Emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a major challenge for environmental testing laboratories. As industrial processes evolve and regulatory scrutiny intensifies, labs are being asked tougher questions than ever before. What exactly is being emitted? Are we capturing both regulated and unknown compounds? And can we confidently identify trace-level contaminants in highly complex matrices?<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Tackling_Today_s_Toughest_Pollutants_Emerging_PO_Ps_Analysis_With_GC_MS_Technology_3_4b922792ea.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Tackling Today’s Toughest Pollutants: Emerging POPs Analysis With GC-MS Technology" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Tackling_Today_s_Toughest_Pollutants_Emerging_PO_Ps_Analysis_With_GC_MS_Technology_3_4b922792ea.jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="683">In our recent webinar, we explored how advanced GC high-resolution accurate mass (HRAM) technology is helping scientists answer those questions with greater confidence, flexibility, and efficiency. This blog summarizes the key points covered and why it matters for environmental and industrial laboratories today.<blockquote>Access the full webinar recording to dive deeper into this topic: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/4906">GC-MS Solutions to Emerging Persistent Organic Pollutants</a></blockquote><h3>Why this is relevant today</h3>Environmental monitoring is increasingly more about anticipation as much as it is about compliance. Regulatory agencies are tightening limits, expanding compound lists, and demanding greater transparency. Communities and stakeholders expect accurate, defensible data.By combining high-resolution GC-MS instrumentation with advanced data processing tools, laboratories gain the ability to look deeper into complex samples, improve identification confidence, and respond proactively to emerging regulatory demands.<h3>Emerging POPs demand a new analytical approach</h3>Industrial stack emissions and combustion byproducts are chemically complex and constantly evolving. Laboratories routinely monitor priority pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs), brominated flame retardants, and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, high-temperature industrial processes often generate transformation products and previously uncharacterized compounds that may also pose environmental and health risks.Traditional targeted methods remain essential for compliance-driven testing, but now they’re being complemented by non-targeted screening approaches that allow scientists to go beyond predefined compound lists and uncover unexpected contaminants. The shift toward combining targeted and discovery-based analysis was a key theme of this webinar.Learn more about the<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/472"> Thermo Scientific Orbitrap Exploris GC mass spectrometer </a>and how it can be used for a combination of targeted and discover-based analysis.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_From_Targeted_Testing_to_Unknown_Discovery_Creating_Comprehensive_Food_Intelligence_With_GC_Orbitrap_Technology_2_1037f9ad88.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Tackling Today’s Toughest Pollutants: Emerging POPs Analysis With GC-MS Technology" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_From_Targeted_Testing_to_Unknown_Discovery_Creating_Comprehensive_Food_Intelligence_With_GC_Orbitrap_Technology_2_1037f9ad88.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="746" height="371"><h3>Why high-resolution matters</h3>In complex environmental matrices, resolving power directly affects analytical confidence. Higher mass resolution improves matrix interference removal, enhances mass accuracy, and strengthens elemental composition assignments. This becomes especially important when distinguishing target compounds from co-eluting background components.During the session, we demonstrated how operating at higher resolving power can separate analytes from interfering species that would otherwise distort mass accuracy. The result is greater clarity in identification and stronger defensibility in reporting, particularly valuable in regulatory or compliance settings.