<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

<h4><strong>Introduction&nbsp;</strong></h4><p><strong>Millions of tests, measurements and examinations are made every day in thousands of laboratories around the world. There are innumerable reasons underpinning them, for example: as a way of valuing goods for trade purposes; supporting healthcare and construction; checking the quality and safety of food and feed; and in forensic analysis and environmental monitoring. Virtually every aspect of society is supported in some way by analytical work.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>The cost of carrying out these measurements is high and additional costs may arise from decisions made on the basis of the results. For example, tests showing food to be unfit for consumption may result in compensation claims. In addition, tests confirming the presence of banned drugs could result in fines or imprisonment. Clearly it is important to make a correct measurement and be able to show that the result is correct.</p><h4><strong>The validation/verification process</strong></h4><p>Most analysts know that method validation/verification is important, but exactly why, how and when it should be done is not always clear.&nbsp;</p><p>Method validation/verification is the process whereby the laboratory demonstrates whether or not a method is ‘fit for purpose’ (Fig. 1). This means that the tests carried out should be appropriate with respect to uncertainty, cost, time etc. The final report should present analytical data in such a way that the customer can, readily, interpret it and draw appropriate conclusions.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_The_validation_verification_82742c1029.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Fig. 1. The method validation/verification process. The laboratory ‘translates’ the customer’s problem into an analytical requirement, i.e. the method performance required to solve the problem. Method validation/verification includes a stage where various performance characteristics are evaluated and then compared with analytical requirements." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_The_validation_verification_82742c1029.jpg 124w," sizes="100vw" width="821" height="1029"></p><h4><strong>The Eurachem Guide&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>A <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/2242"><strong>Guide from Eurachem</strong></a> (Fig. 2) gives practical advice on how method validation/verification can be accomplished. The Guide and its supplements [1-4]:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Introduce the basic concepts related to method validation and method verification;&nbsp;</li><li>Indicate how to plan, record and report validation and verification studies to best support the statement of ‘fitness for purpose’;&nbsp;</li><li>Provide key definitions and the rationale behind the experiments for assessing the various performance characteristics and related topics (Fig. 3);&nbsp;</li><li>Include quick reference tables that suggest experiments together with the necessary statistical calculations for evaluation and reporting each performance characteristic;&nbsp;</li><li>Provide support to the analyst on how to make the best use of method validation data for setting up an internal quality control plan.</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_The_Fitness_for_Purpose_of_Analytical_Methods_95fc1a74e3.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Fig. 2. The Eurachem Guide is available free of charge at www.eurachem.org." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_The_Fitness_for_Purpose_of_Analytical_Methods_95fc1a74e3.jpg 135w," sizes="100vw" width="1062" height="1231"></p><h4><strong>How should methods be validated/verified?</strong></h4><p>The guide focuses on a single-laboratory approach to method validation/verification and gives guidance on planning, carrying out and reporting method validation and verification studies. Any method validation or verification study will require the laboratory to investigate several performance characteristics:</p><ul><li>Precision<ul><li>Repeatability&nbsp;</li><li>Intermediate precision</li></ul></li><li>Trueness</li><li>Selectivity</li><li>Working range</li><li>Analytical sensitivity</li><li>Limit of detection</li><li>Limit of quantification</li><li>Ruggedness</li></ul><p>Exactly which characteristics are studied will depend on the analytical application. Verification of the performance of a standard method requires substantially less work than validation of a method developed in-house. Legislative/sectoral requirements must also be considered.&nbsp;</p><p>Sampling and subsampling can be part of the measurement or testing procedure and must, in those cases, be validated.</p>

