<p><strong>🎤Jessica Whitehouse</strong></p><p><strong>Haloacetic acids (HAAs) are disinfection byproducts formed when chlorine or bromine reacts with organic matter in water—and some are linked to serious health concerns. In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, we sit down with Jessica Whitehouse, MSc student at the University of Calgary, to discuss how she developed a GC-MS method to detect and quantify HAAs in real-world water samples.</strong></p><p>During her undergraduate research at Thompson Rivers University, Jessica tackled a major challenge faced by many academic labs: how to analyze regulated environmental contaminants without access to GC-ECD instrumentation. &nbsp;Using dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, derivatization, and GC-MS, she built a faster, more accessible workflow—and applied it to tap water, swimming pools, and hot tubs.</p><h4><strong>In this conversation, we cover:</strong></h4><ul><li>What haloacetic acids are and why they matter</li><li>Why standard EPA methods can be difficult for smaller or teaching-focused labs</li><li>How GC-MS can be adapted for HAA analysis</li><li>The challenges of derivatization and temperature program optimization</li><li>Unexpected findings in brominated vs. chlorinated HAAs</li><li>Why pool and hot tub water can show surprisingly high HAA levels</li><li>The excitement (and frustration) of first-time method development</li><li>Advice for undergraduate and early-career analytical chemists</li></ul><p>Jessica also shares how this project led directly to her current MSc research on ozone and nanobubble water disinfection, where she’s now expanding into ion chromatography.</p><p>Whether you work in environmental analysis, chromatography, GC-MS, or are just starting your journey in analytical chemistry, this episode offers practical insight into real lab constraints, method development, and the joy of finding your first analyte peak.</p><h3><strong>Video Transcription</strong></h3><h4><span><strong>Introduction</strong></span></h4><p>Haloacetic acids (HAAs) are an important class of disinfectant byproducts formed when organic matter present in water reacts with chemical sanitizers. Because several HAAs are associated with adverse health effects, their determination remains relevant in environmental and public health analysis. This interview highlights the academic pathway and research experience of Jessica, whose undergraduate work focused on the development of a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method for the analysis of HAAs in pool and hot tub water.</p><p>Her project emerged from a combination of academic interest in analytical chemistry, practical experience with water testing, and the constraints of instrument availability in an undergraduate research setting. The resulting workflow illustrates how method adaptation, critical problem-solving, and persistence can enable meaningful analytical research even when standardized methods are not directly accessible.</p><h4><span><strong>Academic Background and Entry into Analytical Chemistry</strong></span></h4><p>Jessica completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Physics at Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia. Her interest in analytical chemistry developed during her second year of study, when coursework revealed the quantitative and detail-oriented nature of the discipline. This emphasis on numerical interpretation, precision, and method development aligned strongly with her academic strengths and motivated her to pursue analytical research.</p><p>Her specific interest in water chemistry originated even earlier through practical work in a pool and hot tub store, where she became familiar with routine water testing and the chemical factors influencing water quality. This early exposure led naturally into undergraduate research under the supervision of Dr. Sharon Brewer, whose expertise in water analysis provided an ideal foundation for the project.</p><h4><span><strong>Haloacetic Acids as Disinfectant Byproducts</strong></span></h4><p>Haloacetic acids are a subset of disinfectant byproducts generated when sanitizing agents react with natural organic matter in water. In treated recreational water systems such as pools and hot tubs, disinfectants are essential for microbial control, yet they can also lead to formation of unwanted chemical byproducts. Because some HAAs are considered potentially harmful, their occurrence and concentration warrant analytical attention.</p><p>In this study, both chlorinated and brominated HAAs were of interest. Although the tested water systems were primarily sanitized using chlorine-based products, the occurrence of brominated HAAs emerged as a notable and somewhat unexpected finding.</p><h4><span><strong>Analytical Challenges and Method Selection</strong></span></h4><p>A major challenge in the project was the lack of access to the instrumentation required for the standard EPA-based method initially considered for HAA analysis. The available protocol depended on GC-ECD instrumentation, which was not accessible at the university. This limitation required the development of an alternative strategy based on the instruments available locally.</p><p>GC-MS was selected as the most practical analytical platform. To support this approach, Jessica identified a literature source describing a similar method that could be adapted to her research aims. In parallel, dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction was introduced into the workflow as a means of sample preparation, providing valuable methodological experience beyond the standard undergraduate laboratory curriculum.</p><p>This adaptation illustrates a common reality in academic research: analytical methodology is often shaped not only by ideal regulatory procedures, but also by local instrument access, scheduling limitations, and the practical needs of the researcher.</p><h4><span><strong>Need for Derivatization in GC-MS Analysis</strong></span></h4><p>A central analytical issue was that HAAs are inherently nonvolatile, which makes them poorly suited to direct GC analysis. To enable gas chromatographic separation, derivatization was required to convert the analytes into more volatile derivatives with more favorable boiling characteristics.</p><p>In this method, derivatization with octanol was employed. This modification improved volatility and also generated larger fragments, which aided mass spectral interpretation by making the analyte fragmentation patterns easier to distinguish. Thus, derivatization served both chromatographic and mass spectrometric purposes.</p><h4><span><strong>Optimization of the GC Temperature Program</strong></span></h4><p>Considerable effort was devoted to optimization of the GC temperature program. The main difficulty did not arise solely from the analytes themselves, but from the derivatization reagent. Octanol produced a broad and persistent chromatographic feature, including a significant shoulder extending into later retention times. This complicated separation and increased pressure to keep the method sufficiently short for routine sample throughput.</p><p>Among the analytes, monochloroacetic acid proved especially problematic. Because it differed only subtly in structure and produced overlapping behavior relative to the octanol-derived background, its signal was difficult to isolate confidently. Although chlorine-containing fragments could be observed, precise assignment remained challenging. This difficulty underscores how small structural differences and matrix-related interferences can complicate quantitative GC-MS workflows.