<p><strong>🎤Jessica Whitehouse</strong></p><p><strong>Haloacetic acids (HAAs) are disinfection byproducts formed when chlorine or bromine reacts with organic matter in water—and some are linked to serious health concerns. In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, we sit down with Jessica Whitehouse, MSc student at the University of Calgary, to discuss how she developed a GC-MS method to detect and quantify HAAs in real-world water samples.</strong></p><p>During her undergraduate research at Thompson Rivers University, Jessica tackled a major challenge faced by many academic labs: how to analyze regulated environmental contaminants without access to GC-ECD instrumentation. &nbsp;Using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, derivatization, and GC-MS, she built a faster, more accessible workflow—and applied it to tap water, swimming pools, and hot tubs.</p><h4><strong>In this conversation, we cover:</strong></h4><ul><li>What haloacetic acids are and why they matter</li><li>Why standard EPA methods can be difficult for smaller or teaching-focused labs</li><li>How GC-MS can be adapted for HAA analysis</li><li>The challenges of derivatization and temperature program optimization</li><li>Unexpected findings in brominated vs. chlorinated HAAs</li><li>Why pool and hot tub water can show surprisingly high HAA levels</li><li>The excitement (and frustration) of first-time method development</li><li>Advice for undergraduate and early-career analytical chemists</li></ul><p>Jessica also shares how this project led directly to her current MSc research on ozone and nanobubble water disinfection, where she’s now expanding into ion chromatography.</p><p>Whether you work in environmental analysis, chromatography, GC-MS, or are just starting your journey in analytical chemistry, this episode offers practical insight into real lab constraints, method development, and the joy of finding your first analyte peak.</p><h3><strong>Video Transcription</strong></h3><h4><span><strong>Introduction</strong></span></h4><p>Haloacetic acids (HAAs) are an important class of disinfectant byproducts formed when organic matter present in water reacts with chemical sanitizers. Because several HAAs are associated with adverse health effects, their determination remains relevant in environmental and public health analysis. This interview highlights the academic pathway and research experience of Jessica, whose undergraduate work focused on the development of a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for the analysis of HAAs in pool and hot tub water.</p><p>Her project emerged from a combination of academic interest in analytical chemistry, practical experience with water testing, and the constraints of instrument availability in an undergraduate research setting. The resulting workflow illustrates how method adaptation, critical problem-solving, and persistence can enable meaningful analytical research even when standardized methods are not directly accessible.</p><h4><span><strong>Academic Background and Entry into Analytical Chemistry</strong></span></h4><p>Jessica completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Physics at Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia. Her interest in analytical chemistry developed during her second year of study, when coursework revealed the quantitative and detail-oriented nature of the discipline. This emphasis on numerical interpretation, precision, and method development aligned strongly with her academic strengths and motivated her to pursue analytical research.</p><p>Her specific interest in water chemistry originated even earlier through practical work in a pool and hot tub store, where she became familiar with routine water testing and the chemical factors influencing water quality. This early exposure led naturally into undergraduate research under the supervision of Dr. Sharon Brewer, whose expertise in water analysis provided an ideal foundation for the project.</p><h4><span><strong>Haloacetic Acids as Disinfectant Byproducts</strong></span></h4><p>Haloacetic acids are a subset of disinfectant byproducts generated when sanitizing agents react with natural organic matter in water. In treated recreational water systems such as pools and hot tubs, disinfectants are essential for microbial control, yet they can also lead to formation of unwanted chemical byproducts. Because some HAAs are considered potentially harmful, their occurrence and concentration warrant analytical attention.</p><p>In this study, both chlorinated and brominated HAAs were of interest. Although the tested water systems were primarily sanitized using chlorine-based products, the occurrence of brominated HAAs emerged as a notable and somewhat unexpected finding.</p><h4><span><strong>Analytical Challenges and Method Selection</strong></span></h4><p>A major challenge in the project was the lack of access to the instrumentation required for the standard EPA-based method initially considered for HAA analysis. The available protocol depended on GC-ECD instrumentation, which was not accessible at the university. This limitation required the development of an alternative strategy based on the instruments available locally.</p><p>GC-MS was selected as the most practical analytical platform. To support this approach, Jessica identified a literature source describing a similar method that could be adapted to her research aims. In parallel, dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction was introduced into the workflow as a means of sample preparation, providing valuable methodological experience beyond the standard undergraduate laboratory curriculum.</p><p>This adaptation illustrates a common reality in academic research: analytical methodology is often shaped not only by ideal regulatory procedures, but also by local instrument access, scheduling limitations, and the practical needs of the researcher.</p><h4><span><strong>Need for Derivatization in GC-MS Analysis</strong></span></h4><p>A central analytical issue was that HAAs are inherently nonvolatile, which makes them poorly suited to direct GC analysis. To enable gas chromatographic separation, derivatization was required to convert the analytes into more volatile derivatives with more favorable boiling characteristics.</p><p>In this method, derivatization with octanol was employed. This modification improved volatility and also generated larger fragments, which aided mass spectral interpretation by making the analyte fragmentation patterns easier to distinguish. Thus, derivatization served both chromatographic and mass spectrometric purposes.</p><h4><span><strong>Optimization of the GC Temperature Program</strong></span></h4><p>Considerable effort was devoted to optimization of the GC temperature program. The main difficulty did not arise solely from the analytes themselves, but from the derivatization reagent. Octanol produced a broad and persistent chromatographic feature, including a significant shoulder extending into later retention times. This complicated separation and increased pressure to keep the method sufficiently short for routine sample throughput.</p><p>Among the analytes, monochloroacetic acid proved especially problematic. Because it differed only subtly in structure and produced overlapping behavior relative to the octanol-derived background, its signal was difficult to isolate confidently. Although chlorine-containing fragments could be observed, precise assignment remained challenging. This difficulty underscores how small structural differences and matrix-related interferences can complicate quantitative GC-MS workflows.