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<p><strong>Cannabis pesticide testing is challenging due to the variety of pesticides analyzed, low level detection expectations and the challenging matrix that cannabis and cannabis-infused products often present.</strong></p>
<p>In this webinar, Dr. Dhandapani will be presenting advances in GC manufacturing technology that can help to solve separation challenges such as analyte breakdown, peak shape, sensitivity and column bleed issues in pesticide analysis.</p>
<p>Dr. Kirk Jensen will present on the capabilities of the JMS-TQ4000GC triple-quadrupole GC-MS/MS and the patented short collision cell technology contained therein, followed by its performance for testing cannabis samples for pesticide content. Sample workflow, instrument parameters, and results from sample testing will also be covered.</p>
<h4><strong>Attend this webinar to:</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li>Gain insight into pesticide analysis of cannabis flower using triple-quad GC-MS/MS</li>
<li>Discover the capabilities of the JMS-TQ4000GC and how it could complement your lab</li>
<li>Learn about Phenomenex GC consumables suitable for analysis of cannabis samples</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Kirk Jensen Ph.D (MS Applications Chemist, JEOL USA, Inc.)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Ramkumar Dhandapani Ph.D (Global Product Manager - Gas Chromatogaphy, Phenomenex)</strong></p>
</blockquote>


Pixabay/Julia Teichmann: Session 2: Pesticides by GC-MS/MS (The Analytical Landscape of Cannabis Testing)

Session 2: Pesticides by GC-MS/MS (The Analytical Landscape of Cannabis Testing)

Pesticide analysis of cannabis flower using JEOL triple-quad GC-MS/MS and Phenomenex GC consumables suitable for analysis of cannabis samples.

Pesticides by GC-MS/MS (Cannabis Testing)

<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Dr. Vinay Bathineni (Business Development Manager, Sample Prep, Phenomenex India)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Dr. Vinay Bathineni holds a Doctor of Philosophy – Ph.D. from JNTU University Hyderabad. He is involved in R&amp;D, management, sales, business development, and implementing method development solutions in Clinical, Bioanalytical, and Toxicology industries.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Vinay is a University Gold medalist, and published more than 10 research papers in reputable international journals. He also speaks at diverse conferences.<br/>Vinay has 9yrs of Phenomenex experience in handling the Sample prep techniques. He is now a Business Development Manager at Phenomenex India, overseeing method development for the CRO and BA/BE industries and hosts Seminars/ Webinars/ Training/ Global Coordination for all product lines that meshes into the Clinical, BA-BE, and Toxicology market segments in PAN India.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: T. Mahesh PhD (Business Development Manager - Biopharma/Biologics, Phenomenex India)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Mahesh holds a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from JSS University Mysore. He worked as a Senior Executive in Syngene International Bangalore and later moved to Hetero Biopharma &amp; worked as a Senior Research Associate in the Analytical Development lab. After successful 6 years of industrial experience, he joined Phenomenex in 2020 as a Business Development Manager for Biopharma division and is responsible for Seminars/webinars/training/Global coordination/market development in all product lines that go into this applied market segment PAN India</p>
</blockquote>


Phenomenex: Coupling of Sample Prep Solutions For Increased Chromatography Sensitivity

Coupling of Sample Prep Solutions For Increased Chromatography Sensitivity

Sample Prep Solutions For Chromatography Sensitivity

<p><strong>Regardless of the cost of an ICP-MS as a detector it is fast becoming more commonly used by the petroleum, petrochemical, and specialty gas industries by providing information that was previously difficult, unreliable, or too expensive to obtain.</strong></p>
<p>This presentation will review some of the common applications as well as a few uncommon ones.  These analyses have become very important for everything from improvement in polymer manufacturing to novel medical therapeutics.  Discussions will focus on trace analyses of ‘bad actors’ in high purity products as well as a few unusual applications.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Bill Geiger (Senior Partner, CONSCI)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>William (Bill) Geiger has over 40 years experience in instrumental analysis. CONSCI specializes in trace analysis of gases including hard to handle, corrosive and toxic gases used in semiconductor and aerospace industries. Our lab has been providing material characterization, purity analysis, and product certification as well as helping customers define their own analytical needs has been our business for over 20 years. We find solutions to customer problems and can provide applications for even the most challenging customer requirements. Bill has made numerous presentation, app notes and other papers on gas chromatography and mass spectrometry including book chapters and coeditor on “Trace Analysis of Specialty and Electronic Gases” with Mark Raynor at Matheson Gas.</p>
</blockquote>


Agilent Technologies: Analysis of Petroleum and Petrochemicals Using GC-ICP-MS

Analysis of Petroleum and Petrochemicals Using GC-ICP-MS

The hyphenated technique of GC-ICP-MS has always been a powerful analytical tool due to its attributes of sensitivity and specificity.