</p><h4><span><strong>Method Performance and Practical Advantages</strong></span></h4><p>Although the adapted GC-MS method was developed out of necessity, it also provided practical advantages over the more standardized workflow that had initially been considered. In particular, the derivatization step in the adapted approach required only approximately 10 minutes, whereas the more conventional procedure involved a water bath step lasting around two hours. In addition, the adapted workflow offered shorter overall preparation and analysis timing, allowing batches of samples to be prepared and placed on the autosampler within a normal working schedule.</p><p>From a practical research perspective, this translated into substantially improved laboratory efficiency. The ability to complete derivatization quickly and begin automated sample analysis without extensive delays made the workflow more manageable and better suited to the demands of an undergraduate project.</p><h4><span><strong>Unexpected Findings: Brominated HAAs in Chlorine-Sanitized Systems</strong></span></h4><p>One of the more surprising outcomes of the study was the predominance of brominated HAAs, despite the fact that the investigated pools and hot tubs were sanitized using chlorine-based treatments. Four of the systems relied on sodium chloride electrolysis to generate chlorine species, while others used chlorine-containing puck formulations commonly applied in recreational water treatment.</p><p>Given these conditions, higher levels of chlorinated HAAs might have been expected. Instead, the results suggested a greater abundance of brominated HAAs. A plausible explanation is the presence of bromine-containing impurities in commercial pool and hot tub chemicals. Although such impurities may occur at relatively low levels, they can still influence disinfectant byproduct formation. The observation highlights the importance of considering the full chemical composition of treatment products, not merely their primary declared active ingredients.</p><h4><span><strong>Value of Practical Industry Experience</strong></span></h4><p>Jessica’s prior work in the pool and hot tub industry provided an unusually strong contextual advantage for the project. Because the samples originated from store clients, she had access to detailed information about the chemicals used in each system, including safety data sheets and knowledge of treatment timing. This background significantly strengthened interpretation of the analytical results by linking measured byproducts to known product usage patterns.</p><p>Such integration of practical field knowledge with laboratory analysis represents an important strength in applied environmental chemistry, particularly when studying real-world water systems rather than idealized laboratory samples.</p><h4><span><strong>Scientific Development and Early Research Motivation</strong></span></h4><p>An especially valuable element of the project was the role it played in building research confidence. Jessica described the first successful identification of an analyte peak as a memorable turning point, reflecting the emotional significance of early experimental success in scientific training. In analytical chemistry, where method optimization often involves repeated setbacks and ambiguous data, such moments can be critical in sustaining motivation and reinforcing scientific identity.</p><p>This experience also informed her advice to early-stage researchers: unfavorable or unexpected outcomes still constitute valid results. Negative or imperfect findings remain analytically meaningful and contribute to scientific understanding, provided they are interpreted carefully.</p><h4><span><strong>Connection to Current Research</strong></span></h4><p>Jessica is now working at the University of Calgary on a different project focused on ozone and nanobubble disinfection. Although the analytical platform and immediate research questions have changed, the conceptual connection to her earlier work remains clear. Her experience with disinfectant byproducts and water chemistry directly supported her transition into this new role and helped position her as a strong candidate for research in water treatment-related systems.</p><p>She also expressed interest in expanding her analytical expertise through ion chromatography, which will play a role in her current work. This transition reflects the broader development of an environmental analytical chemist whose work continues to center on water quality, disinfection chemistry, and the analytical tools needed to investigate both.</p><h4><span><strong>Public Health Relevance</strong></span></h4><p>A notable practical implication of the project concerns recreational water safety. Jessica emphasized that pool and hot tub water should not be ingested, a recommendation already widely understood in general terms but further reinforced by her findings. In at least one case, HAA concentrations were reported at levels far above the federal drinking water regulation threshold. While such regulations are designed for potable water rather than recreational water, the comparison nevertheless illustrates the extent to which disinfectant byproducts may accumulate in these environments.</p><p>She also noted that several HAAs are classified as probable human carcinogens, with prolonged exposure linked to serious health concerns. Although occasional accidental ingestion is not equivalent to chronic exposure, the findings reinforce the importance of appropriate hygiene, safe water maintenance practices, and awareness of chemical byproduct formation in recreational systems.</p><h4><span><strong>Conclusion</strong></span></h4><p>This research demonstrates how meaningful analytical chemistry can emerge from a combination of scientific curiosity, practical constraints, and strong mentorship. By adapting a GC-MS workflow for the determination of haloacetic acids in pool and hot tub water, Jessica developed a method that was both workable within local instrument limitations and efficient enough to offer practical benefits over more conventional procedures.</p><p>Beyond the analytical results themselves, the project highlights several broader themes: the value of undergraduate research, the importance of flexibility in method development, the benefit of practical contextual knowledge, and the relevance of environmental analytical chemistry to real-world public health questions. It also shows how early research experiences can shape a long-term scientific trajectory, leading from undergraduate investigation to continued work in water chemistry and disinfection science.</p><blockquote><p><strong>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.</strong></p></blockquote><blockquote><h4><strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</strong></h4><p>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!</p><p>You can find <strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast </strong>in podcast apps:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185"><strong>Apple podcast</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography"><strong>podscan</strong></a></li></ul><p>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos"><strong>YouTube channel</strong></a></p></blockquote>