</p><h4><span><strong>Method Performance and Practical Advantages</strong></span></h4><p>Although the adapted GC-MS method was developed out of necessity, it also provided practical advantages over the more standardized workflow that had initially been considered. In particular, the derivatization step in the adapted approach required only approximately 10 minutes, whereas the more conventional procedure involved a water bath step lasting around two hours. In addition, the adapted workflow offered shorter overall preparation and analysis timing, allowing batches of samples to be prepared and placed on the autosampler within a normal working schedule.</p><p>From a practical research perspective, this translated into substantially improved laboratory efficiency. The ability to complete derivatization quickly and begin automated sample analysis without extensive delays made the workflow more manageable and better suited to the demands of an undergraduate project.</p><h4><span><strong>Unexpected Findings: Brominated HAAs in Chlorine-Sanitized Systems</strong></span></h4><p>One of the more surprising outcomes of the study was the predominance of brominated HAAs, despite the fact that the investigated pools and hot tubs were sanitized using chlorine-based treatments. Four of the systems relied on sodium chloride electrolysis to generate chlorine species, while others used chlorine-containing puck formulations commonly applied in recreational water treatment.</p><p>Given these conditions, higher levels of chlorinated HAAs might have been expected. Instead, the results suggested a greater abundance of brominated HAAs. A plausible explanation is the presence of bromine-containing impurities in commercial pool and hot tub chemicals. Although such impurities may occur at relatively low levels, they can still influence disinfectant byproduct formation. The observation highlights the importance of considering the full chemical composition of treatment products, not merely their primary declared active ingredients.</p><h4><span><strong>Value of Practical Industry Experience</strong></span></h4><p>Jessica’s prior work in the pool and hot tub industry provided an unusually strong contextual advantage for the project. Because the samples originated from store clients, she had access to detailed information about the chemicals used in each system, including safety data sheets and knowledge of treatment timing. This background significantly strengthened interpretation of the analytical results by linking measured byproducts to known product usage patterns.</p><p>Such integration of practical field knowledge with laboratory analysis represents an important strength in applied environmental chemistry, particularly when studying real-world water systems rather than idealized laboratory samples.</p><h4><span><strong>Scientific Development and Early Research Motivation</strong></span></h4><p>An especially valuable element of the project was the role it played in building research confidence. Jessica described the first successful identification of an analyte peak as a memorable turning point, reflecting the emotional significance of early experimental success in scientific training. In analytical chemistry, where method optimization often involves repeated setbacks and ambiguous data, such moments can be critical in sustaining motivation and reinforcing scientific identity.</p><p>This experience also informed her advice to early-stage researchers: unfavorable or unexpected outcomes still constitute valid results. Negative or imperfect findings remain analytically meaningful and contribute to scientific understanding, provided they are interpreted carefully.</p><h4><span><strong>Connection to Current Research</strong></span></h4><p>Jessica is now working at the University of Calgary on a different project focused on ozone and nanobubble disinfection. Although the analytical platform and immediate research questions have changed, the conceptual connection to her earlier work remains clear. Her experience with disinfectant byproducts and water chemistry directly supported her transition into this new role and helped position her as a strong candidate for research in water treatment-related systems.</p><p>She also expressed interest in expanding her analytical expertise through ion chromatography, which will play a role in her current work. This transition reflects the broader development of an environmental analytical chemist whose work continues to center on water quality, disinfection chemistry, and the analytical tools needed to investigate both.</p><h4><span><strong>Public Health Relevance</strong></span></h4><p>A notable practical implication of the project concerns recreational water safety. Jessica emphasized that pool and hot tub water should not be ingested, a recommendation already widely understood in general terms but further reinforced by her findings. In at least one case, HAA concentrations were reported at levels far above the federal drinking water regulation threshold. While such regulations are designed for potable water rather than recreational water, the comparison nevertheless illustrates the extent to which disinfectant byproducts may accumulate in these environments.</p><p>She also noted that several HAAs are classified as probable human carcinogens, with prolonged exposure linked to serious health concerns. Although occasional accidental ingestion is not equivalent to chronic exposure, the findings reinforce the importance of appropriate hygiene, safe water maintenance practices, and awareness of chemical byproduct formation in recreational systems.</p><h4><span><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></h4><p>This research demonstrates how meaningful analytical chemistry can emerge from a combination of scientific curiosity, practical constraints, and strong mentorship. By adapting a GC-MS workflow for the determination of haloacetic acids in pool and hot tub water, Jessica developed a method that was both workable within local instrument limitations and efficient enough to offer practical benefits over more conventional procedures.</p><p>Beyond the analytical results themselves, the project highlights several broader themes: the value of undergraduate research, the importance of flexibility in method development, the benefit of practical contextual knowledge, and the relevance of environmental analytical chemistry to real-world public health questions. It also shows how early research experiences can shape a long-term scientific trajectory, leading from undergraduate investigation to continued work in water chemistry and disinfection science.</p><blockquote><p><strong>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</strong></p></blockquote><blockquote><h4><strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</strong></h4><p>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!</p><p>You can find <strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast </strong>in podcast apps:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185"><strong>Apple podcast</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography"><strong>podscan</strong></a></li></ul><p>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos"><strong>YouTube channel</strong></a></p></blockquote>

