Experience in South Africa of combining bioanalysis and instrumental analysis of PCDD/Fs

We outline the experiences and the challenges of optimizing two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-TOF-MS) in conjunction with the H4IIE-luc bio-assay for analyzing polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in the South African context. Investigating such alternative analytical methods can assist countries with developing economies to meet their obligations under the Stockholm Convention.

► Developing countries need cost-effective methods to analyze organic pollutants.
► A combination of bio- and instrumental analysis can be used to obtain relevant ecotoxicological data.
► Care must be taken in implementation to focus on extraction and clean-up procedures.