Detecting Haloacetic Acids in Water with GC-MS

<p><strong>This study presents a one-year assessment of microplastic concentrations in the River Rhine, analyzing samples from three locations and across multiple size fractions using TED-GC/MS. Dominant polymers included polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, styrene–butadiene rubber, and natural rubber.</strong></p><p>Statistical analysis revealed size-dependent distributions, minor seasonal variation, and spatial differences, highlighting the role of sources such as tire abrasion. The findings provide valuable data for environmental monitoring, ecotoxicological research, and regulatory frameworks related to water quality.</p><blockquote><h4><strong>The original article</strong></h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsestwater.5c00530"><strong>One Year Observation of Microplastic Concentrations in the River Rhine</strong></a></h4><p>Yosri Wiesner, Paul Eisentraut, and Korinna Altmann*</p><p>ACS EST Water 2026, 6, 2, 639–648</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acsestwater.5c00530">https://doi.org/10.1021/acsestwater.5c00530</a></p><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"><strong>CC-BY 4.0</strong></a></h6></blockquote><p><strong>Selected sections from the article follow. Formats and hyperlinks were adapted from the original.</strong></p><div><p>As microplastics (MPs) are found all over the world and no comprehensive knowledge is available yet, extensive monitoring campaigns are required to gain a full understanding of their occurrence, transportation and fate. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1,2)</a> In particular, MP abundance in freshwater systems has still not been sufficiently investigated. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(3,4)</a> Additionally, the question of the toxicological potential of MPs has been the subject of numerous studies for many years, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(5,6)</a> leading to more precise and complex experimental set-ups and results. However, there is still a need for more acurate data on environmental MP concentrations in order to make ecotoxicological tests even more detailed and realistic. The lack of certainty for exposure concentrations in the risk assessment frame of MPs leads to the precautionary principle being applied by politicians and regulators worldwide. Both the EU drinking water directive and the wastewater directive call for monitoring of MPs within the next few years. It is important to establish suitable analytical methods for sampling, sample preparation and detection that must now be fast, robust and fit for purpose in order to obtain representative and valid results depending on mass or particle number. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(7−9)</a></p><p>MPs are solid particles with a size of 1–1000 μm mainly consisting of polymers (ISO/TR 21960, 2020) and can, for example, result from industrial production in the form of small particles that are designed as additives and change the properties of products, or from plastic parts that have been released into the environment. Major sources of MPs today are paints, tires, packaging materials, pellet waste and textiles. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(10−12)</a> These macroplastic products can form MP particles as a result of degradation factors such as photooxidation, hydrolysis and mechanical abrasion. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13,14)</a></p><p>The River Rhine has its origin in Switzerland and then flows through Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany and France until it discharges into the North Sea in The Netherlands. At 1233 km and a catchment area of about 185&nbsp;000 km<sup>2</sup>, the Rhine is one of the largest river systems in Europe and, due to its expanse, forms the ecological basis for a large number of animal species. Around 30 million people in Germany are supplied with drinking water from the Rhine.</p><p>It is hardly possible to assess the occurrence of MPs if either a limited sampling volume is used or only individual samples are taken. It is therefore essential that different volumes are sampled depending on whether the water to be sampled contains many or few MP particles. It is recommended to sample at least 5 m<sup>3</sup> for drinking water samples and 1 m<sup>3</sup> for surface water, whereas raw wastewater contains so many particles that only a few liters need to be sampled. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(15)</a> Although sampling of these water volumes leads to a representative sample from the analytic point of view, it is questionable, if the result measured is representative for the location. Previous studies have shown that the composition in terms of MP masses in a water body can change at one location with each individual sample independently whether several samples are analyzed in 1 day or spread over several days. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(16)</a> Fractionated filtration and sedimentation boxes as active and passive sampling methods have proven themselves in the sampling of freshwater systems. In active sampling, water is fractionally filtered using a pump and a sieve tower with different mesh sizes. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(17)</a> Passive sampling can be carried out using sedimentation boxes. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(18)</a> In a sedimentation box, the flow velocity of the medium flowing through is reduced by using several baffle plates. Due to the reduced velocity and energy, particles up to a certain size are forced to sediment by the now predominant gravitational force. Such boxes can remain in the water for several weeks and therefore collect a cross-section of the suspended particles including MP over a certain period of time.</p><p>Mass and number-based methods have emerged as suitable detection methods for MPs. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(19)</a> Number-based methods such as μ-Raman, μ-FTIR or LDIR are well advanced to evaluate the polymer identity, particle number concentration and shape, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(20,21)</a> but are still time-consuming in terms of sample preparation. In regulatory approaches or for simulations, usually the MP mass is needed. MP polymer identity and masses can be detected by thermoanalytical methods like pyrolysis-GC/MS (Py-GC/MS) or thermal extraction desorption-GC/MS (TED-GC/MS). Especially TED-GC/MS seems to be suitable for monitoring purses of suspended particulate matter, because there is no need for additional sample preparation others than filtration and homogenization. Up to 50 mg of suspended particulate matter can be directly measured in one run, giving representative subsamples for precise measurements exceeding the limit of quantification. Furthermore, styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) and natural rubber (NR) as indication for tire wear can be detected in the same sample run next to thermoplastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyamide 6 or polyacrylates.</p><p>This work provides a comprehensive data set of MP concentrations of the River Rhine over one year sampling at three different locations starting near the source in Weil via Koblenz and Emmerich. Sampling was done with sedimentation boxes with monthly withdrawal and fractioned filtration of the collected particles afterward. The size fractions 10–50 μm, 50–100 μm and 100–500 μm were provided by the Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG, Germany) and analyzed at the Federal Institute of Material Research and Testing (BAM, Germany) funded by a national project from the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV, Germany, 3719 22301 0). Detection was performed with TED-GC/MS in routine mode, proven as a fast and robust detection method. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(2,16,22)</a> Data can be used, for example, for water monitoring or as reference values for future risk assessment scenarios and experiments.</p><h4><strong>2. Materials and Methods</strong></h4><h5><strong>2.2. TED-GC/MS</strong></h5><p>TED-GC/MS is a multistage detection technique combining the thermal sample extraction by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) with chromatographic separation of the individual decomposition gases and detection by trace analysis with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Sample material in 150 μL alumina crucibles was pyrolyzed in a <strong>TGA2 thermobalance</strong> (MettlerToledo, Gieβen, Germany) under a nitrogen flow of 30 mL/min from 200 to 500 °C with a heating rate of 10 K/min. Typical sample intake was between 10 to 50 mg depending on the organic content. The decomposition gases were collected on a solid phase (SorbStar, Envea, Vohenstrauβ, Germany) in the typical polymer decomposition temperature range between 200 and 500 °C via a heated coupling module (240 °C, Gerstel, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany). The loaded solid phase was transported to the thermodesorption unit (TDU)-GC/MS by an autosampler (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=8&amp;search=MultiPurposeSampler+2"><strong>MultiPurposeSampler 2</strong></a> (MPS2), Gerstel, Mühlheim an der Ruhr). The desorption of the decomposition products took place in the TDU (50–200 °C, 5 min isothermal, He gas, Gerstel), the cryofocusing in the cold injection system (−100 °C, Gerstel). Injection was carried out from there by rapid heating (−100–270 °C, 12 K/s) onto the separation column (HP5 ms, 1 mL/min He, 40–300 °C, Agilent, Palo Alto, USA) in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=7890B"><strong>GC system (7890 B Agilent)</strong></a>. After chromatographic separation, detection was performed in a mass spectrometer (EI, 70 eV, scan-mode, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=5977B"><strong>5977 B, Agilen</strong></a>t).</p><h4><strong>3. Results and Discussion</strong></h4><p>A summary of the identified polymer types and their corresponding mass concentrations per sampling location is provided in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsestwater.5c00530#fig1">Figure 1</a>. All individual results are presented in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acsestwater.5c00530/suppl_file/ew5c00530_si_001.pdf">Table S1</a> of the Supporting Information. With a few exceptions, the polymers PE, PP, PS, SBR and NR were detected. To cope with the large amount of measurement data and to obtain an overview of possible correlations, the data was evaluated using statistical and mathematical algorithms. Only the five polymers named above provide enough input data and are therefore used as the basis for the data analysis. The individual results were sorted according to various aspects that are included in the data set as independent variables:</p><p>(I)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Particle size fractions</p><p>(II)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Temporal variation</p><p>(III)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Spatial variation due to the sampling locations</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_EST_Water_2026_6_2_639_648_Figure_1_Overview_of_sampling_locations_along_the_German_part_of_the_River_Rhine_and_sum_of_identified_median_mass_concentrations_fe570f51b5.jpg" alt="ACS EST Water 2026, 6, 2, 639–648: Figure 1. Overview of sampling locations along the German part of the River Rhine and sum of identified median mass concentrations." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_EST_Water_2026_6_2_639_648_Figure_1_Overview_of_sampling_locations_along_the_German_part_of_the_River_Rhine_and_sum_of_identified_median_mass_concentrations_fe570f51b5.jpg 158w," sizes="100vw" width="1883" height="1860"></p><p>The concentrations of the various polymers in the suspended matter serve as input values. The riverine balancing and material transport based on the total masses (polymer mass in total suspended solids mass) is carried out explicitly and will be published at Umweltbundesamt as part of the project report by the BfG (Ternes, final project report, 2023).</p><h5><strong>3.1. Particle Size Fractions</strong></h5><p>This section describes the possible correlation of the polymer mass concentration with the size of the measured particles regardless of the sampling location. Therefore, the generated samples were sorted by sieving into different size fractions of 10–50, 50–100 and 100–500 μm. The relative mean values of the individual fractions are calculated (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acsestwater.5c00530/suppl_file/ew5c00530_si_001.pdf">Figure S2</a>) to obtain the shares of the different polymer types in the total amount of MP. PE is the dominant polymer in all size fractions with 68–76%, followed by PS (10–15%), SBR (4–13%), PP (2–5%) and NR (2–4%). Obviously, all polymer types are approximately evenly distributed across the size fractions, with SBR being less present in the 100–500 μm fraction.