<ul>
<li>🎤 Presenter: Petr Vozka (California State University, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA)</li>
<li>💾 <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/P_Vozka_MDCW_3801260112/P.-Vozka-MDCW.pdf">Presentation in PDF</a></li>
<li>📁 LabRulezGCMS profile: <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/companies/219">Complex Chemical Composition Analysis Lab (C³AL)</a></li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
💡 Book in your calendar: <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/events/436">15th Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop (MDCW) January 2024</a>
</blockquote>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/15th_Multidimensional_Chromatography_MDC_Workshop_Main_Banner_45f9ba053d/15th-Multidimensional-Chromatography-(MDC)-Workshop-Main-Banner.jpg" alt="15th Multidimensional Chromatography (MDC) Workshop 2024"/>
<h3>Abstract</h3>
<a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?instrumentationItems=2">Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography</a> (GC×GC) has become the state-of-the-art instrument for qualitative and quantitative analysis of volatile and semi-volatile complex mixtures and has emerged as a powerful separation tool for studying:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?categoryItems=1&amp;instrumentationItems=2">environmental samples</a></li>
<li><a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?categoryItems=4&amp;instrumentationItems=2">petroleum fractions</a></li>
<li><a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?instrumentationItems=2&amp;search=POPs">persistent organic pollutants</a></li>
<li><a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?instrumentationItems=2&amp;search=drugs">drugs</a></li>
<li>and many more...</li>
</ul>
In the past 60 years, plastic waste has increased exponentially, while only 9% of plastic waste has been recycled and 12% incinerated. The remaining 79% (about 6 billion tons) of plastic waste has accumulated in landfills or oceans, where they slowly degrade and release microplastics and other toxic chemicals into the environment. To reduce the amount of plastic waste, conversion methods such as pyrolysis and hydrothermal processing are used to make oils, which can be further used to produce alternative fuels. These fuels have an alkene (olefin) content of up to 50 wt.%. Unfortunately, there are currently no methods for detailed quantitation of olefins in such concentrations.
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/MDCW_Petr_Vozka_Chemical_conversion_of_plastic_waste_into_fuels_7d93807821/MDCW-Petr-Vozka-Chemical-conversion-of-plastic-waste-into-fuels.jpg" alt="MDCW/Petr Vozka: Chemical conversion of plastic waste into fuels"/>
This talk aims to introduce a novel method applicable for the characterization and quantitation of aliphatic olefins in complex oils from plastic depolymerization, alternative, and petroleum-based fuels using GC×GC with a flame ionization detector. The talk also introduces teaching strategies for GC×GC technique inclusion to the laboratory portion of class syllabi.
<blockquote>
💡 The Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop (MDCW) <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/companies/218">Profile LabRulezGCMS (EN)</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
💡 The Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop (MDCW) <a href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/companies/218">Profile LabRulezLCMS (EN)</a>
</blockquote>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/MDCW_Petr_Vozka_GC_GC_Training_Research_Facility_d25fe9ffe8/MDCW-Petr-Vozka-GCGC-Training-Research-Facility.jpg" alt="MDCW/Petr Vozka: GC×GC Training/Research Facility"/>
<h3>Presentation content</h3>
<ul>
<li>Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography (GC×GC)
<ul>
<li>Introdction</li>
<li>GC×GC Chromatogram</li>
<li>Diagram of a GC×GC Instrument</li>
<li>How GC×GC is achieved</li>
<li>Modulation</li>
<li>GC×GC Chromatogram</li>
<li>GC×GC Classification</li>
<li>Quantitative results (some)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Quantitative Analysis of Aliphatic Olefins in Fuels made from Plastic Waste by GC×GC
<ul>
<li>Detailed Analysis of Complex Chemical Mixtures</li>
<li>Plastic Waste in Oceans</li>
<li>Plastic Waste -Landfill</li>
<li>The growing plastic waste problem</li>
<li>Chemical conversion of plastic waste into fuels</li>
<li>DMDS Derivatization</li>
<li>Calculations</li>
<li>Results</li>
<li>Validation</li>
<li>Methods -disadvantages</li>
<li>Chromatogram –diesel-like sample pre-derivatization</li>
<li>Chromatogram –diesel-like sample post-derivatization</li>
<li>Future work</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>GC×GC in Academia/Teaching
<ul>
<li>Course: Analytical Separations and Mass Spectrometry</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/MDCW_Petr_Vozka_Diagram_of_a_GC_GC_Instrument_6a8ed03c86/MDCW-Petr-Vozka-Diagram-of-a-GCGC-Instrument.jpg" alt="MDCW/Petr Vozka: Diagram of a GC×GC Instrument"/>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/MDCW_Petr_Vozka_How_GC_GC_is_achieved_4678d7bc6f/MDCW-Petr-Vozka-How-GCGC-is-achieved.jpg" alt="MDCW/Petr Vozka: How GC×GC is achieved"/>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/MDCW_Petr_Vozka_GC_GC_Classification_62e9991a8b/MDCW-Petr-Vozka-GCGC-Classification.jpg" alt="MDCW/Petr Vozka: GC×GC Classification"/>

Quantitative Analysis of Aliphatic Olefins in Fuels made from Plastic Waste by Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography (Petr Vozka, MDCW 2023)

