Analysis, occurrence and removal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in mine water – A review

Abstract Background Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants, and as such, they are subject to prohibition under the Stockholm Convention, due to their environmental and health effects. Despite their historical utilisation in mining operations, the presence of PCBs in mining influenced water (MIW) remains a subject that has not been adequately investigated. PCBs sorbed to suspended solids are often overlooked in conventional water analyses, contributing to misconceptions about their presence in the environment. Given their bioaccumulative and endocrine-disrupting properties, even minute amounts of PCBs in MIW pose substantial risks to ecosystems and human health. Main body This review article describes the occurrence, environmental fate and treatment of PCBs in MIW and addresses critical knowledge gaps in the mining industry. Historical data demonstrate that PCBs were extensively utilised in mining applications, including dielectric fluids and hydraulic systems. Despite decades of regulatory oversight, residual PCBs persist in MIW, often at concentrations below DIN or ISO detection limits, yet they accumulate through the food web. The sampling challenges posed by the low solubility and sorption of PCBs to solids necessitate the employment of advanced analytical techniques. This study summarises the results of literature searches, laboratory analyses and discussions with international experts. There is still a global lack of monitoring and awareness of PCB contamination in MIW, with Germany being a notable exception. The study’s primary sections address PCB detection methods, sampling techniques and environmental behaviour, emphasising the persistence and mobility of PCBs through adsorption and desorption processes. Treatment strategies encompass biodegradation, filtration, and thermal processes; however, the efficacy of these strategies is contingent on the specific characteristics of the site. Conclusions PCBs in MIW pose a substantial environmental challenge and necessitate multidisciplinary efforts to monitor, understand and eliminate their adverse effects. This review is a comprehensive resource for researchers, regulators and industry representatives, facilitating science-based decisions to protect ecosystems and comply with international environmental standards. Continued research is essential to refine detection methods and develop innovative remediation technologies for PCBs.