<p><strong>This study presents an analytical strategy combining QuEChERS extraction with low-temperature partitioning (LTP) for the determination of multiclass pesticide residues in cocoa beans by GC–MS. Extraction conditions were optimized using a fractional factorial design, resulting in a simple and efficient workflow suitable for complex cocoa matrices.</strong></p><p>The validated method showed satisfactory limits of detection and quantification, recoveries within 70–120%, and good overall performance. Application to cocoa samples from Brazil detected permethrin in several samples, demonstrating that the QuEChERS–LTP approach is an effective and reliable cleanup strategy for routine pesticide residue analysis in cocoa.</p><blockquote><h4><strong>The original article</strong></h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360"><strong>QuEChERS Combined with Low-Temperature Partitioning and GC–MS as an Analytical Strategy for the Determination of Multiclass Pesticide Residues in Cocoa Beans</strong></a></h4><p>Priscilla M. de Freitas Machado, Madson M. Nascimento, Paulo R. R. Mesquita, Manuela B. Nascimento, Lilian Lefol N. Guarieiro, Gisele O. da Rocha, Jailson B. de Andrade, Raildo M. de Jesus*</p><p>ACS Omega 2025, 10, 51, 63464–63473</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360">https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360</a></p><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"><strong>CC-BY 4.0</strong></a></h6></blockquote><p><strong>Selected sections from the article follow. Formats and hyperlinks were adapted from the original.</strong></p><p>Cocoa is best known as the primary raw material for chocolate but is also processed into products such as cocoa butter, biscuits, cocoa honey, and cocoa powder. Cocoa powder is derived from roasted, pressed, and milled nibs, containing on average 20% (w/w) lipids on a dry basis and less than 9% moisture. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(3,4)</a></p><p>According to the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA), pesticides such as atrazine, bifenthrin, cyproconazole, metalaxyl, tebuconazole, trifloxystrobin, and permethrin are approved for use in Brazil. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a> However, among these, only metalaxyl, trifloxystrobin, and tebuconazole are authorized by the European Union. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(14)</a> Thus, investigating these contaminants in cocoa samples is of utmost importance, as Brazil is one of the largest cocoa exporters, supplying cocoa commodities to South America, the United States, and the European Union. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(2)</a> Furthermore, Organochlorine pesticides, in particular, belong to the class of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Although banned in many countries, they continue to be used in some developing nations because of their chemical stability, resistance to degradation, volatility, and high lipophilicity, which promote bioaccumulation and neurotoxicity. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(15)</a> Epidemiological evidence also associates their exposure with Parkinson’s disease, certain cancers, diabetes, and endometriosis. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(16)</a></p><p>Residues of pesticides in cocoa have been reported in various studies. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(17)</a> Analyzing pesticide residues in cocoa presents analytical challenges due to the matrix’s complexity, comprising high lipid content, fatty acids and esters, sugars, polyphenols, and caffeine. These components can interfere with extraction efficiency and contaminate analytical instrumentation. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(18)</a> Therefore, efficient sample preparation methods incorporating effective cleanup steps are essential for accurate residue determination.</p><p>Several techniques have been employed for multiresidue pesticide analysis in cocoa. For instance, Idowu et al. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(19)</a> quantified 14 organochlorines using Soxhlet extraction and silica/Na<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> cleanup, with GC ECD detection. Okoffo et al. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(20)</a> determined 13 organophosphates and 9 pyrethroids employing SPE cartridges (Envi-carb/LC-NH<sub>2</sub> and Bond Elute C18), acetonitrile extraction, and GC PFPD or GC ECD quantification. Yusiasih et al. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(21)</a> applied dispersive SPE with PSA, Florisil, and MgSO<sub>4</sub> for pyrethroids, followed by GC ECD and GC–MS.</p><p>Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a QuEChERS–LTP analytical procedure for the determination of multiclass pesticide residues in cocoa beans. The factors that affect the QuEChERS–LTP procedure efficiency were optimized. After validation, the procedure was employed to investigate the occurrence of 15 multiclass pesticides in cocoa samples.</p><h4><strong>Experimental Section</strong></h4><h5><strong>Instrumental Apparatus</strong></h5><p>Pesticide separation and identification were performed on a Shimadzu <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=GC-MS-QP2010SE"><strong>GC-MS-QP2010SE</strong></a> system (Kyoto, Japan) equipped with an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=AOC-20i"><strong>AOC-20i autosampler</strong></a>. Separation was achieved using an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=DB-5MS"><strong>Agilent DB-5MS capillary column</strong></a> (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 μm) with a stationary phase of 5% phenyl/95% dimethylpolysiloxane. The instrumental conditions were based on Nascimento et al. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(49)</a> and they are summarized in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#tbl4">Table 4</a>.</p><p>For quantification, the base peak was used, while two additional ions were monitored for confirmation (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360/suppl_file/ao5c10360_si_001.pdf">Table S2</a>) in accordance with SANTE guidelines. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(50)</a> A GC–MS/SIM chromatogram illustrating the separation of all target pesticides is presented in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#fig5">Figure 5</a>.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Figure_5_Extracted_ion_chromatogram_EIC_in_SIM_mode_of_the_target_pesticides_f2461c14f4.jpg" alt="ACS Omega 2025, 10, 51, 63464–63473: Figure 5. Extracted ion chromatogram (EIC) in SIM mode of the target pesticides obtained from the injection of a mixed standard solution at 100 μg L–1. Analytes are listed in order of elution: [1] Molinate (6.18 min); [2] α-HCH (8.15 min); [3] atrazine-d5 (8.69 min); [4] atrazine (8.75 min); [5] diazinon (9.31 min); [6] disulfoton (9.67 min); [7] dimethachlor (10.60 min); [8] metalaxyl (11.25 min); [9] p,p′-DDE (15.82 min); [10] cyproconazole I (16.50 min); [11] cyproconazole II (16.56 min); [12] p,p′-DDD (17.29 min); [13] ethion (17.34 min); [14] trifloxystrobin (18.43 min); [15] tebuconazole (19.13 min); [16] bifenthrin (20.47 min); [17] permethrin I (23.92 min); [18] permethrin II (24.18 min)." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Figure_5_Extracted_ion_chromatogram_EIC_in_SIM_mode_of_the_target_pesticides_f2461c14f4.