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezGCMS Library in the week of 19th May 2025? Check out new documents from the field of the gas phase, especially GC and GC/MS techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT GCMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezICPMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you application notes by Agilent Technologies, Shimadzu, poster by MDCW and technical note by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Py-GC/MS/MS Microplastic Analysis of Samples Containing Interfering Substances</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_microplastic_analysis_pygcmsms_5994_7637en_agilent_1_6caa53726f.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Microplastics, defined as plastic fragments with a particle size of 5 mm or less, originate from various products, such as cosmetics, clothing, food packaging, and plastic waste. Microplastics have been detected in water, soil, and air environments,5 as well as in food and within living organisms.7 Consequently, numerous analytical techniques are being developed to investigate the extent of microplastic contamination and its impacts.&nbsp;Microplastics can be seen with the naked eye or a microscope when the particle size is large, but observation is difficult when the size is small, and quantitative analysis by type of plastic is difficult. Techniques using spectroscopic instruments, such as IR or Raman, or thermal analysis instruments such as Py-GC/MS or thermal extraction desorption (TED)-GC/MS have been widely used.1, 2, 3, 4 IR and Raman spectroscopy can be used to identify the type, shape, size, and count of microplastics on filters after sample preparation and filtration. These techniques rely on spectroscopic analysis of the microplastics retained on the filter. For Py-GC/MS or TED-GC/MS, the microplastics collected on the filter are thermally decomposed, and the resulting compounds are analyzed with GC/MS, allowing for the quantification of each type of microplastic8 (by weight). In particular, Py-GC/MS has recently been recognized as an ASTM International method11 and is widely applied as an analytical method for analyzing microplastics in drinking water.12 In the case of environmental samples or food samples with complex matrices, additional matrix effects can negatively impact analytical performance or result in thermal decomposition products that cannot be separated from microplastic thermal decomposition product peaks, causing interference and overlapping with target ions.6&nbsp;In this application, we applied Py-GC/MS/MS (MRM mode) to microplastic analysis to determine whether accurate quantitative analysis of microplastics is possible even in samples containing complex matrices.<h5>Instrument and analysis conditions&nbsp;</h5>The instruments used were a Frontier Lab pyrolyzer (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=42&amp;search=Py-3030D">Py-3030D</a>) and an Agilent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8890+GC">8890 GC</a> coupled to a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=7000E+triple+quadrupole+gc%2Fms">7000E triple quadrupole GC/MS system</a>. The temperature of the pyrolyzer was set to 600 °C, as shown in Table 1, and the components produced by thermal decomposition were passed through the GC inlet (320 °C, split 50:1), cryo-focused by liquid nitrogen applied to the front end of deactivated metal capillary column (UA-5, 30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.25 µm) in the Microjet Cryo Trap, separated by the GC oven temperature program after about 3 minutes, and transferred to the mass spectrometer. The analysis conditions are shown in Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4.<h4>Results and discussion</h4><h5>Chromatogram</h5>Chromatograms resulting from the analysis of the microplastics calibration standard (MPCS) that includes 11 types of microplastics are shown in Figure 1 for both Scan and MRM modes. The Scan mode total ion chromatogram (TIC) can be processed into extracted ion chromatograms (EIC) to confirm the target ion (m/z) for each indicator peak, as seen on the left side of Figure 1. The MRM TIC and EIC are shown on the right side of Figure 1. As can be seen, MRM mode can reduce matrix interference and enhance selectivity. Calibration curves can be created using either Scan or MRM mode using concentration of the MPCS.<h4>Conclusion</h4>We have established a quantitative analysis method using Py-GC/MS/MS (MRM mode) for complex matrix samples and trace levels of microplastics.&nbsp;Under the established Py-GC/MS/MS (MRM mode) conditions, the linearity of the calibration curves generated for the 11 types of microplastics, ranging from several hundred ng to several µg, was excellent (R² &gt; 0.99). Compared to Scan (Target EIC) mode, noise is reduced by two to several times when analyzed in MRM mode, and accordingly, the S/N ratio is increased when analyzed in MRM mode, enabling the detection of microplastics with better selectivity. In addition, when there is matrix interference during sample analysis, more accurate quantitative results can be obtained by applying the MRM mode, and Py-GC/MS/MS (MRM mode) can be very useful for quantifying complex matrix samples and trace levels of microplastics.<h3>2. MDCW: Analysis of (micro-)plastic-associated chemicals released into marine environments by comprehensive multidimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/MDC_2025_Poster_d31ebb1c76.