</p><p>In general, it can be determined that PE accounts for the highest proportion of MP. PS makes up the second highest proportion, followed by SBR. Next in line are PP and NR. The polymer findings are in good agreement with previous MP studies of the Rhine. PE, PP and PS in particular are the most frequently detected polymers. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(3)</a> The relative abundance of PE, PP and PS is also relatively similar to Skalska et al., even when the particle number was considered here. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(26)</a> Especially in comparison with the results of Mani et al. significant similarities to the ratios of PE, PP and PS can be found. Data on SBR from tire abrasion in the Rhine is difficult to find in existing studies, as such particles cannot easily be identified using vibrational methods due to the IR absorbing properties and the intense fluorescence of the accompanying soot. However, a comparison with suspended particulate matter samples from the Danube is possible, as here the detection was also carried out using TED-GC/MS. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(2)</a> The relative ratios of PE, PP, PS, SBR and NR are comparable and support the plausibility of the results.</p><p>Total MP mass concentrations are presented in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acsestwater.5c00530/suppl_file/ew5c00530_si_001.pdf">Figure S3</a> for individual polymer types, showing highest mass concentrations in the size fraction 100–500 μm. The median varies from 0.17 to 6.80 μg/mg depending on the polymer type. In absolute terms, the PE mass concentrations are significantly higher than those of all other polymers. PP and PS show a strong mass increase in the 100–500 μm fraction, together with higher uncertainty compared to 10–50 μm and 50–100 μm. With a variation of 0.27–0.32 μg/mg across all particle size fractions, the mass contents of SBR are relatively constant, while NR mass concentration seems to increase more linearly. The high mass concentrations and the strong scattering of the 100–500 μm fractions could be due to the presence or absence of large but few particles. Basically, the larger a particle is, the higher its contribution to the mass concentration. In contrast, the larger a particle is, the lower the probability of an equal distribution in all samples.</p><p>If other regions associated with the Rhine are considered, comparable ratios of mass concentration in the various particle size fractions are found in Rhine floodplains. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(27)</a></p><p>At the beginning of the data analysis, a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is carried out to identify parameters that have a high influence on the mass content. This analysis identified that the particle size has the greatest influence on the mass concentration (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsestwater.5c00530#fig2">Figure 2</a>). The first principal component (PC 1) was identified as the particle size fraction and explains over 50% of the differences in the data.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_EST_Water_2026_6_2_639_648_Figure_2_PCA_Score_plot_of_mass_concentrations_of_the_different_polymers_be94ae16c4.jpg" alt="ACS EST Water 2026, 6, 2, 639–648: Figure 2. PCA Score plot of mass concentrations of the different polymers." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_EST_Water_2026_6_2_639_648_Figure_2_PCA_Score_plot_of_mass_concentrations_of_the_different_polymers_be94ae16c4.jpg 184w," sizes="100vw" width="747" height="635"></p><h4><strong>4. Conclusion</strong></h4><p>This study demonstrated that long-term sampling of the Rhine is possible and provides plausible results, which is important for future MP monitoring campaigns, as required by the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive for the EU. Although the MP concentrations in the Rhine are relatively constant, seasonal and downstream differences were observed. In order to confirm these possible trends, further sampling campaigns are needed to identify possible differences on an annual scale. Furthermore, the influences of urban proximity and land use must be examined in greater detail by increasing the number of measuring points. Additional sample sites are needed to identify possible sources of input. This would be particularly important to clarify the PS concentrations, which show a high correlation between the different particle size fractions in almost all seasons and could indicate a possible common source. SBR is the only polymer to show a relatively constant concentration across all particle sizes and seasons, independent of the river course. Since it is a tire component, constant road traffic could be part of the explanation. However, a different particle ratio must be assumed here compared to the other polymers. The fragmentation mechanism and/or another transport mechanism needs to be clarified.</p><p>Although PE constitutes the majority of the total MP concentration, there may be an overestimation due to false positive signals. To exclude or confirm this, further studies must be conducted to analyze the organic components of the riverine suspended matter in detail.</p><p>A comparison with other studies reveals similar occurrences of the same polymer types and in parts also similar seasonal fluctuations and a slight downstream increase. The differentiated presentation of results in polymer type, particle size fraction and range of mass concentrations can provide a valuable basis for more complex and realistic exposure tests for ecotoxicological studies on freshwater organisms. In particular, the large database for SBR as a tire component could be of special interest, as the toxicity of tire particles due to their chemical composition has already been shown in other studies. In studies using FTIR-based detection methods, these values are usually missing due to the high absorbance of the black tire particles.</p></div>