<h3>Smarter non-targeted workflows with advanced software</h3>High-resolution instrumentation is not good enough on its own; laboratories also need efficient data processing tools to interpret the results. This webinar highlighted how Thermo Scientific Compound Discoverer software streamlines non-targeted workflows. Using full scan acquisition in electron ionization (EI) mode, laboratories can perform automated deconvolution, peak alignment, and library matching against resources such as NIST and high-resolution accurate mass libraries. The software also supports multivariate statistical analysis, enabling prioritization of features based on mass-to-charge ratio and retention time.<h5>Explore <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/1759">Compound Discoverer software</a>:</h5><div style="grid-template-columns:auto 30%;"><div>When EI data alone does not provide sufficient molecular ion information, chemical ionization (CI) can be used to confirm molecular weight and chemical formula. A notable capability discussed in the webinar was the ability to switch between EI and CI without venting the system, minimizing downtime and improving laboratory productivity.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Tackling_Today_s_Toughest_Pollutants_Emerging_PO_Ps_Analysis_With_GC_MS_Technology_2_e14cec0918.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Tackling Today’s Toughest Pollutants: Emerging POPs Analysis With GC-MS Technology" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Tackling_Today_s_Toughest_Pollutants_Emerging_PO_Ps_Analysis_With_GC_MS_Technology_2_e14cec0918.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="704" height="165"><h3>Method optimization for brominated dioxins and BDE-209</h3>The second segment focused on method optimization for BDE-209 (decabromodiphenyl ether) and brominated dioxins and furans, classes of analytes known for their analytical challenges. These compounds can exhibit thermal instability, low volatility, and complex fragmentation patterns, making sensitivity and selectivity critical.High-resolution GC-HRMS provides enhanced selectivity and improved signal-to-noise performance, supporting more reliable detection at trace levels. For laboratories operating in compliance-driven environments, this level of performance translates into greater confidence in regulatory reporting and long-term method robustness.<blockquote><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/industrial/mass-spectrometry/gas-chromatography-mass-spectrometry-gc-ms.html">Explore GC-MS solutions for environmental analysis</a></blockquote><h3>Volatile PFAS in water and air</h3>PFAS remains one of the most pressing topics in environmental testing today. While many non-volatile PFAS compounds are analyzed using LC-MS techniques, volatile and semi-volatile PFAS species require GC-based methods. The webinar addresses analytical strategies for volatile PFAS in water and air matrices, including considerations for sensitivity, contamination control, and accurate mass identification. As global regulations continue to evolve and target lists expand, flexible high-resolution platforms enable laboratories to adapt without fundamentally redesigning workflows.<blockquote><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/industrial/environmental/environmental-contaminant-analysis/emerging-contaminants/pfas-testing.html">Learn more about PFAS analysis solutions</a></blockquote><h3>From targeted compliance to discovery-driven insight</h3>The central theme of the session was the evolution from purely targeted analysis toward an integrated approach that combines compliance monitoring with discovery-driven insight.Industrial emissions and environmental samples rarely contain only the compounds we expect. High-resolution GC-MS platforms allow laboratories to:<ul><li>Monitor regulated priority pollutants</li><li>Detect unknown transformation products</li><li>Perform retrospective data analysis</li><li>Strengthen regulatory defensibility</li></ul>This flexibility ensures that laboratories are not only meeting current regulatory requirements but are also prepared for future emerging contaminants.<h3>Watch the full webinar</h3>This blog encompasses the key themes of the session, but the full webinar includes detailed case studies, real stack emission data, method optimization examples, and live demonstrations of the workflows discussed.<blockquote><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/4906">Access the full webinar recording here: GC-MS Solutions to Emerging Persistent Organic Pollutants</a></blockquote><ul><li>Visit us on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a>&nbsp;#DioxinAnalysis #EnvironmentalContaminants #GCMS #POPs</li></ul></div></div>

