Rotary evaporation has long been a staple in laboratories for removing solvents from samples efficiently. However, as technology advances and the demand for higher throughput and more efficient processes increases, alternative methods are becoming more attractive. One such alternative is <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products?category=338">Organomation's S-EVAP evaporators</a>. For laboratories interested in processing several samples simultaneously, the S-EVAP offers significant advantages over multiple rotary evaporators.<h3>Understanding Rotary Evaporation</h3>Rotary evaporation is a technique widely used in chemical and biochemical labs to remove solvents from samples by applying heat and reducing pressure to induce evaporation. The process involves a rotating flask, which increases the surface area for evaporation, making it efficient for solvent removal. Despite its effectiveness, rotary evaporation has limitations, especially when dealing with high-throughput requirements or multiple samples simultaneously.<h3>Criteria for Choosing an Alternative</h3>When selecting an alternative to rotary evaporation, several factors need to be considered:<ul><li>Efficiency: How quickly and effectively can the alternative remove solvents?</li><li>Cost-effectiveness: What is the initial investment and operating cost?</li><li>Ease of use: How user-friendly is the equipment?</li><li>Applicability: Can the alternative handle a variety of solvents and sample types?</li><li>Scalability: Is the method suitable for processing multiple samples simultaneously?</li></ul><h3>Alternatives to Rotary Evaporation</h3><h4>1. Organomation's S-EVAP Evaporators</h4>Organomation's S-EVAP evaporators, available in<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1904"> Kuderna-Danish (KD)</a> and<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1905"> round-bottom (RB)</a> flask models, are designed for laboratories requiring high throughput and efficient solvent removal.&nbsp;<ul><li>S-EVAP KD is available in 8 or 10 position models and can handle sample sizes up to 500 mL</li><li>S-EVAP RB models also offer 8 or 10 positions with capacities up to 250 mL per sample</li></ul>The S-EVAP system is tailored for general evaporation and concentration of analytical or environmental samples using various glassware configurations to meet specific method requirements under controlled and reproducible conditions.This system features rapid solvent evaporation with solvent vapor recovery, achieving solvent recoveries exceeding 96% by volume under ideal conditions.&nbsp;It can operate with cold tap water or a recirculating chiller system, ensuring efficient cooling. The digital controlled water bath provides even and uniform heating without scorching the final samples.&nbsp;The parallel water manifold system ensures even cooling water distribution to each condenser, while the rotary water manifold allows unlimited instrument rotation for easy front loading without condenser tubing entanglement.<h5>Advantages of S-EVAP Over Rotary Evaporation:</h5><ul><li>Higher Throughput: The S-EVAP can process multiple samples simultaneously, significantly increasing throughput compared to using several rotary evaporators.</li><li>Cost-Effectiveness: Although the initial investment may be higher than a single rotary evaporator, the S-EVAP's ability to handle multiple samples at once reduces the need for additional equipment. Lower maintenance costs and reduced need for additional space and infrastructure.</li><li>Ease of Use: User-friendly design with straightforward controls and easy maintenance. Reduced handling time compared to managing multiple rotary evaporators, allowing technicians to focus on other tasks.</li><li>Consistency and Precision: Uniform evaporation conditions ensure consistent results across all samples. Precise control over temperature allows for tailored evaporation conditions for different sample types.</li><li>Space Efficiency: A single S-EVAP unit occupies less space compared to multiple rotary evaporators, making it ideal for labs with limited bench space.</li></ul><h5>Integration in EPA Method 1699</h5>Rotary Evaporator Usage:<ul><li>Initial Solvent Reduction: Rotary evaporators are used first to remove bulk solvent from the sample extract. This step efficiently reduces the volume of the extract to a manageable level under reduced pressure, ensuring that the majority of the solvent is removed without significant loss of analytes.</li><li>Controlled Conditions: The rotary evaporator's ability to control temperature and vacuum precisely helps in handling large initial volumes and reducing them quickly.</li></ul>S-EVAP Evaporator Usage:<ul><li>Further Concentration: After the rotary evaporation step, the concentrated extract is transferred to the S-EVAP system. The S-EVAP evaporators, including the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1904">S-EVAP-KD</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/products/1905">S-EVAP-RB</a> models, are designed to handle smaller volumes and provide a final concentration of the sample.</li><li>Solvent Recovery: The S-EVAP systems offer efficient solvent recovery, with the S-EVAP-RB capable of achieving solvent recoveries exceeding 96% by volume under ideal conditions. This high recovery rate is crucial for environmental and analytical labs that aim to minimize solvent waste and ensure consistent results.</li><li>Even Heating and Cooling: The S-EVAP-RB features a digital controlled water bath for uniform heating, preventing scalding of the final samples. Additionally, the parallel water manifold system ensures even cooling to each condenser, enhancing the efficiency and reproducibility of the evaporation process.</li></ul>Benefits of Tandem Use<ul><li>Enhanced Efficiency: Using both systems in tandem allows for the initial large volume reduction by the rotary evaporator, followed by precise final concentration using the S-EVAP. This combination maximizes throughput and ensures high-quality results.</li><li>Cost and Space Efficiency: The rotary evaporator handles the bulk of the solvent reduction, reducing the strain on the S-EVAP system. This distribution of workload helps in maintaining the equipment and optimizing laboratory space.</li><li>Method Compliance: Following this tandem approach ensures compliance with EPA Method 1699, which outlines specific procedures for pesticide analysis in various environmental samples.</li></ul>Organomation's S-EVAP evaporators, when used in conjunction with rotary evaporators, provide an efficient and reliable solution for laboratories performing high-throughput solvent evaporation tasks, such as those required by EPA Method 1699. This tandem use ensures precise control over the evaporation process, high solvent recovery rates, and consistent sample preparation, making it an ideal approach for environmental and analytical laboratories.<h4>2. Buchi's Syncore Evaporators</h4>Buchi's Syncore evaporators are advanced evaporation systems designed to provide high throughput and efficiency. They use parallel evaporation technology, allowing simultaneous processing of multiple samples under controlled conditions.<ul><li>Applications: Drug discovery, natural product extraction and chemical synthesis</li><li>Advantages: High efficiency with parallel evaporation capabilities, advanced safety features and precise control over evaporation parameters</li><li>Limitations: Potential cost considerations and specific application limitations</li></ul><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://explore.organomation.com/s-evap-rb-vs-buchi-syncore-download">Download our S-EVAP-RB vs Buchi Syncore comparison with pricing!</a><h4>3. Freeze Drying (Lyophilization)</h4>Freeze drying, also known as lyophilization, is a dehydration process used to preserve perishable materials or make them more convenient for transport. The process involves three main stages: freezing, primary drying (sublimation), and secondary drying (desorption).<ul><li>Applications: Pharmaceuticals, food industry, biological samples.</li><li>Advantages: Long-term stability of dried products.</li><li>Limitations: High cost and time-consuming process.</li></ul>For a more in-depth review, please visit our piece on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/types-of-laboratory-evaporators">Types of Laboratory Evaporators</a>.<h4>4. Centrifugal Evaporation</h4>Centrifugal evaporation is a technique used to remove solvents from samples by combining centrifugal force, vacuum, and heat. This method is particularly effective for drying samples rapidly and efficiently, making it ideal for high-throughput laboratories.<ul><li>Applications: Used for concentrating and drying biological samples, drug formulations, and other compounds that require gentle handling. Ideal for processing DNA, RNA, proteins, and other sensitive biomolecules.</li><li>Advantages: The combination of centrifugal force and vacuum significantly speeds up the evaporation process compared to traditional methods. Multiple samples can be processed simultaneously, making it suitable for high-volume laboratories.</li></ul>Limitations:<ul><li>Equipment Cost: High-quality centrifugal evaporators can be expensive to purchase and maintain.</li><li>Limited Sample Types: Not all sample types are suitable for centrifugal evaporation, particularly those that require very specific temperature or pressure conditions.</li><li>Technical Expertise: Requires trained personnel to operate the equipment and optimize conditions for different sample types.</li></ul><h4>5. Vacuum Distillation</h4>Vacuum distillation is a technique used to separate mixtures of liquids by utilizing reduced pressure, which lowers the boiling points of the components. This method is particularly useful for separating heat-sensitive compounds that might decompose at higher temperatures.<ul><li>Applications: Used to purify reaction products and separate mixtures in organic synthesis. Essential for refining crude oil into various fractions, such as gasoline, diesel, and lubricants.</li><li>Advantages: Achieves high levels of purity by effectively separating components based on their boiling points. Reduces the risk of thermal decomposition by operating at lower temperatures. Applicable to a wide range of substances, including complex mixtures and heat-sensitive materials.</li></ul>Limitations:<ul><li>Complex Setup: Requires specialized equipment and careful control of vacuum and temperature conditions.</li><li>High Cost: Initial investment and maintenance costs can be high.</li><li>Technical Skill: Operators need to be skilled in managing the distillation process to achieve optimal results.</li></ul><h4>6. Spray Drying</h4>Spray drying is a process used to convert liquid materials into dry powders by rapidly drying them with a hot gas. This technique is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries for creating stable, shelf-stable powders.<ul><li>Applications: Used to produce powdered milk, coffee, eggs, and flavors. Employed in the production of powdered drugs and formulations.</li><li>Advantages: Efficiently converts liquids into dry powders in a short time. Allows precise control over the size and distribution of the powder particles.</li></ul>Limitations:<ul><li>High Energy Consumption: Requires significant energy to heat the drying gas.</li><li>Thermal Degradation: High temperatures can cause thermal degradation of sensitive compounds.</li><li>Complexity: Requires careful control of operating conditions to achieve desired product characteristics.</li></ul><h4>7. Simple Distillation</h4>Simple distillation is a basic method used to separate liquids with significantly different boiling points. It involves heating the mixture to vaporize the more volatile component, which is then condensed and collected.<ul><li>Applications: Used to purify solvents, water, and other liquids by removing impurities. Ideal for separating simple mixtures of two components with different boiling points.</li><li>Advantages: Easy to set up and operate with minimal equipment. Low initial investment and operating costs. Effective for separating mixtures with large differences in boiling points.</li></ul>Limitations:<ul><li>Limited Precision: Not suitable for separating complex mixtures or components with close boiling points.</li><li>Scalability Issues: Less efficient for large-scale industrial processes.</li><li>Thermal Degradation: Higher temperatures can cause degradation of heat-sensitive components.</li></ul><h4>8. Microwave-Assisted Evaporation</h4>Microwave-assisted evaporation is a technique that uses microwave energy to heat and evaporate solvents from samples. This method is efficient and rapid, making it suitable for various laboratory applications.<ul><li>Applications: Used to speed up reactions and solvent removal in organic synthesis. Employed for drying drug formulations and preparing samples for analysis.</li><li>Advantages: Microwaves heat samples quickly and uniformly, reducing evaporation time.</li></ul>Limitations:<ul><li>Equipment Cost: Microwave evaporators can be expensive to purchase and maintain.</li><li>Sample Compatibility: Not all samples are suitable for microwave heating, particularly those with low dielectric properties.</li><li>Safety Concerns: Requires careful handling to avoid overheating and potential hazards.</li></ul><h3>Conclusion</h3>For laboratories that need to process several samples simultaneously, Organomation's S-EVAP evaporators present a compelling alternative to rotary evaporation. By offering higher throughput, cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and space efficiency, the S-EVAP can streamline laboratory workflows and improve overall productivity. As technology continues to evolve, staying informed about the latest advancements in evaporation methods will ensure that labs can maintain optimal performance and efficiency.