<p><strong>In today’s lab, software solutions that offer remote access and flexibility are more important than ever.  Laboratory solutions must include an architecture to help meet today’s challenges and maintain lab productivity in an era when working from home becomes the default.  Having a single software solution for your GC, LC, LC/MS and GC/MS can simplify your lab operations while eliminating the need for training on multiple software packages.</strong></p>
<p>Get the most out of your Agilent single quad GC/MS system with software that combines remote access, productivity, ease of use, and data integrity in a single system.</p>
<p>In this webinar session, discover how to get the most out of your GC/MS by enabling remote instrument and data access in one complete solution.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Richard Mutkoski (Laboratory Informatics Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Richard Mutkoski began with Agilent (HP) in 1995. He has been an Application Engineer in Agilent’s Laboratory Informatics for the past 18 years. Prior to his career at Agilent Rich spent 12 years in a variety of small pharmaceutical firms in both R&amp;D and QA/QC capacities affording him first-hand knowledge of those workflows, bottlenecks and challenges.</p>
</blockquote>


Agilent Technologies: GC/MS for the Modern Age: One Software to Rule them All – LC, GC, single quad LC/MS and GC/MS

GC/MS for the Modern Age: One Software to Rule them All – LC, GC, single quad LC/MS and GC/MS

In this webinar session, discover how to get the most out of your GC/MS by enabling remote instrument and data access in one complete solution.

One Agilent Software – LC, GC, single quad LC/MS and GC/MS

<p><strong>Each short talk will focus on a different application to demonstrate the range of uses for the technique.</strong></p>
<h5><strong>Flavour profiling of hard seltzers and identification of potential quality markers</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Rachael Szafnauer (Markes International, UK)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Reverse fill/flush flow modulator in various GC×GC applications: a versatile tool to optimize your lab’s activities</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Giorgia Purcaro (University of Liège, Belgium)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Analyzing pyrolysis oils using GC×GC</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Melissa Dunkle (Dow Chemical, Netherlands)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Through the Fire and Flames - Addressing challenges in analyzing arson debris by implementing GC×GC–TOF MS</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Nadin Boegelsack (SepSolve Analytical, Canada)</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Non-invasive detection of volatile biomarkers in neurological diseases</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li>Ilaria Belluomo (Imperial College London, UK)</li>
</ul>


SepSolve Analytical: Food, fire and fuel: Recent advances in the application of gas chromatography

Food, fire and fuel: Recent advances in the application of gas chromatography

To coincide with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, SepSolve Analytical is hosting a series of talks by female leaders in the field of GC.

Food, fire and fuel: Recent advances in GC applications

<p><strong>Gas Chromatography is a powerful technique for the qualification and quantification of a numerous chemical components. It is imperative to develop a robust method to achieve reproducible results in order to meet analytical goals. An in-depth knowledge of the various operating parameters and a systematic approach plays a crucial role in systematic method development.</strong></p>
<p>For chromatographers, selection of suitable injection mode, column stationary phase and dimension, and detection mode based upon sample type and goals of analysis is critical for development of robust and efficient method. </p>
<p>We are presenting a 3-part webinar series to discuss on the critical factors and approaches to arrive at the most efficient method:</p>
<h3><strong>Session 2:  Finding the perfect GC column and Supplies</strong></h3>
<ol>
<li>GC stationary phase polymers.</li>
<li>Selectivity in GC and various type of interactions </li>
<li>Low Bleed Phases and Ultra Inert columns </li>
<li>Innovative Supplies Impacting Gas Chromatography</li>
</ol>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:  Sunil B Lakhmapure (Technical Support Specialist Consumables, Agilent Technologies Debesh)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Holds 18 year plus experience in the analytical field with major exposure to LC/GC with Single quad , Triple Quad and High resolution (QToF) mass spectroscopy.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Started career in Pharma R&amp;D as a scientist with hands on experience on high end instruments like LCMS, XRD &amp; NMR .</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Developed &amp; published application notes using Chromatographic techniques on real world samples/issues at various levels.</p>
</blockquote>


