🎤Alex BrodyIn this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, we sit down with Alex Brody, an organic chemist at Aqua America, to discuss the rigorous analytical methods required for regulated drinking water testing.Alex walks us through the multi-step PFAS detection process using EPA Method 537.1, including extraction, nitrogen blowdown concentration, and LC-MS analysis. He explains why sample preparation and quality control are critical for achieving trace-level detection—and why these methods can't be rushed or simplified, even with new technologies available.We also explore taste and odor investigations, disinfection byproducts, and volatile organic compounds, plus the surprising reality of why regulated labs move slowly when adopting new instrumentation. You'll learn about the quality control checkpoints, peer review processes, and the misconceptions surrounding analytical turnaround times in compliance labs.<h5>Topics Covered:</h5><ul><li>Role of organic chemistry in regulated drinking water labs</li><li>EPA compliance requirements and regulatory bodies (EPA, PA-DEP)</li><li>PFAS detection using Method 537.1 and LC-MS</li><li>The critical importance of nitrogen blowdown sample concentration</li><li>Taste and odor analysis: MIB, Geosmin, and unknown compound identification</li><li>Why regulated methods evolve slowly (validation timelines, approval processes)</li><li>Quality control procedures: calibration checks, matrix spikes, surrogate standards, internal standards</li><li>Automated sample preparation and lab efficiency</li><li>Future PFAS regulations and Method 533 expansion</li></ul><h5>Ideal For:</h5><ul><li>Analytical chemists and environmental lab professionals</li><li>Water utilities and compliance officers</li><li>Chromatography practitioners interested in regulated workflows</li><li>Anyone curious about how drinking water safety is ensured</li></ul><h2>Video Transcription</h2><h3>Ensuring Safe Drinking Water Through Advanced Analytical Chemistry</h3><h4>Insights from a Regulated Water Testing Laboratory</h4>Analytical laboratories responsible for regulated drinking water testing operate under strict compliance frameworks to ensure the delivery of safe and reliable water supplies. In this interview, Alex, an organic chemist at Aqua America, outlines the scope of analytical work conducted in a modern water quality laboratory. The team primarily focuses on the determination of taste- and odor-causing compounds, disinfection byproducts, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These analyses rely heavily on GC-MS and LC-MS instrumentation, supported by rigorous maintenance programs to ensure continuous operational performance and data reliability.<h4>Regulatory Compliance and Quality Control in Drinking Water Analysis</h4>Operating as a regulated drinking water laboratory requires adherence to stringent requirements established by agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state-level regulatory bodies. Compliance is driven by extensive quality control protocols integrated into every analytical batch. Typical workflows include calibration verification, matrix spike recovery assessments, internal standard monitoring, and surrogate performance checks. Notably, analytical batches are often limited in sample number to accommodate a substantial proportion of quality control samples, reflecting the critical importance of data defensibility in regulatory reporting.One common misconception is the perceived speed at which results can be delivered. In reality, comprehensive sample preparation, including extraction procedures and validation steps, can extend turnaround times to a full working day or longer. Additionally, validated regulatory workflows impose limitations on the rapid adoption of new analytical technologies, as method modifications must undergo formal evaluation and approval before implementation.<h4>Analytical Strategies for Taste and Odor Investigations</h4>Taste and odor events represent a significant operational challenge for water utilities. Standard targeted methods are routinely applied for compounds such as 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) and geosmin, which are commonly associated with earthy or musty sensory characteristics. When targeted analysis does not reveal the source, laboratories employ broad-scan GC-MS screening combined with spectral library interpretation to identify potential causative compounds. In some cases, sensory evaluation panels complement instrumental analysis, providing preliminary insight into potential treatment-related or environmental influences affecting water quality.<h4>PFAS Monitoring: Methodological Complexity and Trace-Level Sensitivity</h4>PFAS determination represents a rapidly evolving priority in drinking water monitoring. The laboratory currently applies EPA Method 537.1, with efforts underway to expand capabilities through certification for Method 533, thereby broadening analyte coverage. Analytical workflows typically involve solid-phase extraction followed by solvent evaporation using nitrogen-assisted blow-down techniques to achieve the trace-level sensitivity required for regulatory compliance. This concentration step is essential because PFAS compounds remain non-volatile under controlled evaporation conditions, enabling enhanced detection performance upon reconstitution and LC-MS analysis.<h4>Future Directions in Drinking Water Analytics</h4>Looking ahead, the primary technological driver in regulated water analysis is the demand for increasingly lower detection limits and expanded compound coverage. While regulatory frameworks can slow methodological innovation, laboratories continue to pursue efficiency improvements, such as automated sample preparation systems and optimized analytical workflows. These advances support the growing need to process high sample volumes while maintaining the stringent data quality standards required for public health protection.Ultimately, the work performed in regulated drinking water laboratories represents a critical intersection of analytical chemistry, environmental monitoring, and public safety. Continuous methodological refinement, coupled with advances in mass spectrometry and sample preparation technologies, will play a central role in addressing emerging contaminants and ensuring long-term water quality assurance.<blockquote>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</blockquote><blockquote><h4>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</h4>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!You can find Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast in podcast apps:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL">Spotify</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185">Apple podcast</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography">podscan</a></li></ul>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos">YouTube channel</a></blockquote>

