<blockquote>Welcome back to the topic of protecting your GC column! If you missed part 1 or would like to refresh your knowledge, find further tips on GC column protection <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.phenomenex.com/knowledge-center/gc-knowledge-center/protecting-your-gc-column-pt1-tech-tip-en-1025">here.</a></blockquote>Protecting your GC column and instrument components from exposure to dirty samples or contaminants is important. Non-volatile or high molecular weight components can contaminate the stationary phase, causing poor peak resolution, lower accuracy, and poor column lifetime. Cutting off the damaged portion of column tubing will often restore your column’s performance, but over time performance will degrade to a point where the column can no longer be used. If you are experiencing rapid degradation of column performance, there are several simple ways to help protect your column and increase its lifetime.<h3>Use A Liner With Wool</h3>The liner is the first line of defense for your column, and the style you choose can make a big impact in how much contamination gets onto the column. The easiest thing to do is to add a small amount of silanized glass wool to a liner, which traps the non-volatile compounds and prevents them from entering directly into the column.&nbsp;<blockquote>Caution: glass wool can also add activity for acids, bases, and pesticides. Crushing the glass wool can expose undeactivated glass and free silanols (-OH groups) even if the wool has been deactivated. This leads to increased activity, so pre-packed liners, rather than self-packed ones are highly recommended to avoid reproducibility issues.</blockquote>In addition to choosing a liner with wool, ensure that your liner (and other system consumables) are free of contaminant build-up that may form over time. Septum cores and other particulates that remain can become trapped in the wool and are sometimes difficult to spot. Regularly replace the liner (and other system consumables as needed) to reduce troubleshooting and maintenance.<h3>Bake Out Your Column</h3>The easiest way to reduce column contamination is to add a short, high temperature bake-out at the end of your standard GC method. This bake out helps remove high boiling contaminants that would otherwise remain in the column and cause damage. To bake out, the final oven temperature needs to be set high enough to ensure elution of these compounds, but not so high as to cause thermal damage. This can be done either isothermally, or more commonly, via an oven ramp until the last components elute from the column. Caution: NEVER exceed the upper temperature limits of your column. DO NOT exceed more than fifteen minutes at the upper isothermal temperature limit specified for the column.

How to Protect Your GC Column - Part 2

<h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.isc2026.org/">ISC 2026</a></h3>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/companies/314">International Symposium on Chromatography (ISC)</a> represents the oldest conference series on separation science. ISC symposia have been organised since 1956 in each even year. ISC is one of the premier meetings series for discussion of all modes of chromatography and separation science with a broad coverage of techniques and applications.The major focus of the symposium will be on the impact of chromatography and separation science to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical, environmental, food and health industry, as well as science and medicine. The symposium programme will reflect these themes and highlight new challenges and emerging opportunities for the science and marketing of separation and detection systems and methods.As an integral part of the scientific programme of lectures and poster sessions, an international exhibition and vendor seminars on instrumentation and services for chromatography, separation science and mass spectrometry will be organised. ISC 2026 will provide the perfect forum for attendees from academia, industry and government research institutions for scientific exchange and networking.<h3>ISC 2026 SYMPOSIUM KEY DATES</h3><h4>6-10 SEPTEMBER 2026</h4><ul><li>15 January 2026: Opening of Early-bird Registration &amp; Abstract submission</li><li>11 March 2026: Deadline for abstract submission (orals)</li><li>21 April 2026: Sending acceptance letters (orals)</li><li>15 May 2026: Deadline of early-bird registration and payment &amp; Author registration deadline (orals)</li><li>1 June 2026: Preliminary detailed program on web</li><li>1 June 2026: Deadline for abstract submission (posters)</li><li>16 June 2026: Sending acceptance letters (posters)<ul><li>Authors who submit their abstracts with a poster preference by 5 May 2026 will be notified of the outcome by 12 May 2026 and will have the opportunity to register at the early-bird rate until 15 May 2026.</li></ul></li><li>30 June 2026: Author registration deadline (posters)</li><li>30 July 2026: Deadline for abstract submission (late-breaking posters)<ul><li>without the possibility of competing for the Best Poster Award</li></ul></li><li>11 August 2026: Sending acceptance letters (late-breaking posters)</li><li>18 August 2026: Author registration deadline (late-breaking posters)</li><li>25 August 2026: Deadline for late registration &amp; payment&nbsp;</li><li>6-10 September 2026: Symposium</li></ul><h3>REGISTRATION</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.czech-in.org/cmPortalV15/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2FcmPortalV15%2FPortal%2FISC26%2Fnormal">Register HERE for the ISC 2026</a></blockquote><h3>ABSTRACT SUBMISSION</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.czech-in.org/cmPortalV15/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2FcmPortalV15%2FPortal%2FISC26%2Fnormal">Submit your Abstract HERE</a></blockquote><h3>SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM</h3><h4>SHORT COURSES</h4><h5>SC 3 Interpretation of Mass Spectra: Basic Introduction for Chromatographers</h5>🗓️ SUNDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER 2026🕗 8:30 – 11:45Mass spectrometry has become an essential tool in modern liquid chromatography, yet many chromatographers receive limited formal training in mass-spectral interpretation. This introductory short course provides a practical guide to understanding and interpreting mass spectra generated by the atmospheric-pressure ionization techniques coupled with LC: electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI), and atmospheric-pressure photoionization (APPI). The course begins by outlining the information that mass spectrometry adds beyond a chromatogram and clarifying which analytical questions mass spectrometry can – and cannot – answer. Participants receive a concise refresher on mass-spectrometric fundamentals, along with an introduction to key terminology. The principles and practical consequences of ionization methods are then discussed, with emphasis on how ionization physics, LC conditions, and mobile-phase additives shape spectral appearance. Building on this foundation, the course develops practical skills for interpreting LC-ESI spectra: locating the molecular ion, determining charge state, recognizing common adducts, distinguishing in-source artefacts, and using isotope patterns to support elemental-composition hypotheses. Participants then explore how MS/MS fragmentation provides structural clues, with straightforward rules of thumb for neutral losses and class-specific fragmentation behaviors. The course concludes with an integrative exercise that synthesizes chromatographic, full-scan, and MS/MS information to support spectral interpretation. By the end, participants will be equipped with the essential skills needed to interpret LC-MS spectra effectively and to apply mass-spectrometric reasoning in routine chromatographic analysis.&nbsp;<h4>Lecturers</h4><h5>Josef Cvačka</h5><ul><li>Josef Cvačka is head of the Mass Spectrometry Group at the Institute of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/companies/62">Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences</a> and an associate professor at the Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague. His research focuses on the structural analysis of bioactive organic compounds using advanced mass-spectrometric techniques. He develops methods for pinpointing double-bond and methyl-branching positions in lipids and aims to discover new lipid classes in biological samples. His laboratory also designs new ion sources for MS and HPLC/MS. He teaches and supervises students at Charles University and founded the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/articles?search=Czech+Museum+of+Mass+Spectrometry">Czech Museum of Mass Spectrometry</a>.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Josef_Cvacka_5cc8a0d1d4.jpg" alt="ISC 2026: Josef Cvačka" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Josef_Cvacka_5cc8a0d1d4.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="510" height="510">

