0.701

3.38

3.14

<0.449

e0.836

<0.449

<0.414

<0.449

<0.449

<0.449

1.5

<0.449

3.09

<0.449

<0.317

e0.557

<0.570

<0.701

<0.701

<0.414

<0.701

<0.414

<0.701

<0.545

<0.567

e2.26

<0.477

<0.477

<0.477

e0.903

2.95

e1.74

<1.30

<0.938

2.06

0.745

<0.703

<0.779

2.5

<0.779

<0.779

0.893

0.938

e1.03

7.9

3.58

<0.779

1.21

<0.779

e0.769

<0.779

<0.779

<0.779

<0.970

<0.779

3.82

<0.779

<0.552

1.37

0.558

1.65

<0.598

<0.708

<0.598

<0.708

<0.598

e0.461

<0.468

e1.08

<0.853

<0.853

<0.853

3.38

19.2

15.5

e2.73

e0.649

76.9

22.3

23.5

5.93

122

2.93

17.8

41.2

45.1

22.2

364

188

e2.44

46.7

<1.06

30.7

7.71

<1.06

<1.06

42.3

<1.06

209

2.72

<0.748

39.2

8.22

53.4

<0.995

<0.958

1.72

<0.958

2.53

12.9

<0.778

30.8

6.27

3.46

e0.721

<1.00

11.5

4.25

<1.45

e10.9

26.7

9.83

12.5

2.4

134

4.38

16.8

90.6

103

1.38

487

458

<1.62

126

<1.62

55.3

e2.13

<1.62

<1.62

199

<1.62

484

1.96

<1.15

23.1

e5.09

52.5

9.76

<1.47

e4.85

<1.47

e1.08

9.12

<0.729

264

49.4

30

4.79

<0.320

<0.350

<0.324

<0.464

<0.334

<0.282

<0.282

<0.282

<0.218

<0.258

<0.218

<0.218

<0.218

<0.218

<0.239

<0.239

<0.218

<0.218

<0.239

<0.218

<0.198

e0.378

<0.218

<0.218

<0.272

<0.218

<0.220

<0.218

<0.155

<0.187

<0.190

<0.239

<0.239

<0.198

<0.239

<0.198

<0.239

<0.184

<0.188

<0.386

<0.322

<0.322

<0.322

2.8

8.59

4.71

e1.93

<0.500

6.4

2.19

1.97

e0.665

9.52

<0.523

1.52

2.94

3.59

1.84

24.8

12.7

<0.523

3.4

<0.523

1.9

e0.798

<0.523

<0.523

3.28

<0.523

12.4

<0.523

<0.371

3.31

0.836

4.22

<0.568

<0.475

<0.568

<0.475

<0.568

1.04

<0.445

1.97

<0.568

<0.568

<0.568
Table 5–1 143

Table 5–1. Polychlorinated biphenyl masses measured in commercially available Aroclor mixtures analyzed by AXYS Analytical 

Services, Ltd.—Continued

[Analyzed by AXYS Analytical Services, Ltd., Sidney, British Columbia, Canada; IUPAC, International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; ng, nanogram; 

PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; <, actual value is less than value shown; e, estimated; --, not applicable]

IUPAC number

Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners

Aroclor 1221 

(ng/sample)

Aroclor 1232 

(ng/sample)

Aroclor 1242 Aroclor 1254 Aroclor 1260 

(ng/sample) (ng/sample) (ng/sample)

Aroclor 1016 

(ng/sample)

Aroclor 1248 

(ng/sample)