Regulated Drinking Water Testing: PFAS Detection, Sample Prep & Real Lab Insights

This study investigates the chemical transformations of Eugenia uniflora essential oil under thermal conditions simulating gas chromatography analysis. GC–MS and NMR revealed that sesquiterpenes of the germacrene type, such as furanodiene, undergo sigmatropic rearrangement to form elemene-type compounds, including curzerene.Thermal treatment confirmed the formation of rearrangement products, indicating that bioactive properties historically attributed to curzerene may instead originate from furanodiene. The findings highlight the importance of combining complementary analytical techniques, such as NMR, to avoid misinterpretation of essential oil composition and bioactivity markers.<blockquote><h4>The original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c08966">Is Curzerene Responsible for the Bioactive Properties of Eugenia uniflora? A Possible Misinterpretation of Bioactive Markers</a></h4>Vinicius Monteiro Schaffka, Raphaela Pereira Guaringue, Larissa Kozan, André Luis Kerek, Cássia Gonçalves Magalhães, Andersson Barison, and Barbara Celânia Fiorin*ACS Omega 2025, 10, 48, 59425–59434<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c08966">https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.5c08966</a><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote>Selected sections from the article follow. Formats and hyperlinks were adapted from the original.<div>Essential oils are a matrix of volatile and complex compounds characterized by strong odors and significant biological activity. In plants, they play a crucial role in defense against bacteria, viruses, and predators. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1)</a> These biological properties support the extensive use of essential oils in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1,2)</a> Eugenia uniflora L., commonly known as pitangueira, is a native Brazilian tree widely distributed across South America and is well-known for its bioactive essential oil. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(3)</a> Beyond the consumption of its fruits in natura or functional beverages, its leaves are used in infusions, decoctions, and tinctures to treat a variety of diseases, including diarrhea, stomach pain, worm infestations, fever, flu, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(4,5)</a> Studies have shown that the composition of secondary metabolites in E. uniflora can vary depending on factors such as fruit color, ripening stage, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(6)</a> and seasonal influences. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(4,7−10)</a>The essential oil of E. uniflora is predominantly composed of sesquiterpenes, mainly germacrene-type, such as curzerene, germacrene B, germacrone, germacrene D, selina-1,3,7(11)-trien-8-one, and its oxide. Additionally, Elemene-type terpenes are also reported, including furanodiene, β-Elemene, and β-Elemenone. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(11−13)</a>However, those sesquiterpenes are well-documented for their thermal instability. When heat is applied, germacrene-type sesquiterpenes undergo a [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement, known as Cope rearrangement, converting into Elemene-type terpenes as presented in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c08966#fig1">Figure 1</a>. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(14−16)</a> This reaction is widely utilized as a synthetic pathway to produce Elemenes from germacrene precursors. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(17,18)</a><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2025_10_48_59425_59434_Figure_1_3_3_Sigmatropic_rearrangement_of_Germacrene_type_into_Elemene_type_250708e73c.jpg" alt="ACS Omega 2025, 10, 48, 59425–59434: Figure 1. [3,3]-Sigmatropic rearrangement of Germacrene-type into Elemene-type." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2025_10_48_59425_59434_Figure_1_3_3_Sigmatropic_rearrangement_of_Germacrene_type_into_Elemene_type_250708e73c.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="3000" height="984">Gas chromatography (GC) is the main technique for characterizing essential oils, often coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the retention index determination is used in the identification of the compounds through comparison with databases. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(21)</a> During GC analysis, essential oils are subjected to multiple heating stages. Initially, the sample is exposed to a high inlet temperature, typically around 240 °C, to ensure complete volatilization. It then enters the oven, where the temperature follows a programmed ramp starting at 60 °C, increasing at 3 °C/min, and reaching up to 240 °C. Finally, the sample encounters the elevated temperatures of the mass spectrometry (MS) detector’s source (250 °C) and interface (280 °C). Even in isocratic methods, where the oven temperature remains constant throughout the analysis, the inlet, source, and interface temperatures are maintained at high levels. Although the sample passes through these stages briefly, the elevated temperatures can induce Cope rearrangements in the essential oil, leading to possible changes in its composition. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(22,23)</a>The accurate characterization of the chemical composition of essential oils is crucial for any study employing them as a biological or analytical matrix, as it supports the interpretation of bioactivity, chemotaxonomic classification, and quality control of samples with economic value added. There are many studies attributing relevant biological activities, classifying specimens, and identifying phenotypic and genetic variations based on the chemical composition of the essential oil of E. uniflora L., which is usually characterized by GC-MS. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(8,9,11,24)</a> As an example of the study carried out by de Jesus, found acute anti-inflammatory effect of a rich in curzerene essential oil. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(5)</a> Similarly, Pascoal, reported distinct essential oil composition patterns among E. uniflora varieties─yellow, red, and purple fruits─primarily driven by variations in β-Elemene and germacrene D content. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(7)</a> These findings highlight metabolic changes during fruit ripening and underscore the influence of genetic diversity among E. uniflora varieties. Such exhibitions are unsatisfactory, because they sustain all their evidence in the characterization of their essential oil only by GC-MS analysis, without considering the Cope rearrangements, a fact that may change the outcome of their research. In this context Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a good alternative for essential oil analysis, since is a robust not destructive technique and able to detect and quantify simultaneously a wide range of metabolites that exceed the concentration of about 5–10 μM. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(25)</a>In order to highlight analytical concerns about the uses of only GC-MS data to access chemical relevance of E. uniflora essential oil studies, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was employed to evaluate the chemical composition of the essential oil of Eugenia uniflora L. before and after an induced thermal treatment, compared to GC-MS data. The findings provide insights into thermolabile compounds and highlight potential misidentifications of the bioactive properties associated with the sesquiterpenes of E. uniflora present in literature.<h4>2. Results and Discussion</h4><h5>2.1. Characterization of the Essential Oil</h5>Approximately 60 compounds, mostly sesquiterpenes (Germacrene B) and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (Germacrone), were visualized in the essential oil, with the 9 compounds having a relative area above 2%, as shown in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c08966#tbl1">Table 1</a>. The identified and most prevalent compounds align with those reported in the literature for E. uniflora. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(4,11,12)</a> It is possible to highlight the significant proportion of Germacrene-type sesquiterpenes compared to Elemene-type, except Curzerene, which was found in high concentration.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2025_10_48_59425_59434_Table_1_Main_Components_Identified_in_the_GC_MS_Analysis_of_the_Essential_Oil_from_Leaves_of_E_uniflora_9d59d96bef.jpg" alt="ACS Omega 2025, 10, 48, 59425–59434: Table 1. Main Components Identified in the GC–MS Analysis of the Essential Oil from Leaves of E. uniflora." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2025_10_48_59425_59434_Table_1_Main_Components_Identified_in_the_GC_MS_Analysis_of_the_Essential_Oil_from_Leaves_of_E_uniflora_9d59d96bef.jpg 218w," sizes="100vw" width="1076" height="771">The variation in the composition of the essential oil from E. uniflora leaves was described in literature, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(9)</a> who classified the specimens into three groups: Group I, containing yellow, dark red, and purple fruits, which showed high concentrations of germacrene B, germacrone, and atractylone; Group II, consisting of light red fruit samples, with high concentrations of curzerene, germacrene D, and germacrene A; and Group III, containing orange-red fruits, with a high content of selina-1,3,7(11)-trien-8-one and oxyselina-1,3,7(11)-trien-8-one. According to this classification, this essential oil fits into Group II.Chemical transformations of many components found in the E. uniflora leaves essential oil result from the heating conditions typically applied during GC–MS analysis, which occur through Cope Rearrangement. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(12,19)</a> Cope rearrangement is a stereospecific [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement that proceeds via the most stable chairlike transition state of 1,5-cyclodecadiene, from germacrene-type, to give 1,2-divinylcyclohexane, known as Elemene-type. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(14)</a> Some of the Cope rearrangements found in the E. uniflora essential oil are represented in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c08966#fig2">Figure 2</a>. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(11,22,23,26)</a><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2025_10_48_59425_59434_Figure_2_Cope_Rearrangements_of_sesquiterpenes_7fe9282d75.jpg" alt="ACS Omega 2025, 10, 48, 59425–59434: Figure 2. Cope Rearrangements of sesquiterpenes." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2025_10_48_59425_59434_Figure_2_Cope_Rearrangements_of_sesquiterpenes_7fe9282d75.jpg 150w," sizes="100vw" width="1500" height="1566">The same essential oil was analyzed using NMR spectroscopy to identify its components. Although NMR identification is considerably more labor-intensive than GC-MS analysis, it offers the advantage of being a cold and nondestructive technique. Since the sample does not undergo heating during the process, its stability is preserved throughout the analysis. The conformational differences observed in germacrene-type compounds further increase the spectrum’s complexity, leading to signal broadening in the 1H NMR spectra. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(27)</a>A substantial number of signals were observed in the 1H spectrum, with the majority concentrated between 0.5 and 3.0 ppm, a region characteristic of terpene compounds. The region between 4.5 and 6.0 ppm also exhibited numerous signals attributed to vinylic protons, observed in sesquiterpenes (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c08966#fig3">Figure 3</a>).<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ACS_Omega_2025_10_48_59425_59434_Figure_3_1_H_NMR_400_13_M_Hz_CD_Cl3_spectra_of_the_raw_essential_oil_a46e04574e.jpg" alt="ACS Omega 2025, 10, 48, 59425–59434: Figure 3. 1H NMR (400.13 MHz, CDCl3) spectra of the raw essential oil." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ACS_Omega_2025_10_48_59425_59434_Figure_3_1_H_NMR_400_13_M_Hz_CD_Cl3_spectra_of_the_raw_essential_oil_a46e04574e.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="4175" height="2376"><h4>3. Conclusions</h4>The investigation of the composition of E. uniflora essential oil by NMR and the thermal treatment performed proved that curzerene may come from furanodiene due to the transformations that occur in the matrix during gas chromatographic analysis. These findings have significant implications for the investigation into the chemical composition of E. uniflora essential oil and the evaluation of the biological properties of its sesquiterpenes. Since each technique has advantages and disadvantages, combining GC-MS analysis with a cold technique, such as NMR is important to guarantee the proper identification of the compound genuinely responsible for any property assigned to E. uniflora essential oil.<h4>4. Materials and Methods</h4><h5>4.2. GC-MS Analysis</h5>The gas chromatographic analyses of the essential oils (10 mg mL–1) were performed using a gas chromatography–mass spectrometry system (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=QP2020">Shimadzu GCMS-QP2020 Gas Chromatograph</a>). The analyses were conducted on an RTx-5MS capillary column (30 m × 0.25 mm internal diameter × 0.25 μm film thickness), and the analytical conditions were as follows: split ratio of 1/10, injector temperature at 250 °C, ion source at 250 °C, and interface at 280 °C. The temperature program of the oven was set at 60 °C for 5 min, followed by a temperature ramp of 3 °C/min until reaching the final temperature of 240 °C. The components were identified based on the relative retention index, calculated for each constituent by injecting a series of n-alkane standards (C8–C20) under the same sample conditions and comparing them with tabulated values as well as by comparing the obtained mass spectra with the mass spectra database and literature comparisons. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(21)</a><h5>4.4. NMR Analysis</h5>All NMR spectra were acquired at 298 K on a Bruker AVANCE III spectrometer operating at 9.4 T, observing 1H at 400.13 MHz and 13C at 100.13 MHz, equipped with a broadband probe. The essential oil was solubilized in CDCl3 with 0.05% of tetramethylsilane (TMS) used as an internal reference. The 1H NMR spectra were recorded utilizing 65k time-domain data points across a spectral width of 20.00 ppm. This setup provided a digital resolution of 0.24 Hz. The data were obtained using a single 30° excitation pulse, with a relaxation delay of 1.0 s, and an average of 128 scans. The 13C NMR spectra was carried out using the zgpg30 pulse sequence utilizing 64k time-domain data points across a spectral width of 238 ppm, with an acquisition time of 1.3631 s, providing a digital resolution of 0.7434 Hz and a relaxation delay of 2.0s and an average of 2k scans.The HSQC and HMBC experiments were conducted using standard pulse sequences from the Bruker library, with modifications to the number of acquired points to improve resolution, 2048 in F2 and 512 in F1.</div>