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Plastic materials contain many different chemicals, which include functional additives as well as trace levels of non-intentionally added substances. Plastic released into the environment acts as a vector for these chemicals, which may cause harm to exposed organisms. The complex mixture of chemical classes and concentrations within plastics is a challenge for analysis, which can be addressed through the use of multidimensional analytical approaches.&nbsp;Here, the chemical composition of different polymer samples was analysed using comprehensive multidimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Ultrasonication assisted extractions with solvent represents a ‘worse-case-scenario’ in relation to environmental leaching, and provides a starting point for non-target analysis of microplastic leaching in marine environments.<h4>Results</h4>All the virgin polymer samples released chemicals under organic extraction. As shown in Figure 1, the Hexane DCM:MeOH MeOH EtOAc number of compounds released by each polymer was influenced by the solvent used for the extraction. Additionally, the conventional polymers released a higher number of chemicals than the biopolymers, particularly LDPE and PP.&nbsp;The high number of compounds released by LDPE and PP is due to the release of polymer-derived alkanes. The use of GC ×GC enabled separation and identification of other plastic-associated compounds from the alkane series (see respective chromatograms). In contrast, the other polymers released a range of compound classes. Some of the compounds identified in the extracts, for example phthalates, are detrimental to both human and environmental health.&nbsp;<h4>Conclusion</h4>Chemical extracts from several polymer samples demonstrated that virgin polymer samples contain chemicals which are not chemically bonded to the bulk polymer material – and therefore have potential to be released into the environment. Future leaching studies can be informed by the chemical identifications made, and increase the confidence that those compounds identified in leachates did originate from the respective polymer.<h3>3. Shimadzu: Quantitative Analysis of Furan and Alkylfuran in Processed Food Using a Triple Quadrupole GC-MS System and an SPME Arrow</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00876_en_96a8b1c14c.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>User Benefits:<ul><li>Using an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=SPME+Arrow+">SPME Arrow </a>allows for highly sensitive analysis of furan and alkylfuran in processed food.</li><li>The MRM mode enables highly reliable analysis even in complex matrices.</li><li>An <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=AOC-6000+Plus+autosampler">AOC-6000 Plus autosampler</a> helps increase productivity and repeatability through automated pretreatment.</li></ul>Furan and alkylfuran compounds are commonly found in many foods, including coffee. They are known as volatile organic compounds that contribute to aroma. However, recent studies in various countries have reported health concerns regarding these compounds and monitoring of furan and alkylfuran has been recommended in the EU1) .&nbsp;These compounds are frequently measured using the HSGC/MS method, which is convenient and effective when present at relatively high concentrations. However, for samples containing low concentrations, pretreatment for concentration is necessary. This Application News article describes a method using an SPME Arrow and GC-MS/MS system that enables more consistent analysis even at trace concentrations in complex matrix samples.<h4>Instrument Configuration and Analytical Conditions</h4>The analysis was performed using an AOC-6000 Plus multifunctional autosampler and a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=GCMS-TQ8040+NX">GCMS-TQ8040 NX </a>triple quadrupole gas chromatograph mass spectrometer system (Fig. 1). The AOC-6000 Plus is a multifunctional autosampler that can automatically switch between various sample injection methods, such as liquid injection, headspace injection, and solid-phase microextraction (SPME), depending on the sample and purpose (Fig. 2). In this analysis, an SPME Arrow, which offers improved durability compared to a traditional SPME fiber, was used forsample analysis. When using sampling methods involving concentration, such as the SPME method, matrix-derived impurities may also be concentrated, making it difficult to improve sensitivity due to interference from impurities. In this analysis, high sensitivity for analyzing furan in processed foods was achieved by using the SPME method in combination with the MRM mode of the triple quadrupole GC-MS system.<h4>Comparison of SIM and MRM</h4>To confirm the improvement in selectivity with MRM, analysis using the SIM mode was also conducted. Generally, the MRM mode of a triple quadrupole GC-MS system offers better selectivity compared to the SIM mode, leading to higher sensitivity and more consistent detection. Fig. 5 shows the SIM and MRM chromatograms of four components detected in baby food. While each component was detectable with both modes, the MRM mode provided higher selectivity, whereas the SIM mode was more susceptible to interference from impurities. Therefore, manual peak integration or changes to the quantitative ions may be required in the SIM mode depending on the sample.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Quantitative analysis of furan and alkylfuran in processed food was conducted using an SPME Arrow and a triple quadrupole GC-MS system. The AOC-6000 Plus multifunctional autosampler allows for highly sensitive and reproducible quantification of furan compounds using the SPME Arrow method. Additionally, by enhancing selectivity with the MRM mode of the triple quadrupole GC-MS system, more reliable analytical results were obtained.