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2080" height="835"></p><h5><strong>Application of the Proposed Procedure to Real Samples</strong></h5><p>In a 50 mL Falcon tube, 2.0 g of sample was weighed using an analytical balance (AUX320, Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan). A total of 2.0 g of salt (NaCl and Na<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>4</sub> in a 1:1 w/w ratio) was added, followed by an aliquot of the atrazine-<i>d</i><sub>5</sub> solution (surrogate standard) to yield a final concentration of 250 μg kg<sup>–1</sup>. A mixture of acetonitrile (8.0 mL) and ultrapure water (2.0 mL) was then added. The system was vortexed (K40-10208, Kasvi, São Paulo, Brazil) for 3.0 min at 2500 rpm and centrifuged (MPW-351R, MPW Med. Instruments, Warsaw, Poland) for 10.0 min at 15 °C and 10,000 rpm. After phase separation, approximately 6.0 mL of the supernatant was transferred to a Falcon tube containing 150.0 mg of PSA sorbent. The mixture was vortexed again for 3.0 min at 2500 rpm and centrifuged for an additional 10.0 min under the same conditions. The tubes were then placed in the freezer for 24 h. Once the aqueous phase had frozen, the organic extract containing the analytes was collected, filtered through a Cytiva Whatman MiniUniprep G2 vial with a 0.20 μm membrane filter (Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA), and injected into the GC–MS system (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#fig6">Figure 6</a>).</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Figure_6_Schematic_representation_of_the_extraction_procedure_using_the_Qu_E_Ch_ERS_LTP_procedure_for_pesticide_extraction_in_cocoa_powder_samples_ed58549bcf.jpg" alt="ACS Omega 2025, 10, 51, 63464–63473: Figure 6. Schematic representation of the extraction procedure using the QuEChERS–LTP procedure for pesticide extraction in cocoa powder samples." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Figure_6_Schematic_representation_of_the_extraction_procedure_using_the_Qu_E_Ch_ERS_LTP_procedure_for_pesticide_extraction_in_cocoa_powder_samples_ed58549bcf.jpg 223w," sizes="100vw" width="1458" height="1022"></p><h4><strong>Results and Discussion</strong></h4><h5><strong>Evaluation of the Effect of Low and Ultralow Temperatures on the Analytical Response</strong></h5><p>Studies reporting the use of LTP generally employ a conventional freezer, which typically reaches −18 ± 2 °C as the minimum temperature. In this equipment, effective phase separation can require 8 to 24 h. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(35−37)</a> In contrast, ultralow temperature freezers (ultrafreezers) can reach −80 °C, leading to a substantial reduction in partitioning time. In this study, tests performed with the conventional freezer achieved satisfactory partitioning after 24 h, whereas in the ultrafreezer, complete partitioning was observed in only 20 min.</p><p>Considering the analytical response in terms of peak area (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#fig3">Figure 3</a>), higher signals were obtained when LTP was performed in a conventional freezer rather than an ultrafreezer. This behavior can be attributed to the partitioning mechanism. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(32)</a> Partitioning depends on cooling and the subsequent freezing of the aqueous phase. In the conventional freezer, the slower freezing rate provides sufficient time for the system to approach thermodynamic equilibrium, favoring analyte diffusion between phases. Under these conditions, analyte molecules have more time to migrate and distribute optimally before complete solidification. In contrast, the rapid freezing in the ultrafreezer may trap analytes in a nonideal distribution, reducing the efficiency of the partitioning process <a href="javascript:void(0);">(32)</a> (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#fig3">Figure 3</a>). According to these observations, the conventional freezer was selected for subsequent experiments.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Figure_3_Comparison_of_chromatographic_peak_areas_of_pesticides_after_partitioning_in_the_conventional_freezer_versus_the_ultrafreezer_9598bcfec3.jpg" alt="ACS Omega 2025, 10, 51, 63464–63473: Figure 3. Comparison of chromatographic peak areas of pesticides after partitioning in the conventional freezer versus the ultrafreezer." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Figure_3_Comparison_of_chromatographic_peak_areas_of_pesticides_after_partitioning_in_the_conventional_freezer_versus_the_ultrafreezer_9598bcfec3.jpg 175w," sizes="100vw" width="996" height="891"></p><h5><strong>Application to Real Samples</strong></h5><p>Fifteen samples were analyzed in triplicate, comprising two from the State of Pará and 12 from the State of Bahia, located in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, respectively. Among the 15 pesticides investigated, only permethrin isomers were quantified in four samples (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#tbl3">Table 3</a>). The herbicide molinate was also detected in three samples; however, its concentration was below LOQ. Permethrin isomers concentrations ranged from 17.1 ± 0.3 to 49.6 ± 1.8 μg kg<sup>–1</sup>. These values are below the MRL established by European Union regulation, which is 100 μg kg<sup>–1</sup>. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(42)</a> Although permethrin is not permitted in the European Union, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(42)</a> it remains authorized for use as insecticide in Brazil, particularly in crops such as cotton, rice, coffee, citrus, cabbage, beans, tobacco, maize, soybean, tomato, wheat, and grape. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a> However, no MRL values have been established for cocoa beans under Brazilian legislation. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360#tbl3">Table 3</a> shows the concentration of detected compounds in the cocoa samples.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Table_3_Mean_Concentrations_mg_kg_1_Standard_Deviation_of_Target_Pesticides_Detected_in_This_Study_2427955699.jpg" alt="ACS Omega 2025, 10, 51, 63464–63473: Table 3. Mean Concentrations (μg kg–1 ± Standard Deviation) of Target Pesticides Detected in This Study" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2025_10_51_63464_63473_Table_3_Mean_Concentrations_mg_kg_1_Standard_Deviation_of_Target_Pesticides_Detected_in_This_Study_2427955699.jpg 196w," sizes="100vw" width="1070" height="851"></p><p>To assess method performance for pesticides not detected in the cocoa samples, one of the analyzed samples was fortified with a mixed standard solution at concentrations of 50, 250, and 500 μg kg<sup>–1</sup>. The fortified analytes were subsequently detected in the chromatograms presented in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acsomega.5c10360/suppl_file/ao5c10360_si_001.pdf">Figures S2–S4</a>, indicating good response of the proposed method.</p><h4><strong>Conclusions</strong></h4><p>The QuEChERS–LTP procedure was successfully developed for the determination of 16 multiclass pesticide residues in cocoa beans. For the first time, ultralow temperature (−80 °C) was applied to accelerate the low-temperature partitioning process during pesticide extraction from cocoa beans. Nevertheless, conventional freezing at −12 °C proved to be more effective for the extraction of the target analytes.</p><p>Evaluation of the matrix effect demonstrated that matrix-matched analytical curves, constructed in an analyte-free cocoa bean extract, were more effective in compensating for matrix interferences than the use of analyte protectants.</p><p>The pyrethroid permethrin was quantified in four cocoa samples. However, the concentrations did not exceed the MRL established by European Union legislation.</p><p>Overall, the QuEChERS–LTP procedure proved to be a promising approach for pesticide residue determination, as it requires smaller volumes of solvents and reagents, involves fewer cleanup and extraction steps, and shows strong potential for application to other complex matrices.</p>