Is Curzerene Responsible for the Bioactive Properties of Eugenia uniflora? A Possible Misinterpretation of Bioactive Markers

Quantitative Assessment of Chemical Modifications of Macromolecules through Counterion Measurement

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Webinars will cover the following Gas Chromatography topics:
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<li>6/27 - Vaporizers for LPG Samples</li>
<li>7/11 - Dynamic Blending for Linearity and LDL</li>
<li>7/18 - GC Valves: Purposes and Service</li>
<li>7/25 - Calibration Techniques for Accurate Data</li>
<li>8/1 - Sample Capture, Transport, and Introduction</li>
<li>8/8 - GC Detectors I: PDHID and SCD</li>
<li>8/15 - GC Autosamplers for Gas and LPG Samples</li>
<li>8/22 - GC Detectors II: The Strengths of Mass Spectrometry</li>
<li>8/29 - Methanizers for Trace CO &amp; CO2</li>
<li>9/5 - Training Program for GC Operators</li>
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Presenter: John Wasson (President, Wasson-ECE Instrumentation, Inc.)
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John Wasson has over 40 years of experience in Gas Chromatography and Chemical Instrumentation.
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Wasson-ECE Instrumentation: Free GC Webinar Series

Sample Capture, Transport, and Introduction

GC Detectors I: PDHID and SCD

Webinars will cover the following Gas Chromatography topics: GC Detectors I: PDHID and SCD

GC Autosamplers for Gas and LPG Samples

Welcome to Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Powering Productivity in Food and Environmental Testing webinar series!
As fish oils become a popular and precious source of omega-3 fatty acids, the risk of mislabeling and adulteration has risen significantly. The fatty acid profiles of different fish oils do not often allow the discrimination between different sources and geographical origins.
In this study, the compound specific multi-isotope analysis of fatty acids allowed the discrimination of fish oils from different provenance, following risk-based comparisons from market experience. In the light of emerging cases of food fraud, we will present how GC-MS-IRMS advanced technology can address fish oil authenticity and increase lab productivity by assessing isotopic composition as well as qualitative and quantitative sample information simultaneously in a single injection.
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Presenter: Dr. David Psomiadis (Head of the Laboratory and Business Development Manager, Imprint Analytics GmbH)
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Dr. David Psomiadis works as Head of the Laboratory and Business Development Manager at Imprint Analytics GmbH. He holds a Ph.D. in isotope geochemistry with scientific background in environmental and climate research. Being a member of international research teams, David has published more than 70 contributions in scientific journals and conferences. Since 2013, he has settled in Neutal, Austria, as a member of the grounding team of Imprint Analytics. He holds a regular member position in international committees and working groups (eg. AOAC, CEN) related to food authenticity testing.
</blockquote>
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As the Head of the Laboratory, he is responsible for supervising and managing all operations related to the laboratory, planning method development to meet customer demands and reporting scientific results and interpretations to clients.
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As Business Development Manager, he leads the global food authenticity business development strategy, brand development and business collaborations within global networks and international consortia, as well as he integrates the applied science into the market needs, creating new synergies, tools and solutions.
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Presenter: Mario Tuthorn (Senior Product Marketing Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
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After completing his PhD in Isotope Biogeochemistry at the University of Bayreuth, Germany, Mario joined Thermo Fisher Scientific in Bremen in 2016 as an application specialist for the Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry portfolio, developing applications and methods for compound specific isotope analysis in a variety of fields by using gas and liquid chromatography. Since 2019 Mario has taken on Product Marketing role for gas isotope ratio MS and organic elemental analyzer instrumentation, focusing on product positioning and marketing activities.
</blockquote>

Thermo Scientific: Addressing authenticity of fish oils by online coupling of GC-IRMS with an organic mass spectrometer

Addressing authenticity of fish oils by online coupling of GC-IRMS with an organic mass spectrometer

The compound specific multi-isotope analysis of fatty acids allowed the discrimination of fish oils from different provenance.

