<p><strong>Hexane is one of the most widely used extraction solvents in the global food system. Derived from petroleum, it plays a central role in efficiently extracting vegetable oils from crops such as soy, sunflower, rapeseed, and corn. The same process produces protein-rich oilseed meals that are widely used in animal feed. From a technological perspective, hexane is effective, inexpensive, and well understood. From a toxicological and regulatory perspective, however, it is increasingly under scrutiny.</strong></p><p>In the European Union, “technical hexane” is authorized as a food extraction solvent under Directive 2009/32/EC. Its last full safety assessment by the EU’s Scientific Committee on Food dates back to 1996. In 2024, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2903/sp.efsa.2024.EN-9001"><strong>European Food Safety Authority</strong></a> (EFSA) concluded that this assessment is no longer sufficient and formally called for a re-evaluation. The reasons are scientific rather than sensational: technical hexane is not a single pure compound, its impurities are poorly specified, human absorption of n-hexane is well documented, and exposure—particularly for infants and young children—may have been underestimated under current regulatory assumptions.</p><p>At the same time, public attention has intensified. Investigations commissioned by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.greenpeace.fr/scandale-sanitaire-lhexane-un-solvant-toxique-dans-vos-assiettes/"><strong>Greenpeace</strong></a> reported detectable hexane residues in a wide range of everyday foods, including vegetable oils, butter, milk, infant formula, and poultry. While the measured levels generally fall within current legal limits, these<strong> </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.theexamination.org/articles/processing-agent-hexane-found-in-everyday-foods-renewing-concerns-about-toxic-chemical"><strong>findings</strong></a><strong> </strong>highlight a critical gap between regulatory compliance and public expectations of food safety and transparency. Processing aids like hexane are not listed on labels, even though trace residues may remain in final products.</p><p>From a scientific standpoint, the debate raises several important questions. How robust are existing toxicological datasets for chronic, low-level exposure? Do current analytical methods sufficiently characterize impurities and residues across complex food matrices? And should efficiency-driven processing choices be reconsidered when safer—though potentially less economical—alternatives exist?</p><p><strong>EFSA’s conclusion is cautious but clear:</strong> there is no immediate acute health concern, but the available evidence is insufficient to confidently assess long-term risks. As new toxicological data emerge and analytical capabilities improve, hexane has become a case study in how legacy food technologies can outpace the science and regulation designed to govern them. The outcome of the ongoing re-evaluation may shape not only future solvent use, but also broader expectations around transparency, precaution, and trust in the food system.</p><h3><strong>Global inconsistencies in safety standards</strong></h3><p>Hexane regulation varies widely across jurisdictions. European limits are among the most conservative, yet they rely heavily on industry-generated data. In other regions, allowable residue levels are significantly higher, and in some cases, hexane use in food and feed is largely unrestricted. This variability complicates global risk assessment and raises questions about harmonization and scientific consistency in food safety governance.</p><h3><strong>Beyond compliance: Rethinking food processing choices</strong></h3><p>The ongoing re-evaluation of hexane illustrates a broader challenge in food science: technologies adopted for efficiency and cost-effectiveness may persist long after their safety assumptions become outdated. The issue is not whether hexane poses an immediate public health crisis—EFSA has explicitly stated that it does not—but whether current scientific evidence is sufficient to justify its continued widespread use without further scrutiny.</p><p>Advances in analytical chemistry now allow more sensitive detection of residues and impurities, while modern toxicology places greater emphasis on long-term, low-dose effects. At the same time, alternative extraction technologies, though less efficient, are becoming more viable as sustainability and safety considerations gain weight.</p><h3><strong>What are the best methods for detection?</strong></h3><p><strong>Detection options</strong></p><ul><li><strong>HS-GC-FID</strong>: robust, sensitive for hydrocarbons, widely used for routine control (often aligned with “official” oil methods such as AOCS workflows referenced in the literature).</li><li><strong>HS-GC-MS</strong>: adds spectral ID confirmation (useful when there are interferences or you want stronger identity evidence).</li></ul><p><strong>Quantification</strong></p><ul><li>Prefer <strong>internal standard</strong> calibration (often a similar volatile hydrocarbon not expected in the sample) and matrix-matched calibration where feasible.</li></ul><h3><strong>Conclusions</strong></h3><p>EFSA concluded that there is a need to re-evaluate the safety of technical hexane used as an extraction solvent in the production of foodstuffs and food ingredients. A key aspect of this re-evaluation concerns the accurate characterization and quantification of hexane residues and related hydrocarbons, where <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products?category=1&amp;manufacturerItems=3"><strong>gas chromatography (GC)</strong></a> plays a central role. Robust GC-based analytical methods are essential to reliably determine residual solvent levels, distinguish between different hexane isomers and impurities, and ensure compliance with regulatory limits.</p><p>Advances in GC methodology, including improved separation, sensitivity, and detection capabilities, can significantly reduce analytical uncertainty and support more precise exposure assessments. High-quality GC data are therefore critical for refining dietary exposure estimates, identifying potential sources of variability, and supporting a science-based risk assessment. Strengthening analytical controls through validated GC methods will be an important component of addressing EFSA’s safety concerns and ensuring continued consumer protection.</p><p><strong>Visit us on&nbsp;</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/"><strong><u>LinkedIn:</u></strong></a><strong>&nbsp;</strong>#hexaneSafety, #GC-FID #GC-MS</p><section><blockquote><h5><strong>Petra Gerhards</strong></h5><p>Petra Gerhards, Dipl-Ing, is Regional Marketing Manager of GC and GC-MS for EMEA at Thermo Fisher Scientific. She has more than 29 years of experience in the fields of GC-MS, SPE and LC-MS. Since joining the regional team she has contributed to workflow solutions combining vials and closures with SPE solutions, GC-MS and LC-MS. She works with KOL's on data for regional specific marketing campaigns, organizes in-house seminars and works on customer specific solutions. Her main expertise is in the field of doping and drugs-of-abuse analysis.</p></blockquote></section>

