Del clor a les dioxines passant per James Lovelock i el detector de captura d'electrons

The development of chemical analysis and chromatographic techniques, due to the great sensitivity of the detectors used (especially the electron capture detector) has decisively contributed to the consolidation of ecological conscience. The detection of DDT and other chlorinated pesticide residues in the environment, in addition to polychlorinated biphenyl residues, made raise the concern about chlorine and chlorinated compounds in the society. Seveso accident, in Italy, and the use of Orange Agent in Vietnam War were two other contributions to the general proscription of the chemical element chlorine. In this work, following the itinerary suggested by the title, the analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls in environmental samples and the use of the electron capture detector are reviewed. The second part of the work is devoted to the analysis of dioxins, pointing some specific examples, such as the determination of dioxins in samples of mozzarella cheese.