EU Regulation 396/2005: Pesticide Residue Testing and the Critical Role of QuEChERS Evaporation in Food Safety

<p><strong>Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezGCMS Library in the week of 4th May 2026? Check out new documents from the field of the gas phase, especially GC and GC/MS techniques!</strong></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:20px;">👉 </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT GCMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES</strong></span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques?</strong> Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezLCMS</strong></a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezICPMS</strong></a> libraries.</p></blockquote><p>This week we bring you application note by<strong> Shimadzu, </strong>presentation by <strong>MDCW / JEOL</strong> and technical note by <strong>Thermo Fisher Scientific!</strong></p><h3><strong>1. MDCW / JEOL: Flow-Modulated GCxGC-QMS Analysis Without Splitting Off the GC Flow</strong></h3><ul><li>Presentation</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/O_16_Jensen_11e29d5022.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>This presentation by Kirk Jensen (JEOL USA) explores the feasibility of performing <strong>flow-modulated comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) coupled with quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS)</strong> without splitting the GC flow, which is traditionally required to protect MS systems from high carrier gas flows. The core concept builds on GC×GC, where compounds are separated using a primary and secondary column connected via a modulator, significantly increasing separation power compared to one-dimensional GC. The presentation contrasts <strong>thermal modulation</strong> (offering sharper peaks and higher theoretical sensitivity but requiring cryogenic cooling) with <strong>flow modulation</strong>, which avoids cryogens, handles volatile analytes well, and is more flexible, but typically demands higher gas flows that standard MS systems cannot tolerate .</p><p>To address this limitation, the study utilizes the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=24&amp;search=JMS-Q1600GC"><strong>JEOL JMS-Q1600GC</strong></a><strong> UltraQuad quadrupole GC-MS system</strong>, which can accept unusually high carrier gas flows (up to ~20 mL/min), enabling direct coupling with a <strong>SepSolve INSIGHT flow modulator</strong> without splitting the effluent . The analytical setup includes dual GC columns (e.g., Zebron ZB-5MSplus for the first dimension and BPX50 for the second), high secondary flow rates (~25 mL/min), and electron ionization (EI) MS detection. Additional system components include optional FID detection, bleed line control, and ChromeSpace software for data processing . This configuration allows full analyte transfer into the MS, eliminating the need for flow splitting and potentially improving detection efficiency.</p><p>Experimental results demonstrate the applicability of this approach to complex mixtures, including a <strong>pesticide mixture containing over 200 compounds</strong> and real-world samples such as perfumes and fuels. The GC×GC-MS system produced detailed two-dimensional chromatograms with high spectral quality, enabling the correct identification of approximately 120 compounds despite relatively moderate spectral match factors . Comparisons at different flow rates (e.g., 25 vs. 50 mL/min) showed that spectral integrity and compound identification remain robust, indicating that higher flow operation does not significantly compromise MS performance.</p><p>In conclusion, the work demonstrates that <strong>flow-modulated GC×GC-QMS without flow splitting is feasible</strong>, provided that the MS system can tolerate high carrier gas flows. While further optimization is needed (e.g., column selection, inlet pressure, and separation conditions), the approach offers a practical alternative to thermal modulation by eliminating cryogens and simplifying operation. Future work will focus on improving sensitivity, optimizing separations, and exploring alternative carrier gases such as hydrogen to reduce costs and expand applicability</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></section><h3><strong>2. Shimadzu: Detailed Hydrocarbon Analysis by Nexis GC-2030 Using ASTM D6730</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00863_en_eb633bc741.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><h5><strong>User Benefits</strong></h5><ul><li>Detailed compositional analysis of gasoline in accordance with ASTM D6730 is feasible using the Nexis GC-2030.&nbsp;</li><li>By employing PONAsolution, a PONA/DHA analysis software, laborious identification tasks can be reduced, and quantitation calculations and report generation can be performed automatically.</li></ul><p>ASTM D6730 specifies the analysis of hydrocarbons in gasoline and oxygenates such as ethanol, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), and ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) over a boiling point range up to 225 ̊C. Identification and quantification of individual compounds in gasoline are critically important for refinery process control and product quality assurance. In this application news, we report compositional analysis of gasoline conforming to ASTM D6730 using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=Nexis+GC-2030"><strong>Nexis GC-2030 gas chromatograph</strong></a>. Gasoline typically comprises over 100 hydrocarbons, making identification tasks highly complex; however, PONAsolution, a PONA/DHA analysissoftware,simplifies this process.