Hexane in Food: When Processing Chemistry Meets Public Health

<p><strong>In the week of February 16, 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>5 000 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars</strong>.</p></blockquote><div><div><div><div><div><div><h5><strong>1. Agilent Technologies: Small Size, Big Impact – High-Performance Benchtop GC and GC/MS with the Agilent 8850 GC</strong></h5><ul><li>Tu, 17.2.2026 17:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/5723">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Discover how the Agilent 8850 GC, compatible with single and triple quadrupole MS, reduces bench space, utilities, and run time while delivering high-performance GC and GC/MS analysis.</p><h5><strong>2. Wasson-ECE Instrumentation: Dynamic Blender</strong></h5><ul><li>Tu, 17.2.2026 21:30 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/5745">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Learn how the Dynamic Blender dilutes standards with carrier gas to generate accurate multi-point calibrations from single gas cylinders.</p><h5><strong>3. Waters Corporation: Ask Me Anything About Managing Computerized System Risks to Data Integrity</strong></h5><ul><li>Th, 19.2.2026 17:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/5809">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Learn practical strategies for managing computerized system risks in regulated laboratories to protect data integrity, ensure compliance, and avoid regulatory findings.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Webinars LabRulezGCMS Week 08/2026

<p><strong>This laboratory experiment introduces undergraduate chemistry students to headspace GC–MS through a forensic toxicology framework. Students analyze common volatile compounds such as ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, and 1,1-difluoroethane while learning key concepts in gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, calibration, and data evaluation.</strong></p><p>Participants prepare calibrators and controls, quantify ethanol, and assess qualitative analytes in a simulated vitreous humor sample using objective acceptance criteria. Implemented over three semesters with a &gt;92% success rate, the experiment is adaptable to different course levels and resources. Headspace GC–MS offers additional advantages, including minimal sample preparation and reduced instrument maintenance.</p><blockquote><h4><strong>The original article</strong></h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.5c00118"><strong>Introducing Headspace Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry to Undergraduate Chemistry Students from a Forensic Toxicology Perspective</strong></a></h4><p>Devin C. Baer, and Michele M. Crosby*</p><p>J. Chem. Educ. 2026, 103, 1, 441–448</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.5c00118">https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.5c00118</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>Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is widely used across chemistry disciplines, from analysis of biodiesel feedstocks to pesticides residues in vegetables and even two-dimensional GC (GC × GC) such as GC × GC time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOFMS) in forensic science applications. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(4−6)</a> The two-dimensional GC of the GC × GC-TOFMS can provide more optimized separation of analytes compared to one-dimensional GC and the time-of-flight (TOF) mass analyzer is an alternative to the quadrupole discussed earlier in this section. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(6)</a> In the environmental field, GC-MS can be used to detect pollutants related to microplastics and pesticide residues. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(7,8)</a> GC-MS and GC tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) is useful in food safety and quality assurance because of its ability to detect contaminants and assess ingredient quality. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(9,10)</a> GC-MS, including GC × GC-TOFMS and GC-MS/MS, is used in characterization of coal-derived liquids and petroleum exploration. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(11,12)</a> In forensics, these types of instrumentation are used to identify residues, like fire accelerants, explosive residues, or drugs at a crime scene, and to identify drugs, poisons, or other substances in biological samples. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1,6,13)</a> In summary, a fundamental understanding of GC-MS will lend itself tremendously to any potential career field or discipline that may interest an undergraduate chemistry student.</p><p>In one application of headspace GC-MS, an aliquot of the biological sample is diluted with an internal standard solution and placed in a sealed glass vial. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1,14)</a> The internal standard solution is a saline-based solution that optimizes the evaporation (sometimes called “salting out”) of the volatile compounds into the headspace portion of the vial, and it contains a compound that is similar in chemical structure to the analyte(s) of interest, The glass vial is heated to separate the volatile compounds from the biological matrix, and a sample of the headspace vapor containing the volatile compound is taken. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1,14)</a> The concentration of the volatile analyte in the dilute aqueous sample is directly proportional to the concentration of the volatile analyte in the gas phase, or headspace, above the liquid. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(14)</a> Internal standard solution is added to a sample to give an indication of the extraction quality and aids in the concentration determination. The same concentration of the internal standard is added to the calibrators, controls, and case samples in a batch. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1)</a> The ratio of the analyte response to the internal standard response is the most important factor to consider, not the absolute value of the analyte, in determining the concentration (or the qualitative presence/absence) of the analytes. By using this ratio, students can account for differences in analyte responses due to variables like extraction recovery, matrix effects, and injection volume. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1,2)</a></p><h4><strong>Relevance to Forensic Toxicology</strong></h4><p>Currently, very few published experiments exist for undergraduates involving forensic toxicology, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(15)</a> and even fewer involve volatile analysis. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(16)</a> Forensic toxicology laboratories routinely analyze samples for the presence of ethanol, methanol, acetone, and isopropanol. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1)</a> Cases involving driving under the influence (DUI) and homicides are just a few examples targeted by these types of laboratories. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1,17−20)</a> Ethanol, commonly referred to as alcohol, is the main type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages and is considered the most commonly encountered substance in forensic toxicology casework. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1)</a> In the U.S., most states have established a per-se limit for the blood alcohol concentration for drivers of 0.08 g/dL and violating this law could lead to prosecution for driving under the influence. Ethanol is also frequently encountered in post-mortem cases, such as homicides, traffic accidents, and alcohol poisonings. However, it is important to consider when interpreting ethanol concentrations that ethanol can be produced in the body after death by microorganisms breaking down the body. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1)</a> Certain types of specimens collected after death, such as urine and vitreous humor (clear fluid inside the eye), are more resistant to this phenomenon and can be used to help determine antemortem ethanol consumption versus post-mortem production. