A novel analytical method for determining total polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in fish and shellfish using a simple and rapid clean-up followed by GC–MS/MS

•A rapid method for determining total PCBs in fish and shellfish was developed.•The method involves a new clean-up method and GC–MS/MS.•The clean-up method, using two columns in series, allows all PCBs to be analyzed.•The clean-up method is much faster and less solvent-intensive than other methods.•The method performed well determining total and indicator PCBs in fish/shellfish.