Exploring Alternatives to Rotary Evaporation in Modern Laboratories

Wastewater treatment plants struggle every day with substances that don’t simply disappear from the water. The removal of nitrogen compounds is very important at these plants. If too much of these substances remains in the water, they harm rivers and the life within them. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/article/5403">Karel Havlíček </a>from CXI TUL was a co-investigator on the HYMNA project, which combined two well-known treatment technologies into a single system. And he added something to them that isn’t commonly used at treatment plants: nanofibers.The full name of the project is “Hybrid MBR-MBBR System Using Nanomaterials for Advanced Wastewater Treatment.” The acronym is HYMNA. “It sounds a bit grand,” laughs co-investigator Karel Havlíček from the Department of Environmental Protection Technology. But the goal was indeed grand. The water that flows out of a treatment plant isn’t always as clean as it could be. And that’s a problem worth solving.<h4>A Screen and Beads</h4>Behind the acronyms MBR and MBBR lie two technologies that treatment plants typically deploy separately. But Karel combined them into a single process and demonstrated that together they can work significantly better. He validated the combination in practice and used it to design a technology with a clear procedure, measurable results, and the potential for real-world application.The MBR functions as a fine screen. The membranes trap impurities, organic matter, and undissolved particles. But even then, the process isn’t complete—nitrogenous compounds still remain in the clarified water.To address this, Karel Havlíček and his partners implemented the second part of the technology: MBBR. Small plastic beads with holes and nanofibers inside move freely in the tank with the help of aeration. Microorganisms grow and live on the surface of the nanofibers, converting ammonia nitrogen into nitrates.Why does this matter? Ammoniacal nitrogen is toxic to fish; it damages their gills and, at higher concentrations, kills them. An excess of nitrogen triggers algae blooms, causing the water to turn green, depleting oxygen levels, and suffocating aquatic life.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CXI_TUL_Kulicky_s_nanovlakennym_srdcem_Takhle_se_da_cistit_voda_lip_2_6559ff2373.jpg" alt="CXI TUL: Beads with a nanofiber core. This is a better way to purify water." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CXI_TUL_Kulicky_s_nanovlakennym_srdcem_Takhle_se_da_cistit_voda_lip_2_6559ff2373.jpg 117w," sizes="100vw" width="768" height="1024"><h4>Beads with a Nanofiber Core</h4>The beads are no accident. Karel inserted nanofiber carriers—a fine fibrous material to which microorganisms quickly and firmly attach—into plastic bodies with holes. He had already proposed this concept in his dissertation.The path to the final design was not straightforward. Originally, it was a nanofiber layer. However, it gradually washed off the beads. They replaced it with yarn, which holds its shape. The result is a utility model for new biomass carriers.The main advantage is the speed of colonization. On conventional materials, colonization takes much longer. Microorganisms colonize the nanofibers quickly. This is crucial, especially where the water is hostile or toxic to them.Industrial wastewater is often so polluted that bacteria cannot survive on conventional carriers. On a nanofiber surface, however, they manage to attach themselves before the environment destroys them. The system then works even where other technologies would fail.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CXI_TUL_Kulicky_s_nanovlakennym_srdcem_Takhle_se_da_cistit_voda_lip_3_290e60625f.jpg" alt="CXI TUL: Beads with a nanofiber core. This is a better way to purify water." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CXI_TUL_Kulicky_s_nanovlakennym_srdcem_Takhle_se_da_cistit_voda_lip_3_290e60625f.jpg 117w," sizes="100vw" width="768" height="1024"><h4>A Surprising Number</h4>The most important factor was how the system would handle ammonia nitrogen. The team even tested extreme concentrations of up to eighty milligrams per liter. And that’s not just fine-tuning. That’s a stress test pushing the limits—one that could cripple or completely halt the activity of the purifying microorganisms.The system handled it. At the outflow, they measured less than one milligram per liter.“We achieved a level that even a conventional treatment plant often can’t handle,” Karel said, expressing his surprise.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CXI_TUL_Kulicky_s_nanovlakennym_srdcem_Takhle_se_da_cistit_voda_lip_4_00a10f7915.jpg" alt="CXI TUL: Beads with a nanofiber core. This is a better way to purify water." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CXI_TUL_Kulicky_s_nanovlakennym_srdcem_Takhle_se_da_cistit_voda_lip_4_00a10f7915.jpg 117w," sizes="100vw" width="768" height="1024"><h4>Container-Based Treatment Plant</h4>Combining the two technologies brought an added benefit. The system can function not only as a post-treatment unit following a standard treatment plant but also as a standalone modular treatment plant. No construction is needed; the system can be delivered, connected, and put into operation.“Industrial facilities will especially appreciate this. Companies that currently transport contaminated water in barrels as hazardous waste could handle part of the treatment themselves,” explains Karel. According to him, this would mean less waste, less logistics, and lower costs for companies.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CXI_TUL_Kulicky_s_nanovlakennym_srdcem_Takhle_se_da_cistit_voda_lip_5_15c7bfefc3.jpg" alt="CXI TUL: Beads with a nanofiber core. This is a better way to purify water." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CXI_TUL_Kulicky_s_nanovlakennym_srdcem_Takhle_se_da_cistit_voda_lip_5_15c7bfefc3.jpg 117w," sizes="100vw" width="768" height="1024"><h4>A Myth That Didn’t Pan Out</h4>Apart from the main project, Karel’s team asked themselves another question: Can microorganisms in a standard wastewater treatment plant biofilm on carriers break down micropollutants—that is, traces of medications or pesticides that end up in the water?Some studies suggested that this might be possible.But the enthusiasm quickly faded. “No degradation occurs. The micropollutants simply accumulate in the system,” Karel states. The system captures them but does not destroy them. That requires more powerful methods, such as ozone or UV radiation.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CXI_TUL_Kulicky_s_nanovlakennym_srdcem_Takhle_se_da_cistit_voda_lip_f8251f3b2e.jpg" alt="CXI TUL: Beads with a nanofiber core. This is a better way to purify water." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CXI_TUL_Kulicky_s_nanovlakennym_srdcem_Takhle_se_da_cistit_voda_lip_f8251f3b2e.jpg 110w," sizes="100vw" width="724" height="1024"><blockquote>The HYMNA project, part of the TREND program of the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, in collaboration with ENVI-PUR, s.r.o. (principal investigator) and Pražské vodovody a kanalizace, a.s.</blockquote>