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1)</a> Isopropanol can be found in rubbing alcohol, so it is recommended that a different kind of antiseptic be used to clean the skin before a blood draw for a DUI. Isopropanol can also be found in various household cleaning products. It is also important in post-mortem forensic toxicology as it may be abused by chronic users or accidentally ingested. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1,19,20)</a> Acetone is important as it is ta product of the metabolism of isopropanol, but it is also produced endogenously. High levels of acetone may be an indication of uncontrolled diabetes, so it is very important in post-mortem casework. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1,20)</a> Methanol, sometimes known as wood alcohol, can be encountered in forensic toxicology casework, as it is found in improperly distilled alcoholic beverages and many household products. Methanol poisoning can be fatal due to the formation of the metabolite formaldehyde. Furthermore, methanol can be an artifact seen in embalmed specimens. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1)</a></p><p>While forensic toxicology laboratories use headspace gas chromatography–flame ionization (GC-FID) detection more commonly for the quantitation of volatile compounds, headspace GC-MS is a gold standard for identifying and confirming other types of volatile compounds such as 1,1-difluoroethane (DFE). DFE is commonly found in keyboard cleaners and has the potential for abuse, which is why forensic toxicology laboratories need the ability to detect it. DFE has been detected in driving under the influence cases as it has become anabused inhalant, due to the cheap cost and ease of access. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(17,18)</a></p><p>The University of Tampa possesses a GC-MS equipped with a headspace autosampler; therefore, GC-MS was used rather than GC-FID for this experiment. Furthermore, GC-MS was strategically chosen to give students more practice with complicated data analysis provided by GC-MS in SIM mode. It is important to note that methanol was not chosen as a target for this experiment because of the difficulty in finding enough unique ions without interference from common environmental molecules.</p><h4><strong>Materials and Reagents</strong></h4><p>The following were purchased from Fisher (Hampton, NH): ethanol, acetone, and isopropanol. Endust for Electronics (Buffalo, NY) multi-purpose duster was used for the DFE standard. 20 mL headspace vials and caps were purchased from PerkinElmer (Waltham, MA). A DB-624 column (20 m × 0.18 mm × 1.00 μm) was purchased from Agilent (Santa Clara, CA). The instrument used in this experiment was an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=6890N"><strong>Agilent 6890N gas chromatograph</strong></a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=5973N"><strong>5973N mass spectrometer</strong></a> (operated in SIM mode) with a Gerstel MPS2 multipurpose autosampler (see <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.5c00118#tbl1">Table 1</a> for additional instrument parameters). Helium was used as a carrier gas. A 2.5 mL Hamilton CTC and LEAP technologies GC PAL autosampler syringe: gastight was used.</p><h4><strong>Results and Discussion</strong></h4><p>There was a total of 43 students enrolled in the course over 3 semesters with an average grade on the assignment of 83 ± 11%. As part of this assignment, students quantitated ethanol concentrations and qualitatively identified acetone or isopropanol. One student did not complete the assignment as instructed and did not provide appropriate results for the analytes; therefore, the following data were compiled for 42 students unless otherwise stated. Of note, DFE is a recent addition to the experiment and was not used in previous semesters. It has been evaluated and determined to be a suitable qualitative compound for this experiment as an alternative or in addition to acetone and isopropanol. Additional information is provided below as part of the potential modifications to the experiment. It should also be highlighted that this course and thus this experiment are designed to prepare students for a career in forensic science based on feedback and advice from forensic science agencies. It mimics laboratory training and proficiency testing that forensic science analysts must undergo before being approved to conduct casework analyses. Therefore, the success of the experiment was determined by the student’s ability to report accurate results rather than student survey data or feedback.</p><p>The representative retention times are shown in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.5c00118#fig1">Figure 1</a> for ethanol, acetone, isopropanol, and <i>tert</i>-butanol (internal standard). DFE was also included in the figure for easy reference. The peak that appears before DFE in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.5c00118#fig1">Figure 1</a> represents a small volatile compound that appeared in all samples, including airblanks. If DFE is not used in the experiment, then it is recommended to include a solvent delay of 1 min. The average retention time of ethanol over 3 semesters (<i>n</i> = 42) was 1.60 ± 0.01 min. Acetone’s average retention time was 1.89 ± &lt;0.01 min. Isopropanol’s average retention time was 2.00 ± 0.01 min. The average retention time of <i>tert</i>-butanol was 2.37 ± 0.02 min. See <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.5c00118#tbl2">Table 2</a> gives a summary of the average retention times for each volatile compound. Of note, the variation of retention time primarily occurred between semesters due to routine annual maintenance. All 42 students’ data passed the calibration acceptance criteria with an average <i>R</i><sup>2</sup> value of the ethanol calibration curve of 0.995 ± 0.004 over 3 semesters (<i>n</i> = 42). <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.5c00118#fig2">Figure 2</a> shows the chromatograms produced by the SIM analysis of each volatile compound. This figure is an example of one of the components produced in the report generated by students during data processing, where students use these mass spectral data to evaluate and report data.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/J_Chem_Educ_2026_103_1_441_448_Figure_1_Example_total_ion_chromatogram_of_volatile_compounds_and_retention_times_fa3c745c20.jpeg" alt="J. Chem. Educ. 2026, 103, 1, 441–448: Figure 1. Example total ion chromatogram of volatile compounds and retention times." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_J_Chem_Educ_2026_103_1_441_448_Figure_1_Example_total_ion_chromatogram_of_volatile_compounds_and_retention_times_fa3c745c20.jpeg 225w," sizes="100vw" width="1500" height="1041"></p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/J_Chem_Educ_2026_103_1_441_448_Figure_2_Example_SIM_ions_of_each_volatile_compound_fd665d9c8c.jpeg" alt="J. Chem. Educ. 2026, 103, 1, 441–448: Figure 2. Example SIM ions of each volatile compound." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_J_Chem_Educ_2026_103_1_441_448_Figure_2_Example_SIM_ions_of_each_volatile_compound_fd665d9c8c.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1500" height="613"></p><h4><strong>Conclusion</strong></h4><p>Students met learning outcomes and gained fundamental instrumental knowledge and hands-on experience through this experiment as they explored the concepts of chromatography and mass spectrometry. While students who completed this experiment had previous experience with GC-MS, this experiment introduced a new way of generating data reports. Students had to explain their conclusions based on these data reports as part of their postlab assignment, which provided firsthand practice of data analysis and communication skills. Trends in student results indicated that the experiment is very robust and reproducible, leading to a high success rate for students. This experiment offers a variety of modifications for instructors based on the number of students, student skill level, and resources available.</p></div>