Detecting Haloacetic Acids in Water with GC-MS

<p><strong>This study presents a one-year assessment of microplastic concentrations in the River Rhine, analyzing samples from three locations and across multiple size fractions using TED-GC/MS. Dominant polymers included polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, styrene–butadiene rubber, and natural rubber.</strong></p><p>Statistical analysis revealed size-dependent distributions, minor seasonal variation, and spatial differences, highlighting the role of sources such as tire abrasion. The findings provide valuable data for environmental monitoring, ecotoxicological research, and regulatory frameworks related to water quality.</p><blockquote><h4><strong>The original article</strong></h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsestwater.5c00530"><strong>One Year Observation of Microplastic Concentrations in the River Rhine</strong></a></h4><p>Yosri Wiesner, Paul Eisentraut, and Korinna Altmann*</p><p>ACS EST Water 2026, 6, 2, 639–648</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acsestwater.5c00530">https://doi.org/10.1021/acsestwater.5c00530</a></p><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"><strong>CC-BY 4.0</strong></a></h6></blockquote><p><strong>Selected sections from the article follow. Formats and hyperlinks were adapted from the original.</strong></p><div><p>As microplastics (MPs) are found all over the world and no comprehensive knowledge is available yet, extensive monitoring campaigns are required to gain a full understanding of their occurrence, transportation and fate. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1,2)</a> In particular, MP abundance in freshwater systems has still not been sufficiently investigated. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(3,4)</a> Additionally, the question of the toxicological potential of MPs has been the subject of numerous studies for many years, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(5,6)</a> leading to more precise and complex experimental set-ups and results. However, there is still a need for more acurate data on environmental MP concentrations in order to make ecotoxicological tests even more detailed and realistic. The lack of certainty for exposure concentrations in the risk assessment frame of MPs leads to the precautionary principle being applied by politicians and regulators worldwide. Both the EU drinking water directive and the wastewater directive call for monitoring of MPs within the next few years. It is important to establish suitable analytical methods for sampling, sample preparation and detection that must now be fast, robust and fit for purpose in order to obtain representative and valid results depending on mass or particle number. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(7−9)</a></p><p>MPs are solid particles with a size of 1–1000 μm mainly consisting of polymers (ISO/TR 21960, 2020) and can, for example, result from industrial production in the form of small particles that are designed as additives and change the properties of products, or from plastic parts that have been released into the environment. Major sources of MPs today are paints, tires, packaging materials, pellet waste and textiles. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(10−12)</a> These macroplastic products can form MP particles as a result of degradation factors such as photooxidation, hydrolysis and mechanical abrasion. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13,14)</a></p><p>The River Rhine has its origin in Switzerland and then flows through Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany and France until it discharges into the North Sea in The Netherlands. At 1233 km and a catchment area of about 185&nbsp;000 km<sup>2</sup>, the Rhine is one of the largest river systems in Europe and, due to its expanse, forms the ecological basis for a large number of animal species. Around 30 million people in Germany are supplied with drinking water from the Rhine.</p><p>It is hardly possible to assess the occurrence of MPs if either a limited sampling volume is used or only individual samples are taken. It is therefore essential that different volumes are sampled depending on whether the water to be sampled contains many or few MP particles. It is recommended to sample at least 5 m<sup>3</sup> for drinking water samples and 1 m<sup>3</sup> for surface water, whereas raw wastewater contains so many particles that only a few liters need to be sampled. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(15)</a> Although sampling of these water volumes leads to a representative sample from the analytic point of view, it is questionable, if the result measured is representative for the location. Previous studies have shown that the composition in terms of MP masses in a water body can change at one location with each individual sample independently whether several samples are analyzed in 1 day or spread over several days. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(16)</a> Fractionated filtration and sedimentation boxes as active and passive sampling methods have proven themselves in the sampling of freshwater systems. In active sampling, water is fractionally filtered using a pump and a sieve tower with different mesh sizes. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(17)</a> Passive sampling can be carried out using sedimentation boxes. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(18)</a> In a sedimentation box, the flow velocity of the medium flowing through is reduced by using several baffle plates. Due to the reduced velocity and energy, particles up to a certain size are forced to sediment by the now predominant gravitational force. Such boxes can remain in the water for several weeks and therefore collect a cross-section of the suspended particles including MP over a certain period of time.</p><p>Mass and number-based methods have emerged as suitable detection methods for MPs. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(19)</a> Number-based methods such as μ-Raman, μ-FTIR or LDIR are well advanced to evaluate the polymer identity, particle number concentration and shape, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(20,21)</a> but are still time-consuming in terms of sample preparation. In regulatory approaches or for simulations, usually the MP mass is needed. MP polymer identity and masses can be detected by thermoanalytical methods like pyrolysis-GC/MS (Py-GC/MS) or thermal extraction desorption-GC/MS (TED-GC/MS). Especially TED-GC/MS seems to be suitable for monitoring purses of suspended particulate matter, because there is no need for additional sample preparation others than filtration and homogenization. Up to 50 mg of suspended particulate matter can be directly measured in one run, giving representative subsamples for precise measurements exceeding the limit of quantification. Furthermore, styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) and natural rubber (NR) as indication for tire wear can be detected in the same sample run next to thermoplastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyamide 6 or polyacrylates.</p><p>This work provides a comprehensive data set of MP concentrations of the River Rhine over one year sampling at three different locations starting near the source in Weil via Koblenz and Emmerich. Sampling was done with sedimentation boxes with monthly withdrawal and fractioned filtration of the collected particles afterward. The size fractions 10–50 μm, 50–100 μm and 100–500 μm were provided by the Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG, Germany) and analyzed at the Federal Institute of Material Research and Testing (BAM, Germany) funded by a national project from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV, Germany, 3719 22301 0). Detection was performed with TED-GC/MS in routine mode, proven as a fast and robust detection method. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(2,16,22)</a> Data can be used, for example, for water monitoring or as reference values for future risk assessment scenarios and experiments.</p><h4><strong>2. Materials and Methods</strong></h4><h5><strong>2.2. TED-GC/MS</strong></h5><p>TED-GC/MS is a multistage detection technique combining the thermal sample extraction by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) with chromatographic separation of the individual decomposition gases and detection by trace analysis with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Sample material in 150 μL alumina crucibles was pyrolyzed in a <strong>TGA2 thermobalance</strong> (MettlerToledo, Gieβen, Germany) under a nitrogen flow of 30 mL/min from 200 to 500 °C with a heating rate of 10 K/min. Typical sample intake was between 10 to 50 mg depending on the organic content. The decomposition gases were collected on a solid phase (SorbStar, Envea, Vohenstrauβ, Germany) in the typical polymer decomposition temperature range between 200 and 500 °C via a heated coupling module (240 °C, Gerstel, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany). The loaded solid phase was transported to the thermodesorption unit (TDU)-GC/MS by an autosampler (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=8&amp;search=MultiPurposeSampler+2"><strong>MultiPurposeSampler 2</strong></a> (MPS2), Gerstel, Mühlheim an der Ruhr). The desorption of the decomposition products took place in the TDU (50–200 °C, 5 min isothermal, He gas, Gerstel), the cryofocusing in the cold injection system (−100 °C, Gerstel). Injection was carried out from there by rapid heating (−100–270 °C, 12 K/s) onto the separation column (HP5 ms, 1 mL/min He, 40–300 °C, Agilent, Palo Alto, USA) in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=7890B"><strong>GC system (7890 B Agilent)</strong></a>. After chromatographic separation, detection was performed in a mass spectrometer (EI, 70 eV, scan-mode, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=5977B"><strong>5977 B, Agilen</strong></a>t).