</p><h4><strong>PONAsolution</strong></h4><p>PONAsolution Ver.6 provides retention index libraries for each relevant standard (ASTM D6730, D6729, D5134, D6733). Identification of n-alkanes automatically corrects the retention times of the remaining several hundred components, thus streamlining the identification process. When only a specific retention region requires adjustment, the two-point identification function is useful (Fig. 1). In the two-point identification procedure, reference and sample chromatograms are compared while assigning corresponding peaks. First, click on an identified component mark in the reference data (Fig. 1, a), then click the matching sample peak (Fig. 1, b). Repeat this for a second pair of peaks. The retention times of components between these two anchor points are then automatically corrected.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion</strong></h4><p>Compositional analysis of gasoline in accordance with ASTM D6730 was performed. The combination of SH PONA Tuning Column and SH-1 PONA main column enabled separation of compounds with closely spaced retention times. Moreover, use of PONAsolution software greatly simplifies complex identification tasks.</p><h3><strong>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Fiber optic probes add flexibility to Raman chemical analysis</strong></h3><ul><li>Technical note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/drx3_flex_tech_note_tn54708_bebb56b870.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy are non-destructive analytical techniques that rely on the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with molecular vibrations to provide information about the chemical composition and structure of a sample. Despite their similarities, there are some distinct differences between the two techniques. In principle, FTIR is based on the absorption of infrared radiation by molecules and measures changes in dipole moment during molecular vibrations. Raman spectroscopy, on the other hand, is based on the inelastic scattering of monochromatic light and measures changes in polarizability during molecular vibrations.&nbsp;</p><p>When applied to bulk chemical analysis, both FTIR and Raman spectroscopy can be used to analyze solids, liquids, and gases, but the nature of Raman spectroscopy lends some unique sampling advantages. Additionally, Raman often requires little to no sample preparation. Presented herein are application examples that highlight some of the sampling advantages of Raman spectroscopy. All the spectral data in this technical note were collected using a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/2238"><strong>Thermo Scientific™ DXR3 Flex Raman Spectrometer</strong></a> equipped with a fiber optic probe. (Fiber optics are readily available for Raman spectroscopy because of the use of visible and NIR light and do not require the exotic materials associated with FTIR fiber optics.) Preliminary tests for all samples were carried out using both 532 nm and 785 nm excitations, and it was determined that the 785 nm laser set gave an overall better balance between fluorescence and Raman scattering efficiency.</p><h4><strong>Summary&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>In this technical note, the analyses of a variety of samples by Raman spectroscopy are demonstrated. All samples were analyzed without sample preparation.&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Precise and localized analysis at the focal point of the Raman-exciting laser allows sampling through glass bottles, blister packaging and plastic containers, which eliminates possible cross contamination and analyst exposure to hazardous materials. The contributions from the packaging and containers depend on the type of container material, the container thickness, and the materials’ chemical compositional complexity, but these contributions can be readily subtracted out when needed.&nbsp;</li><li>Water is a weak Raman scatterer. Raman therefore has reduced water sensitivity, making it a preferred technique for aqueous solution analysis over FTIR. As demonstrated in the analysis of an energy drink, the Raman bands from water can be subtracted from the spectrum of the aqueous solution, leading to the identification of the components of the solution.&nbsp;</li><li>Raman spectroscopy is well suited for the analysis of inorganic materials, especially in identifying the crystal phases and polymorphs, as demonstrated by the analyses of minerals and pigments in a painting.&nbsp;</li><li>Fiber optic probes provide flexibility and ease of maneuverability. This is particularly advantageous when analyzing samples that are difficult to access or manipulate, such as large containers, geological samples and paintings</li></ul><p>The DXR3 Flex has multiple sampling options available. A properly configured fiber-optic probe is arguably the most versatile accessory for the analysis of bulk solids and liquids. The advantages, both from those inherent to Raman spectroscopy and those resulting from the use of fiber optic probe, provide opportunities for a wide variety of different applications when using the DXR3 Flex Raman Spectrometer.</p>