Introducing Headspace Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry to Undergraduate Chemistry Students from a Forensic Toxicology Perspective

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<p><strong>What could we gain if we are able to combine multiple analyses that were run on separate instruments into a single GC-QQQ method with one injection?  Could we reduce turnaround time, increase our productivity, reduce bench spaced needed and consolidate our data analysis?  Strategies for streamlining the method development process and batch review using MassHunter software tools will also be discussed.</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Rachael Ciotti (GC/MS Application Specialist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Rachael Ciotti is a GCMS Application Specialist at Agilent Technologies in Wilmington, DE. Previously, she was a Field Service Engineer specializing in installing, maintaining, and repairing Agilent GC and GC/MS systems. Prior to joining Agilent, Rachael worked at DuPont as an analytical chemist responsible for GC and GC/MS method development and transfer to manufacturing labs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from Rutgers University.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Eric Fausett (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Eric Fausett is an Application Scientist at Agilent Technologies with a focus on GC methodologies. Prior to his 6 years at Agilent, Eric worked for 15 years as a contractor to various US Government laboratories as a Project Scientist, GC Applications Chemist and Laboratory Manager.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Dale Walker (GCMS Applications Specialist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)</strong></p>
</blockquote>


Agilent Technologies: Unleash The Power Of GC-QQQ In Your Environmental Laboratory

Unleash The Power Of GC-QQQ In Your Environmental Laboratory

<p><strong>In our Microplastics Symposium, hear from industry experts and peers working within the field of Microplastics.</strong></p>
<p>With a mixture of live talks across various topic areas and product demonstrations, this event is a great opportunity to uncover more about microplastics analysis in the lab. We will also have our experts available to chat live on the day, allowing you to further increase your knowledge and skills on this topical issue.</p>
<h3><strong>What topic areas can you expect to see on the day?</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Microplastics Analysis with the 8700 LDIR with a focus on the marine environment;</li>
<li>Quantification of Microplastics with GC/MSD;</li>
<li>Current activities in the world of standardization;</li>
<li>Microplastics Analysis with the GC/Q-TOF;</li>
<li>And more.</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Agenda Live Sessions</strong></h3>
<h5><strong>08:30 BST | 09:30 CET Plastic Pollution - Sources, Pathways and Solutions</strong></h5>
<p><em>Presenter: Joao Frias (Marine litter and microplastic researcher Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology)</em></p>
<h5><strong>09:00 BST | 10:00 CET  Microplastic Analytics: Current Activities in the World of Standardisation</strong></h5>
<p><em>Presenter: Claus Gerhard Bannick (Head of wastewater technology research at the Federal Environment Agency)</em></p>
<h5><strong>09:30 BST | 10:30 CET Status of microplastics characterization via ICP-mass spectrometry</strong></h5>
<p><em>Presenter: Eduardo Bolea-Fernandez (Postdoctoral Researcher | Ghent University)</em></p>
<h5><strong>10:00 BST | 11:00 CET Mass Balance Measurements in Microplastics:  An Analytical Comparison of Thermal Extraction, Pyrolysis, and Thermal Extraction – Desorption GC/MS</strong></h5>
<p><em>Presenter: Kurt Thaxton (International Product Manager, Thermal Desorption and Pyrolysis | Gerstel)</em></p>
<h5><strong>10:30 BST | 11:30 CET Detecting microplastics in environmental samples – examples from sludge, mussels, and release experiments</strong></h5>
<p><em>Presenter: Anders Baun (Head of Department | DTU Environment)</em></p>
<h5><strong>11:00 BST | 12:00 CET   Approaches for the Evaluation of FTIR images</strong></h5>
<p><em>Presenter: Jana Weisser (Scientist PhD | Technical University of Munich (TUM))</em></p>
<h5><strong>11.30 BST | 12:30 CET Thermal analytical methods for Microplastics Analysis</strong></h5>
<p><em>Presenter: Ulrike Braun (Head of department | German Environmental Agency)</em></p>
<h5><strong>12.00 BST | 13:00 CET Analysis of microplastics and organic contaminants in marine matrices</strong></h5>
<p><em>Presenter: Laure Papillon (Engineering Administrative Technician | Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography; Mélanie Ourgaud, Post-doc | Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography)</em></p>
<h5><strong>13:00 BST | 14:00 CET  Microplastics in aqueous samples – Requirements for sample preparation and analysis</strong></h5>
<p><em>Presenter: Svenja Mintenig (Phd Student | University of Wageningen)</em></p>
<h5><strong>13:30 BST | 14:30 CET  Nano- and Microplastics Analysis via LDIR and ICP-MS</strong></h5>
<p><em>Presenter: Lars Hildebrandt (Researcher - Inorganic Environmental Chemistry | Helmholtz-Zntrum Hereon)</em></p>
<h5><strong>14:00 BST | 15:00 CET  Looking beyond the polymer: Characterisation of Microplastics by Thermal Desorption GC/MS</strong></h5>
<p><em>Presenter: Helen Martin (Business Unit Manager - Thermal Desorption Instruments | Markes International)</em></p>
<h5><strong>14:30 BST | 15:30 CET  Purency- Machine Learning vs. Databases: A question of speed, accuracy and scalability</strong></h5>
<p><em>Presenter: Benedikt Hufnagl (Chief Technology Officer at Purency | Vienna University of Technology)</em></p>
<h5><strong>15:00 BST | 16:00 CET  Screening of Plastic Addititves and Organic contaminates in microplastics exposed to the Marine Environment by GC-QTOF and LC-QTOF</strong></h5>
<p><em>Presenter: José Benito Quintana (Associate Professor | Universidade de Santiago de Compostela)</em></p>
<h5><strong>15:30 BST | 16:30 CET  Effective Digestion of Fish Stomachs and subsequant microplastics by LDIR</strong></h5>
<p><em>Presenter: José Manuel Andrade-Garda (Professor of Analytical Chemistry | University of Coruna)</em></p>
<h5><strong>16:00 BST | 17:00 CET Environmentally relevant weathered polymer libraries: The current absence, the urgent need, and the potential usage</strong></h5>
<p><em>Presenter: Rick McCumskay, PhD (Researcher | University of Hull)</em></p>
<h5><strong>16:30 BST | 17:30 CET Analysis of microplastics in the gastro-intestinal tract of fishes using LDIR chemical imaging</strong></h5>
<p><em>Presenter: Florian Breider (Head of Unit | École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne - EPFL)</em></p>