Authenticity of fish oils by online coupling of GC-IRMS

Join SepSolve Analytical as they demonstrate how the latest advances in GC×GC hardware and software are extending the capabilities of the technique from the niche to the mainstream.
Flow modulation of the gas stream overcomes the practical difficulties of applying GC×GC for routine analyses and has reduced cost of ownership. Easy-to-use chemometrics tools make life easier by preventing data processing becoming the bottleneck of analytical workflows.
In this presentation, we’ll cover some fascinating examples of real-life applications that have benefited from the separating power of GC×GC, in both research and routine laboratories. These include biomarker discovery, aroma profiling and environmental monitoring:
<ul>
<li>Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) – Robust and routine monitoring of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in environmental matrices using GC×GC-FID.
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<li>Chemical fingerprinting of pyrolysis oils – Detailed characterisation of pyrolysis oils from solid waste plastics using GC×GC–TOF MS to identify possible contaminants, and help to refine process design.
</li>
<li>Biomarker discovery – Thermal desorption coupled with GC×GC–TOF MS to capture comprehensive breath profiles and uncover potential biomarkers of disease.
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<li>Aroma profiling – Comparison of whisky aroma profiles by SPME–GC×GC–TOF MS to distinguish between whiskies from different regions and evaluate the impact of maturation.
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By attending this presentation you will:
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<li>Learn the basics of GC×GC and what it offers over and above standard GC
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Who should attend:
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<li>GC and GC-MS users who want to enhance their ability to analyse complex samples
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Presenter: Laura McGregor (Product Marketing Manager, SepSolve Analytical)
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Laura McGregor received an M.Chem. in chemistry from the University of St Andrews, UK, followed by an M.Sc. in forensic science at the University of Strathclyde, UK. Her Ph.D. in environmental forensics, also at the University of Strathclyde, sparked her interest in GC×GC and she has been a strong advocate of the technique ever since. In her current role as Product Marketing Manager at SepSolve Analytical, she continues to apply GC×GC–TOF MS to challenging applications.
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Separation Science: Demystifying comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC)

Demystifying comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC)

Examples of real-life applications that have benefited from the separating power of GC×GC, in both research and routine laboratories.

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC)

In this session, we present an overview of the automated DEXTech Cleanup system, which offers a practical and affordable solution for detecting dioxins/furans, 209 PCB or PCNs, CPs, and PBDEs.
The importance of enhancing laboratory setups to monitor persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is emphasized, particularly in light of incidents like the East Palestine, Ohio train accident. The DEXTech Cleanup system provides several advantages, including rapid turnaround time for results, suitability for processing high sample volumes, reduced manpower requirements, and affordability.
Three versions of the system will be presented: a standard unit without heating, a heated version, and an automated system capable of processing 15 samples. Data is presented for various POPs analysis methods, such as US-EPA Method 1668C for 209 PCBs, US-EPA Method 1613 for 2,3,7,8 substituted PCDD/Fs, and Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/644 for dioxin-like PCBs and indicator PCBs.
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Presenter: Angelika Köpf (Head of Sales, LCTech, GmbH)
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Gerstel: Automated Sample Cleanup with DEXTech: A Simple and Cost-Effective Solution for the Determination of POPs in a Wide Variety of Matrices

Automated Sample Cleanup with DEXTech: A Simple and Cost-Effective Solution for the Determination of POPs in a Wide Variety of Matrices

Overview of the automated DEXTech Cleanup system.

Automated Sample Cleanup with DEXTech

This session focuses on LCTech&#39;s specialized equipment designed to optimize each step of the dioxin workflow, ensuring efficient processing, high-quality data, and safety.
Building on the success of the automated cleanup DEXTech system, LCTech has developed automated units for every stage of sample preparation, specifically tailored for PCDD/F, PCBs, PCNs, CPs, and PBDEs. These units prioritize user-friendly operation, robustness, high throughput, and prevention of cross-contamination.
The X-TRACTION unit is designed for pressurized fluid extraction (PFE) and offers exceptional ease of handling and cost efficiency while maintaining robust performance.
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Presenter: Angelika Köpf (Head of Sales, LCTech, GmbH)
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Gerstel: Introducing an Automated Solution to Enhance Efficiency and Streamline the Entire Dioxin Workflow

Introducing an Automated Solution to Enhance Efficiency and Streamline the Entire Dioxin Workflow

LCTech's specialized equipment designed to optimize each step of the dioxin workflow, ensuring efficient processing, high-quality data, and safety.