ISC 2026 Short Course 3 - Interpretation of Mass Spectra: Basic Introduction for Chromatographers

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezGCMS Library in the week of 9th February 2026? Check out new documents from the field of the gas phase, especially GC and GC/MS techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT GCMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezICPMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you technical note by Agilent Technologies, presentation by MDCW / University of Copenhagen and application notes by Shimadzu and Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: What Causes Spots on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?instrumentationItems=19&amp;manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=PLOT">PLOT Columns</a>? Will It Affect the Performance of the Column?</h3><ul><li>Technical note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/te_what_causes_spots_plot_columns_affecting_performance_5994_8775en_agilent_3b7180512a.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Spots on porous layer open tubular (PLOT) columns are caused by small voids in the stationary phase coating inside the tube. These spots are areas where there is an uneven coating or lack of phase. It is normal to find some voids in the phase coating of PLOT columns. The stationary phase in PLOT columns is an opaque, solid, and porous material. In many Agilent PLOT columns such as the GS-Alumina phases, molecular sieves, porous polymers (Q and U), and the GS-OxyPLOT, the stationary phase is visible as a white powder. For many PLOT columns, the stationary phase fill solution is a viscous suspension of particles that are less than 10 microns in diameter. The phase is coated using a dynamic process in which a plug of fill solution is pushed through the tubing, and the plug’s speed and viscosity determines the thickness of the stationary phase layer. Once the PLOT’s stationary phase is deposited, it is held in place by electrostatic charge, chemical interactions between particles, and/or binding agents. In wall‑coated open tubular (WCOT) columns, stationary phases such as polysiloxanes or polyethylene glycols are immobilized by chemical bonding to the glass surface and cross-linking between polymer strands. Because this type of bonding and cross‑linking is not possible with PLOT phases, the result is a stationary phase layer that is both fundamentally different and inherently less stable in PLOT columns than in WCOT&nbsp;columns.<h3>2. MDCW / University of Copenhagen: One-shot tensor decomposition of full-scale GC×GC-VUV datasets for resolving petrochemical groups</h3><ul><li>Presentation</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/O_17_Schneide_67c8ff7866.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>The presentation introduces a novel all-samples-at-once, shift-invariant tri-linear tensor decomposition approach for the analysis of full-scale <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?search=GC%C3%97GC-VUV">GC×GC-VUV</a> datasets, aimed at resolving and quantifying petrochemical groups. Traditional template-based or pixel-based methods struggle with retention-time shifts and co-eluting compounds, often requiring manual intervention and prior chemical knowledge. The proposed approach leverages the intrinsic low-rank structure of GC×GC-VUV data to enable robust, automated group-level analysis across multiple samples simultaneously.At the core of the method is a shift-invariant tri-linear model, conceptually related to PARAFAC and multivariate curve resolution, but extended using frequency-domain (FFT-based) modeling to explicitly account for chromatographic peak shifts. By decomposing the entire dataset in one step, the model provides accurate estimates of peak landscapes, VUV spectra, and relative peak areas, while remaining agnostic to retention-time variability. Importantly, the approach requires only a small number of tunable parameters, making it practical for routine use.The method was demonstrated on a case study involving 14 petrochemical gas-oil samples, including straight-run, hydrotreated, hydroconverted, coker, and light cycle oils. Extracted VUV spectra showed excellent agreement with reference spectra from a VUV spectral database, enabling confident assignment of components to chemical groups such as saturates, olefins, and mono- to poly-aromatics. Quantitative results exhibited high repeatability (RSD typically 3–9%) and strong correlation with established template-based reference methods.Overall, the work demonstrates that one-shot, shift-invariant tensor decomposition provides a powerful and scalable alternative to conventional GC×GC data-analysis strategies. By combining chemical interpretability, robustness to chromatographic shifts, and strong quantitative performance, the approach opens new opportunities for automated, high-confidence group-level analysis of complex petrochemical samples and beyond.<h3>3. Shimadzu: Py-Screener Ver. 3: Simultaneously Test for Substances Regulated Under RoHS, TSCA, and POPs</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00949_en_4754e50164.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h5>User Benefits</h5><ul><li>In just one analysis, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=Py-Screener">Py-Screener</a> Ver. 3 can determine levels of phthalate esters, brominated flame retardants (PBBs, PBDEs), PIP (3:1), UV-328, dechlorane plus (DP), short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs), and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs).&nbsp;</li><li>It can also test for SCCPs and MCCPs by electron ionization (EI) instead of negative chemical ionization (NCI).&nbsp;</li><li>PIP (3:1), UV-328, DP, and SCCPs and MCCPs can be screened without the need for corresponding reference materials.</li></ul>Countries and regulatory bodies worldwide are introducing increasingly stringent regulations on the chemical substances used in electronic devices and industrial products. The RoHS Directive and REACH regulations in the EU, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in the USA, and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are also targeting an increasingly broad range of substances. Therefore, manufacturers are required to accurately identify regulated substances in their products and comply with each regulation. While Py-Screener Ver. 2 can screen for seven phthalate esters and brominated flame retardants, including substances regulated under the RoHS Directive, version 3 can also screen for PIP (3:1), which is regulated under the TSCA, as well as UV328, DP, and SCCPs and MCCPs , which are regulated under the Stockholm Convention on POPs. A list of supported substances isshown in Table 1. This article introduces the simultaneous analysis of multiple regulated substances and a case study of testing specific regulated substances in samples, using Py-Screener Ver. 3.