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 19, 2026

<p><strong>🎤Francis Femi Oloy</strong></p><p><strong>In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, David speaks with Francis Femi Oloy about using chromatography to uncover hidden pollutants in real-world water systems.</strong></p><p>Femi’s team analyzed polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in six major rivers in southwestern Nigeria — compounds that were banned decades ago but still persist in the environment. Using a workflow that many analytical labs will recognize — liquid–liquid extraction, cleanup, rotary evaporation, nitrogen blowdown, and GC-ECD detection — they quantified 25 PCB congeners at trace levels and linked the results to ecological and human health risk.</p><h4><strong>In this conversation, we cover:</strong></h4><ul><li>Why legacy pollutants like PCBs still show up today</li><li>Choosing GC-ECD vs LC-MS for halogenated compounds</li><li>Liquid–liquid extraction and matrix cleanup strategies</li><li>Why sample concentration is critical for dilute environmental samples</li><li>How rotovap + nitrogen blowdown work together without losing volatile analytes</li><li>Seasonal trends (why wet season levels were higher)</li><li>Translating concentration data into meaningful risk assessments</li></ul><h3><strong>Video Transcription</strong></h3><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><p><strong>Persistent organic pollutants</strong> such as polychlorinated biphenyls (<strong>PCBs</strong>) remain a significant environmental concern despite decades of regulatory restrictions. In this interview, Francais Femi Oloy discusses the environmental and analytical challenges associated with monitoring PCB contamination in rivers of southwestern Nigeria, a rapidly industrializing region where urban growth, industrial activity, agriculture, and dense populations intersect with extensive aquatic systems.</p><p>Oloy explains that his interest in environmental contaminant analysis emerged from observing unexplained health problems and environmental degradation while growing up in Nigeria. This motivated his transition into organic and environmental chemistry, with a focus on identifying pollutants present in drinking water, agricultural soils, and food systems. Southwestern Nigeria, particularly the Lagos region, represents a critical environmental monitoring area due to intense industrial development, shipping activity, and widespread human dependence on rivers for domestic use, agriculture, and fishing.</p><p>Although PCBs are considered “<strong>legacy pollutants</strong>” and are no longer intentionally produced, the interview highlights why they continue to persist in aquatic environments. Old electrical transformers and aging industrial equipment still contain PCB residues, while historical contamination stored in river sediments can become remobilized during flooding, dredging, or sediment disturbance. Because PCBs are hydrophobic and resistant to degradation, they preferentially accumulate in sediments and bioaccumulate through aquatic food chains, creating long-term environmental and human exposure risks.</p><p>A major focus of the discussion centers on the analytical workflow used for PCB determination in environmental water samples. Composite river water samples were collected in amber glass bottles to avoid contamination and photodegradation, preserved with sodium azide to minimize microbial activity, and stored under cooled conditions prior to extraction. The analytical protocol employed <strong>liquid–liquid extraction</strong> using dichloromethane (DCM) and hexane to recover both polar and nonpolar PCB congeners. Oloy emphasizes that liquid–liquid extraction was selected over solid-phase extraction (SPE) because of concerns about congener retention within sorbent materials and clogging issues associated with large-volume environmental samples.</p><p>Following extraction, concentration and cleanup represented critical analytical stages due to the trace-level occurrence and volatility of PCBs. Silica and alumina cleanup procedures were used to remove matrix interferences prior to instrumental analysis. The concentration workflow combined rotary evaporation for bulk solvent reduction with nitrogen blowdown for final volume reduction to less than 1 mL, while carefully avoiding excessive temperature or complete dryness to minimize analyte loss. Oloy repeatedly stresses that improper concentration procedures are among the most common causes of analytical failure in PCB analysis.</p><p>For instrumental determination, the study utilized <strong>gas chromatography coupled with electron capture detection (GC-ECD)</strong> rather than LC-MS or GC-MS. According to Oloy, GC was preferred because PCBs are sufficiently volatile for gas chromatographic separation, while ECD provided superior sensitivity and selectivity for chlorinated compounds at environmentally relevant concentrations. The interview also discusses analytical validation strategies, including the use of surrogate standards to assess <strong>recoveries,</strong> which ranged from approximately <strong>85% to 114%</strong>, and signal-to-noise-based determination of detection limits.</p><p>The study further examined <strong>seasonal variations in PCB concentrations</strong>, revealing <strong>higher levels during the wet season</strong>. This observation was attributed to rainfall-driven runoff from contaminated infrastructure, sediment resuspension, and lower temperatures that reduce volatilization losses. To communicate toxicological relevance beyond simple concentration reporting, the researchers also calculated <strong>toxic equivalency values (TEQs)</strong>, converting mixtures of PCB congeners into biologically meaningful toxicity estimates comparable to dioxin toxicity metrics.</p><p>Beyond environmental monitoring, Oloy highlights broader research interests focused on <strong>pollutant remediation and sustainable environmental protection</strong>. His group is also involved in developing catalytic materials capable of degrading or removing persistent contaminants from environmental systems. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes that analytical chemistry plays a central role not only in detecting pollutants, but also in enabling prevention, remediation, and long-term environmental management strategies.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></section><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>