QuEChERS Combined with Low-Temperature Partitioning and GC–MS as an Analytical Strategy for the Determination of Multiclass Pesticide Residues in Cocoa Beans

<h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.isc2026.org/"><strong>ISC 2026</strong></a></h3><p>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/companies/314"><strong>International Symposium on Chromatography (ISC)</strong></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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><h3><strong>ISC 2026 SYMPOSIUM KEY DATES</strong></h3><h4><strong>6-10 SEPTEMBER 2026</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>15 January 2026:</strong> Opening of Early-bird Registration &amp; Abstract submission</li><li><strong>11 March 2026: </strong>Deadline for abstract submission (orals)</li><li><strong>21 April 2026: </strong>Sending acceptance letters (orals)</li><li><strong>15 May 2026: </strong>Deadline of early-bird registration and payment &amp; Author registration deadline (orals)</li><li><strong>1 June 2026: </strong>Preliminary detailed program on web</li><li><strong>1 June 2026: </strong>Deadline for abstract submission (posters)</li><li><strong>16 June 2026: </strong>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><strong>30 June 2026:</strong> Author registration deadline (posters)</li><li><strong>30 July 2026:</strong> Deadline for abstract submission (late-breaking posters)<ul><li>without the possibility of competing for the Best Poster Award</li></ul></li><li><strong>11 August 2026: </strong>Sending acceptance letters (late-breaking posters)</li><li><strong>18 August 2026:</strong> Author registration deadline (late-breaking posters)</li><li><strong>25 August 2026: </strong>Deadline for late registration &amp; payment&nbsp;</li><li><strong>6-10 September 2026: </strong>Symposium</li></ul><h3><strong>REGISTRATION</strong></h3><blockquote><p><strong>👉</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.czech-in.org/cmPortalV15/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2FcmPortalV15%2FPortal%2FISC26%2Fnormal"><strong>Register HERE for the ISC 2026</strong></a></p></blockquote><h3><strong>ABSTRACT SUBMISSION</strong></h3><blockquote><p><strong>👉</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.czech-in.org/cmPortalV15/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2FcmPortalV15%2FPortal%2FISC26%2Fnormal"><strong>Submit your Abstract HERE</strong></a></p></blockquote><h3><strong>SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM</strong></h3><h4><strong>SHORT COURSES</strong></h4><h5><strong>SC 3 Interpretation of Mass Spectra: Basic Introduction for Chromatographers</strong></h5><p><strong>🗓️ SUNDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER 2026</strong></p><p><strong>🕗 8:30 – 11:45</strong></p><p>Mass 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;</p><h4><strong>Lecturers</strong></h4><h5><strong>Josef Cvačka</strong></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"><strong>Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences</strong></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"><strong>Czech Museum of Mass Spectrometry</strong></a>.</li></ul><p><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"></p>

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

<p><strong>Eurachem and CITAC welcome analysts interested in the evaluation of chemical analysis uncertainty and in how to use this information in results interpretation. The Eurachem Week 2026 will begin with a training course on “Evaluation of the measurement uncertainty from in-house precision and recovery data” scheduled for Sunday, 10 May 2026. A two-days workshop on “Quality in Analytical Measurements: Uncertainty Evaluation and Results Interpretation” open to all interested participants will take place from 11 to 12 May 2026. On 13 May 2026, the Eurachem Working Groups will convene, followed by the Eurachem General Assembly, which will bring together the Executive and national delegates on 14 and 15 May. Both Working Group Meetings and the General Assembly are restricted to their members.</strong></p><p>The results of qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses should have an acceptable uncertainty, which should ideally be reported and considered in results interpretation.</p><p>For many analytical applications, simplified uncertainty evaluations can determine uncertainty values that meet the defined requirements for this parameter. The workshop will focus on the key technical challenges involved in practical evaluations of measurement uncertainty based on precision and recovery data gathered during in-house method validation and quality control. There will be a discussion of how to model the variation of the measurement uncertainty within the analytical range and how to handle divergent recovery values from the analysis of various reference materials. A session on the use of measurement uncertainty in conformity assessment will explore how the risk of false conformity decisions can be managed.</p><blockquote><h5><strong>New Eurachem guidance on using in-house precision and recovery data will be discussed at the workshop.</strong></h5></blockquote><p>Topics will also include the validation and uncertainty evaluation for qualitative analyses with particular attention to current accreditation requirements for these types of analysis. The last session of the workshop will be dedicated to the evaluation of measurement uncertainty arising from sampling and using it to judge the fitness for purpose, and hence validation, of measurement procedures that include sampling. Four sessions of the workshop will include engaging breakout sessions where participants will have the chance to share their views about challenging aspects of the analytical work. Participants are invited to propose posters and oral communications on session topics or any other relevant topic for analytical chemists or stakeholders of the analytical work.</p><h3><strong>Registration</strong></h3><blockquote><p class="cke-user_style-important"><strong>👉</strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://conferences.chemistry.pt/register/eurachem2026"><strong>Register here for the workshop</strong></a></p></blockquote><h4><strong>Registration Fees</strong></h4><h5><strong>Early bird (EUR) - Until April 15th</strong></h5><ul><li><strong>Workshop: Regular participant (11 &amp; 12 May 2026): </strong>400 EUR</li><li><strong>Workshop: Student (11 &amp; 12 May 2026): </strong>250 EUR</li><li><strong>Eurachem Working Group<sup>1</sup> (13 May 2026):</strong> 75</li><li><strong>General Assembly<sup>2</sup> (14 &amp; 15 May 2026): </strong>250</li><li><strong>Training On Uncertainty Evaluation<sup>3</sup> (10 May 2026):</strong> 150</li></ul><h5><strong>After April 15th</strong></h5><ul><li><strong>Workshop: Regular participant (11 &amp; 12 May 2026): </strong>450 EUR</li><li><strong>Workshop: Student (11 &amp; 12 May 2026):</strong> 300 EUR</li><li><strong>Eurachem Working Group<sup>1</sup> (13 May 2026): </strong>100</li><li><strong>General Assembly<sup>2</sup> (14 &amp; 15 May 2026):</strong> 300</li><li><strong>Training On Uncertainty Evaluation<sup>3</sup> (10 May 2026): </strong>200</li></ul><blockquote><p>§ - <strong>50 EUR reduction for members of Eurachem</strong>, CITAC, SPQ, RELACRE, ForMEQ and SPMet at the workshop.</p><p>10% reduction for organisations that registered more than one participant.</p><p><sup>1 </sup>- Working group members</p><p><sup>2</sup> - Eurachem members</p><p><sup>3</sup> - 50% reduction for workshop participants</p></blockquote><h3><strong>Workshop</strong></h3><h4><strong>Eurachem/CITAC Workshop on Quality in Analytical Measurements:</strong></h4><h5><strong>Uncertainty Evaluation and Results Interpretation</strong></h5><p>The results of qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses should have an acceptable uncertainty, which should ideally be reported and considered in results interpretation. For many analytical applications, simplified uncertainty evaluations can determine uncertainty values meeting defined requirements for this parameter. The workshop will focus on the key technical challenges involved in practical evaluations of measurement uncertainty based on precision and recovery data gathered during in-house method validation. It will be discussed how to model the variation of the measurement uncertainty within the analytical range and how to handle divergent recovery values from the analysis of various reference materials. A session on the use of measurement uncertainty in conformity assessment will explore how the risk of false conformity decisions can be managed.</p><p>Topics will also include the validation and uncertainty evaluation of qualitative analyses with particular attention to current accreditation requirements for these types of analysis. The last session of the workshop will be dedicated to the evaluation of measurement uncertainty arising from sampling and using it to judge the fitness for purpose, and hence validation, of measurement procedures that include sampling.</p><p>Four sessions of the workshop will include engaging breakout sessions where participants will have the chance to share their views about challenging aspects of the analytical work. Participants are invited to propose posters and oral communications on session topics or any other relevant topic for analytical chemists or stakeholders of the analytical work.</p><h3><strong>Training Course</strong></h3><h4><strong>Evaluation of the measurement uncertainty from in-house precision and recovery data</strong></h4><ul><li>10 May 2026</li></ul><p>A course on the fundamentals of the evaluation of the measurement uncertainty from in-house precision and recovery data will be held on Sunday, 10 May 2026. This training is targeted for analysts with a basic understanding of the measurement uncertainty concept, how uncertainty components propagate, and how the combined uncertainty is expanded. Following the morning presentation of the theory of uncertainty evaluation, the afternoon will be dedicated to applying the theory to real-world cases. Trainees should have basic skills in using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and bring a laptop with Microsoft Excel to complete the exercises. The interaction between trainers and trainees will be promoted to guarantee learning efficiency.</p><h5><strong>Trainers:</strong></h5><ul><li>Ricardo Bettencourt da Silva, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal (rjsilva@ciencias.ulisboa.pt)</li><li>Stephen L. R. Ellison - UK National Measurement Laboratory (NML) hosted at LGC, United Kingdom</li><li>Vicki Barwick - UK National Measurement Laboratory (NML) hosted at LGC, United Kingdom</li></ul><h4><strong>Agenda</strong></h4><h5><strong>8:00 Registration</strong></h5><h5><strong>9:00 Opening</strong></h5><h5><strong>9:05 Identifying, combining, and expanding uncertainty components: Theory and examples</strong></h5><h5><strong>9:45 Precision uncertainty: Theory and examples</strong></h5><h5><strong>10:30 </strong>Coffee break</h5><h5><strong>10:50 Trueness-related uncertainty: Theory and examples</strong></h5><h5><strong>12:00 Additional questions and discussion</strong></h5><h5><strong>12:30 </strong>Lunch</h5><h5><strong>13:30 Application example 1</strong></h5><h5><strong>15:30 </strong>Coffee break</h5><h5><strong>15:50 Application example 2</strong></h5><h5><strong>17:00 Additional questions and discussion</strong></h5><h5><strong>17:30 Closing</strong></h5><h3><strong>Venue</strong></h3><p>The series of Eurachem events will be held in:</p><ul><li>Meliã Lisboa Aeroporto ****</li><li>Rua C,2 1749-125 Lisboa, Portugal&nbsp;</li></ul>