One Year Observation of Microplastic Concentrations in the River Rhine

<p><strong>In the week of April 6, the following webinars await you in the field of gas / solid phase and especially Raman, FTIR, GC and GC/MS.</strong></p><blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinars"><strong>👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</strong></a></h4><p><strong>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database</strong> with over <strong>5 500 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars</strong>.</p></blockquote><div><div><div><div><div><div><h5><strong>1. Bruker: Advances in AFM for the Characterization of 2D Materials</strong></h5><ul><li>We, 8.4.2026 17:00 CET</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6054">Registration</a></li></ul><p>Explore how AFM enables comprehensive nanoscale characterization of 2D materials. Learn about structural, electrical, and chemical mapping, AFM-IR, and nanomanipulation for device fabrication.</p><h5><strong>2. Agilent Technologies: Mastering Gas Sampling: Valve Fundamentals to ASTM Ready RGA &amp; TOGA Analysis</strong></h5><ul><li>Th, 9.4.2026 08:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6056">Registration</a></li></ul><p>In this session, learn how to achieve reliable permanent gas analysis, starting from proper valve selection and sampling fundamentals.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div>

Webinars LabRulezGCMS Week 15/2026

Article

Webinars

Video

Scientists

Scientific article

Interview

Science and research

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

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

The Analytical Scientist

Agilent Technologies

LECO

PerkinElmer

Frontier Lab

SelectScience

Shimadzu Corporation

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


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

Unleash The Power Of GC-QQQ In Your Environmental Laboratory

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


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

Agilent - Microplastics in the Environment Virtual Symposium 2021

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


Frontier Laboratories: Identification and quantification of environmental microplastics

Identification and quantification of environmental microplastics 

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


Pixabay/wiredsmartio: Portable GC/MS Tips & Tricks

Portable GC/MS Tips & Tricks

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


Unsplash/Brett Jordan: Detect, discover, diagnose: Uncovering biomarkers to advance non-invasive breath-based diagnostics