</p><h4><strong>3. Results and Discussion</strong></h4><p>A summary of the identified polymer types and their corresponding mass concentrations per sampling location is provided in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsestwater.5c00530#fig1">Figure 1</a>. All individual results are presented in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acsestwater.5c00530/suppl_file/ew5c00530_si_001.pdf">Table S1</a> of the Supporting Information. With a few exceptions, the polymers PE, PP, PS, SBR and NR were detected. To cope with the large amount of measurement data and to obtain an overview of possible correlations, the data was evaluated using statistical and mathematical algorithms. Only the five polymers named above provide enough input data and are therefore used as the basis for the data analysis. The individual results were sorted according to various aspects that are included in the data set as independent variables:</p><p>(I)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Particle size fractions</p><p>(II)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Temporal variation</p><p>(III)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Spatial variation due to the sampling locations</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_EST_Water_2026_6_2_639_648_Figure_1_Overview_of_sampling_locations_along_the_German_part_of_the_River_Rhine_and_sum_of_identified_median_mass_concentrations_fe570f51b5.jpg" alt="ACS EST Water 2026, 6, 2, 639–648: Figure 1. Overview of sampling locations along the German part of the River Rhine and sum of identified median mass concentrations." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_EST_Water_2026_6_2_639_648_Figure_1_Overview_of_sampling_locations_along_the_German_part_of_the_River_Rhine_and_sum_of_identified_median_mass_concentrations_fe570f51b5.jpg 158w," sizes="100vw" width="1883" height="1860"></p><p>The concentrations of the various polymers in the suspended matter serve as input values. The riverine balancing and material transport based on the total masses (polymer mass in total suspended solids mass) is carried out explicitly and will be published at Umweltbundesamt as part of the project report by the BfG (Ternes, final project report, 2023).</p><h5><strong>3.1. Particle Size Fractions</strong></h5><p>This section describes the possible correlation of the polymer mass concentration with the size of the measured particles regardless of the sampling location. Therefore, the generated samples were sorted by sieving into different size fractions of 10–50, 50–100 and 100–500 μm. The relative mean values of the individual fractions are calculated (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acsestwater.5c00530/suppl_file/ew5c00530_si_001.pdf">Figure S2</a>) to obtain the shares of the different polymer types in the total amount of MP. PE is the dominant polymer in all size fractions with 68–76%, followed by PS (10–15%), SBR (4–13%), PP (2–5%) and NR (2–4%). Obviously, all polymer types are approximately evenly distributed across the size fractions, with SBR being less present in the 100–500 μm fraction.</p><p>In general, it can be determined that PE accounts for the highest proportion of MP. PS makes up the second highest proportion, followed by SBR. Next in line are PP and NR. The polymer findings are in good agreement with previous MP studies of the Rhine. PE, PP and PS in particular are the most frequently detected polymers. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(3)</a> The relative abundance of PE, PP and PS is also relatively similar to Skalska et al., even when the particle number was considered here. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(26)</a> Especially in comparison with the results of Mani et al. significant similarities to the ratios of PE, PP and PS can be found. Data on SBR from tire abrasion in the Rhine is difficult to find in existing studies, as such particles cannot easily be identified using vibrational methods due to the IR absorbing properties and the intense fluorescence of the accompanying soot. However, a comparison with suspended particulate matter samples from the Danube is possible, as here the detection was also carried out using TED-GC/MS. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(2)</a> The relative ratios of PE, PP, PS, SBR and NR are comparable and support the plausibility of the results.</p><p>Total MP mass concentrations are presented in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acsestwater.5c00530/suppl_file/ew5c00530_si_001.pdf">Figure S3</a> for individual polymer types, showing highest mass concentrations in the size fraction 100–500 μm. The median varies from 0.17 to 6.80 μg/mg depending on the polymer type. In absolute terms, the PE mass concentrations are significantly higher than those of all other polymers. PP and PS show a strong mass increase in the 100–500 μm fraction, together with higher uncertainty compared to 10–50 μm and 50–100 μm. With a variation of 0.27–0.32 μg/mg across all particle size fractions, the mass contents of SBR are relatively constant, while NR mass concentration seems to increase more linearly. The high mass concentrations and the strong scattering of the 100–500 μm fractions could be due to the presence or absence of large but few particles. Basically, the larger a particle is, the higher its contribution to the mass concentration. In contrast, the larger a particle is, the lower the probability of an equal distribution in all samples.</p><p>If other regions associated with the Rhine are considered, comparable ratios of mass concentration in the various particle size fractions are found in Rhine floodplains. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(27)</a></p><p>At the beginning of the data analysis, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is carried out to identify parameters that have a high influence on the mass content. This analysis identified that the particle size has the greatest influence on the mass concentration (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsestwater.5c00530#fig2">Figure 2</a>). The first principal component (PC 1) was identified as the particle size fraction and explains over 50% of the differences in the data.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_EST_Water_2026_6_2_639_648_Figure_2_PCA_Score_plot_of_mass_concentrations_of_the_different_polymers_be94ae16c4.jpg" alt="ACS EST Water 2026, 6, 2, 639–648: Figure 2. PCA Score plot of mass concentrations of the different polymers." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_EST_Water_2026_6_2_639_648_Figure_2_PCA_Score_plot_of_mass_concentrations_of_the_different_polymers_be94ae16c4.jpg 184w," sizes="100vw" width="747" height="635"></p><h4><strong>4. Conclusion</strong></h4><p>This study demonstrated that long-term sampling of the Rhine is possible and provides plausible results, which is important for future MP monitoring campaigns, as required by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive for the EU. Although the MP concentrations in the Rhine are relatively constant, seasonal and downstream differences were observed. In order to confirm these possible trends, further sampling campaigns are needed to identify possible differences on an annual scale. Furthermore, the influences of urban proximity and land use must be examined in greater detail by increasing the number of measuring points. Additional sample sites are needed to identify possible sources of input. This would be particularly important to clarify the PS concentrations, which show a high correlation between the different particle size fractions in almost all seasons and could indicate a possible common source. SBR is the only polymer to show a relatively constant concentration across all particle sizes and seasons, independent of the river course. Since it is a tire component, constant road traffic could be part of the explanation. However, a different particle ratio must be assumed here compared to the other polymers. The fragmentation mechanism and/or another transport mechanism needs to be clarified.</p><p>Although PE constitutes the majority of the total MP concentration, there may be an overestimation due to false positive signals. To exclude or confirm this, further studies must be conducted to analyze the organic components of the riverine suspended matter in detail.</p><p>A comparison with other studies reveals similar occurrences of the same polymer types and in parts also similar seasonal fluctuations and a slight downstream increase. The differentiated presentation of results in polymer type, particle size fraction and range of mass concentrations can provide a valuable basis for more complex and realistic exposure tests for ecotoxicological studies on freshwater organisms. In particular, the large database for SBR as a tire component could be of special interest, as the toxicity of tire particles due to their chemical composition has already been shown in other studies. In studies using FTIR-based detection methods, these values are usually missing due to the high absorbance of the black tire particles.</p></div>

