<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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<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Tom Mancuso (Product Specialist, PerkinElmer)</strong></p>
</blockquote>


PerkinElmer: Detectors for GC Analysis of Ethanol in Blood

Detectors for GC Analysis of Ethanol in Blood

<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:  Lee Marotta (Principal Field Application Scientist, PerkinElmer)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Lee Marotta started her career in gas chromatography at Exxon Corporate Research in 1988. In 1992, Lee moved onto PerkinElmer developing methods and helping people in all industries that require gas chromatography including headspace, thermal desorption and mass spectrometry. With 32 years experience in all fields of gas chromatography, Lee feels her main role is to help people be successful</p>
</blockquote>


GC Tips and Tricks

<p><strong>The first section</strong> of the presentation will demonstrate the benefits of high resolution accurate mass and the analytical flexibility provided by Orbitrap Exploris GC coupled with solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) with Arrow technology to assess the volatile profile of intentionally adulterated and native oregano samples. Full scan non-targeted analysis combined with powerful informatics opens up new possibilities for detecting food fraud.</p>
<p><strong>The second section</strong> of the presentation will describe the multi-residue analysis of a target pesticides in extracts of garlic and cumin using the Orbitrap Exploris 120 Mass Spectrometer within Full scan, MS2 and with AcquireX background exclusion for cleaner spectral while using software with built-in workflows for streamlining method development.. The same acquired data was successfully used to screen for unexpected compounds. The presentation will also include information how new features provide improved robustne</p>
<h3><strong>Learning points:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Find out how HRAM MS can be used to detect food fraud</li>
<li>Learn how acquired data files can be used for both quantitation of target compounds and detection of unexpected compounds</li>
<li>Understand how the latest developments in HRMS can provide excellent robustness, selectivity, accuracy and precision  and hence confidence in results for pesticide residues analysis</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Who should attend:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Pesticide Residues Analysts</li>
<li>Analysts working in Food Safety Laboratories</li>
<li>Analytical chemists and researchers working in Food Integrity</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Charles Yang (Senior Marketing Specialist for Environmental and Food Safety, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Charles Yang is a Senior Marketing Specialist for the Environmental, Food and Beverage markets in the Chromatography &amp; Mass Spectrometry Division at Thermo Fisher Scientific. As a former researcher working in the pharmaceutical arena for 15 years and utilizing the latest technologies to designing new laboratory instruments for high through-put programs. In his current role as Senior Marketing Specialist he develops new targeted workflow solutions and provides training to support customers from software to instrumentation. Also presenting the latest LCMS technological developments and new methodologies to collaborators in food and environmental at National and International conferences. Charles graduated with a double major in Biochemistry and Chemistry from San Francisco State University. He is currently based in San Jose, CA</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Giulia Riccardino (Senior Applications Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Giulia Riccardino is a senior applications specialist for the GC-GC/MS business unit. Before joining Thermo Fisher Scientific she worked for more than 10 years as a biologist in a clinical and toxicology lab where she had an extensive experience with both gas and liquid chromatography. She started at Thermo Fisher as a product specialist for GC standalone and autosamplers and then joined the applications specialist team. Giulia holds a degree in Biology from the University</p>
</blockquote>


Thermo Fisher Scientific/RAFA 2021: Taking advantage of the latest developments in GC- and LC- High Resolution Accurate Mass MS for both quantitative and non-target analysis in Food Safety

RAFA 2021: Taking advantage of the latest developments in GC- and LC- High Resolution Accurate Mass MS for both quantitative and non-target analysis in Food Safety

How HRAM MS can be used to detect food fraud and how use acquired data for both quantitation of target compounds and detection of unexpected compounds.