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

<p><strong>Non-authorized presence of ethylene oxide (ETO) and 2-chloroethanol (2CE) in sesame seeds and other food commodities is a new emerging food safety issue. First notification about the presence of ETO in sesame seeds dates from August 2020, and since then over 500 new notifications were published on the European Rapid Alert Food and Feed Safety (RASFF) portal. To ensure that foods are safe for consumption, food industry and enforcement agencies need reliable and robust methods to detect ETO and 2CE in foods preferably at levels at or below the set maximum residue limit of 0.05 mg/kg.</strong></p>
<p>For the determination of these contaminants a combination of a QuEChERS sample preparation method and a GC-MS/MS analytical method was proposed by the EU Reference Laboratories for Residues of Pesticides. However, several challenges are encountered when it comes to the analysis of ETO and 2CE in various food products. The high volatility of ETO requires the use of a dedicated column to ensure separation from possible interference from acetaldehyde. </p>
<p>Secondly, QuEChERS extracts often contain high amounts of non-volatile material which can accumulate in the inlet liner and column inlet, affecting the accuracy and robustness of the analysis. Integration of the Automated Liner Exchange (ALEX) option in the analysis of ETO and 2CE allowed to exchange the GC liner without stopping the analysis sequence and therefore with no downtime related to inlet maintenance.</p>
<p>Additionally, the analytical column was further protected by the integration of a pre-column with backflushing option. This allowed to remove high boiling compounds which reach the analytical column. Back-flushing was carried out while the analysis was occurring on the analytical column, keeping sample throughput unaffected. </p>
<p>With this dedicated set-up based on an Agilent 8890 GC, an Agilent 7010 triple quadrupole MS and a Gerstel MPS sampler, a robust analytical solution was obtained, ensuring less downtime related to inlet maintenance, column changing and/or MS source cleaning. Limits of detection in the low range of µg/kg with excellent recovery and repeatability were obtained for sesame and curcuma samples. </p>
<h3><strong>What you will learn:</strong></h3>
<p>Attendees will learn about how to deal with the analytical challenges of the determination of ETOX and 2-CE in food commodities and how a novel, robust and automated method can be implemented in their labs</p>
<h3><strong>Who should attend:</strong></h3>
<p>Food safety chemists, researchers and lab managers</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:  Tatiana Cucu, Ph.D. (Senior Scientist/Project manager, Research Institute for Chromatography (RIC))</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Tatiana received her Ph.D. degree in the field of food safety and food quality in 2011 at University of Gent, Belgium. During her Ph.D. and later during her post-doc she developed analytical methods for the analysis of among other food allergens and food additives. In 2005 she joined the Research Institute for Chromatography (RIC) as senior scientist where she is involved in project related to development and optimisation of GC-MS and GC-MS/MS methods, miniaturisation and automatization of sample preparation methods and development of new applications for food, environmental, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.</p>
</blockquote>


Pixabay/Ulrike Leone: Analysis of ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol in sesame seeds and other food commodities: challenges and solutions

Analysis of ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol in sesame seeds and other food commodities: challenges and solutions

An Agilent 8890 GC with 7010 QQQ MS and a Gerstel MPS sampler ensuring less downtime related to inlet maintenance, column changing and/or MS source cleaning.

Ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol in sesame seeds

<p><strong>The trend in polymer analysis by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC–MS) is toward using a generic high-throughput screening method with a single instrument that is capable of fast switching among multiple sample introduction techniques.</strong></p>
<p>Learn about the capability of the instrument under various configurations, as well as the application roadmap with specific case studies to pick the optimized sampling method.</p>
<h3><strong>Learning Objectives:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Learn the capability of Pyroprobe in evolved gas analysis, flash pyrolysis, thermal desorption, kinetics, dynamic headspace, heart-cutting and photochemistry</li>
<li>Learn about the Pyroprobe application roadmap to pick the proper technique</li>
<li>Learn about specific application examples in polymer analysis by using the Pyroprobe</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenters: Karen Sam (Lab Manager, CDS Analytical)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Karen is the Lab Manager at CDS Analytical. Karen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Bloomsburg University, in Bloomsburg, PA. Karen has over 20 years of experience in sample preparation and analysis, including 15 years in application development experience, supporting the design and testing of new sample introduction instruments, specializing in analytical pyrolysis for CDS Analytical.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenters: Roger Tank (Senior Sales Manager, CDS Analytical)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Roger is a Senior Sales Manager for CDS Analytical. With a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Roger has over 30 years of Technical Sales and Business Development experience in the Analytical Instrumentation field, of which 15 years was with Agilent Technologies managing The Dow Chemical Company account at their headquarters in Midland, MI.</p>
</blockquote>


The Analytical Scientist: Explore the Benefits of a Multi-function Thermal Injection System for Gas Chromatography

Explore the Benefits of a Multi-function Thermal Injection System for Gas Chromatography

We will discuss the use of a versatile GC sample introduction instrument (Pyroprobe) from CDS Analytical with GC–MS to increase analytical throughput. 