One Year Observation of Microplastic Concentrations in the River Rhine

<p><strong>In the week of April 6, the following webinars await you in the field of gas / solid phase and especially Raman, FTIR, GC and GC/MS.</strong></p><blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinars"><strong>👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</strong></a></h4><p><strong>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database</strong> with over <strong>5 500 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars</strong>.</p></blockquote><div><div><div><div><div><div><h5><strong>1. Bruker: Advances in AFM for the Characterization of 2D Materials</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 8.4.2026 17:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6054">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Explore how AFM enables comprehensive nanoscale characterization of 2D materials. Learn about structural, electrical, and chemical mapping, AFM-IR, and nanomanipulation for device fabrication.</p><h5><strong>2. Agilent Technologies: Mastering Gas Sampling: Valve Fundamentals to ASTM Ready RGA &amp; TOGA Analysis</strong></h5><ul><li>Th, 9.4.2026 08:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6056">Registration</a></li></ul><p>In this session, learn how to achieve reliable permanent gas analysis, starting from proper valve selection and sampling fundamentals.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Webinars LabRulezGCMS Week 15/2026

Article

Webinars

Video

Scientists

Scientific article

Interview

Science and research

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

Organomation, founded in 1959, designs and manufactures high-quality nitrogen evaporators and extraction systems. Known for innovation and durability, their lab instruments are used globally for efficient sample preparation with strong customer support.

Organomation

Agilent Technologies

Phenomenex

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Shimadzu Corporation

<h5><strong>Session 1: Milk adulteration</strong></h5>
<p>There are so many food frauds that are a threat to consumers. Learn about a complete GC based solution on how to detect adulteration in milk.  We will also cover workflows using ion chromatography to profile milk glycans, lactose and carbohydrates to ensure quality products.</p>
<h5><strong>Session 2: Mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOSH/MOAH)</strong></h5>
<p>A 10 year old topic that is still the focus of chemists all over the world. Here, a fully automated solution will be presented, based on the LC/GC technique that is widely used in this field.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Daniela Cavagnino (Product Marketing Manager, GC and Autosampler and Applied Technologies, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Daniela Cavagnino received the master’s degree in chemistry at the University of Milan, Italy. 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 10 years’ experience in promoting GC/GC-MS technology and applications in several different market segments.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:  Jorn Hofsteenge (Analytical Support Specialist, Interscience BV, Netherlands)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Jorn is currently working withInterscience BV, Netherlands as an analytical specialist. He is a graduate in chemistry with specialization in forensic chemistry. He has around 10 years of experience and possesses a wide range of knowledge and skills in the fields of analytical chemistry and organic chemistry.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: (Wai-Chi Man, Product Marketing Manager, IC/SP, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Recently moved into Product Marketing from Application Sales Support role within ThermoFisher Scientific but was a customer.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Specialised in Ion Chromatography (IC) for over 32 years with 35 years in Analytical Chemistry experience in a wide range of techniques (IC, LC, GC, CE, MS, NMR, ICP, FTIR etc). Spent 7 Years at Wellcome Research supporting Structural Elucidation for Medicinal Chemists using a wide range of analytical instrumentation. A total of 20 Years in the Pharma industry as part of GlaxoSmith Kline, from Research to transferring methods to Manufacturing. Worked on and responsible for many drugs from anti-viral to respiratory.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Have been working for ThermoFisher Scientific since 2011 working with a wide range of customers from varies industry, providing ion chromatography support in method development, troubleshooting, sample preparation, trainings, seminars, events and workshops. Within this time, I have built a greater knowledge, skill and understanding within varies areas in IC such as IC-MS, IC-ICP-MS, HPAE-PAD analysis, metabolomics and polar pesticides.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>I am passionate in promoting STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) to future Scientists by encouraging, nurturing and supporting them.</p>
</blockquote>


Thermo Fisher Scientific: Emerging Topics in Food Safety

Food integrity and QC

Webinar will cover topics like Milk adulteration or Mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOSH/MOAH) analysis.