<h3>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Data-driven GC and GC-MS instrument monitoring with SmartStatus intelligent software&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>Technical note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/tn_001883_gc_ms_gc_ms_ms_smartstatus_tn001883_na_en_99ce72eef2/tn-001883-gc-ms-gc-ms-ms-smartstatus-tn001883-na-en.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Rising costs can significantly impact an analytical laboratory’s profit margin, and it is crucial to maintain productivity and ensure maximum asset utilization to stay competitive. To balance increased overhead costs, including analytical gases and staff pay, laboratories must ensure that analytical instrumentation consistently produces results, without interruption. Re-analyzing entire runs due to drops in sensitivity, unnecessary downtime, and underutilization of consumables is expensive and time consuming.&nbsp;Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=3&amp;search=SmartStatus">SmartStatus</a>™ instrument tracking can help laboratories realize additional cost savings. This is done by using data-driven insights to accurately determine when to perform maintenance and replace consumables and parts, so that the system consistently runs smoothly for all samples and meets specifications in the initial analysis. This ensures that consumables and parts are replaced on the correct schedule and avoids excess instrument downtime.&nbsp;SmartStatus instrument tracking is an intelligent instrument health software that allows users to track key aspects of their GC-MS system. It is available as standard on the Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/483">TRACE™ 1600 GC series</a>, Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=3&amp;search=AI%2FAS+1610+liquid+autosampler">AI/AS 1610 liquid autosampler</a>, Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/484">ISQ™ 7610 GC-MS series</a>, and the Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/485">TSQ™ 9610 GC-MS/MS series</a>. In this technical note, the new SmartStatus instrument tracking capabilities are highlighted with examples of how it can enable analytical laboratories to keep instruments producing consistent results.<h4>SmartStatus software overview&nbsp;</h4>SmartStatus intelligent software, available within Thermo Scientific™ <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/76">Chromeleon™ Chromatography Data System (CDS)</a>, allows monitoring of the entire analytical system including Thermo Scientific™ autosamplers, GC, GC detectors (FID and TCD), and mass spectrometers (MS). Hundreds of key instrument parameters are monitored by SmartStatus software, which provides real-time data and insights informing the user to potential problems before they arise to ensure maximum instrument uptime. This allows users to make informed decisions on which parts of the analytical system require attention and when. By performing preventative maintenance using data-driven guidance, optimal instrument performance is sustained day in and day out. Figure 1 shows the SmartStatus software overview page for a TSQ 9610 triple quadrupole MS coupled to a TRACE 1610 GC and AI/AS 1610 liquid autosampler. This overview page allows a user to quickly determine if the system is ready to run or requires attention.&nbsp;For more information on instrument status, there is a detailed view for each part of the system. This next level view shows how many injections have been performed for the various GC consumables, the lifetime of the MS detector and filament, and when the last tune was performed. Figure 2 shows an example of the GC and MS parameters and how they are monitored. Each parameter is represented as a counter gauge. As the usage increases, the gauge changes color to quickly notify the user of any maintenance that is required or will be needed soon. This allows users to plan maintenance in advance to fit it around their schedule and workload. SmartStatus instrument tracking can be monitored directly in Chromeleon CDS, and consumables usage can also be monitored directly on the TRACE 1610 GC touch screen through the dedicated instrument health icon, as shown in Figure 3.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>SmartStatus software is intelligent and data-driven, allowing users to make informed decisions on when to perform maintenance on their GC and GC-MS systems. Its features and advantages include:<ul><li>At-a-glance system ready status allowing the analyst to act only when needed, removing wastes&nbsp;</li><li>User customizability of monitored parameters, threshold, and time units, which gives users control to monitor the system in a way that fits their needs&nbsp;</li><li>Intelligent preventative maintenance alerts ensuring maintenance to be performed before issues arise, keeping the instrument up and running longer</li><li>Consumable tracking that enables sustainable operation and maximization of the use of each consumable&nbsp;</li><li>Smart Support for rapid remote diagnosis to ensure any instrument issues can be resolved without delay&nbsp;</li></ul>Utilizing SmartStatus software on the TRACE 1600 series GC, TSQ 9610 GC-MS/MS, and ISQ 7610 GC-MS gives the analyst data-driven insights to make informed decisions that allow laboratories to operate more sustainably by maintain productivity, maximizing consumable usage, and reducing laboratory costs.