<h4>Analysis Process</h4>Py-Screener Ver. 3 can determine levels of phthalate esters and brominated flame retardants contained in products in accordance with the international analytical standards IEC62321-8 and IEC62321-3-3. It can also test for specific regulated substances (Table 1) under the same conditions and in the same analysis. In this test, background intensity and instrument sensitivity (S/N) were verified before analyzing samples. These parameters are prescribed by IEC62321-8 to ensure the accuracy of the methods used. Background intensity and instrument sensitivity were determined using a reference material (PN: 225-31003- 91) *1 that consisted of a plastic sheet that was spiked with seven phthalate esters. The results met the criteria for both parameters.The testing workflow is shown in Fig. 1. Before testing samples, calibration curves were prepared by analyzing the 1000 mg/kg phthalate ester reference material and polypropylene spiked with brominated flame retardants (ERM-EC591). A hole puncher was used to punch out two discs at a time of the phthalate ester reference material, and a cutter was used to obtain pieces of the other materials. Each material was weighed in a sample cup for analysis. During the analysis of samples, phthalate esters and some of the regulated brominated flame retardants were quantitated using a one-point calibration curve. The remaining brominated flame retardants and specific regulated substances were quantitated using the correction factor database*2 that is included with Py-Screener Ver. 3.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Py-Screener Ver. 3 successfully determined in samples the concentrations of the regulated substances PIP (3:1), UV-328, DP, and SCCPs and MCCPs. Normally, SCCP and MCCP levels are tested using NCI, but Py-Screener Ver. 3 uses EI. This enables it to test for not only SCCPs and MCCPs but also phthalate esters, brominated flame retardants, and other regulated substances in just one analysis. In addition, by using the relative correction factors linked to DEHP in the phthalate ester reference material, the levels of these regulated substances were determined without the need for the corresponding reference materials. Py-Screener Ver. 3 can also create a screening program that addresses substance restrictions under the RoHS Directive, the US TSCA, and the POPs Convention.<h3>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Improving low carbon steel production in specialty steel processes</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/prima_pro_process_mass_spectrometer_an1626_7fc840235f.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>World crude steel production reached 1,691 million tonnes in 2017, up by 5.3% compared to 2016.1 While much of this capacity is still produced in primary steel processes such as basic oxygen furnaces and electric arc furnaces, the need for refined steel with greater durability and resistance to heat and corrosion has led to the increased use of vacuum degassing processes, such as VOD and RH, in secondary steel production. These processes are able to achieve ultra-low levels of residual carbon, while at the same time retaining desired levels of other alloy materials. If these processes are to achieve the required level of steel product quality, they need fast, continuous gas analysis of the furnace exhaust gas. Without accurate information on the composition of the gas leaving the furnace, any variations in the decarburization process are only detected after the event, resulting in the production of out-of-specification steel.<h4>Advantages of mass spectrometry&nbsp;</h4>Traditional Non-Dispersive Infra-Red (NDIR) analyzers are used in many conventional steelmaking processes to measure CO and CO2 , but they can only sample at atmospheric pressure. In vacuum steelmaking the process pressure changes dramatically, typically from atmospheric pressure down to less than 1 mbar, over the 20-30 minutes of the melt. So NDIR analyzers have to sample some distance downstream from the process. Analytical data is updated several minutes after the gas leaves the melt and the control system is forced to operate on historic rather than real-time data.&nbsp;Paramagnetic analyzers can be used to measure O2 , while thermal conductivity analyzers can be used to measure H2 . These analyzers also suffer from slow response, while the need to operate three different types of analyzers adds to the plant maintenance burden. Moreover, the three analyzers cannot analyze inert gases, so N2 is calculated by difference, a result that suffers from the sum of the errors of the three analytical techniques.&nbsp;Mass spectrometry operates at high vacuum so it is ideal for monitoring vacuum processes. It is also able to monitor all seven components in Table 1 in seconds rather than minutes, ensuring the plant control model is frequently updated with accurate compositional data.<h4>Precision of analysis&nbsp;</h4>At the heart of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=2&amp;search=Prima+PRO+Mass+Spectrometer">Thermo Scientific™ Prima PRO Mass Spectrometer</a> (MS) is a magnetic sector analyzer which offers unrivalled precision and accuracy compared with other mass spectrometers. Thermo Fisher Scientific manufactures both quadrupole and magnetic sector mass spectrometers; over thirty years of industrial experience have shown the magnetic sector based analyzer offers the best performance for industrial on-line gas analysis.&nbsp;Key advantages of magnetic sector analyzers include improved precision, accuracy, long intervals between calibrations, and resistance to contamination. Typically, analytical precision is between 2 and 10 times better than a quadrupole analyzer, depending on the gases analyzed and complexity of the mixture.&nbsp;A unique feature of the Prima PRO magnet is that it is laminated. Its analysis times are similar to a quadrupole analyzer, offering the unique combination of rapid analysis and high stability. This allows the rapid and extremely stable analysis of an unlimited number of user-defined gases. The scanning magnetic sector is controlled with 24-bit precision using a magnetic flux measuring device for extremely stable mass alignment.&nbsp;The ion source is an enclosed type for high sensitivity, minimum background interference, and maximum contamination resistance. This is a high-energy (1000 eV) analyzer that offers extremely rugged performance in the presence of gases and vapors that have the potential for contaminating the analyzer. Typical performance specifications for the Prima PRO MS are shown in Table 1. Analytical performance is demonstrated by analyzing the calibration bottle over 1 hour following calibration, with an analysis time of just 6 seconds. Standard deviations measured on the calibration cylinder will be equal to or better than the stated values.