Agilent Technologies: Finding the perfect GC column and Supplies

Finding the perfect GC column and Supplies

Gas Chromatography Session 2: GC stationary phase polymers, Selectivity in GC and various type of interactions, Low Bleed Phases and Ultra Inert columns.

<p><strong>Gas Chromatography is a powerful technique for the qualification and quantification of a numerous chemical components. It is imperative to develop a robust method to achieve reproducible results in order to meet analytical goals. An in-depth knowledge of the various operating parameters and a systematic approach plays a crucial role in systematic method development.</strong></p>
<p>For chromatographers, selection of suitable injection mode, column stationary phase and dimension, and detection mode based upon sample type and goals of analysis is critical for development of robust and efficient method. </p>
<p>We are presenting a 3-part webinar series to discuss on the critical factors and approaches to arrive at the most efficient method:</p>
<h3><strong>Session 3: Developing a Robust GC Method</strong></h3>
<ol>
<li>General column selection rules of thumb</li>
<li>Systematic approaches for rugged Method Development  </li>
<li>Method Optimization for Fast GC Analysis</li>
<li>Suitable columns for critical applications</li>
</ol>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:  Dr . Anshu Kumari Singh (Technical Support Manager. Chemistries &amp; Supplies division, Agilent Technologies)</strong></p>
</blockquote>


Agilent Technologies: Developing a Robust GC Method

Developing a Robust GC Method

General column selection rules, Systematic approaches for rugged Method Development, Method Optimization for Fast GC, Columns for critical applications.

<p><strong>The properties and structures of bioplastics and biodegradable plastics are very different from regular plastics.</strong></p>
<p>Material identification is important for proper handling and separation. In this webinar, we go over some interesting examples of materials made of biodegradable and recycled plastics, along with technical details on their identification and differentiation.</p>


Shimadzu: Analysis of Recycled Plastics and Biodegradable Plastics with FTIR

Analysis of Recycled Plastics and Biodegradable Plastics with FTIR

Examples of materials made of biodegradable and recycled plastics, along with technical details on their identification and differentiation.

Analysis of Recycled Plastics and Biodegradable Plastics

<p><strong>Oftentimes, the infrared libraries consist of spectral information of pure substance in their ideal states.</strong></p>
<p>This webinar covers details on how to approach detection and measurement of degraded particles. In addition, technical details on how to prepare these sample, carry out measurement and work with libraries, along with some examples of real-world samples, are discussed.</p>


Shimadzu: Approaches to Contaminant and Degradation Analysis with FTIR

Approaches to Contaminant and Degradation Analysis with FTIR

Details on how to approach detection and measurement of degraded particles.

<p><strong>Food Contact Materials (FCM) are any materials that come in contact with food during processing, storage, preparation or serving.</strong></p>
<p>The safety of these FCMs must be evaluated as they can migrate into the food supply and contaminate the food with compounds like Per-and Polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), mineral oils (MOSH/MOAH), and leachables/extractables from plastics containers (bisphenol A, heavy metals).</p>
<p>This webinar will provide an introduction to FCMs, discuss the challenges faced by the food industry, and present the latest analytical technologies for FCMs.</p>


Shimadzu: Food Contact Materials: GRAS* or Gross?

Food Contact Materials: GRAS* or Gross?

Introduction to FCMs, discuss the challenges faced by the food industry, and present the latest analytical technologies for FCMs.