RAFA 2021: Developments in GC and LC HRAM MS in Food Safety

<p><strong>Chromatography data system software is an integral part of a laboratory&#39;s IT structure, enabling compliant, efficient and reliable handling of chromatography data.</strong></p>
<p>In this webinar series, experts from Thermo Fisher Scientific will explore a range of benefits that a chromatography data system can provide to IT system administrators and lab managers, from backup and disaster recovery to a solution for remote working.</p>
<h5><strong>Leverage CDS for Remote Working</strong></h5>
<p>Learn in this virtual session how your chromatography data system can provide a solution for remote working that benefits both IT and the lab, accommodating different levels of system architecture, which in turn delivers efficiency gains that will be realized across the board. (Speaker: Peter Zipfell)</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Peter Zipfell (Product Marketing Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<h5><strong>Backup and Disaster Recovery</strong></h5>
<p>Discover in this webinar how your chromatography data system can facilitate system resilience and safeguard your data.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Barbara van Cann (Product Marketing Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<h5><strong>Total Data Life Cycle</strong></h5>
<p>Find out how the power of connecting business software solutions can simplify the challenge and ensure an uninterrupted data flow throughout its life cycle.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Katie Evans (Senior Product Manager, Digital Science, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Darren Barrington-Light (Senior Marketing Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<h5><strong>Ease of Compliance</strong></h5>
<p>Discover how your CDS can support the compliance needs for IT with easy-to-use tools, designed to reduce management effort without compromise.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Patrick Kenny (Product Marketing Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</strong></p>
</blockquote>


Technology Networks: CDS Webinar Series: Built for IT Without Compromise

CDS Webinar Series: Built for IT Without Compromise

<p><strong>The second in this series, brought to you by our GC gas product expert, Dr. Ed Connor, will review Precision SL as a safe source of hydrogen and will cover all safety aspects of the Precision SL in your lab.</strong></p>
<p>The webinar will be followed by a live Q&amp;A session for any questions you may have about Precision SL or lab gas generators in general.</p>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Dr. Ed Connor (Product Manager, Peak Scientific)</strong></p>
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Precision SL for GC-FID (POSTPONED)

Join us for a series of webinars on the latest technology for GC-FID gas supply, the Precision SL hydrogen gas generator from PEAK Scientific.

Precision SL for GC-FID

<h3><strong>Who Should Attend This Webinar?</strong></h3>
<p>Anyone who uses mass spectrometry in the lab in attempting to identify unknowns, or who uses the Wiley Registry or Wiley Registry/NIST products.     </p>
<h3><strong>In This Webinar You Learn</strong></h3>
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<li>Identifying Unknowns</li>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Dr. Dujuan Lu (Manager/Global Leader - E&amp;L, SGS Health Science)</strong></p>
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<p>Dr. Dujuan Lu serves as the manager for the extractables and leachables (E&amp;L) team at the SGS Life Sciences Fairfield New Jersey facility as well as the global leader amongst the three centers of excellence for E&amp;L testing. Before joining SGS, she worked at Fresenius Kabi as a research scientist, leading E&amp;L projects to support transfusion and infusion medical device and parenteral products. She has extensive CRO and pharmaceutical/medical device industry experience with more than 500 E&amp;L projects on a broad range of packaging systems, including process materials, pharmaceutical finished packaging, and medical devices. As a subject matter expert in the E&amp;L field, she is frequently presenting at various conferences as invited speakers and technical session chairs. She was named one of the top 60 most influential people working in the pharmaceutical industry in the Medicine Maker’s 2020 power list. </p>
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<p>Dr. Lu obtained her PhD in analytical chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh and BS in chemistry from Nanjing University. She has 15 years of experience in pharmaceutical analysis, specialized in trace analysis by LC/MS and GC/MS. She has authored more than 15 high-impart journal publications with more than 300 citations. She is serving as an expert reviewer for more than 10 prestigious journals in the field of analytical chemistry and pharmaceutical science.</p>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Kim Courtright (R&amp;D Senior Technician, PepsiCo Global R&amp;D)</strong></p>
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<p>I am a senior research and development analyst at Frito Lay. I specialize in GC/MS analysis of flavor volatiles, packaging film solvents, and product shelf-life studies. I started my career with Frito-Lay in 1997 after working in Houston, TX for a meat manufacturer. After moving to Dallas, I worked for a short time for a dairy company that manufactured yogurt and ice cream.  I am a graduate of the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology.</p>
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<p>Most of my work focuses on flavor stability in snack foods. Knowledge of how different compounds in our seasonings interact with our manufacturing process is critical to delivering great tasting Lays, Tostitos, Fritos, and Doritos, just to name a few of our major brands that consumers have come to love. Analysis of packaging films is another important aspect of my work that ensures product quality. New packaging materials are currently in development that will not only provide a way to put snacks on the shelf but is also environmentally friendly. Both flavor stability and environmentally friendly packaging materials must also be shelf stable. Shelf- life studies and predictability are key factors in the taste and freshness of our snack foods. Over the past twenty-five years, we have relied on the Wiley mass sprectral libraries to help us identify various compounds in our core ingredients, seasoning compositions, packaging film components, and product shelf-life studies. Both NIST and Wiley libraries are installed on each of our Agilent GCMS systems. Agilent Mass Hunter coupled with NIST and Wiley libraries are extremely important tools that we rely on daily at Frito-Lay.</p>
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Wiley: Wiley Analytical Science Virtual Conference 2021