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 21, 2025

Plastics have become part of everything we touch — from the oceans we swim into the air we breathe. Yet, detecting these tiny invaders and understanding how they move through the environment and even our bodies remains one of the most complex challenges in analytical chemistry.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_From_the_Ocean_to_the_Laboratory_How_Scalable_Pyrolysis_GC_MS_Reveals_the_Hidden_Story_of_Microplastics_c41253999b.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: From the Ocean to the Laboratory: How Scalable Pyrolysis-GC/MS Reveals the Hidden Story of Microplastics" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_From_the_Ocean_to_the_Laboratory_How_Scalable_Pyrolysis_GC_MS_Reveals_the_Hidden_Story_of_Microplastics_c41253999b.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="512">At Thermo Fisher Scientific, we recently brought together two leading experts to share how scalable Pyrolysis-GC/MS workflows are transforming microplastics analysis. Their insights revealed not just the science, but the confidence laboratories can achieve by coupling Frontier Lab Pyrolyzer technology with Thermo Scientific GC-MS systems — from single-quadrupole productivity to Orbitrap high-resolution precision.Microplastics are ubiquitous — fragments of polymers shed from textiles, packaging, tires, coatings, and countless consumer products. Once released, they persist, fragmenting into ever-smaller particles that accumulate in soil, water, food, and biological tissues. Measuring them reliably across such diverse matrices is a major analytical hurdle. Spectroscopic tools like FT-IR and Raman microscopy can identify particles, but they struggle when samples are complex or degraded. In contrast, Pyrolysis-GC/MS provides a chemical fingerprint: by heating a polymer in an oxygen-free environment, it breaks into small, diagnostic fragments that reveal its molecular identity. Each polymer type — polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, nylon, or PMMA — produces a unique signature, enabling confident identification and quantification even in mixed or contaminated samples.<h3>Human exposure: tracking microplastics in biology</h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sph.emory.edu/profile/faculty/kuanliang-shao">Dr. Kuanliang Shao, Post-Doctoral Fellow at Emory University,</a> opened the discussion by addressing the growing evidence of microplastics inside the human body. His team is using Pyrolysis-GC/High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) to quantify polymeric materials and additives in tissues such as placenta, liver, and kidney.Using a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/483">Thermo Scientific TRACE 1600 GC</a> coupled to a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/472">Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris GC HRMS</a>, the group established a scalable, high-throughput workflow based on double-shot pyrolysis: one step for volatile additives and another for complete polymer decomposition. The result is simultaneous detection of additives and polymers with sub-ppm precision and linearity (R² &gt; 0.99) across multiple polymer types.With this framework, Dr. Shao’s laboratory quantified twelve common polymers, including polypropylene, PET, and nylon, in human placenta samples — a breakthrough in translating environmental chemistry into exposure science. Their use of HRAM Orbitrap technology allowed accurate mass determination of polymer fragments and retrospective data mining, setting a new benchmark for biomonitoring studies.<h3>Environmental monitoring: from research to routine</h3>Where Dr. Shao demonstrated what’s possible at the frontier of research, Dr. Giulia Riccardino of Thermo Fisher Scientific showed how those same principles can be applied in routine laboratory workflows.Dr. Riccardino used a Multi-Shot Pyrolyzer (Frontier Laboratories Ltd.) combined with a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/486">Thermo Scientific TRACE 1610 GC</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/484">Thermo Scientific ISQ 7610 single-quadrupole MS</a> to analyze plastic debris collected from Mediterranean beaches.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_From_the_Ocean_to_the_Laboratory_How_Scalable_Pyrolysis_GC_MS_Reveals_the_Hidden_Story_of_Microplastics_2_fe26f8b73a.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: From the Ocean to the Laboratory: How Scalable Pyrolysis-GC/MS Reveals the Hidden Story of Microplastics: Thermo Scientific ISQ 7610 GC-MS equipped with Multi-shot Pyrolyzer EGA/PY-3030D" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_From_the_Ocean_to_the_Laboratory_How_Scalable_Pyrolysis_GC_MS_Reveals_the_Hidden_Story_of_Microplastics_2_fe26f8b73a.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1000" height="523">By leveraging a commercially available microplastic calibration kit, the method achieved outstanding precision — calibration curves for twelve polymers with coefficients of determination greater than 0.99 and relative standard deviations below 10%.Even minute fragments of polyethylene, polypropylene, and PMMA were identified in a single 30-minute run. The entire workflow was managed through the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/76">Thermo Scientific Chromeleon Chromatography Data System (CDS)</a>, with confirmation in F-Search™ MP spectral libraries (Frontier Laboratories Ltd.) for added reliability. This approach provides laboratories with a robust, validated, and easily automatable solution for routine QA/QC and environmental monitoring.