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 07, 2026

Article

Events

Application

Academy

Presentation

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

LabRulez

Phenomenex is a global technology leader committed to developing novel analytical chemistry solutions that solve the separation and purification challenges of researchers in industrial, government and academic laboratories.

Phenomenex

The International Symposium on Chromatography (ISC) represents the oldest conference series focussing on separation science. ISC symposia have been organised since 1956 in each even year. ISC is internationally recognised as one of the premier meeting series for discussion of all modes of chromatography and separation science with a broad coverage of techniques and applications.

International Symposium on Chromatography - (ISC)

Agilent Technologies

SepSolve Analytical

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Frontier Lab

Shimadzu Corporation

Frontier Lab’s Multi-Shot Pyrolyzer can be operated in different analytical techniques/methods depending on the objective your sample analysis. The most common four major Analytical Techniques are:
<ul>
<li>EGA- Evolved Gas Analysis</li>
<li>Single Shot Analysis </li>
<li>Double Shot Analysis:</li>
<li>Heart Cutting EGA-GCMS</li>
</ul>
Plastics and Rubber Industries conduct Polymer Analysis and additives analysis using Frontier Lab’s Py-GCMS system through Evolved Gas Analysis, Thermal Desorption and Flash Pyrolysis
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr Karthikeyan Sathrugnan (Sales and Technical Support for SEA/India at Frontier Laboratories)
</blockquote>

Frontier Lab: Py-GCMS Applications for Rubber and Tyre Industries

Py-GCMS Applications for Rubber and Tyre Industries

In this webinar, you will learn about TD-GCMS and Py-GCMS applications employed in Rubber and Tyre Industries.

To coincide with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, SepSolve Analytical is delighted to host the 2nd annual eseminar celebrating women in science, where we will hear from leaders in their field about the use of GC across a host of application areas:
<h3>Aromas of the ʻaina – GC×GC for Hawaiian natural products analysis</h3>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Katelynn Perrault (Chaminade University, USA)</li>
</ul>
<h3>Investigating the fate of microplastics in the environment by Py/TD-GCxGC-TOF MS: the case of biodegradable plastics</h3>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Francesca De Falco (University of Plymouth, UK)</li>
</ul>
<h3>Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) method development for detailed characterization of pyrolysis oils</h3>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Hilal Ezgi Toraman (Penn State University, USA)</li>
</ul>

SepSolve: A Celebration of Women In Science

A Celebration of Women In Science

We will hear from leaders in their field about the use of GC and GCxGC across a host of application areas.