<h5><strong>Session 1: Beer off flavours</strong></h5>
<p>What would you do if suddenly the taste of your beer was different? This is a big issue for manufacturers and where GC-MS analysis can help. </p>
<h5><strong>Session 2: Beer Integrity and quality</strong></h5>
<p>Beer, malt and wort testing is essential to producing a quality product, off flavours are the way to turn your customers off your products. Many of the tests performed on beer samples can require multiple analyzers, but there is another way to analyze multiple parameters at the same time.</p>
<p>The Thermo Scientific Gallery Plus Beermaster discrete analyzer can deliver reliable analyses for multiple tests such as bitterness, acidity and sugar content—all from a single sample and run up to 350 tests per hour. This system’s automated workflow and fast analysis work together to ensure high throughput and low cost-per-test. Because the instrument operates without manual intervention, your staff can enjoy walkaway productivity and focus on more strategic tasks in the lab. More testing, from fewer instruments and with fewer techs.</p>
<p>This webinar will show how you can work smarter and ensure the quality of your product.</p>
<h3><strong>Who should attend:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Lab managers and analysts that have analytical challenges when testing food and beverages</li>
<li>QA/QC and research laboratories that want to keep up to date and also be ready for future challenges</li>
<li>Lab leaders who want to leverage the full analytical potential of their analytical instrumentation</li>
<li>Scientists/chemists/analysts interested in using isotope fingerprints for food analysis</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Spencer Britton (Senior Quality Lab Specialist, Creature Comforts Brewing Company, Athens)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Spencer Britton is a Senior Quality Lab Specialist at Creature Comforts Brewing Company in Athens, GA. Before joining the brewing industry in May 2017, he worked in a biopharmaceutical laboratory focusing on protein chemistry and ELISA development. Spencer is passionate about ensuring quality products and practices, which has led him to collaborate across the brewing industry to help establish key testing protocols.</p>
</blockquote>


Food integrity and QC - Maintaining quality in the brewing process

This webinar will show how you can work smarter and ensure the quality of your product. Topics like Beer off flavours or Beer Integrity and quality.

Food integrity - Maintaining quality in the brewing process

<h5><strong>Session 3: Addressing authenticity of fish oils by online coupling of GC-IRMS with an organic mass spectrometer.</strong></h5>
<p>As fish oils become a popular and precious source of omega-3 fatty acids, the risk of mislabeling and adulteration has risen significantly. The fatty acid profiles of different fish oils do not often allow the discrimination between different sources and geographical origins. In this study, the compound specific multi-isotope analysis of fatty acids allowed the discrimination of fish oils from different provenance, following risk-based comparisons from market experience. In the light of emerging cases of food fraud, we present how GC-MS-IRMS advanced technology can tackle these problems for addressing authenticity of fish oils.</p>
<h5><strong>Session 4: Technical Spotlight: Sugars in Honey by HPLC - discover how to analyse this popular sweet treat, and, is it all that you expect?</strong></h5>
<h3><strong>Who should attend:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Lab managers and analysts that have analytical challenges when testing food and beverages</li>
<li>QA/QC and research laboratories that want to keep up to date and also be ready for future challenges</li>
<li>Lab leaders who want to leverage the full analytical potential of their analytical instrumentation</li>
<li>Scientists/chemists/analysts interested in using isotope fingerprints for food analysis</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Dr. Mario Tuthorn (Senior Product Marketing Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>After completing his PhD in Isotope Biogeochemistry at the University of Bayreuth, Germany, Mario joined Thermo Fisher Scientific in Bremen in 2016 as an application specialist for the Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry portfolio, developing applications and methods for compound specific isotope analysis in a variety of fields by using gas and liquid chromatography. Since 2019 Mario has taken on Product Marketing role for gas isotope ratio MS and organic elemental analyzer instrumentation, focusing on product positioning and marketing activities.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Dr David Psomiadis (Chief Business Officer, Imprint Analytics GmbH)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>David Psomiadis (PhD) works as Chief Business Office at Imprint Analytics GmbH. Since 2013, he has settled in Neutal, Austria, as a member of the grounding team of Imprint Analytics. He has published more than 70 contributions in scientific journals and conferences, and he holds a regular member position in international committees and working groups (eg. AOAC, CEN) related to food authenticity testing. In his role at Imprint Analytics, he leads the global Food Authenticity business strategy, brand development and collaborations within global networks and international consortia.</p>
</blockquote>


Food integrity and authenticity

Addressing authenticity of fish oils by online coupling of GC-IRMS with an organic mass spectrometer or Sugars in Honey by HPLC.