Insights & Industry Applications for the Identification of Unknown Mass Spectra

<p><strong>Ethylene oxide (EtO) is a gas that can be used as a fumigant on products intended for human consumption in order to reduce bacterial contamination, particularly salmonella. EtO has been banned in the EU since 1991, however in the past year there have been an increasing number of instances where EtO has been found in significant amounts in sesame seeds, E410 (locust bean gum), E412 (guar gum) and finished products such as ice cream, baking goods and jam.</strong></p><p>In this webinar, we will share the proven plug and play GC-MS solution for the determination of EtO using a triple quadrupole GC-MS/MS based on the SRM method developed at the CVUA, Stuttgart.</p><h3><strong>Learning points:</strong></h3><ul><li>The influence of the ion source in GC-MS/MS</li><li>Regulations for Ethylene Oxide</li><li>EU-RL Single-Residue method</li></ul><h3><strong>Who should attend:</strong></h3><ul><li>Food labs in charge of EtO analysis</li><li>Control labs</li><li>Regulatory bodies (CVUAs)</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: Petra Gerhards (Regional Marketing Manager EMEA GC and GCMS, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</strong></p><p>Her background is over 30 years of experience in the field of GCMS, SPE and LCMS. Joined the EMEA Regional Marketing Team in 2016. She has been involved in a lot of workflow solutions combining Vials and Closures with SPE solutions, GCMS and LCMS. She works with KOL`s on data for regional specific marketing campaigns, organizes inhouse seminars and works on customer specific solutions. Her main expertise is in the field of Doping and Drugs of Abuse analysis.</p></blockquote>

Pixabay/Daniel Albany: Toxic gases in food and the threat of ethylene oxide

Toxic gases in food and the threat of ethylene oxide

<p><strong>The legalization/decriminalization of cannabis starting in Colorado and passage of the 2018 Farm Bill has led to a dramatic rise of synthetic analogues related to delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 9-THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). These non-traditional cannabinoids, including delta 8-THC, delta 10-THC, and varying delta 8-THC, delta 9-THC, and delta 10-THC analogues, are readily available in a variety of products found in varying retail outlets and via the World Wide Web.</strong></p>
<p>The rise of these cannabinoids has led to various analytical challenges, deriving from their similarity in structure, often being isobars, and lack of reference material. Many of these compounds have limited pharmacological data available. Biomarkers are often not characterized or available.</p>
<p>Presented is how the Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology Research at Virginia Commonwealth University has utilized a Shimadzu GCMS-QP2020 and an LCMS-8050 in an attempt to keep pace with the evolving cannabinoid reality. Simple chemical and biological techniques as well as analytical methods of these nontraditional cannabinoids will be discussed.</p>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Rachel Lieberman, Moderator (Marketing Manager for Forensic Science, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)</strong></p>
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<p>Rachel received her B.S. degree in Chemistry with minor in Math in 2004 from the University of Cincinnati and her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill under the supervision of Prof. James Jorgenson. In May of 2011, Rachel joined Shimadzu as an Application Scientist in LC and LC-MS/MS at corporate headquarters in Columbia, MD. In 2013, Rachel became a Sr. LCMS Product Specialist and was promoted to LCMS Product coordinator in April of 2017. In October of 2017, Rachel became the first Marketing Manager for Forensic Science at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments.</p>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Alaina K. Holt</strong></p>
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<p>Alaina Holt received Bachelors of Science in Chemistry, and Forensic Science from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).After graduation she went on to work at Enthalpy Analytical for one year prior to becoming the Senior Associate Research Specialist at the Laboratory for Forensic Toxicology Research (LFTR) in the Department of Forensic Science at VCU. Presently, she is a second year doctoral student in the Department of Forensic Science though the Integrative Life Sciences program. Her research involves investigating the effects of vaping ethanol and how it may impact legal, medical, social, and economic aspects for users, especially in terms of DUI investigations and drug testing.</p>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Justin L. Poklis, D-ABFT-FT</strong></p>
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<p>Justin Poklis received a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1996. His is a certified Forensic Toxicologist by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology and presently the manager of the Pharmacology &amp; Toxicology Mass Spectrometer Laboratory at Virginia Commonwealth University. Mr. Poklis has been an author on over a hundred peer review publication and two hundred abstracts/presentations at scientific meetings. Prior to accepting his present position he was a Toxicologist at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in North Carolina, work for the Aerosol Research Group at Virginia Commonwealth University, the Medical College of Virginia Hospitals Toxicology Laboratories and Scientific Test Laboratory, a SAMSHA certified drug testing Laboratory.</p>
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Pixabay/Ethan Parsa: Delta Dawn: The Rise of Delta-8-THC, Delta 9-THC & Delta-10-THC