Tracking Toxic PCBs in River Water using Gas Chromatography–Electron Capture Detection

Article

Product

Application

Video

Scientists

Environment

Food

Presentation

Interview

Science and research

Laboratories

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

Agilent Technologies

AZoM

Milestone

GERSTEL

LECO

Thermo Fisher Scientific

SelectScience

<h4><strong>Food &amp; Feed Sample Preparation Webinar Series</strong></h4><p><strong>Ensuring food and feed quality requires reliable determination of both contaminants and nutrients, yet sample preparation remains one of the most challenging and time-consuming steps in the analytical workflow. This webinar series introduces modern approaches to digestion and extraction that improve data quality, reduce reprocessing, and increase laboratory productivity. Through four dedicated events, covering heavy metals, organic contaminants, macro/trace minerals, and nutritional parameters such as fats, FAMEs, and amino acids, participants will discover optimized, practical workflows tailored to real-world food and feed testing.</strong></p><h4><strong>Session: Modern Sample Prep for Organic Contaminants: PAHs, PFAS, MOSH/MOAH in Food</strong></h4><p>Organic contaminants in food, such as PAHs, PFAS, and MOSH/MOAH, require extraction workflows that are efficient, reproducible, and compliant with regulatory methods. This webinar showcases microwave-assisted extraction using microwave technologies to streamline sample preparation while reducing solvent use and improving recoveries. We will discuss best practices for preventing contamination, handling lipid-rich matrices, and managing PFAS-specific requirements. Attendees will learn how advanced extraction technology supports reliable quantification of these high-profile contaminants across diverse food products.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:</strong> Luca Rota (Application Specialist, Milestone Srl)</p></blockquote>

Milestone: Food & Feed Sample Preparation Webinar Series

Modern Sample Prep for Organic Contaminants: PAHs, PFAS, MOSH/MOAH in Food

Modern sample preparation for PAHs, PFAS, and MOSH/MOAH in food using microwave extraction to improve efficiency, compliance, and data quality.

Modern Sample Prep for PAHs, PFAS, MOSH/MOAH in Food

<p><strong>Spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS), provides a powerful and non-destructive approach for identifying materials without opening packages or containers. However, measurement success depends strongly on sample characteristics, container materials, and testing conditions. This webinar presents an experience-based overview of what SORS-enabled Raman spectroscopy can and cannot reliably measure using the Agilent Vaya Raman spectrometer as a representative platform. We will discuss classes of materials that are Raman-inactive or weak, samples prone to fluorescence or low signal, and common container materials that interfere with or block Raman measurements. Practical guidance will be provided on container thickness, color, and composition, as well as when black shielding or ambient light control is required. The session will help users quickly assess feasibility, set realistic expectations, and determine when Raman—or an alternative technique such as FTIR—is the appropriate analytical choice.</strong></p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Yanqia Wang, PhD (Application Engineer, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)</p><p>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.</p></blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Molecular spectroscopy webinars

Seeing Through the Barrier: Practical Limits and Best Practices for Raman Sample, Container, and Test Conditions

Webinar on SORS Raman feasibility with Agilent Vaya. Learn limits, container effects, fluorescence challenges, and when FTIR is the better alternative.