PCB-174 + 181

PCB-175

PCB-176

PCB-177

PCB-178

PCB-179

PCB-180

PCB-182 + 187

PCB-183

PCB-184

PCB-185

PCB-186

PCB-188

PCB-189

PCB-191

PCB-193

PCB-194

PCB-195

PCB-196 + 203

PCB-197

PCB-198

PCB-199

PCB-200

PCB-201

PCB-202

PCB-204

PCB-205

PCB-206

PCB-207

PCB-208

PCB-209

<0.570

<0.580

<0.447

e0.593

<0.580

0.915

2.28

2.17

0.984

<0.447

<0.570

<0.580

<0.447

0.742

<0.578

<0.578

e1.80

e1.05

<1.00

<0.709

<1.00

<1.00

<0.709

<0.709

<0.831

<0.709

e0.909

<3.00

<2.61

<2.61

0.696

1.42

<0.478

<0.368

0.73

<0.478

0.72

3.36

1.86

0.806

<0.368

<0.470

<0.478

<0.368

e0.446

<0.477

<0.477

e1.50

e1.02

e1.24

<0.502

<0.709

e0.916

<0.502

<0.502

<0.589

<0.502

<0.560

<1.82

<1.59

<1.59

<0.473

<0.878

<0.876

<0.671

<0.878

<0.876

<0.671

<0.853

<0.876

<0.878

<0.671

<0.878

<0.876

<0.671

<0.710

<0.853

<0.853

<1.80

<1.80

<1.79

<1.28

<1.79

<1.79

<1.28

<1.28

<1.44

<1.28

<1.38

<1.93

<1.70

<1.70

<0.991

15.2

0.918

2.43

8.88

e2.38

4.93

32.4

12

9.36

<0.478

1.35

<0.623

<0.478

1.71

1.22

1.82

e1.97

<1.71

e1.78

<1.21

<1.70

<1.70

<1.21

<1.21

<1.37

<1.21

<1.31

<2.33

<2.06

e2.60

<0.538

216

9.52

28.1

111

38.8

93.1

481

262

128

<0.703

27

<0.917

<0.703

6.42

10.3

28.9

e108

42.2

125

e4.18

e5.80

104

12.6

11.5

19.2

<0.937

e5.43

32

4.25

9.21

4

<0.331

<0.330

<0.253

<0.331

<0.330

<0.253

<0.322

<0.330

<0.331

<0.253

<0.331

<0.330

<0.253

<0.268

<0.322

<0.322

<0.481

<0.481

<0.478

<0.341

<0.478

<0.478

<0.341

<0.341

<0.385

<0.341

<0.369

<1.06

<0.933

<0.933

0.262

1.05

<0.582

<0.446

e0.715

<0.582

0.521

1.9

1.07

0.688

<0.446

<0.583

<0.582

<0.446

<0.472

<0.568

<0.568

<1.20

<1.20

<1.19

<0.847

<1.19

<1.19

<0.847

<0.847

<0.958

<0.847

<0.918

<1.75

<1.55

<1.55

<0.553

Polychlorinated biphenyl homologs

Total Monochlorobiphenyls

Total Dichlorobiphenyls

Total Trichlorobiphenyls

Total Tetrachlorobiphenyls

Total Pentachlorobiphenyls

Total Hexachlorobiphenyls

Total Heptachlorobiphenyls

Total Octachlorobiphenyls

Total Nonachlorobiphenyls

Decachlorobiphenyls

2,085

1,213

97.0

14.0

12.5

22.6

7.09

--

--

0.696

1,163

890

959

677

95.3

12.8

8.9

--

--

--

31.1

601

1,832

1,480

285

27.2

--

--

--

--

0.645

9.33

40.11

809

2,538

1,389

133

--

--

--

0.992

6.02

19.7

35.1

493

2,307

1,788

315

45.5

4.00

19.0

424

1,328

710

13.9

--

--

--

--

0.262

1.76

75.1

1,069

2,977

1,053

97.9

7.20

--

--

--
Prepared by the Pembroke Publishing Service Center.

For more information concerning this report, contact:

Director

U.S. Geological Survey

Massachusetts-Rhode Island Water Science Center

10 Bearfoot Road

Northborough, MA 01532

dc_ma@usgs.gov

or visit our Web site at:

http://ma.water.usgs.gov
Breault—Concentrations, Loads, and Sources of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Neponset River and Neponset River Estuary, Eastern Massachusetts—Scientific Investigations Report 2011–5004

Printed on recycled paper