Beads with a nanofiber core. This is a better way to purify water.

In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, we sit down with Dr. Lee Polite from Axion Training Institute to break down one of analytical chemistry's most powerful yet misunderstood techniques: gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS).<h4>What You'll Learn:</h4><ul><li>Why GC and MS are the "perfect pair" – and what happens when you try to use MS alone</li><li>The electron gun: how molecules get ionized and why they become positively charged (not negatively!)</li><li>The magnetic sector vs. quadrupole: from first principles to modern mass filtering</li><li>Why Dr. Lee uses the "corkscrew trajectory" analogy – and why it actually works</li><li>The cars and boats analogy: how fragmentation creates a unique molecular fingerprint</li><li>Scan mode vs. SIM (Selected Ion Monitoring): when to use each for identification vs. sensitivity</li><li>Real-world forensics: detecting pesticides in spinach and cocaine in hair follicles</li><li>Triple quad GC/MS and Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM): the future of trace analysis</li></ul><h4>Why This Matters:</h4>Over 2 million chromatographs operate worldwide, yet most users don't truly understand how they work. Dr. Polite has trained more than 14,000 professional scientists at Axion Labs to move beyond "pushing buttons" to genuinely comprehending the science. This conversation is designed for undergraduate students, academic researchers, and anyone preparing for analytical chemistry roles in pharma, environmental testing, or forensics. &nbsp;🎤 Dr. Lee Polite is a leading authority in analytical chromatography education and founder of Axion Training Institute, a real working laboratory where scientists come for hands-on GC and LC training. With nearly 30 years of experience and a PhD under Harold McNair (one of the grandfathers of modern chromatography), Dr. Polite is passionate about making complex instrumentation accessible to students and professionals alike.<h3>Video Transcription</h3>Mass spectrometry has a reputation for being one of the most intimidating analytical techniques. According to Dr. Lee Polite, however, that reputation is undeserved. During a recent interview, the founder of Axion Analytical Labs shared how decades of teaching scientists—from undergraduate students to forensic chemists and even lawyers—have convinced him that virtually anyone can understand GC/MS when the concepts are explained correctly.His approach relies less on equations and more on analogies, transforming complex physical principles into familiar everyday experiences.<h4>The biggest misconception about mass spectrometry</h4>"The first obstacle isn't the science—it's the belief that you'll never understand it."That is the misconception Dr. Polite encounters most often. Students frequently enter chromatography or mass spectrometry courses assuming the subject is too complex for them.His advice is simple: suspend that disbelief.Rather than viewing GC/MS as one enormous complicated system, he encourages learners to see it as a collection of simple processes connected together. Once each individual step becomes clear, the entire instrument suddenly makes sense.<h4>Teaching more than 14,000 scientists</h4>Dr. Polite founded Axion Analytical Labs nearly three decades ago. Although it operates as a fully functional chromatography laboratory, its primary mission is education.Scientists spend five days in the laboratory learning chromatography hands-on—disassembling instruments, rebuilding them, troubleshooting problems, and developing a practical understanding of how the technology works.Over the years, Axion has trained more than 14,000 scientists, along with hundreds of attorneys who need to understand analytical chemistry for courtroom testimony. Dr. Polite believes curiosity matters far more than formal education.<h4>Why every GC needs a mass spectrometer—and every mass spectrometer needs a GC</h4>One of the interview's clearest explanations addresses a question many beginners ask:<h5>Why do we combine gas chromatography with mass spectrometry?</h5>The answer lies in the strengths and weaknesses of each technique.Mass spectrometers excel at identifying pure compounds, but they struggle with complex mixtures. Real-world samples—environmental extracts, food, pharmaceuticals, forensic evidence—are almost always mixtures.Gas chromatography solves this problem by separating the mixture into individual components before they reach the mass spectrometer.As Dr. Polite summarizes:<blockquote>GC provides the separation power. Mass spectrometry provides the identification power.</blockquote>Without chromatographic separation, overlapping compounds generate confusing spectra that are difficult—or impossible—to interpret correctly.<h4>Explaining chromatography with a shopping mall</h4>Perhaps Dr. Polite's most famous teaching analogy compares chromatography to walking through a shopping mall.Imagine two people standing on a moving walkway. One walks straight through the mall, while the other repeatedly leaves the walkway to browse clothing stores, shoe stores, and accessory shops.Although both entered together, they exit at different times.Chromatographic separation works in exactly the same way. Every compound enters the column simultaneously, but molecules interact differently with the stationary phase. Those with stronger interactions spend more time "shopping" and therefore elute later.The analogy immediately illustrates retention time without requiring advanced chemistry.<h4>How can a mass spectrometer "weigh" molecules?</h4>Another concept that often confuses students is molecular weight determination.Since molecules are far too small to weigh directly, mass spectrometers first convert neutral molecules into ions using electron impact ionization.Once charged, the ions can be manipulated by electric or magnetic fields.Dr. Polite introduces the concept by first describing the historical magnetic sector instrument before moving to the quadrupole mass filter used in most modern GC/MS systems.His explanation replaces intimidating mathematics with a simple idea: only ions having the correct mass-to-charge ratio can successfully travel through the quadrupole and reach the detector.<h4>Fragmentation: the molecular fingerprint</h4>Simply measuring molecular weight rarely identifies a compound uniquely.The real power of GC/MS comes from fragmentation.High-energy electrons break molecules into characteristic fragments that create a unique mass spectrum—a molecular fingerprint.To explain this process, Dr. Polite asks readers to imagine a car packed with explosives. After the explosion, investigators identify the vehicle by examining scattered components such as wheels, doors, and the steering wheel.Mass spectrometry works the same way.Each fragment contributes evidence that allows software libraries, such as NIST, to determine compound identity with remarkable confidence.<h4>Scan mode versus SIM mode</h4>The interview also explores the practical difference between scan acquisition and Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM).Scan mode records a complete mass spectrum and is ideal for identifying unknown compounds.SIM, on the other hand, focuses only on a few selected ions, dramatically increasing sensitivity.Using pesticide analysis as an example, Dr. Polite demonstrates how compounds that are almost invisible in full-scan chromatograms become obvious when monitored using SIM.<h4>Why triple quadrupoles dominate trace analysis</h4>For laboratories measuring contaminants at parts-per-trillion concentrations, triple quadrupole instruments provide another major advantage.Instead of monitoring only a single ion, tandem MS follows a specific fragmentation pathway—known as a transition—greatly reducing background interference.This Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) approach enables highly selective quantification of pesticides, PFAS, pharmaceutical residues, and numerous other trace contaminants in extremely complex samples.<h4>The chromatography lesson many users forget</h4>One message appears repeatedly throughout the interview:Most GC/MS problems are actually chromatography problems.Poor separations inevitably produce poor mass spectra.Dr. Polite argues that successful mass spectrometry begins with understanding chromatography fundamentals rather than relying on sophisticated detectors to compensate for inadequate separations.<h4>Looking ahead</h4>When asked about the future of mass spectrometry, Dr. Polite predicts continued improvements in sensitivity, smarter software, and increasing use of artificial intelligence.AI could assist laboratories by automatically recognizing problematic chromatographic peaks, identifying developing instrument issues, and simplifying interpretation of increasingly complex datasets.Yet despite these technological advances, he believes the fundamentals remain unchanged.Scientists who understand chromatography, ionization, fragmentation, and data analysis will continue to benefit regardless of how instrumentation evolves.<h4>Final thoughts</h4>After teaching analytical chemistry for more than 30 years, Dr. Lee Polite remains convinced that mass spectrometry is not inherently difficult.The challenge is rarely the science itself—it is finding the right explanation.By combining memorable analogies with practical laboratory experience, he demonstrates that one of analytical chemistry's most powerful techniques can also be one of its most approachable.<blockquote>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.<h4>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</h4>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!You can find Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast in podcast apps:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL">Spotify</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185">Apple podcast</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography">podscan</a></li></ul>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos">YouTube channel</a></blockquote>