Multi-function Thermal Injection System for GC

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


LECO: Designed for Speed: A Fast-GC Forum

Designed for Speed: A Fast-GC Forum

<p><strong>Detection and determination of nitrosamine impurities in drug manufacturing processes have become very critical in the pharmaceutical industry. In recent years, some manufacturers have recalled certain drugs as a precautionary measure after nitrosamine impurities were found in some drugs. Nitrosamines are categorized by the International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC) as 2A – Probable Carcinogens.</strong></p>
<p>Because of the physicochemical properties of nitrosamines, such as low molecular weights, volatility, and high toxicity, analytical methods for nitrosamines require specificity, excellent chromatographic separation, and extremely sensitive detection capability. </p>
<p>Shimadzu presents various analytical methods for quantitative determination of nitrosamine compounds in drugs and solvents. These methods are developed with reference to methods published by international organizations such as the US FDA and use gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS and GC-MS/MS) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) approach. </p>
<p>Join us for this webinar to know more about these analytical methods and find out how Shimadzu can meet your nitrosamines analysis needs. </p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Tuna Oncu (Assistant Manager, Shimadzu Middle East &amp; Africa)</strong></p>
</blockquote>


Shimadzu: Shimadzu Solutions for Nitrosamine Analysis in Pharmaceuticals

Shimadzu Solutions for Nitrosamine Analysis in Pharmaceuticals

<p><strong>With the huge success of our Cannabis Testing Townhall Parts 1 &amp; 2, we invite you to join our experts for Cannabis Townhall Part 3: The Analysis of Edibles.</strong></p>
<p>The analysis of edibles is notoriously difficult and complex without a one-size-fits-all solution. To make matters worse, most published information is written for flower or concentrates, leaving the analysts to develop completely new sample preparation methods on their own. Furthermore, analysts will need to spend additional time optimizing those methods—a necessary task as a lack of optimization can lead to significant instrument downtime and highly irreproducible results, affecting your bottom line.</p>
<p>The good news? We have optimized those methods for you! Join us on October 12th and chat with our edibles experts about some of the most difficult challenges and pitfalls of chocolate, beverages, and gummies and hard candies analyses. Then, learn how we have addressed those unique challenges for you. Most of the time will be spent in a live Q&amp;A session with our edibles experts, so come prepared to ask us anything!</p>
<p>Detailed learning objectives/What attendees will learn through attending this webinar:</p>
<ol>
<li>Identify strategies to overcome some of the most difficult challenges and pitfalls of chocolate, beverages and gummies &amp; hard candies analyses.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Who should attend:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Future or current cannabis lab managers</li>
<li>Future or current cannabis Lab investors</li>
<li>Future or current cannabis testing lab analysts and chemists</li>
<li>Entrepreneurs considering starting a cannabis testing lab or branch</li>
</ul>
<h5><strong>Panelists will be:</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li><strong>Greg Kozadjian</strong> - Agilent Emerging Markets Business Development-Cannabis Testing</li>
<li><strong>Heather Reece</strong> - Agilent Emerging Markets, National Account Manager </li>
<li><strong>Anthony Macherone</strong> - Agilent Senior Applications Scientist</li>
<li><strong>Pete Stone</strong> - Agilent LC/MS Applications Scientist </li>
<li><strong>JF Roy</strong> - Agilent MS Applications Scientist</li>
<li><strong>Christophe Deckers</strong> - Agilent Sample Prep Applications Scientist</li>
<li><strong>Craig Jones</strong> - Agilent ICP-MS Applications Scientist</li>
<li><strong>Jenny Nelson</strong> –Agilent ICP-MS Applications Scientist</li>
<li><strong>Eric Farrell</strong> - Milestone Product Specialist</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Greg Kozadjian (Emerging Markets Business Development-Cannabis Testing, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Originally a biochemist, Greg Kozadjian has been responsible for emerging market opportunities within Agilent North America ever since he obtained his MBA, focusing on the cannabis testing industry. Greg guides Agilent and their customers to establish the best cannabis testing standards for the short-term interests and the long-term benefits of the industry. In touch with the industry’s trends, Greg has attended almost all the major cannabis tradeshows and is currently working with licensed producers and testing labs in Canada, the US and Latin America. His experience with cannabis material and other drugs began during his time working at the Montreal Forensics lab to develop an “Express” method analyzing 300 drugs, in urine and blood, by LC-MS. He has been exposed to the drug-development world through his experiences in the pre-clinical pharmaceutical industry. Greg is passionate about developing the cannabis industry and reducing its stigma among the masses.</p>
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<p><strong>Presenter: Heather Reece (Emerging Markets National Account Manager, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)</strong></p>
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<p>Heather brings over 10 years of experience serving the cannabis industry. She started her career as a chemist with a leading manufacturer of products for crop production and pest management. Shortly thereafter she made the transition from the bench to the field as an analytical instrumentation Technical Support Specialist.</p>
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<p>Located in Northern California, she has been on the forefront of cannabis testing for years providing a bridge between applications and implementation.</p>
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<p>As Agilent’s National Account Manager for Emerging Markets with a current focus on cannabis and hemp, she interacts with new and existing customers daily to help them understand their current efficiencies and plan for the future. Heather’s goal is to make the process of testing as simple and efficient as possible while maintaining a foundation of sound scientific principles.</p>
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GCMS webinars focusing on GC/MS - page 47

The Analysis of Edibles with Cannabis Testing Experts