A review of the challenges in the chemical analysis of the polybrominated diphenyl ethers

Toxicity studies coupled with recent occurrence data have resulted in a plethora of analytical papers concerning the polybrominated diphenyl ether compounds. As the need to investigate alternate and complex matrices has increased, extraction methodologies have undergone appropriate modifications and these are discussed in this review. Over the past few years, published manuscripts have extended beyond conventional analytical approaches in search of enhanced selectivity and sensitivity and these novel instrumental approaches are examined. Finally, along with this quest have come issues of quality control and data reporting and this review is also in part a critical inspection of these issues.