Join our webinar to learn about Py-GCMS and its applications for 3D Printing Polymers Characterization
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr Karthikeyan Sathrugnan (Consultant [Sales and Technical Support for SEA/India at Frontier Laboratories Ltd., Japan)
</blockquote>

Frontier Lab: Characterization of 3D Printing Polymers using Py-GCMS

Characterization of 3D Printing Polymers using Py-GCMS

Join our webinar to learn about Py-GCMS and its applications for 3D Printing Polymers Characterization

Join this webinar and learn about a solution for microplastic and nanoplastic analysis using pyrolysis in combination with single quadrupole GC-MS or high resolution GC-MS.
In this webinar, you will:
<ul>
<li>understand the workflow for biota (salmon) from sample preparation to a quantitative result</li>
<li>hear how pyrolysis in combination with GC-MS technology provides a fully automated workflow and the required selectivity and quantification abilities for the detection of microplastics</li>
<li>learn how software tools support you to gain the required selectivity for microplastics and to quantify results</li>
</ul>
This webinar is relevant for:
<ul>
<li>researchers from the food and environmental field</li>
<li>control and governmental labs</li>
<li>plastic manufacturers that are interested to understand more about the degradation of their products</li>
<li>cosmetic industry or research and control labs for this industry</li>
</ul>
Microplastic are particles of 1µm to 5mm and turned into an an emerging issue all over the globe. The intake into the environment can derive from different sources such as laundry effluents, car tires, plastic waste to name a few. Microplastic is found in soil, air and water. Here is an example to give an impression of magnitude of microplastic in the marine environment: 4.8 million tons of plastic waste enter the world&#39;s oceans each year (1). They degradate and can enter as micro- or nanoplastic into the food chain. The degradation of microplastic makes it more risky since nanoplastic (particles smaller than 1 µm) can go directly into human cells.
In addition to their presence which is already of concern, they can adsorb other pollutants like persistent organic compounds (POPs) on their surfaces. These hydrophobic organic chemicals adhere to the microplastic particles and reach concentrations up to 1 million times higher that of the surrounding medium (e.g., water) (2). The particles may enter the stomach and release the POPs, which accumulate in fat cells. 
The goal of researchers is the determination of the micro- and and nanoplastics, their composition and quantities, as well as their degradation products and their source of origin. To identify the kind of plastic like polyethylene (PE) or polyamid-66 (Nylon66), spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR can be used. If quantification or detection of nanoplastic are required, pyrolysis in combination with single quadrupole GC-MS comes into place. For more detailed information, such as degradation products or isotopic ratios for the determination of source of origin, high-resolution-MS is the technology the technology of choice.
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.thuenen.de/de/fachinstitute/fischereioekologie/plasm-mikroplastik-und-meeresfische">References: (1)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.aquakulturinfo.de/mikroplastik">References: (2)</a></li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Michael Soll (European Business Development Manager, Frontier Laboratories Ltc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Michael Soll studied biology and received his PhD in 1993 at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
He has over 25 years of experience in business development, marketing and sales at various companies active in analytical instrumentation and analytical services in Europe. His functional experience included marketing, application and sales of LC- and GC-coupled mass spectrometry, MALDI-TOF MS and chromatographic tools. End of 2014, he joined Frontier Laboratories, a global leading company in GC/MS coupled analytical pyrolysis. Here, he is managing and supporting distribution partners and supports users of analytical pyrolyzers in whole Europe in terms of applications and technical concerns.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
His most recent employment history is as follows:
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Frontier Laboratories Ltd, Koriyama, Japan, 2014 to present as European Business Development Manager, responsible for support of distribution partners and users in Europe, marketing directed to sales channels and customers
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
LECO Germany, Mönchengladbach, Germany, 2008 to 2014 as Managing Director, responsible for achievement of sales targets, strategic directions, marketing and service optimization
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
SGS, Geneva, Switzerland, 2006 to 2008 asBusiness development manager biopharma quality control Europe.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
ABSciex, Darmstadt, Germany, 1999 to 2006 asSales Manager Proteomics products in DACH territory: increase sales of Mass Spectrometry and Chromatography products
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Petra Gerhards (EMEA Regional Marketing Manager GC&amp;GC-MS, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Petra holds a diploma engineer in instrumentalized analytical chemistry from the Technical University Krefeld/Germany. For more than 30 years, she worked in the field of GC and GC-MS and covered many technologies in GC and GC-MS. Currently, she supports users and customer application teams all over EMEA in her position as EMEA Regional Marketing Manager.
</blockquote>

Pixabay/Filmbetrachter: Pyrolysis GC-MS for the analysis of microplastic in biota samples

Pyrolysis GC-MS for the analysis of microplastic in biota samples

 solution for microplastic and nanoplastic analysis using pyrolysis in combination with single quadrupole GC-MS or high resolution GC-MS.