How Mass Spectrometry Actually Works: The Quadrupole Explained

Article

Product

Academy

Video

Environment

Water

Interview

Science and research

The Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovations of the Technical University of Liberec, also known as CXI TUL, was founded in 2009. Our mission is to support TUL's long-term vision of collaboration with industry and innovation.

CXI TUL

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

Organomation

ALS Czech Republic

Agilent Technologies

LECO

Quantum Analytics

Frontier Lab

SelectScience

Wiley

Don’t miss this opportunity to attend the Virtual GC/Q-TOF User Meeting, organized with the help of academic and industrial leaders.
Implemented in a variety of well-respected universities and research centers, the Agilent GC/Q-TOF has been widely adopted for a number of advanced/high-level research needs and applications.
This full-day interactive user meeting offers you valuable information, including Q&amp;A about low-cost, robust, and easy-to-maintain GC/Q-TOF instruments from Agilent.
During the full-day conference, you will have the opportunity to:
<ul>
<li>Listen to speakers and GC/Q-TOF users from the comfort of your home or office</li>
<li>Ask each speaker questions in the real-time Q&amp;A session following each broadcast</li>
<li>Virtually meet, chat, and exchange ideas with all participants, as well as with speakers</li>
</ul>
We look forward to seeing you at the virtual event.
<h3>Agenda</h3>
<h5>09:50 - 10:00 Welcome</h5>
<h5>10:00 - 10:30 GC/Q-TOF application in clinical metabolomics studies</h5>
<ul>
<li>Simon Maria Kienle, Steno Diabetes Center</li>
</ul>
<h5>10:30 - 11:00 Evaluation of GC/Q-TOF in metabolic flux analyses: determination of 13C incorporation in intracellular metabolites of prostate cancer cell lines incubated in the presence of 13C-labelled substrates</h5>
<ul>
<li>Pablo Rodriguez Gonzalez, University of Oviedo</li>
</ul>
<h5>11:00 - 11:30 Various applications of GC-EI-qTOF-MS in the field of metabolomics, lipidomics and environment</h5>
<ul>
<li>Oliver J. Schmitz, University of Duisburg-Essen</li>
</ul>
<h5>11:30 - 12:00 Unveiling Generational Allergies: Metabolomic Insights into Gut Microbiota Using GC/Q-TOF-MS</h5>
<ul>
<li>Fernanda Rey-Stolle, CEU San Pablo University</li>
</ul>
<h5>12:00 - 12:30 Updated and partially automated GC/Q-TOF screening for routine anti doping control analysis</h5>
<ul>
<li>Wim Van Gansbeke, University of Gent</li>
</ul>
<h5>12:30 - 02:00 Break</h5>
<h5>02:00 - 02:30 GC-MS in high resolution mode for analysis of the volatile profile of virgin olive oil</h5>
<ul>
<li>Feliciano Priego Capote, University of Cordoba</li>
</ul>
<h5>02:30 - 03:00 Advancing MOSH/MOAH analysis by GC×GC-FID/Q-TOF</h5>
<ul>
<li>Daniela Peroni, SRA Instruments</li>
</ul>
<h5>03:00 - 03:30 Applications of Thermal Desorption GC/Q-TOF in Pharmaceutical Analysis</h5>
<ul>
<li>Yudong Wang, Astra Zeneca</li>
</ul>
<h5>03:30 - 04:00 SureMass as an advanced tool for data processing in discovery metabolomics</h5>
<ul>
<li>Sandrien Desmet, VIB Metabolomics Core Gent</li>
</ul>
<h5>04:00 - 04:30 A Risk-Based Approach to Monitoring/Screening for Contaminants and the Benefits of the Masshunter Screener Workflow in Combination with GC-/Q-TOF Acquired Accurate Mass Data.</h5>
<ul>
<li>Bryan White, Agilent Technologies</li>
</ul>
<h5>04:30 - 05:00 Accurate Mass Library for PFAS Analysis in Environmental Samples Using High Resolution GC/Q-TOF</h5>
<ul>
<li>Sofia Nieto, Agilent Technologies</li>
</ul>

Agilent Technologies: 2023 GC/Q-TOF Virtual User Meeting

2023 GC/Q-TOF Virtual User Meeting

Q&A about low-cost, robust, and easy-to-maintain GC/Q-TOF instruments from Agilent.