<p><strong>Recent concerns with the price and availability of helium have led laboratories to look for alternative carrier gases for their GC/MS and GC/MS/MS systems. For GC/MS, hydrogen is the best alternative to helium. Among the problems encountered when converting to hydrogen carrier gas in GC/MS is that hydrogen is not an inert gas and may cause chemical reactions in the mass spectrometer electron ionization (EI) source. This can lead to disturbed ion ratios in the mass spectrum, spectral infidelity, and peak tailing. Therefore, a novel EI source for GC/MS and GC/MS/MS was developed and optimized for use with hydrogen carrier gas.</strong></p>
<p>To evaluate the novel EI source performance, several classes of compounds including SVOCs, VOCs, PAHs, PCBs, phthalates, and pesticides were analyzed with GC/MS and GC/MS/MS using hydrogen as the carrier gas. The results demonstrated:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Good spectral fidelity for compounds susceptible to hydrogenation in the source resulting in higher library match scores observed against the NIST spectral library when compared to the conventional EI source. This effect was especially pronounced for nitrobenzene and other nitro-compounds</p>
</li>
<li><p>Excellent chromatographic peak shape, especially for late-eluting PAHs with a fast analysis method that is known to amplify any chromatographic peak tailing</p>
</li>
<li><p>Good performance for the analysis of over 200 pesticides with both GC/MS and GC/MS/MS</p>
</li>
<li><p>Dramatically improved calibration performance for SVOCs</p>
</li>
<li><p>Excellent spectral matching and calibration performance for VOCs analyzed with headspace in drinking water</p>
</li>
<li><p>Demonstrated excellent sensitivity at the sub-ppb level for many analytes including PAHs and PCBs, exceeding that typically seen with hydrogen carrier gas with both GC/MS and GC/MS/MS</p>
</li>
<li><p>Stable system performance for over 5,000 injections of a heavy soil extract.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>The novel EI source addresses one of the operational issues impacting the environmental laboratory industry with using hydrogen as the carrier gas.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Anastasia A. Andrianova (GC/MS Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Anastasia Andrianova is a GC/MS Applications Scientist in the Mass Spectrometry Division of Agilent Technologies, located in Wilmington, Delaware. She received a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of North Dakota (Grand Forks) in 2017 and a combined masters’ and bachelor’s degree in analytical chemistry from the Moscow State University (Moscow, Russia) in 2014. Anastasia has been at Agilent Technologies since 2018. She has authored or co-authored over 30 journal articles and application notes, as well as 1 patent in the field of analytical chemistry, focusing on chromatography and mass spectrometry. Anastasia is currently working in GC/MS applications in multiple areas with a focus on food and environmental analysis.</p>
</blockquote>


Agilent Technologies: HydroInert: A Novel EI Source Optimized for Use with Hydrogen Carrier Gas in GC/MS and GC/MS/MS

HydroInert: A Novel EI Source Optimized for Use with Hydrogen Carrier Gas in GC/MS and GC/MS/MS

To evaluate the novel EI source performance, several classes of compounds including SVOCs, VOCs, PAHs, PCBs, phthalates, and pesticides were analyzed.

HydroInert: A Novel GC/MS EI Source Optimized for Hydrogen

<h3><strong>Key Learning Points:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li><p>Learn About the Rugged Inert GC phases ZB-35, ZB-50, ZB-1701, ZB-SEMIVOLATILE ,ZB-5MSPLUS ETC used in Chemical Industry.</p>
</li>
<li><p>Do you work with crude sample ? Worried about phase bleed at high temp? Learn about the different technologies in GC columns help you resolve issues.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Rahela Banu (Business Development Manager- Non Pharma Market)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Rahela Banu holds a master’s degree in Micro Biology from Osmania University. She worked as a Microbiologist in Royal life sciences doing analysis of FAME by Gas chromatography from various microbial samples. Later started working with Merck as Patient Support counselor. After successful 3 years stint with them she moved to Phenomenex. She has 11 years of experience in handling customer Applications/Inquiries catering to wide extended market segments.<br/>Rahela has traveled extensively through all parts of India reaching customers of various segments working with GC/HPLC/SPE technique as Industry Specialist; Having visited manufacturing plant of Phenomenex Torrance unit Rahela works very closely with GC developing team making a bridge between advanced technologies and customer applications. Currently she is a Business Development Manager at Phenomenex India and is responsible for Seminars/webinars/training&#39;s/Global coordination/market development in all product lines that goes into this applied market segment PAN India</p>
</blockquote>


Phenomenex: Gas Chromatography Solutions for Speciality Chemicals

Gas Chromatography Solutions for Speciality Chemicals

Learn About the Rugged Inert GC phases used in Chemical Industry. Do you work with crude sample ? Worried about phase bleed at high temp?

<p><strong>Join Agilent Technologies, GERSTEL, and our guest speakers for a day of scientific discussions! Gain insight from our presentations that are focused on emerging topics and trends in the fragrance and flavor application space.</strong></p>
<h3><strong>A Validated Method for Simultaneous Quantitation of 20 Common Flavoring Chemicals in E-Cigarette Refill Solutions</strong></h3>
<p>Numerous flavored e-cigarettes have emerged on the market in recent years, increasing the appeal of these products. Hundreds of unique flavoring chemicals are known to constitute e-liquid flavors, previously identified by untargeted MS techniques. While many of these chemicals are “general recognized as safe” (GRAS) for consumption, inhalation toxicity remains relatively unknown. Measuring their concentrations in e-liquids is an important first step in understanding potential inhalation toxicity and associated health outcomes.</p>
<h5><strong>Key Learning Objectives/What attendees will learn:</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>The approach and method development to measure 20 common flavoring chemicals in e-cigarette liquids via GC/Q-TOF technology.</li>
<li>Understand the variability of these flavorings in a wide range of flavored e-liquids.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Who Should Attend:</strong> Those interested in the chemical formulations of e-cigarette liquids as it pertains to the specific flavoring chemicals that are added. Focus will be on the methodology used to measure concentrations of 20 common additives and how they are distributed among various flavored e-liquids.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Michelle Page (Research Associate, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Ms. Page is a Research Associate in the Department of Health Behavior, a subset of the Department of Cancer Control and Prevention at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her expertise is in GC/MS methodology with several years of tobacco research, specializing in product chemical characterization. Previous work included a decade of routine environmental testing for semi-volatile pollutants in water and soil matrices, using GC/MS. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University at Buffalo and is a current PhD candidate in the Cancer Sciences program through the University at Buffalo and Roswell Park.</p>
</blockquote>
<h3><strong>The Flavor Chemistry of Hamburger Aroma and the Challenges for Plant-Based Prototypes</strong></h3>
<p>The aroma of hamburgers cooking on the grill is easy to recognize and can be perceived from a distance, far from the site of cooking.  The characteristics of such a recognizable odor may pose a significant challenge for the development of plant-based analogues.  This presentation will describe the results of recent volatile (GC-MS) comparisons of the aroma between a beef hamburger and the various commercial plant-based hamburgers in the marketplace.  Insights into the development and analysis of hamburger aroma will also be highlighted in the presentation.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Li Li Zyzak, PhD (Assistant Professor, Eastern Kentucky University)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Dr. Zyzak received her Ph.D (1993) in Biochemistry from University of South Carolina. She is currently an assistant professor of Biochemistry at Eastern Kentucky University. Dr. Zyzak’s research interests include flavor and food chemistry, and sensory evaluation. She teaches Biochemistry and a graduate course on Applied Biochemistry relating to food chemistry/flavor at EKU. Dr. Zyzak is a professional member of the American Chemical Society and the Institute of Food Technologists.</p>
</blockquote>