Pyrolysis GC-MS for the analysis of microplastic in biota

Join Agilent and GERSTEL for our annual virtual seminar discussing how you can assure safety, authenticity, and quality of alcoholic beverages. Sharing the latest in technology developments and capabilities, new applications, and customer stories. Topics include distilled beverages, wine and beer. There is something for everyone in this seminar series and we hope to see you there.
Attend live and receive an Agilent GC wine glass!
<h3>Presentation 1: Non-targeted and Targeted Analysis of Spirits Aroma/Flavor Compounds using DHS-GC(-GC)-MS</h3>
Chromatographic analysis of distilled spirits has witnessed a sea change over a recent short period of years. Previous approaches which relied on solvent extraction procedures to enrich the secondary aroma/flavor compounds from the dominant ethanol-water base, can now be replaced by solventless, automated instrumental methods. Such solventless approaches comprise Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction, Static and Dynamic Headspace and Large Volume Injection. These methods rely on the ability of a PTV (Programmable Temperature Vaporization) injector to enrich analytes of interest before transfer to the GC column, while venting unwanted matrix.
Complex GC-MS data files obtained in this way, can also be further processed by powerful filters such as Spectral Deconvolution followed by RI based isolation and verification of identities of aroma/flavor compounds. The sequential progress of the GC-MS data file through these various filters and finally into a chemometric software for investigative discrimination of samples is achieved by simple mouse clicks. This is a very attractive outcome for practicing flavor Chemists and could be regarded as the final fulfillment of what previously could only be an outcome to aspire to.
These solventless techniques can be so efficient, and sometimes give such complex GC-MS data files, that often an additional chromatographic dimension may be required, especially for detection of ultra-trace compounds. This is supplied by chromatographic heart cutting where elution segments from one column are transferred to a second column of different polarity for increased resolution. The necessary instrumental configurations required for this purpose are also available in fully automated format.
Key Learning Objectives/What attendees will learn:
<ul>
<li>Appreciation of how analysis of distilled spirits has moved into a more modern approach using solventless extraction techniques featuring full automation from sample treatment to GC injection.</li>
<li>Aroma Office in conjunction with MS Spectral Deconvolution will be introduced as a powerful combination for filtering and listing of aroma compounds from complex GC-MS data files.</li>
<li>Two-dimensional Gas Chromatography (2D-GC-GC) will also feature as a valuable tool for isolation of key compounds from interfering matrix in extremely complex data files.</li>
</ul>
Who Should Attend: Chemists and Technicians involved in aroma research and analysis
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Kevin Mac Namara (Consultant)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr Kevin Mac Namara graduated from the National University of Ireland with a speciality in synthetic organic chemistry. He later joined the Irish Government Alcohol Monopoly and subsequently moved to Irish Distillers Group in 1981 as Head of Technical Development where he established a high profile centre for distilled spirits research. When Irish Distillers merged into the global Pernod Ricard Group in 1990 he assumed a much enlarged role and represented Ireland in EU alcohol affairs for many years before retiring in 2012.
</blockquote>
<h3>Presentation 2: A Variety of Extraction Techniques Used to Determine Analytes of Interest in Distilled Spirits</h3>
Analysis of distilled spirits using GC-MS can be challenging due to the multitude of flavor and aroma compounds that exist in the predominantly ethanol-water mixture. The optimal extraction technique or techniques must be able to isolate and pre-concentrate the analytes before introduction into the GC-MS to produce meaningful data. GERSTEL offers numerous automated sample introduction and extraction techniques including Static Headspace (SHS), Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME), Thermal Desorption (TD), Dynamic Headspace (DHS), and Thin Film Solid-Phase Microextraction (TF-SPME) and Pyrolysis. GERSTEL offers additional features to each extraction technique including Multiple Headspace Sample Enrichment (MHSE) and TDx Multidesorption that can provide significantly more mass on column and lower detection limits. GERSTEL also offers unique detection capabilities with the olfactory detection port (ODP) allowing the analyst to smell compounds as they elute from the GC column. With simultaneous mass spectral detection, key odor-active compounds can be identified in complex products.
Common challenges encountered when analyzing distilled spirits include reproducibility of batches, identifying and quantifying off-odors produced during the fermentation process, and consumer satisfaction, especially in the context of competitors, to name a few. This presentation will show how GERSTEL addresses these complex challenges by having a complete “toolbox” of extraction, introduction and detection options that can be combined and optimized as needed.
Key Learning Objectives/What attendees will learn:
<ul>
<li>Theory and applicability of SHS, SPME, SBSE, TF-SPME, DHS, and pyrolysis.</li>
<li>How to decide on the most optimal extraction technique based on research challenges.</li>
</ul>
Who Should Attend: Analytical chemists in the food, flavor, fragrance, and beverage industries
<blockquote>
Presenter: Megan Harper (Applications Scientist l, GERSTEL, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Megan Harper graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in chemistry and received her Master of Science Degree in forensic science with an analytical chemistry track from Towson University in 2022. At GERSTEL, Inc., Harper applies her knowledge on sample extraction and introduction techniques to help solve complex problems for customers across the USA, including those involving distilled spirits.
</blockquote>

Pixabay/Bruno/Germany: 3rd Annual Alcoholic Beverages Virtual Symposium - Spirits