<h3>Analytical confidence for a changing regulatory landscape</h3>Global initiatives such as the EU REACH PFAS and microplastics proposals, the UN Plastics Treaty, and forthcoming EPA Method 1649 are redefining how laboratories must monitor plastics and fluorinated compounds.From advanced exposomics to routine polymer QA/QC, Thermo Scientific Pyrolysis-GC/MS solutions equip scientists with the analytical confidence to meet these evolving standards, providing defensible, reproducible data for regulators and industrial partners alike.By integrating automation, flexible hardware, and high-resolution detection, these workflows bridge discovery and routine testing — reducing complexity while expanding analytical scope.Whether the goal is quantifying microplastics in the ocean, profiling industrial polymers, or tracing exposure in biological samples, Pyrolysis-GC/MS has emerged as the technology that connects every layer of this global challenge.At Thermo Fisher Scientific, we’re proud to empower laboratories worldwide with scalable solutions that make the invisible measurable — and transform data into action for a cleaner, safer future.<h3>Learn More</h3><ul><li>Watch the full webinar: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/5454">Scalable Pyrolysis-GC/MS for Mapping Plastic Exposure in Environments and Biology.</a></li><li>Explore Thermo Scientific solutions for microplastics and polymer analysis - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/industrial/chromatography/gas-chromatography-gc/gc-systems/related-products/pyrolysis-py-gc-ms.html">Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry</a></li><li>Visit us on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a>&nbsp;#GasChromatography #Microplastics</li></ul><section><blockquote><h5>Dr. Daniela Cavagnino</h5>Dr. Daniela Cavagnino is Product Marketing Manager for GC and Sampling Solutions. She started her career in gas chromatography at Thermo Fisher Scientific spending several years in the R&amp;D laboratories working on GC technology innovation. Then, she conveyed her technical background into product management and marketing management roles with more than 20 years’ experience in promoting GC/GCMS technology and applications in several different market segments.</blockquote></section>

From the Ocean to the Laboratory: How Scalable Pyrolysis-GC/MS Reveals the Hidden Story of Microplastics

A highly sensitive and selective method was developed for quantifying nano- and microplastics (NMPs) in water, sediments, and biological tissues using pyrolysis gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Dynamic multiple reaction monitoring and internal standard calibration enabled nanogram-level quantification of 12 common polymers following matrix-specific sample preparation.The method addressed matrix interferences through tailored cleanup strategies, signal enhancement with calcium carbonate, and correction of lipid-derived interferences for major polymers. Application to environmental samples from the Gulf of Mexico and the Texas coast demonstrated reliable detection of NMPs across diverse matrices, supporting high-throughput monitoring of plastic pollution.<blockquote><h4>The original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05604">Rapid and Sensitive Quantification of Nano- and Microplastics in Water, Sediment, and Biological Tissue by Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry with Dynamic Reaction Monitoring</a></h4>M. Bryan Gahn*, Marcus Wharton, Asif Mortuza, David Hala, Christopher D. Marshall, Karl Kaiser*Anal. Chem. 2026, 98, 1, 633–641<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05604">https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05604</a><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote>Selected sections from the article follow. Formats and hyperlinks were adapted from the original.Global plastic production has surged over the past half-century, rising from approximately 1.3 Mt in 1950 to approximately 359 Mt in 2018. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1)</a> This increase has led to a growing concern regarding plastic pollution, particularly nano and microplastics (NMPs). Microplastics are generally defined as plastic particles with a maximum dimension of ≤ 5 mm, while nanoplastics typically range from 1 to 1000 nm in size. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(2)</a> NMPs encompass a wide variety of polymer particles that originate either from direct manufacture (e.g., microbeads and synthetic textiles) or from environmental degradation processes (e.g., photooxidation and mechanical abrasion) of larger plastic debris (i.e., macroplastics, &gt;5 mm). <a href="javascript:void(0);">(3)</a>NMPs are ubiquitous in the environment. They have been detected from Antarctic coast sediments to Arctic ice sheets, the summit of Mt. Everest to the depths of the Mariana Trench, and have been found in organisms across all trophic levels, including humans. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(4−10)</a> The pervasive presence of NMPs has raised significant ecological and human health concerns. NMPs can act as vectors for environmental pollutants. Hydrophobic organic contaminants (e.g., PCBs and PAHs) readily adsorb onto their surfaces, and plastics additives such as phthalates and flame retardants can leach into surrounding media (e.g., water, sediment, tissue). <a href="javascript:void(0);">(11)</a> Even without associated harmful chemicals, the physical presence of NMPs can lead to increased production of reactive oxygen species in cells, resulting in an inflammatory response. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(12)</a> Given the widespread NMP pollution and its complex ecological ramifications, there is a critical need for more robust high-throughput quantitative methods to accurately assess NMPs in diverse matrices.Numerous analytical techniques have been employed for the detection and quantification of NMPs, which often combine traditional microscopy with advanced spectroscopic and molecular approaches. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a> These methods yield either estimates of particle counts or mass-based concentrations normalized to sample volume or weight. Prior to analysis, most methods require extensive chemical or enzymatic digestion and subsequent cleanup steps to isolate plastic particles and reduce matrix complexity. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(14,15)</a> Particle count-based methods encompass optical microscopy, laser diffraction particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy, flow cytometry, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(16)</a> These methods provide quantitative estimates of particle abundance across the entire size spectrum of NMPs, and some can also differentiate between plastic types.Thermal decomposition coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is an increasingly utilized technique for the analysis of NMPs. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(17,18)</a> Pyrolysis-based methods thermally decompose plastic polymers in samples under oxygen-free conditions at temperatures exceeding 500 °C generating characteristic volatile fragments. These fragments are then separated by gas chromatography and detected by mass spectrometry with high sensitivity and specificity. As with other analytical techniques, pyrolysis-GC-MS (PyGC-MS) performance can be improved by incorporating sample cleanup steps prior to analysis to remove interfering organic and inorganic constituents. Matrix interference can often lead to misidentification of plastic polymer types and disrupt the pyrolysis process, ultimately compromising analytical accuracy and precision. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(19)</a> For example, lipids in biological tissues can yield similar combustion products to those of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and nylon-66 (N-66). <a href="javascript:void(0);">(20)</a>Improvements that enable more reliable quantification of NMPs at ultralow concentrations by PyGC-MS include optimized sample treatment methodologies that include the addition of reactants to improve pyrolysis efficiency of plastic polymers, and the application of advanced mass spectrometric methods. Quantification of NMPs at trace levels is often constrained by the minimum weight limits of analytical balances, as calibration relies on the mass of particulate standards. This limitation has been addressed by using inert fillers, such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or clean quartz sand that are mixed with plastic standards to produce weighable calibration standards down to the nanogram level. While single-quadrupole mass detectors are widely used due to their simplicity and low cost, they offer limited sensitivity and are less sensitive in complex matrices. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(21)</a>The application of time-of-flight and orbitrap mass spectrometry, as well as modern triple-quadrupole mass detectors, promises improved sensitivity and specificity of NMP quantification in complex matrices. These highly selective detectors enable precise mass determination, reducing ambiguity in peak identification and enhancing the ability to differentiate plastics from natural organic matter commonly present in environmental samples. Time of flight and orbitrap mass spectrometers support untargeted screening and identification of emerging or unknown plastic-related compounds, while triple-quadrupole instruments excel in targeted quantification with high throughput and reproducibility, which are advantageous features for routine monitoring. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(22−24)</a> Compared to traditional methods such as FTIR or Raman spectroscopy, modern mass spectrometric approaches are better equipped to address the challenges posed by complex sample matrices, diverse plastic compositions, and trace-level concentrations, making them essential tools for future NMP analysis. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(25,26)</a>Here we present a novel analytical method for the identification and quantification of NMPs in diverse environmental matrices that include marine waters, sediments, and biological tissues by using pyrolysis gas chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (PyGC-qQq-MS). Depending on the sample matrix, NMPs were concentrated through filtration, extraction, or digestion prior to analysis. Gas chromatography with qQq-MS detection using dynamic multiple reaction monitoring (DMRM) mode with an internal standard yielded significantly improved selectivity and sensitivity, enabling accurate and precise quantification of plastic polymers. Method validation demonstrated the robust performance of the method across diverse sample types, with reliable detection of NMPs at amounts of 1–126 ng and in the presence of significant matrix interference.<h4>Experimental Section</h4><h5>Pyrolysis GC/MS qQq-MS Analysis</h5>Pyrolysis gas chromatography was carried out with a Frontier Auto-Shot AS-2020E sampler and an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=42&amp;search=EGA%2FPY-3030D">EGA/PY-3030D multishot pyrolyzer</a> connected to an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8890+gc">Agilent 8890 GC</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=7010B">7010B qQq-MS</a>. Prior to pyrolysis at 600 °C, GF/F with particulates from water samples or digested tissues were spiked with PFS, which served as an internal standard. Filters were then transferred to Frontier Eco Cups and topped with 5 mg of CaCO3 and quartz wool to ensure proper packing. Redissolved sediment extracts were transferred directly into the Eco Cup LFs, dried under a gentle stream of N2, and packed with CaCO3 and quartz wool.