Agilent Technologies: Agilent - Microplastics in the Environment Virtual Symposium 2021

Agilent - Microplastics in the Environment Virtual Symposium 2021

<p><strong>Microplastics Analysis in the environment is a challenging task because of  its micro/Nano sizes and trace/ultra-trace level concentrations (ppb and sub ppb).  Although the presence of microplastics in drinking water, seawater, sediment, biota and even in air is reported by numerous reports, there are still many unanswered questions in terms of method selectivity, sensitivity and data quality.  Still researchers are looking for right choice of protocol for sampling and sample preparations and analysis.</strong></p>
<p>For analysis, techniques like FTIR, Raman Spectroscopy, Fluorescence Spectroscopy are most commonly used. But all these methods have its own challenges. We will be presenting a new method for the analysis of Microplastics which is based on Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (PY-GCMS).  Microplastics identification and quantification by PGCMS is boosted by Frontier Lab’s Microplastic Software. </p>
<p>In this webinar, you will get to learn about microplastics and its importance, Current methods and Challenges, a new method using PYGCMS and a Software. Please come and join OUR WEBINAR to learn more about it. </p>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Dr. Sathrugnan Karthikeyan</strong></p>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Dr. Ichi Watanabe</strong></p>
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Frontier Laboratories: Identification and quantification of environmental microplastics

Identification and quantification of environmental microplastics 

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<p><strong>Presenter: Bill Hahn (Principle Field Application Specialist, PerkinElmer)</strong></p>
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<p>Bill has had an extensive 40 year career beginning with Forensics/methods development, then consulting for several years before being Vice president of operations for a chain of environmental testing labs, including a CLP lab and over 200 chemists. Founded and operated a calibration standard company for 18 years. After selling his company, Bill started with PerkinElmer in 2012, where he is a Principle Field Application Specialist for GC, GC/MS and the portable GC/MS systems in North America.</p>
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Pixabay/wiredsmartio: Portable GC/MS Tips & Tricks