3rd Annual Alcoholic Beverages Virtual Symposium - Spirits

Non-targeted and Targeted Analysis of Spirits Aroma/Flavor Compounds using DHS-GC(-GC)-MS. Extraction Techniques Used to Determine Analytes of Interest

Are you looking for an efficient way to accelerate your catalyst research?
We are excited to announce our upcoming webinar on the use of our online single micro reactor for rapid catalyst screening. This webinar will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the advantages of using this technology and how it can help you save time and money. 
Join us to learn more about how our online single micro reactor can help you achieve your research goals quickly and easily. Register now and get ready to revolutionize your catalyst research!
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Sathrugnan K
</blockquote>

Frontier Laboratories: Online Single Micro Reactor for Catalyst Screening

Online Single Micro Reactor for Catalyst Screening

Are you looking for an efficient way to accelerate your catalyst research? Use  our online single micro reactor for rapid catalyst screening.

This meeting covers the latest trends and techniques to meet current water and environmental testing demands for emerging contaminants and evolving regulations. Our guest speakers from the water industry and environmental research and testing laboratories will share their expertise on their latest work, analytical workflows, and automation.
Join us and discover valuable insights to maximise testing productivity and instrument uptime, simplify workflows and standardise data workup.
<h3>June 27 (Day 1) Emerging contaminants</h3>
This session will explore PFAS, microplastics, untargeted screening, automation and sample preparation.
Attend the whole day or selected presentations only.
<h5>10:00 Online access opens (Streaming begins 09:30 BST/10:30 CEST)</h5>
<h5>10:30 Opening of the event, welcome and introduction</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Jeff Stubbs (Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li>
</ul>
<h5>10:50 Screening of unknowns using Thermo Scientific Orbitrap MS and Thermo Scientific Compound Discoverer software</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Janine Elliot (Scottish Environment Protection Agency)</li>
</ul>
<h5>11:20 Biotoxins, seafood safety and mass spectrometry</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Ben Maskrey (Centre of Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science)</li>
</ul>
<h5>11:50 Determination of microplastics with pyrolysis and GC-MS</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Michael Soll (Frontier Lab Europe)</li>
</ul>
<h5>12:20 Break</h5>
<h5>12:40 What combustion ion chromatography sum parameter analysis can do for the analysis of PFAS</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dr. Lewis Mark (A1-envirosciences Limited)</li>
</ul>
<h5>13:10 Use of Thermo Scientific Exploris 120 Orbitrap HRAM-LC-MS for the analysis of 47 PFAS compounds in UK waters</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: John Quick (ALS Environmental Ltd.)</li>
</ul>
<h5>13:40 Workshop - new untargeted PFAS analysis workflow capabilities within Compound Discoverer software</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Frans Schoutsen (Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li>
</ul>
<h5>14:10 Break</h5>
<h5>15:10 Starting your voyage into PFAS? Tools and protocols to succeed</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Ed George (Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li>
</ul>
<h5>16:10 Workshop - new approaches in performing automation by GC (and LC)</h5>
<ul>
<li>Presenter: Dan Carrier (Thermo Fisher Scientific)</li>
</ul>
<h5>16:30 Closing of the live streaming event</h5>

Thermo Scientific: Water & Environmental Analysis User Meeting - Day 1

Water & Environmental Analysis User Meeting - Day 1

Streaming live from our Demo Centre in Hemel Hempstead | Join the complete event or the presentations of your choice only.

Microplastics are a rapidly emerging concern that produce a variety of challenges proven harmful to environment, human and animal health.
In this webinar, a solution for characterizing and quantifying microplastics using the micro-furnace Pyrolysis-GC/MS will be discussed.
 We will host a Q&amp;A session after the presentation to address any questions or comments.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Alan Owens (GCMS Product Manager, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Alan Owens is the GCMS Product Manager at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments. Alan received his B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry from Hampden-Sydney college. He then joined Shimadzu as a GCMS Product Specialist at the corporate headquarters in Columbia, MD. Before his time with Shimadzu, he comes from a flavor and fragrance background with expertise in advanced sample introduction techniques such as SPME and Dynamic headspace. He has since expanded into all sample introduction techniques specifically tailored towards Pyrolysis with a heavy influence of plastics and polymers.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Rojin Belganeh (Technical &amp; Marketing Director, Frontier Laboratories-North America)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Rojin Belganeh is the Technical &amp; Marketing Director at Frontier Laboratories-North America. Rojin graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She started her profession as an analytical chemist in oil &amp; gas industry in 2012. As an analytical chemist, Rojin worked with various analytical instruments, such as Pyrolysis GCMS, TGA, FTIR, and X-Rays for material characterization, polymer identification, and contamination analysis. She also holds an MBA degree concentrating in strategic marketing from the University of Houston-Victoria. As a former user for more than five years, Rojin joined Frontier Laboratories in May of 2017. She is very passionate in creating awareness about Frontier technology and providing technical support to users.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Athena Nguyen (Technical Support Scientist, Frontier Laboratories-North America)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Athena Nguyen is a Technical Support Specialist at Frontier Labs Americas. She graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in science in chemistry in 2014. The first three years after graduating, Athena worked as an analytical chemist. She has experience using multiple analytical instruments, including GC/MS/FID/ECD, with applications in the oil and gas industry. Athena joined Frontier Lab in 2020 and provides technical and product support to Frontier’s users.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Andy Sandy (GCMS Application Scientist, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Andy Sandy is a Gas chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) Applications Scientist at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, USA. In 2016, he joined the company. At Shimadzu he is a part of a dynamic application group, which is responsible for developing applications that provide solutions to complex analytical issues. Prior to working at Shimadzu, he completed a post-doctoral study at University of Illinois at Chicago, where he focused on developing environmental analytical methods for identifying and measuring emerging contaminant in the environment.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: A Simple, Effective Solution for Microplastics Characterization and Quantitation using Pyrolysis GC-MS