Agilent Technologies: Emerging Topics and Trends in the Flavor and Fragrance Application Space

Emerging Topics and Trends in the Flavor and Fragrance Application Space

Gain insight from our presentations that are focused on emerging topics and trends in the fragrance and flavor application space.

Emerging Topics and Trends in the Flavor and Fragrance

<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Bryan White (Agilent Technologies)</strong></p>
</blockquote>


Agilent Technologies: Strategies to Mitigate for Rising Helium Gas Costs

Strategies to Mitigate for Rising Helium Gas Costs

<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Bryan White (Agilent Technologies)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Callum Morgan (Field Support Applications Engineer)</strong></p>
</blockquote>


Agilent Technologies: Sub-Five Minute Analysis of Full Volatile Organic Compounds Suite

Sub-Five Minute Analysis of Full Volatile Organic Compounds Suite

Sub-Five Minute Analysis of Full VOCs Suite

<p><strong>Forensic chemists face the challenge of identifying new psychoactive substances (NPS), whereby the general structures of controlled drugs are modified to evade legislative banning.</strong></p>
<p>Hence, a plethora of synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids has been available to the public, causing a global social problem. It is therefore crucial that analytical methods are developed for identifying and differentiating new analogues of synthetic drug substances, to prevent potential trading and abuse. Additionally, drug legislation is made more challenging with the use of synthetic cannabinoid containing products, typically marketed as “herbal mixtures”, which consists of analogues of synthetic cannabinoids. In this study, simultaneous multi-reaction monitoring (MRM) and product ion scan (PIS) acquisition methods have been developed for detection and differentiation of isomeric synthetic cannabinoids.</p>
<p>Data were acquired using a GC-MS/MS system (GCMS-TQ8050, Shimadzu Corporation, Japan) in electron ionization mode. Two classes of synthetic cannabinoids were analysed. They are a mixture of JWH-018 (1-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole) and its seven other structural isomers, and a mixture of four positional isomers of fluoro-PB-22 (Quinolin-8-yl 1-pentyfluoro-1H-indole-3-8-carboxylate).</p>
<h5>Learning Objectives</h5>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Background of New Psychoactive Substance (NPS) and the types of synthetic cannabinoids</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Method development for the differentiation of eight structural isomers of JWH-018</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Method development for the differentiation of four positional isomers of Fluoro-PB-22</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Method applications on NPS-fortified samples</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Crystal Yeong (Ph.D.) (Senior Field Application Chemist, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Crystal Yeong is a senior field application chemist for GC and GCMS at Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd in Singapore. She has experience in forensic applications, nitrosamines impurities detection and PAH analyses in edible oils. Prior to joining Shimadzu, she was a lab analyst with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore. Crystal holds a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry and B.Sc. in Chemistry &amp; Biological Chemistry from Nanyang Technological University.</p>
</blockquote>


Shimadzu: Using MRM/Product Ion Scan Mode in GC-MS/MS to Perform Detection and Differentiation of Synthetic Cannabinoids

Using MRM/Product Ion Scan Mode in GC-MS/MS to Perform Detection and Differentiation of Synthetic Cannabinoids

Simultaneous multi-reaction monitoring and product ion scan acquisition methods have been developed for detection and differentiation of isomeric cannabinoids.

Using MRM/Product Ion Scan Mode in GC-MS/MS

<p><strong>This webinar provides a glimpse of the cutting-edge technology Shimadzu GCMSMS offers in the field of food safety.</strong></p>
<p>Agricultural industry faces a huge challenge of producing increasing quantities of food. While meeting such expanding global food demand, the safety and sustainability of food supply is of utmost importance. With the use of chemicals, significant reduction in crop losses and thus increased yield has been achieved. However, the resulting pesticide residues is of growing concern with its potential health risks. The exponential growth of chemical hazards and their regulations have brought several challenges to the food safety industry. It is particularly challenging for laboratories to accurately analyse large amounts of samples and detect the non-compliant ones. </p>
<p>Understanding current laboratory requirements, GCMS-NX series along with its robust and sensitive hardware provides simplified user-friendly software for handling large multi-component data. Along with the unmatched hardware performance, Shimadzu also offers customizable databases and method packages as a total solution. </p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Durvesh Sawant (Senior Application Chemist, Shimadzu Analytical India Pvt. Ltd.)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Mr. Durvesh Sawant has completed his Masters in Bioanalytical Sciences, having overall more than 8 years of experience in Analytical Chemistry.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>His expertise lies in analysis of residual contaminants in various food matrices and pharmaceutical products with cutting edge technology like GCMS/GCMSMS. He has hands on experience on critical sample preparation techniques. He has participated as a speaker in various Food safety Seminars across India and as a trainer in FSSAIs’ trainers’ training program conducted in National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune.</p>
</blockquote>


Shimadzu: Shimadzu GCMSMS Solutions for Food Safety

Shimadzu GCMSMS Solutions for Food Safety

Glimpse of the cutting-edge technology Shimadzu GCMSMS offers in the field of food safety.