Portable GC/MS Tips & Tricks

<p><strong>Headspace sampling is a simple and elegant method for volatile organic compound (VOC) extraction, which has been successfully used to detect and quantify biomarkers for respiratory disease and liver impairment.</strong></p>
<p>Learn about an optimized method for the detection of key analytes such as aldehydes, alkanes and ketones from culture media samples. The method combines high-capacity sorptive extraction technology with automated thermal desorption (TD), coupled with gas chromatography (GC) separation and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis, to provide reliable detection below 1 ng and high-throughput analysis of samples.</p>
<p>This webinar will showcase how Owlstone Medical, in collaboration with Markes, has developed headspace analytical methods for the detection of volatile biomarkers, putting us much closer to breath-based diagnostics for lung disease and liver impairment.</p>
<h3><strong>By attending this webinar, you will:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Learn about HiSorb™ for the extraction and analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds as indicators of disease and organ impairment</li>
<li>See how the Centri® platform can fully automate sample extraction &amp; desorption, improving laboratory productivity and analytical sensitivity.</li>
<li>Understand how analyte preconcentration, using cryogen-free trapping technology, can be optimized for low-level compounds of interest in complex sample types</li>
<li>Hear how the technique helped to overcome complex challenges, enabling the discovery of biomarkers to advance breath-based diagnostics</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Who should attend?</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Laboratories thinking of extending their sample extraction and analysis portfolio to answer growing business and research demands</li>
<li>Scientists interested in simplifying and expediting the analysis of complex samples, whether for discovery and development or routine monitoring and quality control</li>
<li>Environmental, flavor, scents, toxicology and diagnostics scientists</li>
<li>Laboratory managers/directors/supervisors interested in how advanced analytical techniques can provide a competitive edge and expand capabilities</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Certificate of attendance</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>All webinar participants can request a certificate of attendance, including a learning outcomes summary for continuing education purposes.</li>
</ul>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Dr. Alexandra Martin (Analytical research &amp; Development Scientist, Owlstone Medical Ltd)</strong></p>
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<p>Following her MSci in natural sciences at the University of Birmingham, Alexandra also completed her Ph.D. in biophysical chemistry at the University of Birmingham in 2020, researching the physicochemical differences between mammalian and bacterial model cell membranes. She joined Owlstone in 2020 as an applications scientist and now works in breath biopsy test projects aiming to diagnose early-stage lung cancer and other diseases using breath sampling, with a focus on headspace GC-MS techniques.</p>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Rachael Szafnauer (Applications Scientist, Markes International Ltd)</strong></p>
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<p>Rachael Szafnauer received an MSci in forensic science from the University of South Wales, UK, where her final-year project focused on fingerprinting emerging psychoactive substances using advanced techniques such as GCxGC–TOF MS, in collaboration with Markes International. She later took up the role of thermal desorption product specialist at Markes, providing technical and application support to the commercial team, before taking on her current role as product marketing manager for the Centri product line and specializing in the development of applications using extraction and enrichment techniques for GC-MS.</p>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Sarah Thomas (Selectscience)</strong></p>
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<p>Sarah studied biology at the University of Bath, UK, and has worked in the Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis. As a member of the Editorial team, Sarah plays an integral role in shaping the content on SelectScience.</p>
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Unsplash/Brett Jordan: Detect, discover, diagnose: Uncovering biomarkers to advance non-invasive breath-based diagnostics

Detect, discover, diagnose: Uncovering biomarkers to advance non-invasive breath-based diagnostics

<p><strong><a href="https://gcms.cz/products?search=pegasus&amp;manufacturerItems=24&amp;instrumentationItems=3">LECO&#39;s Pegasus®</a> line is designed to take full advantage of the speed of TOFMS analyses without sacrificing the sensitivity you need, and our<a href="https://gcms.cz/library?search=+stayclean&amp;mainauthorItems=24"> StayClean®</a> Ion Source means you never have to slow down to clean out your engine.</strong></p>
<p>The advantages of helium as a carrier gas for mass spectrometers have long been known, but it is a limited natural resource with varied supplies and expenses. On the other hand, hydrogen gas generators can be installed in any lab for a constant supply and, conveniently, increased chromatographic speeds.</p>
<p>Join LECO&#39;s panel of experts for a one-day forum to discuss how to overcome the challenges of switching from helium to hydrogen, the analytical and business impacts of adding hydrogen generators to your lab, and how the resulting mass spectral profiles compare between helium and hydrogen gases.</p>
<h3><strong>Forum Talks</strong></h3>
<h4><strong>Fast GC/Hydrogen Method Transfer Overview &amp; Application Examples</strong></h4>
<p>Helium is a limited natural resource with huge variations in both supply and expense. At the same time, the advantages of hydrogen to achieve increased chromatographic throughput in GC applications is attractive. The transferral of methods to hydrogen carrier gas can be problematic due to limitations and challenges associated with some types of mass spectrometry technology used. In particular, the mass spectral quality and fragmentation, in comparison with that obtained using helium, as well system sensitivity and also, system robustness and acquisition rate are important factors which can differ and negatively affect results. In this study we have investigated the use of a particular type of GC-TOF-MS technology in regards to overcoming these issues. The method transfer approach, technology benefits, and application examples are presented.</p>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Nick Jones an David Benanou</strong></p>
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<h4><strong>Flow Modulated Fast Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography Combined With Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry: A Comparison Between the use of Helium and Hydrogen as Carrier Gas</strong></h4>
<p>The present research is focused on the comparison between the use of hydrogen and helium carrier gases, within the context of flow-modulation fast comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. All experiments were carried out by using the following column set: low polarity with dimensions 10 m × 0.25 mm ID × 0.25 µm df and medium polarity with dimensions 2 m × 0.10 mm ID × 0.10 µm df. Fundamental gas chromatography parameters (efficiency, resolution) were measured under different experimental conditions, using the two carrier gases. Efficiency was measured in both the first (using C12 alkane) and second (using naphthalene) dimensions; after defining the optimum carrier gas conditions, a sample of diesel was analyzed, with the overall separation evaluated to make final conclusions on the analytical performances. Finally, a comparison was made between mass spectral profiles obtained analyzing fatty acid methyl esters and pesticides.</p>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Peter Q. Tranchida and Luigi Mondello (University of Messina, Messina, Italy)</strong></p>
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<h4><strong>Switch to Fast GC Easily - Theory and Practice</strong></h4>
<p>There a number of ways that the analysis time can be reduced. It all depends on how well the components are separated in the present application. Most easy is to trade in some resolution for speed using higher gas velocities or using a shorter column. If the exact separation must be maintained, a choice has to be made between using hydrogen as carrier gas, or use a smaller ID capillary column (or a combination). What is important is that in the new method, the same chromatogram (and peak elution order) must be obtained. Using the EZGC method translator, you can simply calculate the oven program you need for that. Also, in the ProEZGC chromatogram modeler, you can see the impact of any changed parameter, just using your laptop.</p>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Jaap de Zeeuw (Restek)</strong></p>
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<h4><strong>Advantages of Hydrogen Generators: Usage, Costs, and Safety Made Easy</strong></h4>
<p>Analytical laboratories use a variety of analytical techniques as part of their research and development and quality control of products. Many of these processes require high purity gases, many of which can be produced by gas generators. For a number of reasons, including safety, cost, convenience, and analytical throughput, more and more labs are abandoning hydrogen cylinders in favor of hydrogen gas generators to supply the gases they require for their analyses. During this session, Jean-Marie Casanova will cover analytical and business impacts about implementing Hydrogen gas generators in your lab.</p>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Jean-Marie Casanova (Sales Director, F-DGSi)</strong></p>
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LECO: Designed for Speed: A Fast-GC Forum