Eurachem/CITAC Workshop on Quality in Analytical Measurements 2026

Article

Events

Food

Scientific article

Science and research

Eurachem is a European network promoting international traceability of chemical measurements and good analytical practice. It provides expert guidance, supports method validation, uncertainty evaluation, proficiency testing, and facilitates discussion on technical and policy issues in analytical quality.

Eurachem

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

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)

Mettler-Toledo

Agilent Technologies

SelectScience

Waters Corporation

<p><strong>Contaminants in the sample matrix can create chromatography issues, system downtime, and unreliable test results. Having clean samples can help prevent most of these problems. There are many options for sample cleanup.</strong></p>
<p>We’ll discuss the following options:</p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Solid phase extraction (SPE), which provides the cleanest sample.</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>“Targeted” filtration, which can remove specific interferences from the sample matrix and provides clean samples.</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>In this talk, we’ll discuss tips for selecting, developing, and implementing SPE methods. We’ll also discuss newly developed targeted filtration options and their benefits.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Golnar Javadi (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Golnar Javadi is an applications engineer providing online applications assistance and technical support for LC columns and supplies, Sample Preparation products, and Spectroscopy supplies.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Before joining Varian and then Agilent, Golnar worked in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries on method development and quality control. She also taught college level chemistry courses for a few years.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Golnar then joined Varian as a technical support specialist, providing customers with method development assistance and technical support on Sample Preparation (SPE, SLE, and Filtration), HPLC, GC, ToxiLab and DAT. After the Varian-Agilent merger, Golnar joined Agilent Technologies as an Applications Engineer. She provides technical support to customers on Sample Preparation products, Liquid Chromatography columns, and Spectroscopy supplies.</p>
</blockquote>


Agilent Technologies: Sample Cleanup: Method Development for Solid Phase Extraction and Beyond

Sample Cleanup: Method Development for Solid Phase Extraction and Beyond

We’ll discuss tips for selecting, developing, and implementing SPE methods. We’ll also discuss newly developed targeted filtration options and their benefits.

Sample Cleanup: Method Development for SPE

<p><strong>PFAS in air is different! From the targets of interest to the sampling and measurement techniques, everything is new and emerging.</strong></p>
<p>Join us for an in-depth exploration of airborne PFAS and its implications in various environments. In this exclusive live webinar, we’ll cover key topics including US EPA methods OTM45 and OTM-50, vapor intrusion, landfill gas monitoring, and the future of personal and occupational exposure monitoring.</p>
<p>Our PFAS experts will discuss the methods available for measuring airborne PFAS, highlighting current technologies and best practices. You&#39;ll gain insights into how these methods are applied in real-world scenarios, and what steps you can take to ensure accurate and reliable results.</p>
<p>Why attend?</p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Discover the latest advancements in airborne PFAS detection, including US EPA methods OTM-45 and OTM-50.</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Understand how PFAS experts apply these measurement methods in practical scenarios like vapor intrusion and landfill gas monitoring, ensuring accurate results.</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Learn how these emerging techniques are transforming environmental monitoring and how to mitigate risks.</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Get your pressing questions answered by our leading PFAS experts with strategies to manage and reduce airborne PFAS exposure in your industry.</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Nathan Eklund</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Nathan is a seasoned expert with 28 years of experience in environmental consulting and emerging contaminant science. As the PFAS Practice Leader at SGS EHS North America, he focuses on advancing the emerging contaminants and specialty analytical services sector, particularly PFAS. Nathan brings a customer-centric approach to solving complex problems, leveraging his extensive background in business development, sales management, process improvement, strategic planning, client management, data analysis, and risk analysis.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Julia Roth</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Julia works closely with clients to develop optimized project solutions for vapor intrusion, industrial hygiene, fenceline monitoring, emissions, and specialty air projects. With extensive remediation consulting experience, she handles a wide range of typical and emerging contaminants across various media, including indoor air, soil vapor, sewer vapor, groundwater, soil, wastewater, leachate, landfill gas, and emissions. Her recent work has focused on PFAS volatility, resulting in several published papers and presentations. Julia holds a degree in Biological Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech, underscoring her strong technical foundation and commitment to advancing air quality and remediation practices.</p>
</blockquote>


SGS: Clearing the Air: Understanding Airborne PFAS Exposure

Clearing the Air: Understanding Airborne PFAS Exposure

US EPA methods OTM45 and OTM-50, vapor intrusion, landfill gas monitoring, and the future of personal and occupational exposure monitoring.