In the ever-evolving landscape of today&#39;s competitive market, the significance of maintaining the quality and safeguarding the integrity of your brands cannot be overstated.
It is becoming even more imperative to outpace your competitors by leveraging powerful technology which can enhance your workflows, elevate brand quality and empower your Aroma, Flavour and Fragrance analysis.
In this webinar, we explore the capabilities of LECO technology and the impact it is having on overcoming the challenges faced in the Aroma, Flavor, and Fragrance industry.
<h4>1. Enhanced Workflows for Essential Oils: Increase Confidence in QC Screening &amp; Characterisation</h4>
<ul>
<li>Presented by Sebastiano Panto
</li>
<li>Hydrogen Carrier Gas
</li>
<li>BT 1D GC-TOFMS
</li>
<li>Maximise efficiency with Sync Software
</li>
</ul>
<h4>2. Investigate Perfumes in Greater Depth &amp; Faster: Utilise GCxGC to characterise perfume complexity and understand important differences for both performance and quality assurance</h4>
<ul>
<li>Presented by Lena Dubois
</li>
<li>Unveiling the power of BT4D and GCxGC-TOFMS
</li>
<li>Distinguishing real from counterfeit perfumes
</li>
<li>Seamlessly navigate complexity with Tile Software
</li>
<li>Allergen analysis to ensure safety
</li>
</ul>
<h4>3. Non-Target Characterization and Simultaneous Quantitation for Reformulation of Complex Fragrance Samples with GCxGC-MS/FID</h4>
<ul>
<li>Presented by Dr. Liz Humston-Fuller
</li>
<li>Mastering BT4D, RFF, Splitter/FID technologies
</li>
<li>Characterisation in detail
</li>
<li>Confident quantification through enhanced FOD accuracy
</li>
</ul>
<h4>4. Whisky Analysis: Unravel the complexities and differences of Whiskies</h4>
<ul>
<li>Presented by Taff Morgan (The Open University)
</li>
<li>BT 1D/BT4D
</li>
<li>Complex characterisation
</li>
<li>Comparison of different origins and process types
</li>
<li>Fast interpretation of large sample sets with Sync/Tile
</li>
</ul>
By immersing yourself in these advanced technologies and software solutions, you stand to revolutionize your workflow, elevate quality control measures, protect your supply chain, uphold brand reputation, ensure product safety, and shape consumer perception.
<blockquote>
Presenter: (Alan Griffiths, Director of Separation Science Global Sales, LECO USA)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Initially joining LECO UK as an installation and service engineer 15 years ago before taking on the challenges of sales across the UK and Ireland territory, Alan has a vast experience and understanding of LECO’s separation science portfolio. In the webinar, Alan will both introduce the speakers and chair the Q&amp;A.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: (Dr. Liz Humston-Fuller, Applications Chemist, LECO USA)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Liz earned her PhD in Analytical Chemistry with Prof Robert Synovec in the group that developed the tile-based Fischer ratio algorithms that have been further developed in collaboration with LECO to underpin ChromaTOF Tile. Her presentation will introduce “Advanced processing software with ChromaTOF Tile &amp; ChromaTOF Sync.”
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: (Dr. Lena Dubois, Applications Chemist, LECO Europe)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Lena has ten years’ experience in the field of application chemistry and gained her PhD under the mentorship of Prof. Jef Focant at Liège University. Lena will be discussing “Workflows for the assessment of key aroma compounds” by utilising the latest in advanced GC and GCxGC -TOFMS and data processing technologies.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: (Dr. Geraint (Taff) Morgan, Department of Physical Sciences, The Open University)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Taff is an analytical chemist with vast experience, applying his knowledge from the bottom of the ocean to the surface of a comet. His talk entitled “Comprehensive Evaluation of Scotch Whisky Aroma Profile Using SPME-GCxGC-TOFMS” will demonstrate the effective use of high-quality instrumentation and software to real world whisky samples.
</blockquote>

LECO: State of the Art Technology for Aroma, Flavour and Fragrance Analysis

State of the Art Technology for Aroma, Flavour and Fragrance Analysis

Explore the capabilities of LECO technology and the impact it is having on overcoming the challenges faced in the Aroma, Flavor, and Fragrance industry.

Technology for Aroma, Flavour and Fragrance Analysis

Comparing MS spectra to libraries of reference spectra is one of the most widely used and successful methodologies in the identification of unknown mass spectra. Using this approach, access to an expansive, quality dataset is critical to achieving reliable results.
In this session we will introduce the latest release of the Wiley Registry® / NIST Mass Spectral Library 2023, which combines the power of two trusted MS spectral libraries to provide comprehensive compound coverage and ensure identification across multiple use cases and a wide variety of analytes.
In this session, we will also demonstrate through a series of live examples how this library can be used to successfully identify unknown spectra.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Nadia Laschuk
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Nadia Laschuk is a Product Manager for Wiley Science Solutions, for which she manages new products and databases while supporting existing KnowItAll capabilities. Nadia previously completed her PhD in Materials Science from Ontario Tech University, where she performed research applying a wide array of instrumental techniques to analyze metal-organic coordination compounds. Nadia has since pursued cheminformatics and software, joining Wiley in 2022.
</blockquote>

Wiley: Increase the Likelihood of MS Identification with the Wiley Registry / NIST Library

Increase the Likelihood of MS Identification with the Wiley Registry / NIST Library

The latest release of the Wiley Registry® / NIST Mass Spectral Library 2023, which combines the power of two trusted MS spectral libraries.

MS Identification with the Wiley Registry / NIST Library

As our understanding of the human impact on the environment deepens, so too does the conversation and action surrounding two linked topics: how companies can adopt more sustainable operations and which other compounds necessitate monitoring to address the latest safety and environmental concerns.
When trying to assess sustainability in a GC-based lab, organic solvents, liquid cryogen and helium are often at the top of lab managers&#39; lists to reduce. Hydrogen carrier gas, solvent-free, and cryogen-free sample introduction methods offer a solution to these problems. However, are they compatible with the expanding number of species and lower detection limits now required for many organic compound monitoring lists?
In this webinar, Hannah Calder, Environmental Air – Market Development Manager at Markes International, and Dr. Aaron Davies, Commercial Marketing Manager – Thermal Desorption at Markes International, will discuss case studies where air monitoring lists are growing in complexity, such as in ozone precursor monitoring, air toxics, and organic ozone-depleting substances. In each case study, as well as looking at how the methodology can meet the requirements of monitoring, they will also discuss how the method can be made more sustainable, ensuring longevity and accountability.
By attending this webinar, you will learn:
<ul>
<li>About proposed changes to monitoring of ozone precursors in Europe, air toxics in the USA and ozone depleting substances in China
</li>
<li>How sustainability can be introduced into laboratories analysing organic compounds, with a focus on air monitoring
</li>
<li>What the challenges are when adopting a more sustainable approach, and tools available to help facilitate the conversion process
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend?
<ul>
<li>Researchers interested in monitoring of organic compounds
</li>
<li>Laboratory and project managers specialising in air samples
</li>
<li>Environmental consultants
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Hannah Calder (Markes International)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Hannah Calder is Markes International’s Environmental Air Market Development Manager, specialising inthe application of thermal desorption in environmental air monitoring. Hannahjoined Markes International’s global team of technical experts in 2013 followingher master’s degree in chemistry obtained from Cardiff University. Hannah is involved withdevelopment of international analytical standards for ambient and indoor airmonitoring through ASTM committee D22 and CEN committees TC264 and TC351. Shehas a comprehensive knowledge on the use of Thermal Desorption as an analyticaltool for air analysis and has recently worked on projects for monitoring ozonedepleting substances, ozone precursors, air toxics and PFAS.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Aaron Davies (Markes International)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Aaron Davies is the commercial marketing manager for thermal desorption at Markes International. After graduating from Cardiff and Monash Universities with a PhDin Chemistry, Aaron has worked in industry as a Process and Product DevelopmentChemist, GC, GC-MS Product Specialist before finally focusing on his passionfor thermal desorption. In his role, Aaron assists customers and partners onthe effective use of thermal desorption for simplifying sample preparation andthe benefits of using alternative carrier gases (such as hydrogen and nitrogen)to helium.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ellen Simms (Assistant Editor, SelectScience)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Ellen studied biological sciences at the University of the West of England, UK, before completing a master&#39;s in epidemiology from the University of Bristol. As a member of the Editorial team, she now plays an integral role in shaping the content on SelectScience.
</blockquote>

SelectScience: Balancing lab sustainability and expanding VOC monitoring requirements for air analysis

Balancing lab sustainability and expanding VOC monitoring requirements for air analysis

Case studies where air monitoring lists are growing in complexity, such as in ozone precursor monitoring, air toxics, and organic ozone-depleting substances.

