Dechlorination of a nonachloro biphenyl congener with zero-valent iron in water under high temperature and pressure was investigated over time. Temperature has the main influence on the speed of dechlorination. Determination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) according to the grade of chlorination was performed by gas chromatography with mass selective detection in single ion monitoring mode. Dechlorination results in a variety of lower chlorinated biphenyls. The level of chlorination decreases with time. The amount of PCB molecules decreases to one-third within 90 min at 250 degrees C and 100 atm. However, no increase of biphenyl could be detected over time. A first-order kinetic model fitted the data obtained.