A Simple, Effective Solution for Microplastics Characterization and Quantitation using Pyrolysis GC-MS

In this webinar, a solution for characterizing and quantifying microplastics using the micro-furnace Pyrolysis-GC/MS will be discussed.

Microplastics Characterization and Quantitation by Pyr-GC-MS

Have you ever wanted an alternate sample introduction method?
Maybe the sample of interest needs to be hotter than a standard inlet will reach. Pyrolysis is a sample introduction technique that uses elevated temperatures to break down organic materials. The starting samples can be anything from liquids to solids from many different application areas. Attend to get your questions answered by the experts.
On June 28th, Shimadzu Scientific and Frontier Ltd will be presenting “Expanding Material Characterization Capabilities Using Pyrolysis GCMS” where you will learn not only the fundamentals of this technique, but also the application uses.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Nicole Lock (GCMS Product Manager, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Nicole Lock is the GCMS Product Manager at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments. Nicole graduated from Seton Hill University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She started her career as a service engineer in a small third-party service organization repairing multiple brands’ GC and GCMS units. This skill set led Nicole to Shimadzu where she has spent the last 12 years working in both the service and marketing department representing the GC and GCMS product lines. Her passion is training others on Shimadzu GCMS and helping customers make the most of their systems.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Rojin Belganeh (Technical &amp; Marketing Director, Frontier Laboratories-North America)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Rojin Belganeh is the Technical &amp; Marketing Director at Frontier Laboratories-North America. Rojin graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She started her profession as an analytical chemist in oil &amp; gas industry in 2012. As an analytical chemist, Rojin worked with various analytical instruments, such as Pyrolysis GCMS, TGA, FTIR, and X-Rays for material characterization, polymer identification, and contamination analysis. She also holds an MBA degree concentrating in strategic marketing from the University of Houston-Victoria. As a former user for more than five years, Rojin joined Frontier Laboratories in May of 2017. She is very passionate in creating awareness about Frontier technology and providing technical support to users.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: William Pipkin (Global Marketing, Frontier Laboratories)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
William Pipkin has over 30 years experience in commercializing technology. This includes all aspects: sales, support, marketing, R&amp;D, and management. He has directed inception and development through sales, support, and obsolescence. William has expertise in strategy, market research, market segmentation, advertising, sales promotion, pricing, and customer service. His experience is international including Europe, Japan, and China. His teams and collaborations have been cross-functional, cross-entity, and cross-cultural.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
William received a Bachelor of Science in analytical chemistry (American Chemical Society certified) from Brigham Young University and an MBA in entrepreneurship and finance (Dean’s List) from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He has been a Senior Fellow in Wharton&#39;s Emerging Technology Management Research Program.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Atsushi Watanabe (Vice President, Frontier Laboratories)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Atsushi Watanabe (known as Ichi-san) obtained his Associate of Chemistry and Biochemistry from Fukushima National College of Technology. He then studied in Vancouver, Canada at the University of British Columbia where he earned a BS in Commerce and General Business Management. He is currently in the process of defending his PhD in analytical pyrolysis at Tohoku University. He is a Vice President in Frontier Laboratories and a member of the board. Currently Ichi-san heads up global marketing and IT. Ichi-san has 4 publications in Japanese and 13 international publication in English. He also serves as a committee member of Japan Gas Chromatography Research Group.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Expanding Material Characterization Capabilities Using Pyrolysis GCMS

Expanding Material Characterization Capabilities Using Pyrolysis GCMS

Learn not only the fundamentals of this technique, but also the application uses.

Expanding Material Characterization Capabilities by Py-GC/MS

This series is perfect for anyone currently using GC, who&#39;d like to understand more about the technique, the hardware and the data produced.
It&#39;s also suitable for anyone who is new to GC and who&#39;d like to understand more about it. This webinar is designed to overview of the selection of the most common sampling technique outside of liquid injection.
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>Expand your understanding of the versatility of gas chromatography
</li>
<li>Understand the principles and configuration for headspace sampling, SPME, thermal desorption (TD), pyrolysis and gas sampling valves (GSVs)
</li>
<li>Explore the various applications that these techniques can be used for
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ollie Stacey (GC/GCMS Technical Specialist, Shimadzu UK)
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Alternatives to Liquid Injection for Gas Chromatography

Alternatives to Liquid Injection for Gas Chromatography

The selection of the most common sampling technique outside of liquid injection.

GCMS webinars focusing on Pyrolysis - page 2