VOC monitoring requirements for air analysis

Learn how GC-based techniques widely used in VOC monitoring can be easily applied to PFAS analysis.
Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can occur through a number of pathways. One of the less understood, but equally important, routes is air. The movement of PFAS through air can happen relatively unimpeded when compared to water and soil, and deposition from the air is another way that they can become contaminated.
Sources of PFAS in the air can be industrial activity, disposal of PFAS containing materials or simply emissions from PFAS containing products. Monitoring of these different environments and matrices is commonly carried out using GC based techniques for other VOCs, so how does monitoring of PFAS differ? Join this webinar to hear about how techniques already broadly used for VOC monitoring can be successfully applied to PFAS measurements from air and materials.
By attending this webinar, you will learn:
<ul>
<li>Which PFAS are GC amenable and which make most sense to monitor with other techniques
</li>
<li>How current VOC monitoring standards can be applied to PFAS monitoring in air
</li>
<li>What changes to those methods mean in terms of performance and new challenges they introduce
</li>
<li>What detection limits are possible in air and what is needed for different environments and matrices
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Hannah Calder (Environmental Air Market Development Manager, Markes International)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Hannah Calder is Markes International’s Environmental Air Market Development Manager, specialising in the application of thermal desorption in environmental air monitoring. Hannah joined Markes International’s global team of technical experts in 2013 following her Masters degree in Chemistry obtained from Cardiff University. Hannah is involved with development of international analytical standards for ambient and indoor air monitoring through ASTM committee D22 and CEN committees TC264 and TC351. She has a comprehensive knowledge on the use of Thermal Desorption as an analytical tool for air analysis and is currently working on projects for monitoring ozone depleting substances, air toxics, ozone precursors, and PFAS.
</blockquote>

Quantum Analytics: Adapting GC-Based Standards for Sampling & Analysis of PFAS in Air

Adapting GC-Based Standards for Sampling & Analysis of PFAS in Air

Learn how GC-based techniques widely used in VOC monitoring can be easily applied to PFAS analysis.

Adapting GC-Based Standards for Sampling & Analysis of PFAS

Polychlorinated dibezo-p-dioxins and dibenzofuranes (PCDD/PCDF) – basic characteristics, properties
<ul>
<li>PCDD/F – Primary sources</li>
<li>PCDD/F - Structure, number of congeners</li>
<li>PCDD/F - Toxic equivalent factors (TEFs)</li>
<li>PCDD/F – Expression of the analytical result via Toxic equivalent (TEQ)</li>
<li>PCDD/F - The aim of analysis and reporting</li>
</ul>
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)-basic characteristics, properties
<ul>
<li>PCBs-sources
</li>
<li>Number of PCB isomers and congeners
</li>
<li>PCB - Coplanar versus non-coplanar PCBs
</li>
<li>PCBs - Toxic equivalent factors (TEFs) of dioxin like PCBs
</li>
<li>PCBs - Expression of the analytical result via Toxic equivalent (TEQ)
</li>
<li>PCBs - The aim of analysis and reporting
</li>
</ul>
The most famous „Dioxin“ crises in the past
<ul>
<li>EU legislation concerning PCDD/Fs and PCBs -feeding stuffs (maximum limits)
</li>
<li>EU legislation concerning PCDD/Fs and PCBs -food (maximum limits)
</li>
<li>ALS CR - Lab Pardubice – instrumental fleet
</li>
</ul>

Dioxin & PCB analysis

Polychlorinated dibezo-p-dioxins and dibenzofuranes (PCDD/PCDF).