Designed for Speed: A Fast-GC Forum

<p><strong>Separation Science, in collaboration with the life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany offers an upcoming webinar that provides a workflow approach to guide the user from the strategy decision to the sample media selection process for air monitoring methods.</strong></p>
<p>Environmental Health &amp; Safety professionals are tasked to monitor, assess, develop, and execute air sampling strategies based upon contaminant risk levels in indoor, outdoor and workplace environments. Using a workflow approach, this course will guide the user from the strategy decision to the sample media selection process – when to use active or passive sampling devices, air sampling considerations, and the limitations of laboratory instrumentation to achieve the desired solution for their application.</p>
<h3><strong>By attending this presentation you will learn...</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>a practical workflow approach to selecting air monitoring methods and related air sampling media devices to fit your applications</li>
<li>the fundamental differences between active and passive sampling devices, when to use or not to use them noting the advantages and disadvantages of each type</li>
<li>how analytical instrumentation plays a role in selection of air sampling media devices and their capabilities.</li>
</ul>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Kristen Schultz (MilliporeSigma, Bellefonte, PA, USA)</strong></p>
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<p>Kristen Schultz holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from the New York Institute of Technology. She is the Global Franchise Product Manager for Air Monitoring &amp; GC Consumables. Prior to Merck, she worked in quality assurance and control (QA/QC) management; HAACP; equipment and process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ); and manufacturing management in the food/beverage, life sciences and medical device industries.</p>
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Pixabay/catazul: The Essentials of Air Sampling from Strategy to Solutions

The Essentials of Air Sampling from Strategy to Solutions

<p><strong>Almost two years of pandemic, almost two years of virtual meeting, almost two years without debate...Please join us for a live round table discussion on the key for successes and major outcomes of running AOAC-OMA collaborative studies! Representatives of all the stakeholders involved in this method validation process will have 5 minutes to describe the 3 keys for successes and major outcomes of such studies:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Maria Nelson, Technical consultant at AOAC international</li>
<li>Ben Bastin, Associate director at Q-Laboratories, an AOAC expert laboratory</li>
<li>François Le Nestour, Head of the Microbiology Department of Microsept, a routine testing laboratory</li>
<li>Matt Hahs, Global Product Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific, a rapid method provider</li>
</ul>
<p>Daniele Sohier, Global Scientific Affairs Sr Manager, at Thermo Scientific and Director of the AOAC Board, will moderate the panel discussion.</p>
<p>After a short introduction to set the scene, we look forward to be learning about the opinions, experiences and thoughts of the panelists and also to interacting with you for a fruitful, open debate!</p>
<h3><strong>During this webinar you will learn:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>How validated methods can impact food safety</li>
<li>Key considerations when selecting a method</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Who should attend?</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Food analysis</li>
<li>Laboratory method development</li>
<li>Microbiology Quality Control</li>
<li>Plant/Equipment</li>
<li>Production/Processing</li>
</ul>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Maria Nelson (Technical Consultant, AOAC International)</strong></p>
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<p>Maria Nelson has worked with the AOAC Research Institute and AOAC INTERNATIONAL since 2003 as a technical consultant coordinating microbiology and chemistry method validation studies for the Performance Tested Methods (PTM) and AOAC Official Methods of Analysis (OMA) programs. Nelson also participates in AOAC integrated programs, including the Cannabis Analytical Science Program (CASP), Gluten &amp; Food Allergens Program (GFA) and the Analytical International Methods &amp; Standards Program (AIMS). She has worked in the biotechnology industry developing test methods using a variety of techniques and spent six years specifically developing and validating microbiological test kits through the AOAC process. Nelson earned her bachelor’s degree in bacteriology and her master’s degree in microbiology from the University of California, Davis.</p>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Ben Bastin (Associate Director, Microbiology Operations, Q-Laboratories)</strong></p>
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<p>Ben is entering his 10th year at Q Laboratories where he serves as the Associate Director of Microbiology Operations. Ben oversees the Microbiology R&amp;D Laboratory that conducts method validations and verifications and the routine Food Microbiology Laboratory. These validations include independent laboratory evaluations for the AOAC OMA Program, AOAC Research Institute PTM Program, Microval, AFNOR NF, and Health Canada Certification Programs. Ben has authored and co-authored numerous poster presentations and has presented OMA, Microval, and AFNOR validations. In 2014 and 2018, he managed the Multi-Laboratory Study of the Year for Microbiology. Ben holds a BSc in Microbiology from Urbana University.</p>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Matthew Hahs (Global Brand Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</strong></p>
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<p>Matthew Hahs is the global brand manager for validated PCR molecular products in food protection at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Matthew has nine years’ experience serving operational and marketing functions at Thermo Fisher. His areas of focus have been in culture media and most recently PCR solutions for pathogen detection in food protection workflows.</p>
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<p><strong>Moderator: Dr. Daniele Sohier (Senior Manager, Global Scientific Affairs - Food Protection, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</strong></p>
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<p>Daniele joined ThermoFisher (UK) in 2019 to coordinate the scientific interaction with research scientists, laboratory and food safety managers, as well as the relationship with food safety authorities and certification bodies. She is responsible for developing the global food certification strategies and ensuring the recognition of Thermofisher solutions in food protection.</p>
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<p>Daniele is a member of the Board of Director of AOAC International. She is strongly involved in international standardization with ISO and AOAC. Daniele has certainly coordinated more than 100 validation studies of alternative methods according to the ISO 16140 standard and AOAC Guidelines. She was the President of IAFP Europe in 2018 and has organized several international symposia and conferences. She has published more than 35 publications and run more than 70 international communications. Thanks to these various professional experiences and roles, Daniele has developed cross-geographical and functional leadership, as well as communication skills, ensuring successful program coordination. </p>
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<p><strong>Moderator: Dr. Matthew McArdle (Editor, SelectScience)</strong></p>
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<p>Matthew McArdle is a member of the editorial team at SelectScience and plays a key role in content production, specializing in molecular biology and biochemistry fields. He has a Ph.D. from Leeds University, where he researched the effects of promoter-driven gene expression on vascular smooth muscle cell growth.</p>
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<p><strong>Presenter: François Le Nestour (Head of the Microbiology Department, Microsept)</strong></p>
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<p>François has been the Head of the Microbiology Department of Microsept since 2018, an ISO 17025 accredited contract laboratory located in France. The microbiology team of approximately 30 staff offers food and water microbiology analyses together with ISO 16140-:2016 method validation studies and R&amp;D working programs. In that respect, MicroSept is a recognized expert laboratory at both AFNOR Certification and MicroVal. François has worked for 16 years in the food and water microbiology framework, with extensive experience as an instrument provider, R&amp;D manager and laboratory manager. As an expert of the bacterial stress and bacterial behavior in food products, he worked with method manufacturers and industries to improve the detection of pathogens and spoilage microorganisms in food products. François has carried out more than 50 method validation studies and has been a member of the AFNOR Certification Technical Board since 2009 and a member of the MicroVal Technical Committee since 2018. François holds a Master’s degree from the University of Lyon.</p>
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SelectScience: Key for successes and major outcomes on the method performances through the AOAC Official Method of Analysis recognition