<p><strong>Data management and manual transcription of critical process data remain one of the major challenges and potential sources of errors in the analytical laboratory.</strong></p>
<p>As a lot of the laboratory processes evolve around sample preparation for HPLC or GC, with crucial weighing and preparative steps, this webinar aims to showcase some seamless data management and transfer solutions, from balance to LC. The LabX™ balance software and OpenLab CDS platform can enable various levels of integrated data management, while also improving productivity and offering a high degree of data integrity.</p>
<p>Join the METTLER TOLEDO and Agilent teams for a webinar to understand how you can support digitalized and scalable sample preparation processes for better chromatography results. </p>
<p>Program Overview</p>
<ul>
<li><p><strong>Introduction to the digital lab</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Improving analytical sample preparation workflows</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Live demonstration of seamless data transfer options</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Q&amp;A with presenters</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Andrea Brütsch (Head Business Development Initiatives)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Kevin Koelliker (Agilent Technologies, Application Engineer)</p>
</blockquote>


Mettler Toledo: Automated Data Management for LC/GC Workflows

Automated Data Management for LC/GC Workflows

How can you support digitalized and scalable sample preparation processes for better chromatography results.

<p><strong>Join Agilent and GERSTEL for a 3-day live virtual seminar discussing how you can assure safety, authenticity, and quality of alcoholic beverages. The focus will be on sharing the latest in technology developments and capabilities, new applications, and customer stories.</strong></p><h4>Presentation 1: Use of FTIR Technology for the Analysis of Sugars and Sweeteners in the Production of Alcoholic Beverages</h4><ul><li><i>Rogelio García Juárez, Pre-Sales Application Engineer – Agilent Technologies</i></li></ul><p>Currently, fast, and accurate methods are required for the analysis of raw materials and various sources to produce alcoholic beverages, for the rapid identification and quantification of these materials, let's review FTIR technology for process controls, as the ideal alternative to other techniques such as HPLC.</p><h5>Key Learning Objectives/What attendees will learn:</h5><p><strong>1. The use of Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Technology in applications for the alcoholic beverage industry.</strong></p><p><strong>2. Analysis for the identification and release of raw materials used in preparation of Spirits.</strong></p><p><strong>3. Quick methods to determine the concentration of sugars and sweeteners for process control.</strong></p><h5>Who Should Attend:</h5><ul><li>Producers of alcoholic beverages, distillates, prepared liqueurs, juices, and extracts.</li></ul><h4>Presentation 2: GC-MS Techniques for the Determination of 2-Methylisoborneol and Geosmin in Finished Whiskey</h4><ul><li><i>Nicole Kfoury, Applications Scientist, GERSTEL,Inc.</i></li></ul><p>2-Methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin are naturally occurring metabolites formed by bacteria and fungi, most often in surface water sources. They have musty/earthy odors and very low odor thresholds, meaning they can be smelled at concentrations of 1-10 ppt in water. As a result, products, such as whiskey, that use contaminated water in the process may have musty, earthy odors in the finished product. Due to the complexity of the whiskey matrix and the low odor threshold of MIB and geosmin, they can be challenging to quantify accurately. This work shows that a selectable, heartcutting 1D/2D-GC-MSD is required to accurately quantify MIB and geosmin in finished whiskey. &nbsp;</p><h5>Key Learning Objectives/What attendees will learn:</h5><p>1. <strong>Overview of solid phase microextraction (SPME) versus stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE).</strong></p><p><strong>2. Overview of multidimensional, heartcutting GC-MS.</strong></p><p><strong>3. How to accurately measure the concentration of 2-methylisoborneol and geosmin in complex samples such as whiskey.</strong></p><h5>Who Should Attend:</h5><ul><li>Analytical chemists in the food, flavor, fragrance, and beverage industries.</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presnter: </strong>Rogelio García Juárez (Pre-Sales Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies)</p><p>Rogelio García is an Applications Engineer for Molecular Spectroscopy in UV-Vis, FTIR, and Raman techniques at Agilent México and Latin America. Rogelio has a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and a Master´s Degree in Environmental Engineering. He has worked in several developments of methods and applications in water, soil, and air, as well as in method design for the Pharmaceutical and Food industry. In this last one, he has developed an outstanding application method for alcoholic beverages such as Tequila using FTIR technology.</p><p><strong>Presnter:&nbsp;</strong>Nicole Kfoury, Ph.D. (Applications Scientist, GERSTEL, Inc.)</p><p>Dr. Nicole Kfoury is an Applications Scientist at GERSTEL, Inc. in Baltimore, MD. She joined GERSTEL after receiving her Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry at Tufts University and working as a Research Scientist at the Tufts University Sensory and Science Center. She is responsible for developing methods for sample preparation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and creating a Sensory Directed Analysis program at GERSTEL. She teaches customer training, supports pre- and post-sales opportunities, and provides analytical support to customers in a wide array of industries including food, flavor, fragrance, forensic, environmental, and chemical industries.</p></blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Alcoholic Beverages Virtual Symposium: Spirits

Alcoholic Beverages Virtual Symposium: Spirits

How you can assure safety, authenticity, and quality of alcoholic beverages.