Tackling Today’s Toughest Pollutants: Emerging POPs Analysis With GC-MS Technology

<h3>Student and young researcher travel grants</h3>The RAFA 2026 Conference Organizing Committee is pleased to announce the offer for 5 travel grants to PhD students and early stage researchers (age limit 35 years) to attend the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/events/928">12th International Symposium on Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA 2026)</a>.High scientific quality of the contribution submitted either for poster and / or oral/young scientists´ oral presentation will be considered for evaluation.For the successful applicants registration fee will be waived and travel and accommodation costs will be reimbursed up to the amount of € 400 upon submission of a travel and accommodation expense claim after the conference.<h5>🎓 Young scientists at RAFA 2026 will benefit from:</h5><ul><li>Dedicated slots for oral presentations within the main scientific programme</li><li>Competitive travel grants for young scientists</li><li>Award(s) for the best poster presentations</li></ul>Whether you are a PhD student or an early-career researcher, RAFA 2026 offers a unique opportunity to present your work, gain international exposure and connect with leading experts in the field.<blockquote>Call for RAFA 2026 travel grants is OPEN!👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.rafa2026.eu/draft/rafa2026_travel_grant_form.html">Submit your application here</a><ul><li>Deadline for submission of an application is May 31, 2026.</li><li>Notification of applications´ evaluation will be available on June 23, 2026.</li></ul></blockquote><h3>Registration</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rafa.easyevent.eu/tickets/">Registration for RAFA 2026 is OPEN!</a>Early-bird registration until 30 June, 2026</blockquote>After successful submission of your registration, you will receive by e-mail (i) an automatic confirmation of receipt indicating the total amount of payment due (either for bank transfer or for on-line payment by card), (ii) login to Member section where you can administrate your profile, submit your abstracts, and from September 2026 register for satellite events, workshops and seminars. If it will not be delivered within a few minutes after submission of your registration please contact us at RAFA2026@vscht.cz.<h3>Abstract submission</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rafa.easyevent.eu/tickets/">CALL for ABSTRACTS is OPEN!</a>In order to submit an abstract, you must first register to attend RAFA 2026. After registration you will receive an access to the Member section where you can submit your abstract(s).</blockquote>