Two years have passed since we hosted our first microplastics symposium.
Since then, the microplastic landscape has witnessed significant developments—the impending release of the first ISO standard and ongoing advancements in SOPs. We are pleased that we can bring you together with experts in our field.
This digital conference aims to explore various crucial topics related to the analysis of microplastics, covering areas such as sampling, sample preparation, analysis, and evaluation.
<h3>Highlights – Why you should attend</h3>
<h5>Stay updated on microplastic analysis</h5>
Gain insight into the latest advancements and challenges in microplastic analysis. This seminar covers essential aspects such as sampling, sample preparation, and analysis techniques like spectroscopy (ICP-MS) and chromatography (pyr/TED-GC/MS). 
<h5>Explore diverse applications</h5>
Discover the wide range of applications beyond microplastic analysis that can be addressed with a QCL-based IR imaging system like the LDIR 8700. Get an overview of its potential in areas such as materials, bio, and pharmaceuticals.
<h5>Take part in a live demo</h5>
Witness a live demonstration of an automatic microplastic analysis workflow. Experience firsthand how these techniques and technologies come together to address real-world challenges. Engage with Agilent experts who will answer any questions you may have.
<h5>Showcase your expertise</h5>
Actively participate by presenting your work and contributions in techniques like TED-GC/MS, pyr-GC/MS, and ICP-MS, which are crucial for microplastic analysis. Alternatively, highlight your knowledge of the versatile LDIR 8700 system, showcasing its applications in pharmaceuticals, material analysis, or bio sectors.
<h3>Agenda</h3>
<h5>09:00 Welcome Introduction &amp; Video of Geoff Winkett , Agilent Technologies</h5>
<h5>9:10 The World of Microplastics Up to Date an Overview</h5>
<ul>
<li>Andreas Kerstan (Agilent Technologies)</li>
</ul>
<h5>09:30 Hot news on Agilent LDIR, new developments, and future perspective</h5>
<ul>
<li>Wesam Alwan , Darren Robey (Agilent Technologies)</li>
</ul>
<h5>09:50 Release of Plastic Additives and Microplastic Particles from Different Consumer Products into Water under Accelerated UV Weathering Conditions</h5>
<ul>
<li>Lars Hildebrandt (Scientist, Helmholtz Zentrum Hereon)</li>
</ul>
Photodegradation of plastic products is known to accelerate weathering and the resulting release of chemical additives and particles to the environment, however these processes are complex. Here, eight different plastic consumer products were leached in double distilled water under exposure to strong ultraviolet (UV) light for ten days, and the chemical composition of the leachates was compared to their respective dark controls. The leachates and plastic particles were investigated with a wide battery of chemical analytical tools to broadly characterize the underlying processes and possible hazards. These covered (a) metal(loid) analysis, (b) microplastic analysis, (c) analysis of &gt;70 organic target analytes and (d) nontargeted screening of the extracts.
<h5>10:10 Identification of Polymers Using Machine Learning</h5>
<ul>
<li>Xin Tian (Scientific Researcher, KWR NL)</li>
</ul>
Microplastics and other polymers are found in the environment. For this reason, it is important to have reliable methods to identify them. Methods used to detect nano- and microplastics in the environment include Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, laser-directed infrared (LDIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)/pyrolysis. These measurement techniques can provide a lot of information, but sometimes require a database with a lot of high-quality data to compare measurement results. Machine learning (especially classification models) can help improve data processing and accuracy.
Recent research has looked at how machine learning can help improve the accuracy of identification with infrared spectroscopy. Different computer models were tested and examined to see if the accuracy increases and if it does not require an unreasonable amount of computing power and time. This research focused on finding an effective method for identifying polymers in the environment based on their mid-infrared spectroscopic signals.
Polymers are identified by infrared spectroscopy by comparing their spectra with spectra in a database/library. This works well for new polymers, which are clean and barely degraded. Since polymers from the environment are actually degraded, comparing their infrared spectra with spectra in the library is difficult. This is because the spectra in the library often have large deviations from the spectra of the measured polymers. Increasing the number of spectra in the library is not possible because the number of spectra of environmentally degraded polymers is almost infinite. The study therefore looked at whether the problem of small data sets can be addressed using machine learning. The research presents a data enrichment technique to generate spectra of degraded polymers from single spectra of a limited number of samples. Four models were tested using these spectra to identify polymers. The study shows that all the models achieve high success rates, thereby facilitating the identification of polymers from environmental samples. Moreover, the research shows that it is not necessarily the most advanced computer model (particularly deep neural network models) that yields the best results.
<h5>10:30 From the River to the Sea: Microplastics in Sediments of the Thames River</h5>
<ul>
<li>Friederike Strock (Postdoc, German Federal Institute of Hydrology)</li>
</ul>
Microplastics have been investigated for over 45 years especially in the marine environment, but only in the past years research has started to focus on freshwater environments. In the frame of the H2020 LABPLAS project, sediments along the course of the Thames river in its freshwater and estuarune part were studied in order to better understand the sources, transport, distribution and impacts of plastic pollution and to detect the amount of plastics transport via the rivers into the sea.
In the frame of the project, a winter and a summer campaign were conducted 2022 and samples taken from 6 sites within the study area. Sediment samples were taken with a Van Veen grabber from the edge of the river, wet sieved into different compartments (10 100 µm, 100 1000 µm, &gt;1000 µm), density separated and the organic matter digested. The plastics from the sediments were characterized with a Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR). The preliminary results reveal that microplastics are present in all samples. The amount of particles varies significantly between the sampling sites showing the importance of industrial emissions and cities.
<h5>10:50 Good Laboratory Practices to Characterize Microplastics Using Quantum-Cascade Laser Reflectance Absorbance Spectrometry</h5>
<ul>
<li>Jose Manuel Andrade Garda (Professor Analytical Chemistry, University of A Corunna)</li>
</ul>
The nowadays broad societal interest in microplastic pollution demands urgent responses and actions. For these be possible politicians must set rules which, in turn, are not possible at all without sound scientific data. Unfortunately, there is a general feeling that the experimental results obtained so far are not still fully comparable and, further, that the monitoring field where hundreds or samples are taken is not being fully considered. Scientific studies and future regulations depend critically on a reliable identification of the polymers (if any) that constitute the suspicious particles under study. Out of the various analytical techniques to characterize them a novel one based on reflectance-absorbance spectrometry, commercialized as LDIR, outstands. It uses a tuneablemid-IR quantum cascade laser (QCL) to imaging a reflective microscopy slide or a metal-coated filter in a remarkable small timeframe. This communication is meant to present best practice guides to overcome some obstacles/difficulties in routine measurements, and open a path for field monitoring; among them: the adequacy of the spectral range, the variation of the peak&#39;s intensities with the size of the particles; the speed of the analysis as a function of the instrumental setup; the criterion to identify unknown spectra (a tiered approach is finally suggested); and how to differentiate fibers and fragments semiautomatically. Also, an empirical dependence of the depth of penetration of the QCL laser in common plastic particles is approached first time.
<h5>11:10 Chemical Characterization of Microplastics using Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC-MS)</h5>
<ul>
<li>Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo (Pull Professor of Analytical Chemistry, University of A Corunna)</li>
</ul>
The implementation of monitoring programs for Microplastics requires reliable and standardisedmethods. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy techniques are the most commonly used for Microplastics analysis. However, thermal analytical techniques are currently gaining popularity. This presentation focuses on the potential of mass-based thermal analytical techniques, in particular, Pyrolysis coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), for the accurate qualitative and quantitative analysis of microplastics in environmental matrices. It outlines some advantages and good laboratory practices of this approach, the importance of method normalisation, and how it can provide detailed information on polymers and plastic additives.
<h5>11:20 Analysis of Fibrous Microplastics Using Laser Direct Infrared Imaging</h5>
<ul>
<li>Monique Greiner (Research Associate, Hohenstein Laboratories)</li>
</ul>
In the research field of microplastics the identification of their source is important in order to develop strategies to minimize the pollution. A major percentage of microplastics originates from textiles. One pathway into the environment are washing procedures because the textiles release fibers during the process. Therefore our aim was to find a fast and easy way to identify fibers. In our presentation we want to give insights in our approach to the analysis of fibrous microplastics with the LDIR 8700. We will talk about our strategies, the results we achieved and difficulties we faced.
<h5>11:40 Looking beyond the Polymer: Using Thermal Desorption GC MS to expand our understanding of Microplastics</h5>
<ul>
<li>Jan Peter Mayser (Market Specialist, Markes International)</li>
</ul>
Detecting and analysingmicroplastics in the environment is challenging. The method must be able to detect and distinguish between a large variety of polymers. Additives, such as hardeners, flame retardants and preservatives, used during the manufacturing process and other compounds, that can adhere to the surfaces of microplastics from their environment, can affect their toxicity assessment. These additives could be used to link the microplastics found in the environment to their original use or potentially even back to the manufacturer.
In this study, various salts were sampled and filtered and analyzed for their microplastic content. TD–GC–MS was used to identify and measure which concentration of the plastic PS, PET, PVC and Nylon 6 had been incorporated into the crystalline structure of the salt during evaporation. By using direct desorption and backflushing technology, a large sample size could be easily isolated from the lab environment during analysis while ensuring a large range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including the marker compounds for four polymers could be trapped and analyzed.
The VOC-profile of the microplastics not only gave information about the polymer and its concentration within the sample, but further information about the toxicity could be extracted. This enabled the determination and tentative identification of additional compounds in the samples, such as dimethyl ether, acrolein and cyclopentane. These are used in the process of manufacturing plastics, so could assist with identifying the source of the plastics. For the four analysed polymers distinct marker compounds could be identified and calibration curves determined for each polymer. In all of the real-world salt samples microplastics were identified, highlighting the ubiquitous nature of the microplastic contamination.
This further information about the origin of the polymer, as well as the origin of the microplastic particles can be gathered by investigating the full VOC-profile obtained by TD-GC-MS. This allows both additional polymer information and particle source characterization.
<h5>12:00 Tiny Problems</h5>
<ul>
<li>Roxana Sühring (Assistant Professor in Analytical Environmental Chemistry, Toronto Metropolitan University)</li>
</ul>
Microplastics have been on the front page of newspapers, a dominant topic for environmental research (and funding), and a recent focus for regulatory action across the globe. Their potential impacts have been classed as a planetary boundary threat and new studies are published daily, reporting microplastics virtually anywhere on the planet. But despite numerous publications, there are still a lot of open questions on how to effectively and reproducibly characterize microplastics. How can microplastic characterization be automized? What is the impact of additives or weathering on the characterization accuracy?
In this presentation I will provide an overview and the first results of a research collaboration between Agilent technologies and the Emerging contaminants lab at Toronto Metropolitan University that works on addressing some of these questions. Our research aims to create a versatile microplastic library using weathered and new plastics commonly found in the environment. This library will additionally be used as a training set for developing automated particle characterization for the LDIR.
<h5>12:20 Identification of Microplastic Particles in Soil Using LDIR</h5>
<ul>
<li>Martine Graf, PhD (Student &amp; Senior Technician, Bangor University)</li>
</ul>
The use of agricultural plastic has become increasingly concerning in an environmental setting in recent years; in Europe alone, an estimated 2.5 million tones of plastic mulch films are used each year. The use of mulch films for crop production has been promoted by governments worldwide due to its many benefits, however the removal of these films from the soil can be difficult due to their poor mechanical strength and fragmentation, and barriers such as poor incentives for farmers and underdeveloped infrastructure for collection and disposal. The latter often leading to the films being discarded or incinerated along field margins, or ploughed back into the fields, leading to an accumulation of plastic legacy in soil. To evaluate the microplastic pollution levels in agricultural soils, we are i ) conducting a global soil survey in all partner countries; ii) assessing the degradation and fragmentation of conventional and biodegradable plastic mulch films in soil, and measuring the resulting microplastic production rate; and iii) measure the degradation and movement of microplastic in soil after repeated application. Microplastics are extracted from soil using targeted methods for different polymer types, and analysed using fluorescent microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and LDIR spectroscopy.
<h5>12:40 Wrap up and open discussion</h5>

Agilent Technologies: Agilent Microplastics Virtual Symposium 2023

Agilent Microplastics Virtual Symposium 2023

Explore various crucial topics related to the analysis of microplastics, covering areas such as sampling, sample preparation, analysis, and evaluation.