Introducing an Automated Solution to Enhance Efficiency

The calculation of signal to noise ratio is a critical parameter during method development, method validation and routine monitoring the performance of a chromatographic method. Both Limit of Detection (LOD or LDL) and Limit of Quantitation (LOQ or LQL) are based on signal to noise ratio. Empower can calculate signal to noise ratio in many ways. While we designed this functionality in Empower to comply with pharmacopeia requirements, there are alternative methods for this calculation.
Key points of discussion will be:
<ul>
<li>Calculating Signal to Noise ratio as per USP/EP/JP Requirements</li>
<li>Calculating Signal to Noise ratio using other options within the System Suitability option</li>
<li>Calculating Signal to Noise ratio without the System Suitability Option</li>
</ul>
Please join us for a live discussion. As always, don’t forget to bring your Empower questions for this exclusive opportunity to ask our experts anything about Empower Software.
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Presenter: Neil Lander (Principal Product Manager, Waters Corporation)
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Neil has worked for Waters Corporation since 1994 and has held a variety of positions including Technical Support Specialist, Technical Trainer, Manager Customer Education and currently, Principal Marketing Manager focusing on Informatics solutions. He provides internal support for Empower Chromatography Data System and is focused on developing laboratory software solutions that help organizations achieve their scientific and operational objectives. Prior to joining Waters, he was an analytical chemist where he gained experience in both the cosmetics and specialty chemical industries.
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Waters Corporation: Empower Tips: Ask Me Anything About Calculating Signal to Noise Ratio

Empower Tips: Ask Me Anything About Calculating Signal to Noise Ratio

The calculation of signal to noise ratio is a critical parameter during method development, validation and monitoring the performance.

Empower Tips: Calculating Signal to Noise Ratio

The USP general chapter &lt;1220&gt; &quot;Analytical Procedure Life Cycle&quot; became official in May 2022. The adoption of this guideline makes your lab ready for the adoption of the ICH Q14 “Analytical Procedure Development” and Q2(R2) “Analytical Validation”, expected later in 2023.
These quality guidelines are relevant for both analytical development and QC testing at pharma companies. Empower and Waters solutions support all 3 steps of the guideline, namely: 
<ul>
<li>Development
</li>
<li>Validation
</li>
<li>On-going Verification
</li>
</ul>
In Part I we will describe how Empower supports Step 1 – Development through the integration with selected QbD software that enables the required DoE approach.
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Presnter: Andrea Gheduzzi (Principal Pharma Development Specialist)
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Waters Corporation: USP <1220> and ICH Q14/Q2(R2) using Empower / Part I - Development

USP <1220> and ICH Q14/Q2(R2) using Empower / Part I - Development

Development through the integration with selected QbD software that enables the required DoE approach.

USP <1220> and ICH Q14/Q2(R2) using Empower - Development

This presentation aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
The central focus is on the essential principles underlying FTIR, as well as offering valuable insights and practical strategies to optimize its use in both lab and field environments. This session will not only elucidate the theory and mechanics of FTIR but also present effective tips and tricks that aid in enhancing the performance and reliability of FTIR spectrometry.
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Presenter: Yanqia Wang, PhD (Application Engineer, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Dr. Yanqia Wang started working for Agilent Technologies Inc. as a FTIR application Engineer in 2013, providing pre-&amp;post-sale application support. The products he covers from Bench-top FTIR microscopes to various Mobile FTIR spectrometers. Dr. Wang received his PhD of analytical chemistry from Duke University in 2004, doing dynamic IR spectroscopy research. Then he joined Fitzpatrick Center for Photonics at Duke University, doing Tissue Raman spectrometer instrumentation. Since 2007, Dr. Wang worked for Avery Dennison Corp. as a spectroscopist, providing molecular analytical support to the research &amp; development.
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Agilent Technologies: A Workshop on the Fundamentals and Tips & Tricks of FTIR

A Workshop on the Fundamentals and Tips & Tricks of FTIR

Essential principles underlying FTIR, as well as offering valuable insights and practical strategies to optimize its use in both lab and field environments.