<p><strong>Join Agilent and GERSTEL for a 3-day live virtual seminar discussing how you can assure safety, authenticity, and quality of alcoholic beverages. The focus will be on sharing the latest in technology developments and capabilities, new applications, and customer stories.</strong></p><h4>Presentation 1: Comparison of Headspace GC-MS Techniques to Characterize Volatile Phenols contributing to Smoke Taint in Pinot Noir Wines</h4><ul><li><i>Stephen Toth, GCMS Specialist in the Structure Elucidation Department – International Flavors &amp; Fragrances (IFF)</i></li></ul><p>A series of volatile phenols originating from smoke tainted grapes exposed to regional fires have been known to exhibit undesirable sensory characteristics such as smoky, burnt, ashy and medicinal flavoring in affected wines. This can be negatively perceived by consumers and often leads to an aftertaste of these characteristics lingering in the mouth after the wine has been swallowed. Wildfires plagued the counties in northern California and Oregon during the 2020 wildfire season from August through October. These fires severely impacted the grape harvest and challenged wine makers as many of their vineyards were either destroyed or their crops were contaminated with smoke taint. Numerous wineries opted to release limited amounts of 2020 Pinot Noir for this reason or produce rosé or white wines from affected grapes. Our research will look specifically at three different vintages (2019, 2020 and 2021) of Pinot Noir from the same vineyard in the Willamette Valley region of Oregon. It should be noted that “smoke” as an indicator of taste in wines is not always an indicator of smoke taint but can also be imparted into the wine by aging in oak barrels.</p><p>We will compare headspace based GCMS techniques to characterize these wines and profile the volatile phenol content. Solid phase micro extraction (SPME) and stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) will be used to analyze both free volatile content and gylcosidically bound phenolic content. The free volatiles will be acquired in unaltered wine to best represent the consumer’s initial experience. These samples will then experience a pH adjustment, sonication and heat treatment to release gylcosidically bound phenolic compounds which could potentially be released over time by aging the wine.</p><p>Our research will characterize the phenolic compounds contributing to the smoke taint odor and flavor present in the Pinot Noirs against the sugar bound compounds that can potentially release over the shelf life of the wine utilizing SPME and SBSE extraction methods. Additionally, the comparison of vintages will indicate whether the phenolic characteristics obtained by GCMS can be used to capture the smoke defect in the wine profile from 2020.</p><h5>Key Learning Objectives/What attendees will learn:</h5><p><strong>1. Theory and applicability of SHS, SPME, SBSE, TF-SPME, DHS, and pyrolysis.</strong></p><p><strong>2. How to decide on the most optimal extraction technique based on research challenges.</strong></p><h4>Presentation 2: An Exploration of Phenolics in Red Wines: Chemical and Sensory Effects of Selected Winemaking Techniques</h4><ul><li><i>Dr. L. Federico Casassa, Associate Professor, Enology, Cal Poly</i></li></ul><p>This presentation discusses how the winemaker can manage winemaking elements – those over which we have control – to develop, evolve and enhance mouthfeel, with focus on phenolic compounds in grapes and wines from the Central Coast of California. The discussion then covers which elements can be leveraged and managed during the production of the wine. There are known protocols for grapes, yeast, fermentation, and aging. However, the challenge for the winemaker is to understand how our various treatments affect the end product. This presentation covers the effects of fermentation temperatures, cold soaking and how the manipulations of these elements can be used to modulate astringency and mouthfeel in the wines.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Stephen Toth (GCMS specialist in the Structure Elucidation Department, International Flavors &amp; Fragrances (IFF))</p><p>Stephen Toth is a GCMS specialist in the Structure Elucidation Department at International Flavors &amp; Fragrances (IFF) in Union Beach, NJ. He has spent his lengthy career at IFF working in fragrance delivery, chromatography and ultimately in the mass spectrometry group where part of his role is scouting out new technologies. He is very active in the Agricultural and Food Chemistry Division of the American Chemical Society and currently serves as the treasurer and executive board member. He has edited multiple books and has organized several analytical and flavor chemistry symposia at national meetings. He also serves as a graduate student mentor for the division. He holds a B.S. and M.S in chemistry from Seton Hall University and a Ph.D in food science from Rutgers University.</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Dr. L. Federico Casassa (Associate Professor, Enology, Cal Poly)</p><p>Dr. Casassa’s research focus lies on the broad areas of grape and wine chemistry and biochemistry and their sensory implications, with especial emphasis on applied research. He has been involved in research projects focusing on the impact of irrigation techniques, especially Regulated Deficit Irrigation. Current and ongoing research projects include studies on the extraction of phenolics of sensory relevance during the course of different maceration techniques in red wines, coupled with other regulating factors and their sensory impact as evaluated by formal sensory evaluation techniques.</p></blockquote>

Aglient Technologies: Alcoholic Beverages Virtual Symposium: Wine

Alcoholic Beverages Virtual Symposium: Wine

<p><strong>Routine analysis and reporting of volatile and semivolatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) in environmental samples is well established, defined and standardized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other organizations. However, cutting-edge GC-MS technology is redefining laboratories’ performance for environmental analysis, whether using single or triple quadrupole mass spectrometry.</strong></p><p>Yoshiro Hiramatsu, GC-MS Product Liaison and Dr. Ruth Marfil-Vega, Senior Market Manager, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, will explore how Shimadzu’s latest GC-MS instruments, in combination with the multi-platform software LabSolutions and LabSolutions Insight, enable successful detection, quantitation, and suspect screening of VOCs and SVOCs. Plus, discover how these tools support EPA methods, from initial sample analysis to final data reporting.</p><h4>Key learning objectives</h4><ul><li><strong>Learn how to boost throughput with the use of an enhanced tuning algorithm, faster data acquisition, and other novel GC-MS designs for prolonged stability and shorter analysis time</strong></li><li><strong>Find out how to effectively mitigate human error, minimize rework, and reduce operational costs with advanced GC-MS technology to simplify maintenance and routine analysis</strong></li><li><strong>Discover how to streamline data processing and reporting through AI-assisted data integration for EPA and other environmental methods</strong></li></ul><h4>Who should attend?</h4><ul><li>Lab managers</li><li>Environmental analytical chemists</li><li>Water quality professionals</li><li>GC-MS users</li><li>Environmental analysts</li><li>Environmental laboratory managers</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Yoshiro Hiramatsu (GCMS Product Liaison, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)</p><p>Yoshiro Hiramatsu has been working in GC-MS engineering for over 12 years in Japan and the US. He majored in magnetic physics at Kyoto University and joined Shimadzu after graduation. He has played a pivotal role in engineering new MS technologies aimed at enhancing GC-MS technology. After relocating to the US, he shifted his focus to application development, with a particular emphasis on the environmental market. By leveraging the latest advancements in GC-MS technology, he has been driving innovations that address critical environmental challenges.</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Dr. Ruth Marfil-Vega (Senior Market Manager , Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)</p><p>Dr. Ruth Marfil-Vega has 20 years of expertise in environmental chemistry and engineering in the US and Europe. She has worked with the EPA and the utilities industry to design and execute comprehensive solutions for addressing new environmental and water quality issues. At Shimadzu, she works with environmental stakeholders to make sure that analytical instrumentation and workflows support their success. She has a a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Valladolid, Spain, and a PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Carrie Haslam (Associate Editor, SelectScience)</p></blockquote>

SelectScience: Redefine Volatile and Semivolatile Organic Compounds Analysis by GC-MS, from Start to Finish

Redefine Volatile and Semivolatile Organic Compounds Analysis by GC-MS, from Start to Finish;

How Shimadzu’s latest GC-MS instruments enable successful detection, quantitation, and suspect screening of VOCs and SVOCs.

