Improved laboratory productivity with a single GC-MS/MS configuration for multipurpose environmental analysis

Importance of the Topic

Gas chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) is essential for environmental monitoring of a wide range of volatile and semi-volatile contaminants. High selectivity and sensitivity of GC-MS/MS in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) allow laboratories to consolidate multiple analytical methods on a single platform, improving data quality, throughput, and cost efficiency.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note demonstrates a unified instrument configuration for the analysis of three major classes of environmental contaminants: polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), pesticides, and a broad suite of micropollutants. The goal is to standardize hardware and consumables, simplify maintenance and training, and streamline workflow in routine environmental laboratories.

Methodology

A Thermo Scientific TRACE 1610 GC equipped with a Thermo Scientific iConnect Thermospray SSL Injector and coupled to a Thermo Scientific TSQ 9610 GC-MS/MS with Advanced Electron Ionization (AEI) source was used. A single Thermo Scientific TraceGOLD TG-Contaminants capillary column (15 m × 0.25 mm × 0.1 µm) served all analyses. Method parameters (injection mode, volume, run time) were optimized for each compound class while maintaining the same column and detector settings. SRM acquisition was applied to maximize selectivity and enable quantifier and qualifier transitions for each target.

Used Instrumentation

• Thermo Scientific TRACE 1610 Gas Chromatograph
• Thermo Scientific TriPlus RSH SMART Autosampler
• Thermo Scientific iConnect Thermospray SSL Injector Module
• Thermo Scientific TSQ 9610 Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer with AEI source
• Thermo Scientific TraceGOLD TG-Contaminants GC column (15 m × 0.25 mm × 0.1 µm)
• Thermo Scientific LinerGOLD splitless precision liner with quartz wool

Main Results and Discussion

• PBDE Analysis: Six EU-required PBDE congeners (BDE-28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154) plus BDE-183, 207, and 209 were separated and quantified within a 16-minute run at concentrations down to 1 µg/L with clear SRM transitions.
• Pesticide Screening: Up to 350 pesticides, including organophosphorus, organochlorine, carbamate, pyrethroid, triazine, azole, urea, and other classes, were resolved in a 20-minute GC run at levels as low as 2–3 µg/L.
• Micropollutants Monitoring: Over 220 organic micropollutants such as phenolic derivatives, benzene and aniline derivatives, PCBs, and PAHs were analyzed in a 20-minute method at 5–50 µg/L, demonstrating broad coverage.
• Robustness and Repeatability: QC standards at 5 µg/L injected before and after 80 routine samples showed peak area RSD below 10% without maintenance or vacuum breaks, highlighting system stability.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Consolidation of multiple environmental methods onto a single GC-MS/MS configuration reduces instrument and consumable overhead.
• Simplified training and maintenance using modular injector and detector components and NeverVent technology for rapid source and filament exchange.
• Enhanced laboratory throughput and uptime with auto-optimized SRM acquisition and streamlined column chemistry.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements in GC-MS/MS may include integration with high-resolution mass spectrometry for non-target screening, automated sample preparation, digital workflow integration with laboratory information management systems, and artificial intelligence-driven method optimization and predictive maintenance. Expansion of analyte libraries and miniaturized GC systems could further enhance portability and on-site environmental testing.

Conclusion

The single-configuration GC-MS/MS approach demonstrated here meets regulatory requirements for multiple environmental contaminant classes while streamlining laboratory operations. By standardizing on one hardware setup, laboratories can reduce costs, simplify workflows, and achieve high productivity and data quality in routine environmental analysis.

References

• Hites RA. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in the environment and in people: a meta-analysis of concentrations. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2004;38:945.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Application Brief AB00019: Improving the routine testing of difficult-to-analyze pesticide residues by using the Thermo Scientific TraceGOLD TG-Contaminants column with GC-MS/MS technology. 2024.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Application Note AN00780: A robust and sensitive method for the determination of pesticides in surface and ground water by triple quadrupole GC-MS. 2024.