Practical Limits and Best Practices for Raman

<p><strong>Microplastics are increasingly detected across the environment and even within the human body, raising urgent questions about their sources, exposure pathways, and health implications.</strong></p><p>In this webinar, we will explore complementary analytical solutions for comprehensive microplastics characterization.</p><p>Discover how<strong> FTIR and Raman spectroscopy</strong> enable reliable particle identification and imaging—covering sizes from millimeters down to a few microns—while high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques such as pyrolysis <strong>GC-HRMS and LC-based workflows</strong> provide sensitive detection and quantification of polymers and plastic-related chemicals in complex environmental and biological matrices.</p><p>From particle-level identification to advanced chemical fingerprinting and exposure assessment, learn how Thermo Fisher Scientific technologies support micro- and nanoplastics analysis across research, environmental monitoring, and human biomonitoring applications.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker: </strong>Dr. Kuanliang Shao (Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Environmental Health Comprehensive Laboratory for Untargeted Exposome Science | Emory University) will share how Py-GC-HRMS is enabling population-level biomonitoring of MNPs in human tissues and its integration into exposomics frameworks.</p><p><strong>Speaker:&nbsp;</strong>Dr. Wang Rui (Business Development Manager, Chemical Analysis | Thermo Fisher Scientific) will provide an overview of FTIR and Raman spectroscopy solutions for microplastics identification, highlighting how technologies ranging from point-and-shoot systems to advanced imaging platforms enable reliable analysis across diverse environmental samples and particle sizes, from millimeters down to a few microns.</p></blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Uncovering Microplastics: Identification, Quantification, and Exposure Assessment

Uncovering Microplastics: Identification, Quantification, and Exposure Assessment

In this webinar, we will explore complementary analytical solutions for comprehensive microplastics characterization.

Microplastics Identification, Quantification

<h5><strong>Improving Data Quality in Oils and Fats Testing using Automated Workflows</strong></h5><p>Three separate automated workflows used during the analyses of edible oils and fats (FAMEs, MOSH/MOAH, and 3-MCPD) will be discussed, along with the GERSTEL automated sample preparation options used.</p><ul><li><strong>Presenter:</strong> Fred Foster, Applications Scientist, GERSTEL, Inc.</li></ul><h5><strong>A Real-World Approach to MOSH/MOAH Testing in Edible Oils</strong></h5><p>MOSH/MOAH determination is essential for ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of edible oils, but traditional workflows can be complex and time-consuming. In this webinar, Alex Vargo, Laboratory Manager of Pompeian, a leading U.S. producer of olive oil, shares a practical approach to MOSH/MOAH determination in olive oil analysis, including contamination sources, regulatory considerations, and workflow optimization.</p><ul><li><strong>Presenter:</strong> Alex Vargo, Labortory Manager, Pompeian</li></ul><h5><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></h5><ul><li>Automate food safety workflows for FAMES, MOSH/MOAH, and 3-MCPD esters</li><li>Understand MOSH/MOAH determination in olive oil analysis</li><li>Learn how contamination occurs and current regulatory considerations</li><li>Explore strategies to streamline and improve analytical workflows</li><li>Gain real-world insights into method development and optimization</li></ul>

GERSTEL: Automating Food Safety Workflows for the Analysis of Edible Oils and Fats

Automating Food Safety Workflows for the Analysis of Edible Oils and Fats

Discover automated workflows for FAMEs, MOSH/MOAH, and 3-MCPD analysis to improve data quality, efficiency, and compliance in edible oils testing.

Food Safety Workflows for Analysis of Edible Oils & Fats

<p><strong>Petrochemical processes demand both accuracy and speed. These requirements are often addressed at different stages of the workflow. Laboratory techniques such as gas chromatography (GC) provide detailed compositional data, while process mass spectrometry (MS) enables fast, continuous, real-time gas analysis directly on the line.</strong></p><p>In this webinar, we present how these complementary analytical approaches are applied from the lab to the process environment. Daniela Cavagnino will cover the role of GC for detailed characterization and validation, while Dan Merriman will highlight how process MS delivers multi-component gas analysis in seconds to support real-time monitoring and control.&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Attend the Webinar to Learn:</strong></h4><ul><li>The role of GC in laboratory-based petrochemical analysis</li><li>How process mass spectrometry enables real-time gas monitoring on the line</li><li>Where each technique fits within petrochemical workflows</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker: </strong>Dan Merriman (Senior Advisor to Marketing, Process Mass Spectrometry, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p><p>Dan Merriman is a global leader in process analytics and instrumentation with more than 30 years working in the field of process mass spectrometry. At Thermo Fisher Scientific, he has guided worldwide sales, marketing, and product strategy, driving successful new product introductions. Recognized for his depth of expertise, Dan has authored numerous white papers and application notes and conducted extensive research that has influenced industry standards in monitoring and measurement.</p><p><strong>Speaker:&nbsp;</strong>Dr. Daniela Cavagnino (Product Marketing Manager, Gas chromatography, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p><p>Dr. Daniela Cavagnino received her Masters Degree in Chemistry at the University of Milan, Italy. She started her career in gas chromatography at Thermo Fisher Scientific with several years in R&amp;D laboratories working on GC technology innovation. Then, she conveyed her technical background into product and marketing management. Today she has more than 20 years’ experience in GC/GCMS technology and applications in several different market segments, including petrochemicals.&nbsp;</p></blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: From Lab to Line: Leveraging GC and Process MS for Petrochemical Gas Analysis