Redefine Volatile and Semivolatile Organic Compounds

<p><strong>The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food supply chains is a growing concern due to their environmental persistence and potential health risks.</strong></p><p>As awareness increases, the demand for effective regulations and advanced analytical methods for detecting PFAS in food is critical. In this webinar hosted by Agilent in association with AOAC India Section, we will explore the current PFAS contamination landscape, regulatory frameworks, and the latest analytical solutions.</p><p>The session will cover PFAS characteristics and the challenges they present to food safety. We will examine global and regional regulations, with a focus on evolving standards in India and the South Asia Pacific region. Also, the webinar will highlight advanced analytical approaches for different food matrices like seafood, eggs, meat, infant formula, packaging material, including sample preparation, instrumentation, and reporting essential for effective PFAS detection. Agilent's robust LC/MS and GC/MS PFAS testing solutions will be showcased along with the Captiva EMR sample preparation kit, demonstrating how they can help food manufacturers, exporters, and regulatory bodies ensure compliance with global standards.</p><h4>Learning outcomes:</h4><ul><li><strong>Comprehensive understanding of PFAS characteristics and the regulatory landscape across global and regional markets, including India and the South Asia Pacific.</strong></li><li><strong>Advanced analytical techniques for PFAS detection in food, covering sample preparation, instrumentation, and reporting methodologies.</strong></li><li><strong>Practical insights into implementing PFAS testing solutions to ensure compliance with international food safety standards.</strong></li></ul><h4>Who should attend:</h4><ul><li>Food scientists, analytical chemists, regulatory authorities, government lab personnel, industry professionals in food manufacturing, packaging, exporting, R&amp;D scientists, toxicologists, QA/QC analysts and managers, academicians, and researchers focused on PFAS analysis and food safety.</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Dr. Nick Birse (Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK)</p><p>Nick Birse is a Lecturer in Mass Spectrometry at Queen’s University Belfast, where he focuses on the use of mass spectrometry to solve key food integrity challenges, such as the measurement of chemical contaminants and natural toxins, fingerprinting foods to determine geographic origin and help detect fraud, or simply to measure key quality, flavour and taste attributes, all of which makes foods tastier, healthier and safer for consumers. Nick previously served as a Research Fellow within Prof Chris Elliott’s research group, assisting in the execution of Chris’s 2021 Agilent Thought Leader Award. He holds a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Queen’s University Belfast.</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Dr. Niladri Sekhar Chatterjee (Senior Scientist and DST Inspire Fellow, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, India)</p><p>Dr. Niladri has more than 10 years of experience in precision measurement of small molecules in food, biological, and environmental matrices. His doctoral research is on pesticide metabolism, and environmental fate in crop, soil, and water. His postdoctoral research is on seafood authentication using high resolution mass spectrometry-based metabolomics and molecular spectroscopy fingerprinting. He currently works as a Senior Scientist in the Biochemistry and Nutrition Division at ICAR Central Institute of Fisheries in Kochi. At CIFT, he has been instrumental in establishing a state-of-the-art analytical chemistry laboratory from scratch which is today one of the National Reference Laboratories. He has received external grants from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) India, National Agricultural Science Fund, and FSSAI. In the NRL, he has developed and validated precision measurement methods for multiclass analysis of pesticides, antibiotic residues, and endocrine disruptors and is actively managing the ISO 17025 accreditation of the laboratory. His research work has resulted in several peer reviewed publications.</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Dr. Lorna De-Leoz (Global Food Segment Director, Agilent Technologies, USA)</p><p>Lorna De Leoz has nearly 20 years of experience in the food industry. As the Global Food Segment Director, she collaborates with scientists to help develop accurate and reliable testing for food safety, quality, and authenticity. Lorna worked at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the Mass Spectrometry Data Center for seven years. She completed her Ph.D. in Chemistry at University of California, Davis on milk oligosaccharides and glycan biomarkers analyses.</p></blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: PFAS in Food Supply Chains: Regulations and Analytical Approaches: in association with AOAC India Section

PFAS in Food Supply Chains: Regulations and Analytical Approaches: in association with AOAC India Section

PFAS characteristics and the challenges they present to food safety.

PFAS in Food Supply Chains: Regulations and Analytical

<h4><strong>The Waters 2024 Virtual Summer School - An Educational Journey to Master Food &amp; Environmental Analysis</strong></h4><p>Unlock the full potential of LC-MS techniques with our immersive and educational sessions at the Waters Virtual F&amp;E Late Summer School 2024. From September 24th to 26th, engage with leading experts and discover cutting-edge methods for environmental and food analysis.</p><h5><strong>Why attend?</strong></h5><ul><li><strong>Comprehensive Learning:</strong> Dive deep into advanced LC-MS techniques and gain practical knowledge to enhance your laboratory's analytical capabilities.</li><li><strong>Expert Insights:</strong> Learn from industry leaders and gain firsthand experience through detailed modules on chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation.</li><li><strong>Regulatory Compliance:</strong> Stay ahead with the latest insights on EU regulations for PFAS analysis in food and water, ensuring your lab meets stringent standards.</li></ul><h3><strong>Episode #4: Chromatography - APGC | F&amp;E Summer School - Day 1 - Module 4</strong></h3><p>Discover the advantages of GC coupled to MS under atmospheric pressure (Atmospheric Pressure GC/ APGC) as a powerful alternative to electron ionization (EI) for GC-MS. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the APGC technology and its operational principles. Explore why APGC offers higher sensitivity, selectivity, and robustness compared to traditional EI methods. Maximize versatility and efficiency by understanding how to achieve both LC and GC capabilities on the same MS system as well as using nitrogen as an alternative carrier gas.</p><h5><strong>What you'll learn:</strong></h5><ul><li>How APGC works</li><li>Enhanced performance over classic EI-GC</li><li>Ease of use and implementation in the lab</li><li>Usage of nitrogen as GC carrier gas</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Frank L. Dorman, PhD, FRSC (Principal Environmental Market Manager, Waters Corporation)</p><p>Frank Dorman is currently Senior Business Development Manager for Waters focusing on their global environmental business and, concurrently, Associate Professor (adjunct) in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) at Penn State University in University Park, PA. In his role at Waters, Frank manages the research-focused environmental market, external collaborations and also interfaces with R&amp;D for new product development. Prior to Waters, Frank was employed full-time as a tenure-line Faculty member of Penn State and served as a member of the Graduate Faculty in: Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology (BMMB), Chemistry (CHEM) and the Programs in Forensics Science (FRNSC), and Biogeochemistry (BGC). Frank is also a member of the Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis at Penn State. Frank’s scientific interests are in gas and liquid chromatography fundamental characterization, instrumentation and column development, as well and mass spectrometry and atomic spectroscopy as applied to trace analysis in complex sample matrices. This work is directed towards environmental forensics, traditional forensic chemistry and where environmental exposure events may contribute to human disease; an area sometimes referred to as “exposomics”.</p><p>Prior to joining the faculty at PSU, Frank was at Restek Corporation for 14 years as the Director of Technical Development, and R&amp;D Senior Chemist. During most of this same time, Frank was also an Adjunct Research Professor at Juniata College where he maintained an active undergraduate research program. Prior to that he was at Inchcape Testing Services for 5 years as a Senior Chemist, Organics Section Manager for Sample Preparation and Corporate Methods Development Chemist. As such, Frank has extensive experience in both the Industrial and Academic sectors giving him a relatively rare combination of skills and experience.</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Janitha De-Alwis (Senior Applications Chemist, European Applications Team, Food and Environmental, Waters Corporation)</p><p>JD has worked in the chromatography industry for over 10 years and has recently joined Waters Corporation as a senior applications chemist. Prior to joining Waters, JD managed a group at a leading food research and contract organisation. Here, JD helped the food, drink and associated industriesproactivelyand reactively in the area of chemical toxins.As a senior applications chemist, JD now develops new applications with Waters technologies and helps customers with their critical analytical challenges.</p></blockquote>

