NEMC: Increasing Sample Throughput in Ultra-trade Environmental Analysis with the TSQ-9610 GC- MS/MS

Importance of the Topic

Environmental analysis at ultra-trace levels is critical for monitoring persistent organic pollutants, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting human health and ecosystems. Continuous improvements in throughput, sensitivity, and robustness of gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) enhance laboratories’ capacity to detect contaminants such as PBDEs, organochlorine pesticides, PCBs, and chlorophenolics at parts-per-trillion levels. High throughput and minimal downtime drive efficient workflows in routine and high-volume testing environments.

Objectives and Study Overview

This presentation examines the capabilities of the Thermo Scientific TSQ-9610 GC-MS/MS to address common challenges in ultra-trace environmental analysis. The study details:

• Key performance features of the TSQ-9610 platform
• Applicability to diverse sample matrices and methods
• Method consolidation potential for PBDEs, a combined “BOP” suite, and chlorophenolic compounds
• Improvement in throughput and method robustness

Methodology and Instrumentation

The TSQ-9610 utilizes several novel hardware and software advances:

• NeverVent™ technology enabling source maintenance without venting the mass analyzer
• Off-axis ion guide pre-filter to reduce neutral noise
• Evo collision cell for efficient MS/MS fragmentation and shorter runtimes
• XLXR detector for extended dynamic range and sevenfold longer lifetime
• AppsLab ready-to-use methods, real-time instrument health monitoring, and automated tuning

Sample preparation followed standard environmental extraction protocols and derivatization steps where required (e.g., acetylation of chlorophenolics). Analytical conditions included PTV injections, Trace 1600 GC system, and Time-SRM acquisition for high selectivity.

Key Results and Discussion

The TSQ-9610 demonstrated:

• Detection limits as low as 0.12 fg on-column for standard OFN with 4.1 % RSD
• Linearity across four orders of magnitude for PAHs
• PBDE analysis at 0.25–6.1 pg/L in water and 0.025–0.61 ng/kg in soil with IDLs below 0.5 pg/L for most congeners
• Matrix interference reduction via SRM showed over 100-fold suppression of background signals in sediment and fish oil samples
• Stability of PBDE quantification across more than 100 injections with RSDs below 8 %
• Consolidated “BOP” method achieved MDLs and LOQs for PCBs, OCPs, and BDEs below 1 ng/g in fish oil matrix, enabling one-run screening
• Chlorophenolics analysis reached MDLs below 1 ng/L and LOQs below 2 μg/L, meeting regulatory guidelines

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Reduced downtime and rapid maintenance through NeverVent™ source changes
• Method consolidation lowers total analysis time and resource consumption
• High detector stability and broad dynamic range support simultaneous trace and high-level analyte quantification
• User-friendly software streamlines method development, compliance checks, and instrument monitoring
• Applicability to regulatory, QA/QC, and research laboratories requiring robust ultra-trace analyses

Future Trends and Opportunities

• Integration of AI-driven method optimization for faster transitions between target suites
• Expanded multi-residue protocols covering emerging contaminants and metabolic by-products
• Continued improvements in detector technology for sub-pg detection and higher throughput
• Remote monitoring and predictive maintenance leveraging cloud-based instrument health data
• Green analytical chemistry approaches minimizing solvent use and sample sizes

Conclusion

The Thermo Scientific TSQ-9610 GC-MS/MS addresses key environmental analysis challenges by combining high sensitivity, extended dynamic range, and streamlined maintenance. Its capability to consolidate multiple methods into a single run enhances laboratory throughput and supports reliable ultra-trace detection of persistent organic pollutants across varied matrices.

References

• Fornadel A. Increasing Sample Throughput in Ultra-trace Environmental Analysis with the TSQ-9610 GC-MS/MS, Thermo Fisher Scientific, August 3, 2022.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific. TSQ-9610 GC-MS/MS Application Note.