Deadline for the RAFA 2026 Young Researcher Travel Grant is approaching

<h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.isc2026.org/">ISC 2026</a></h3>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/companies/314">International Symposium on Chromatography (ISC)</a> represents the oldest conference series on separation science. ISC symposia have been organised since 1956 in each even year. ISC is one of the premier meetings series for discussion of all modes of chromatography and separation science with a broad coverage of techniques and applications.The major focus of the symposium will be on the impact of chromatography and separation science to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical, environmental, food and health industry, as well as science and medicine. The symposium programme will reflect these themes and highlight new challenges and emerging opportunities for the science and marketing of separation and detection systems and methods.As an integral part of the scientific programme of lectures and poster sessions, an international exhibition and vendor seminars on instrumentation and services for chromatography, separation science and mass spectrometry will be organised. ISC 2026 will provide the perfect forum for attendees from academia, industry and government research institutions for scientific exchange and networking.<h4>35th International Symposium on Chromatography</h4>📆6. - 10. September 2026📍Prague, Czech Republic<h3>REGISTRATION</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.czech-in.org/cmPortalV15/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2FcmPortalV15%2FPortal%2FISC26%2Fnormal">Register HERE for the ISC 2026</a></blockquote><h3>ABSTRACT SUBMISSION</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.czech-in.org/cmPortalV15/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2FcmPortalV15%2FPortal%2FISC26%2Fnormal">Submit your Abstract HERE</a></blockquote><h3>SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM</h3><h4>Invited Speakers - Plenary Lectures</h4><h5>Jennifer van Eyk</h5><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Jennifer_Van_Eyk_480x480_c35dbf0cf4.jpg" alt="ISC: Jennifer van Eyk" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Jennifer_Van_Eyk_480x480_c35dbf0cf4.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="480" height="480">Dr. Jennifer Van Eyk, Ph.D., an international leader in clinical proteomics, is dedicated to democratizing personalized biomarkers and individualized therapies. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Alberta and completed postdoctoral fellowships in Heidelberg and Chicago before establishing her first laboratory at Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada. She was subsequently recruited to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, and later to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where she now directs the inaugural Advanced Clinical BioSystems Research Institute. Dr. Van Eyk is a Professor of Cardiology in the Smidt Heart Institute and holds the Erika Glazer Endowed Chair in Women’s Heart Disease. Her accomplishments include more than 425 peer-reviewed publications, over 26 patents, and numerous national and international awards recognizing her research and leadership.<h5>Ana Maria García-Campaña</h5><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Ana_Maria_Garcia_Campana_480x480_95a9e91672.jpg" alt="ISC: Ana Maria García-Campaña" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Ana_Maria_Garcia_Campana_480x480_95a9e91672.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="480" height="480">Full Professor at the University of Granada (Spain) and leader of the research group “Quality in Food, Environmental and Clinical Analytical Chemistry”. Her work focuses on advanced analytical platforms such as liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry, fluorescence, or ion mobility spectrometry for food and environmental quality control, contaminant monitoring and exposomic studies. She develops sustainable analytical methodologies and innovative sample treatments. Author of 246 articles, several books, and 301chapter books (h-index 54). Currently Vice-Rector of Postgraduate Studies and Vice-President of Spanish Society of Chromatography and Related Techniques. Included in Stanford University’s “World’s Top 2% Scientists” ranking.<h5>Tomáš Jungwirth</h5><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Tomas_Jungwirth_480x480_478c6d1c09.jpg" alt="ISC: Tomáš Jungwirth" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Tomas_Jungwirth_480x480_478c6d1c09.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="480" height="480">Tomas Jungwirth is a Head of the Department of Spintronics at the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, a Chair Professor at the University of Nottingham in the UK, and a Distinguished Professor at the Tohoku University in Japan. He contribited to discovery of the spin Hall effect, currently adopted by major semiconductor companies. With collaborators, he initiated the field of antiferromagnetic spintronics by demonstrating proof-of-concept ultra-fast and scalable memory device. His team’s recent discovery of altermagnetism was among the 10 Breakthorughs of the Year 2024 by the Science journal. He is a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher.<h5>Zoltan Takats</h5><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Zoltan_Takats_4bb6d93e83.jpg" alt="ISC: Zoltan Takats" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Zoltan_Takats_4bb6d93e83.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="227" height="227">Prof. Zoltan Takats, PhD FMedSci has obtained his M.Sc. degree in Chemistry from the Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, in 1998. He has carried out his Ph.D. research at the Chemical Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and at Purdue University. He has received his PhD degree in analytical chemistry in 2003. He has been doing mass spectrometry-related research for more than 25 years, with a primary focus on the development of novel atmospheric pressure ionization methods. His team developed electrosonic spray ionization, desorption electrospray ionization, jet desorption ionization and rapid evaporative ionization mass spectrometry methods.&nbsp;Besides pursuing a scientific career, he has been deeply involved in the introduction of mass spectrometry-based neonatal screening programme in Hungary and served as the head of one of the national screening laboratories. Following a couple of years spent at Justus-Liebig-Universität in Gießen, Germany, he currently works as Professor of Analytical Chemistry spectrometry at Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London. Since 2023 he shares his time between Imperial and the University of Regensburg, where he holds a Chair for Multimodal Imaging. Present research interests include the application of ambient ionization methods in surgical metabolomics and development of mass spectrometric imaging techniques for the rapid phenotyping of cancer patients.

ISC 2026 Plenary Lectures

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RAFA provides an overview of contemporary trends in ANALYTICAL & BIOANALYTICAL STRATEGIES IN FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY CONTROL and discusses CHALLENGES / NOVEL APPROACHES IN FOOD AND NATURAL PRODUCTS ANALYSIS.

Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA)

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The International Symposium on Chromatography (ISC) represents the oldest conference series focussing on separation science. ISC symposia have been organised since 1956 in each even year. ISC is internationally recognised as one of the premier meeting series for discussion of all modes of chromatography and separation science with a broad coverage of techniques and applications.

International Symposium on Chromatography - (ISC)

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Deadline for the RAFA 2026 Young Researcher Travel Grant is approaching