Delta Dawn: The Rise of Delta-8-THC, Delta 9-THC & Delta-10-THC

<p><strong>Separation Science, in collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific, offers a webinar that explores why organizations cannot continue to advance with only technology and must also understand the evolution of data integrity.</strong></p>
<p>Organizations are often at different points on their digital transformation journey. Data integrity is a critical consideration which typically requires some element of digital transformation to achieve. Ensuring data is accurate, consistent and secure throughout all laboratory processes can increase efficiencies as well as productivity.</p>
<p>As technological advancements are made and the use of electronic data rises, it is imperative that organizations understand the value of data integrity and how to achieve it. A recent report by the National Academies discusses technical challenges and regulatory issues around innovations in pharmaceutical manufacturing and provides recommendations to the industry and related organizations on how to facilitate the adoption of innovative technologies.</p>
<p>Powerful data management is critical in a system that is reliant upon advanced process control and automation, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. A complete, integrated laboratory software system provides streamlined processes and drives data integrity to advance organizations toward a Pharma 4.0 strategy.</p>
<p>In this webinar, Nicola Gardner (Marketing Manager, Digital Science, Thermo Fisher Scientific) will explore why organizations cannot continue to advance with only technology and must also understand the evolution of data integrity.</p>
<h3><strong>By attending this presentation you will learn:</strong></h3>
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<li>Why manufacturing innovation is critical to maintaining a robust global supply chain</li>
<li>The importance of data integrity in achieving Pharma 4.0</li>
<li>How to overcome technical challenges to innovation in pharmaceutical manufacturing</li>
<li>Digital transformation insights from a world leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO).</li>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Nicola Gardner (Thermo Fisher Scientific)</strong></p>
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<p>As marketing manager for the Digital Science business at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Nicola describes to customers how they can apply laboratory software to move towards a smarter lab and digitally transform their business. Nicola helps to drive discussion around technology adoption to inform businesses on their digital transformation journey and to enable scientists to spend more time focusing on science.</p>
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Pixabay/Steve Buissinne: The Importance of Data Integrity in Achieving Pharma 4.0

The Importance of Data Integrity in Achieving Pharma 4.0

<p><strong>In-line sample prep (ILSP) provides a semi-automated cleanup procedure for the analysis of pesticide residues in food. ILSP selectively retains matrix components from the sample extract and can be utilized as a standalone workflow or integrated into an existing QuEChERS workflow.</strong></p>
<p>In these webinar we show how ILSP was applied to multiple challenging commodities representing a wide range of compositions for the analysis of 61 pesticides. This solution provides a novel, semi-automated approach to reduce the abundance of matrix components entering the analytical column and MS source resulting in a decrease in instrument contamination and an improvement in data quality, paired with time- and money savings. We cover general aspects of ILSP and also give you tips and examples for a method setup and -development. At the end of the webinar you will have time to ask questions.</p>


Restek: Restek Revive ILSP – a new method for an automated removal of matrix components for the analysis of residual pesticides