Waters Corporation: The Waters 2024 Virtual Summer School

Chromatography - APGC

Discover the advantages of GC coupled to MS under atmospheric pressure (APGC) as a powerful alternative to electron ionization (EI) for GC-MS.

<h4><strong>The Waters 2024 Virtual Summer School - An Educational Journey to Master Food &amp; Environmental Analysis</strong></h4><p>Unlock the full potential of LC-MS techniques with our immersive and educational sessions at the Waters Virtual F&amp;E Late Summer School 2024. From September 24th to 26th, engage with leading experts and discover cutting-edge methods for environmental and food analysis.</p><h5><strong>Why attend?</strong></h5><ul><li><strong>Comprehensive Learning:</strong> Dive deep into advanced LC-MS techniques and gain practical knowledge to enhance your laboratory's analytical capabilities.</li><li><strong>Expert Insights:</strong> Learn from industry leaders and gain firsthand experience through detailed modules on chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation.</li><li><strong>Regulatory Compliance:</strong> Stay ahead with the latest insights on EU regulations for PFAS analysis in food and water, ensuring your lab meets stringent standards.</li></ul><h3><strong>Episode #5: General Sample Preparation | F&amp;E Summer School - Day 2 - Module 1</strong></h3><p>Sample preparation is a key aspect in the analytical workflow and heavily determines the quality of the analysis. Solid Phase Extraction is a fundamental sample preparation technique widely used across all areas of analytical chemistry. Whether new to SPE or seeking a refresher, this webinar will introduce the basics of sample preparation and provide practical insights and technical background on the benefits when choosing SPE over another form of sample preparation, especially for analytes in complex matrices, such as the ones often encountered in Food and Environmental analysis. Join us in exploring SPE key parameters and best practices for implementing successful SPE methods. The session will combine PowerPoint slides with videos describing good practices and showing a practical example on the complex analysis of PFAS.</p><p>Our guest speaker Chiara Sarti from Cranfield University, Bedford UK, will share her research results on the work with new dual layer cartridges to extract PFAS from different environmental samples.</p><h5><strong>What you'll learn:</strong></h5><ul><li>Understanding SPE fundamentals</li><li>Making SPE simple with water-wettable sorbents</li><li>Verifying successful SPE implementation</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Xavier Rodríguez (Business Development Manager Chemistry Group, Southern Europe, Waters)</p><p>Xavier is part of the European Market Development Team. He works as an Application Specialist with focus on sample prep and has more than 20 years of experience in solving sample prep challenges.</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Chiara Sarti (Ph.D. Student, Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence)</p></blockquote>

General Sample Preparation

Join us in exploring SPE key parameters and best practices for implementing successful SPE methods. 

<h4><strong>The Waters 2024 Virtual Summer School - An Educational Journey to Master Food &amp; Environmental Analysis</strong></h4><p>Unlock the full potential of LC-MS techniques with our immersive and educational sessions at the Waters Virtual F&amp;E Late Summer School 2024. From September 24th to 26th, engage with leading experts and discover cutting-edge methods for environmental and food analysis.</p><h5><strong>Why attend?</strong></h5><ul><li><strong>Comprehensive Learning:</strong> Dive deep into advanced LC-MS techniques and gain practical knowledge to enhance your laboratory's analytical capabilities.</li><li><strong>Expert Insights:</strong> Learn from industry leaders and gain firsthand experience through detailed modules on chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation.</li><li><strong>Regulatory Compliance:</strong> Stay ahead with the latest insights on EU regulations for PFAS analysis in food and water, ensuring your lab meets stringent standards.</li></ul><h3><strong>Episode #6: Automated Sample Preparation | F&amp;E Summer School - Day 2 - Module 2</strong></h3><p>This Module builds on the previous one by adding automation to the sample preparation methods. The Andrew+™ pipetting robot offers fully automated liquid handling using electronic pipettes and labware holders called Dominos for a full walk-away automation solution.</p><p>Creating the connected laboratory, Andrew+ is part of the OneLab™ ecosystem, executing laboratory protocols designed in OneLab software. This flexible architecture enables you to effortlessly transition from laborious manual pipetting procedures to error-free, fully-robotized lab workflows – without any knowledge of programming, laboratory robotics or automation engineering. and explains processes the Andrew+ pipetting robot can take over in your lab.</p><p>The European Union has adopted Commission Recommendation (EU) 2022/1431 to monitor PFAS in fruits, vegetables, milk and baby food. To achieve quantification at lowest levels of PFAS in food matrices, sample preparation is required which comprise of many pipetting steps and can be time-consuming and error prone. We will demonstrate an automate workflow for the analysis of PFAS in milk using a pipetting robot and stacked dual-phase SPE cartridges to meet EU 2022/1431 levels.</p><h5><strong>What you'll learn:</strong></h5><p>Possibilities to automat liquid handling processes in LC and LC-MS e.g.</p><ul><li>Serial dilution</li><li>Calibration curve</li><li>Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Xavier Rodríguez (Business Development Manager Chemistry Group, Southern Europe, Waters)</p><p>Xavier is part of the European Market Development Team. He works as an Application Specialist with focus on sample prep and has more than 20 years of experience in solving sample prep challenges.</p><p><strong>Presenter:&nbsp;</strong>Daniel Ng PhD (Principal Scientist, Waters Corporation)</p><p>Daniel Ng received his PhD from the University of Manchester in mass spectrometry proteomics. He worked for 5 years at the Waters mass spectrometry headquarters in Wilmslow, UK, as a service support development engineer specializing in mass spectrometry instrumentation. In 2019, he took up a new role as a principal scientist at the International Food and Water Research Centre (Waters) in Singapore focusing on using advanced instrumentation to answer analytical challenges in the food and water industry. Since 2023, Daniel has lead the Food, Environmental and Material Science Analytical Professional Service team in the Asia-Pacific Region, developing analytical solutions to meet key challenges that customers face.</p></blockquote>

Automated Sample Preparation

The Andrew+™ pipetting robot offers fully automated liquid handling using electronic pipettes and labware holders.