Non-alcoholic (NA) and low alcoholic beers (LABs) are growing in demand worldwide. However, dealcoholization or arrested fermentation leads to changes in the overall aroma and flavor profiles compared to full strength (FS) beer analogues.
This webinar Dr. Tiffany Crawford, Kalsec Inc., Megan Harper, GERSTEL, Inc., and Matt Curtis, Agilent will discuss a semi-targeted method developed using DHS-GC-MS technology that allows for the improvement of NA beer flavor through the addition of specialized hops products. They will also examine the use of GC-MS-O technology to determine the source of off-odors in a plant extract matrix. A brief overview of the GERSTEL dynamic headspace (DHS), Thermal Desorption Unit (TDU), and olfactory detection port (ODP) systems will be highlighted in order to understand their contributions to this work. The Agilent 7250 GC/QToF functionality will also be reviewed, along with the software tools e.g. SureMass feature-finding and MassProfiler Professional.
Key learning objectives
<ul>
<li>Understand the analytical challenges in the determination of off-flavors and off-odors in complex matrices
</li>
<li>Discover how a combination of GERSTEL and Agilent instrumentation and software can improve analysis for food and beverage applications
</li>
<li>Explore how analytical techniques can be used to identify and solve sensory issues in food products
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend?
<ul>
<li>Chemists and lab managers from contract testing labs and the food and beverage industry</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Tiffany Crawford (Lead Scientist 1: Hops, Kalsec Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Tiffany Crawford works for Kalsec Inc. as a lead scientist in the hops business unit. In her role, she develops methods using GC-MS and LC-MS technology for the detection of small molecules of interest in different food matrices. She holds a Ph.D in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Megan Harper (Applications Scientist I, GERSTEL, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Megan Harper works for GERSTEL, Inc. as an Applications Scientist. In her role, she applies her knowledge of GC-MS and sample extraction and introduction techniques to help solve complex problems for customers across the USA.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Matt Curtis (GCMS Application Scientist, Agilent)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Matt Curtis joined Agilent in 2013 as a GC/MS applications scientist in the Santa Clara, CA Center of Excellence. His primary responsibility is providing instrument demonstrations for customer interested in each technology Agilent offers: the GC/MS single quadrupole, triple quadrupole and the quadrupole Time-of-Flight. The variety of different samples submitted to the demo lab provides a unique knowledge of optimizing parameters for different applications to provide the best quality data from the instrument.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ellen Simms (Editorial Team, SelectScience)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Ellen studied biological sciences at the University of the West of England, UK, before completing a master&#39;s in epidemiology from the University of Bristol. As a member of the Editorial team, she now plays an integral role in shaping the content on SelectScience.
</blockquote>

SelectScience: GC-MS solutions for sensory analysis in non-alcoholic beers

GC-MS solutions for sensory analysis in non-alcoholic beers

Semi-targeted method developed using DHS-GC-MS technology that allows for the improvement of NA beer flavor through the addition of specialized hops products.

Discover the cutting-edge workflow for the analysis of Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons (MOSH) and Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) using GC×GC-TOFMS/FID.
Join our exclusive webinar where we will delve into the exciting advancements in analytical technology that are revolutionizing the way we identify and characterize these crucial components.
What To Expect:
<h4>GC×GC-TOFMS: Unraveling The Mysteries Of MOH</h4>
<ul>
<li>Learn how to set up a robust classification method using GC×GC-TOFMS and the MOH-mix, enabling precise and reliable analysis
</li>
<li>Witness the power of the classification method as we apply it to real samples, gaining valuable insights into various matrices
</li>
<li>Explore the market substances in mineral oils and understand how they aid in verifying and characterizing the contamination source
</li>
<li>Unravel the complexity of the MOAH fraction as we demonstrate the separation and identification of different ring systems, as discussed in the “Draft opinion update risk assessment of MOH in food for public consultation” by the European Food Safety Authority
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Figure_1_Schematic_view_of_the_GC_GC_TOFMS_FID_instrument_setup_b6949cc782/LECO-Figure-1-Schematic-view-of-the-GCGC-TOFMS-FID-instrument-setup.jpg" alt="LECO: Obrázek 1: Schematic view of the GC×GC-TOFMS-FID instrument setup"/>
<h4>GC×GC-FID: Expanding Possibilities For Mineral Oil Analysis</h4>
<ul>
<li>Discover the seamless hardware setup for aligning GC×GC-TOFMS and GC×GC-FID signals, combining the strengths of both technologies
</li>
<li>Explore our state-of-the-art software tool for quantifying MOSH and MOAH fraction with GC×GC-FID, which can be implemented for accurate verification of SCoPAFF values
</li>
<li>Dive into the capabilities of our innovative software tool for quantifying different ring systems within the MOAH fraction, enhancing the depth of your analysis
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Figure_2_GC_GC_contour_plot_of_LECO_s_MOH_mix_which_is_used_to_setup_the_classification_method_within_the_Chroma_TOF_software_44db161d98/LECO-Figure-2-GCGC-contour-plot-of-LECO's-MOH-mix-which-is-used-to-setup-the-classification-method-within-the-ChromaTOF(r)-software.jpg" alt="LECO: Obrázek 2: GC×GC contour plot of LECO’s MOH mix which is used to setup the classification method within the ChromaTOF® software"/>
Why Attend:
<ul>
<li>This webinar is a must-attend for scientists, researchers, and professionals in the field of analytical chemistry and food safety. Gain a deeper understanding of the latest techniques and technologies used in MOSH/MOAH analysis, equipping you with the knowledge to elevate your research and ensure compliance with industry standards.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
 Presenter: Sebastiano Panto (LECO Europe B.V., Head of Separation Science Applications Europe)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Stefan Vinnenberg (LECO Instrumente GmbH, Account Manager DACH &amp; BeNeLux – Separation Science)
</blockquote>

LECO: Unlock the Power of GC×GC-TOFMS/FID – MOSH/MOAH

Unlock the Power of GC×GC-TOFMS/FID – MOSH/MOAH

Exciting advancements in analytical technology that are revolutionizing the way we identify and characterize these crucial components.

Thermal desorption and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) is a well-established and proven analytical method for materials characterization.
In combination with GC-MS, thermal desorption is used to identify additives and contaminants, and pyrolysis is a key tool for identifying involatile materials such as polymers, lacquers, paints, adhesives, plastics, and synthetic fibers.
This webinar will explain the basics of Py-GC-MS and how it can be applied to applications such as quality control, troubleshooting, and deformulation using applications of the Frontier Lab micro-furnace Multi-Shot Pyrolyzer combined with JEOL single quadrupole and high-resolution time-of-flight GC-MS systems
Attendees of this webinar will learn:
<ul>
<li>How pyrolysis GC-MS is used to identify polymers, additives, and contaminants.
</li>
<li>how hard and soft ionization methods provide complementary information.
</li>
<li>about software tools and interpretation libraries for analysis
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Rojin Belganeh
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Rojin Belganeh is the Technical Director at Frontier Laboratories Americas. As a former user of Frontier products with more than ten years of experience in analytical instrumentation, Rojin is passionate about creating awareness about Frontier technology and providing technical support to users. Rojin graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She started her profession as an analytical chemist working 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.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Robert “Chip” Cody
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Chip Cody has worked at JEOL USA, Inc. in Peabody, MA for the past 34 years and is currently Principal Scientist. Dr. Cody is responsible for developing the trapped-ion tandem-in-time MS/MS and MSn techniques, laser-desorption in a trapped ion mass spectrometer, Electron Impact Excitation of Ions from Organics (EIEIO), and is a coinventor of the DART ion source. He has consulted with NASA on the Mars 2020 Rover project, served as Vice-President for Arrangements for the American Society of Mass Spectrometry (ASMS), was awarded the 2011 Anachem Award and a 2012 Purdue University Distinguished Alumni Award, and is currently on the Editorial Board for the ASMS journal and a member of the ASMS History Committee.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Bryan Katzenmeyer
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Bryan Katzenmeyer has over 15 years of experience specializing in mass spectrometry and separation techniques for characterizing materials, polymers, monomers, and small molecules. He obtained his Ph.D. in polymer/analytical chemistry at The University of Akron under Distinguished Professor Chrys Wesdemiotis and his M.S. and B.S. in chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Penn State, respectively. Bryan joined JEOL USA, Inc. in 2023, where he currently manages business development for mass spectrometry with an emphasis on the polymer and chemical industrial markets.
</blockquote>

JEOL - Thermal Desorption and Pyrolysis-GC-MS for Deformulation and Material Characterization

Thermal Desorption and Pyrolysis-GC-MS for Deformulation and Material Characterization

Basics of Py-GC-MS and how it can be applied to applications such as quality control, troubleshooting, and deformulation.

GCMS webinars focusing on GC/MS - page 28