Key for successes and major outcomes on the method performances through the AOAC Official Method of Analysis recognition

<p>There a number of ways that the analysis time can be reduced. All depends on how well the components are separated in the present application.</p>
<ul>
<li>Most easy is to trade in some resolution for speed using higher gas velocities or using a shorter column.</li>
<li>If the exact separation must be maintained, a choice has to be made between using hydrogen as carrier gas, or use a smaller ID capillary column (or a combination). </li>
<li>Important is that in the new method, the same chromatogram must be obtained. Using the EZGC method translator, you can simply calculate the oven program you need for that.</li>
</ul>
<p>Also the ProEZGC chromatogram modeler, you can see the impact of any changed parameter, using your computer.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Jaap de Zeeuw (Gas Chromatography Specialist, Restek)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
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<p>Jaap is a world-renowned chromatographer with over 40 years of experience, including 27 years with Varian/Chrompack focusing on industrial analysis challenges. For his 1979 graduation from The Institute for Higher Education, specialized in chemistry, Jaap authored a paper titled &quot;The Challenge of Coating Flexible Fused Silica Capillary Columns&quot; and has since distinguished himself as an authority on the subject. Directly involved with the creation of numerous chemically bonded columns, including the first bonded PEG column and the stabilized PLOT columns widely used in the petrochemical arena, Restek’s international GC specialist has helped develop new techniques, such as fast GC-MS using vacuum GC technology, and has filed two patents for his work. Based out of the Netherlands, Jaap celebrates 10 years with Restek. Jaap is extensively published and regularly travels internationally to share his knowledge.</p>
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Restek: Reduction of analysis time in GC using existing instrumentation

Reduction of analysis time in GC using existing instrumentation

Higher gas velocities or using a shorter column? Using hydrogen as carrier gas, or use a smaller ID capillary column? Using the EZGC method translator?

Reduction of analysis time in GC

<p><strong>We probably have all experienced this at some point when performing gas chromatography and our peak shape begins to appear a bit different.</strong></p>
<p>Often the best way to approach troubleshooting is to also consider what ‘cannot’ cause an issue so that precious time is not spent addressing something that cannot cause the issue. This webinar will arm you with some simple tools, and a different way to look at troubleshooting, should a problem arise.</p>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Alex Ucci (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)</strong></p>
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<p>In his current position at Agilent, Alex provides application assistance and technical support for sample preparation products as well as GC and LC consumables. Before he joined Agilent in 2014, Alex was a graduate student at the Pennsylvania State University researching the morphology and surface properties of aerosol particles using a wide variety of analytical techniques. He has an MS degree in chemistry.</p>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Mark Sinnott (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)</strong></p>
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<p>Mark Sinnott works for Agilent Technologies as a Technical Support Engineer in the Consumables and Supplies Division (CSD) at the capillary column manufacturing facility (the “J&amp;W Scientific” location). In his position at Agilent, Mark performs technical support and applications assistance to gas chromatographers worldwide. He has more than 22 years of experience in gas chromatography, including environmental analysis of compounds in air, soil and water matrices, including dissolved gas analysis for the electrical industry. Mark holds a Master’s Degree in Chemistry from California State University, Sacramento, and currently resides in Sacramento.</p>
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