<h4>Results and Discussion</h4><h5>Pyrograms</h5>The method was optimized to yield characteristic pyrolytic products of plastic polymers that were well resolved on a Frontier Ultra Alloy 5 column with a linear temperature program. Pyrograms of surface water, vertebrate and invertebrate tissue, and sediment samples, alongside a standard plastic mixture are shown in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05604#fig3">Figure 3</a>. Pyrolysis temperature was optimized to ensure efficient volatilization of polymers, and specific product ions were chosen to minimize matrix influence that can generate pyrolysis products with similar mass spectra. For each polymer, precursor and product ions were selected to minimize interference from natural polymers and characteristic fragmentation reactions. For polymers that primarily undergo depolymerization (e.g., PE, PP, PS, PMMA), the selected precursor ions corresponded to characteristic oligomeric or monomeric pyrolysis products, and the quantifier ions were derived from simple bond cleavages or rearrangement reactions. For example, PS pyrolysis products included mono, di-, and trimeric units with different retention times. Mono- and dimeric fragments had retention times and mass spectra that overlapped with matrix peaks of similar mass ions, whereas the trimeric PS fragment eluted without interference from matrix components.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Anal_Chem_2026_98_1_633_641_Figure_3_Pyrograms_of_A_Calibration_standard_composed_of_homogenized_mixture_containing_12_plastics_of_interest_ee999a5a40.jpg" alt="Anal. Chem. 2026, 98, 1, 633–641: Figure 3. Pyrograms of (A) Calibration standard composed of homogenized mixture containing 12 plastics of interest; (B) Surface water samples collected in Galveston Bay (2019); (C) Mullet muscle tissue collected in Galveston Bay (2021); (D) Oyster tissue collected in Galveston Bay (2021); (E) Benthic sediment collected from Matagorda Bay (2023)." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Anal_Chem_2026_98_1_633_641_Figure_3_Pyrograms_of_A_Calibration_standard_composed_of_homogenized_mixture_containing_12_plastics_of_interest_ee999a5a40.jpg 130w," sizes="100vw" width="1500" height="1798"><h5>QqQ-MS Detection and Quantification</h5>Optimal DMRM parameters for the detection of plastics were established using pure polymer standards (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05604#tbl1">Table 1</a>). Characteristic and abundant molecular precursor ions were identified for each plastic polymer and evaluated against natural polymers to minimize matrix interference. Fragmentation ions derived from these precursor ions were selected based on characteristic fragmentation reactions. The more abundant product ion was used for quantification, whereas the secondary ion was employed as the qualifier to monitor potential coelution with matrix compounds. Fragment losses usually corresponded to the loss of polymer subunits or dehydration reactions. Operating in DMRM mode improved sensitivity by maximizing acquisition time for each targeted analyte. Ratios of quantifier to qualifier ion (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c05604/suppl_file/ac5c05604_si_001.pdf">Table S2</a>), together with retention times, ensured both compound identification and confirmation.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Anal_Chem_2026_98_1_633_641_Table_1_Plastic_Polymer_Abbreviations_d796d20f8b.jpg" alt="Anal. Chem. 2026, 98, 1, 633–641: Table 1. Plastic Polymer Abbreviations, Relative Retention Times (RRT), Characteristic Ions, and Limit of Detection (LOD)" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Anal_Chem_2026_98_1_633_641_Table_1_Plastic_Polymer_Abbreviations_d796d20f8b.jpg 213w," sizes="100vw" width="1073" height="784">Quantification of plastics was based on internal standard calibration using PFS as the internal standard. PFS was dissolved in toluene and added to the sample prior to pyrolysis. The use of deuterated polystyrene as an internal standard was explored; however, extensive hydrogen–deuterium exchange occurred during pyrolysis, leading to pyrolysis products with variable D/H content. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(31)</a> Similarly, attempts to use brominated polystyrene were unsuccessful, as bromine was readily lost from the polymer chain during pyrolysis, resulting in products indistinguishable from those of PS and others.Calibration at &lt;1 mg plastic mass was accomplished using plastic standards dispersed in CaCO3. The most consistent results were achieved with commercially available standard kits (e.g., Frontiers), which contain homogeneously distributed plastic polymers in CaCO3. Attempts to prepare homogeneous mixtures of plastic polymers in CaCO3 by ball milling finely ground plastics with CaCO3 yielded less consistent results than commercial standards.<h4>Conclusion</h4>This study developed and validated a robust analytical workflow for the detection and quantification of NMPs across a diverse range of environmental matrices. The method demonstrated high sample throughput, robust compensation of matrix interference, and high precision and accuracy. This was accomplished through efficient sample cleanup procedures, internal standard calibration, tandem mass spectrometry, and a correction for lipid interference in the detection of PE, PP, and N-66. The applicability of the method was demonstrated on marine surface waters, sediments and soils, and muscle tissue of fishes and oysters. Results revealed quantifiable concentrations of plastics in all sample types emphasizing the pervasive and persistent nature of plastics in the environment and their bioaccumulation potential across trophic levels. This method provides a critical tool for studying NMPs in the environment, ecological risks, and potential impacts on human health.

Rapid and Sensitive Quantification of Nano- and Microplastics in Water, Sediment, and Biological Tissue by Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry with Dynamic Reaction Monitoring

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Rapid and Sensitive Quantification of Nano- and Microplastics in Water, Sediment, and Biological Tissue by Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry with Dynamic Reaction Monitoring

From the Ocean to the Laboratory: How Scalable Pyrolysis-GC/MS Reveals the Hidden Story of Microplastics

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