From Lab to Line: Leveraging GC and Process MS for Petrochemical Gas Analysis

Learn how GC and process MS enable accurate and real-time petrochemical analysis, improving monitoring, control, and workflow efficiency.

GC and Process MS for Petrochemical gas analysis

<p><strong>Take a break from the lab bench and power up your workflow. In this GC/GC-MS power hour session, we’ll explore how automation is transforming laboratories by helping teams do more with less time, fewer resources, and greater confidence. From sample preparation to data acquisition, discover how today’s most advanced labs are streamlining operations and scaling productivity without sacrificing quality.</strong></p><p>This session will highlight the latest automation trends and showcase how Thermo Fisher Scientific solutions are enabling fully integrated, end-to-end workflows. Whether you're looking to reduce manual steps, improve reproducibility, or simply reclaim time in your day, this webinar will give you practical insights you can put to work immediately.</p><h4><strong>Who should attend:</strong></h4><ul><li>Analytical scientists</li><li>Lab managers</li><li>QA/QC professionals</li><li>Anyone looking to improve efficiency and scalability in GC/GC-MS workflows</li></ul><h4><strong>Key learning points:</strong></h4><ul><li>Emerging automation trends in GC/GC-MS analysis</li><li>Strategies to increase throughput and consistency</li><li>Overview of Thermo Fisher automation solutions including the TriPlus RSH Autosampler&nbsp;</li><li>Practical considerations for implementing automation in your lab</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:&nbsp;</strong>Dr. Daniela Cavagnino (Product Marketing Manager, Gas chromatography, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p><p>Dr. Daniela Cavagnino received her Masters Degree in Chemistry at the University of Milan, Italy. She started her career in gas chromatography at Thermo Fisher Scientific with several years in R&amp;D laboratories working on GC technology innovation. Then, she conveyed her technical background into product and marketing management. Today she has more than 20 years’ experience in GC/GCMS technology and applications in several different market segments, including petrochemicals.&nbsp;</p></blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: GC-GCMS Power hour series

End-to-end automation in GC/GC-MS: Trends, tools, and practical implementation

How automation is transforming laboratories by helping teams do more with less time, fewer resources, and greater confidence. 

End-to-end automation in GC/GC-MS

<p><strong>Advances in GC and GC-MS technologies are giving laboratories more options than ever; however, choosing the right system for your specific analytical needs is becoming increasingly complex. From routine testing to ultra-trace analysis in challenging matrices, selecting the optimal GC-MS configuration is critical to achieving reliable results.</strong></p><p>In this GC/GC-MS power hour webinar, we’ll take a practical, educational approach to help you navigate system selection. We’ll explore how different detector and mass spectrometry technologies align with specific applications, and how to balance sensitivity, selectivity, robustness, and cost for your workflows. Along the way, we’ll highlight recent advancements that are expanding analytical capabilities, particularly for demanding areas such as food safety and emerging contaminants.</p><p>Rather than focusing only on what’s new, this session will help you understand which GC-MS systems are right for your analysis.</p><h4><strong>Who should attend:</strong></h4><ul><li>Analytical chemists&nbsp;</li><li>Method development chemists&nbsp;</li><li>Regulatory and compliance professionals&nbsp;</li><li>Scientists working with trace analysis or complex sample matrices&nbsp;</li></ul><h4><strong>Key learning points:</strong></h4><ul><li>How to choose the right GC/GC-MS configuration for your application&nbsp;</li><li>When to use different detector and MS technologies (e.g., single quad, triple quad, high-resolution MS)&nbsp;</li><li>Practical strategies to improve sensitivity and selectivity based on your analytical goals&nbsp;</li><li>Considerations for handling complex matrices and trace-level compounds&nbsp;</li><li>How evolving regulatory requirements influence system selection and method design</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:&nbsp;</strong>Dominic Roberts (Product Marketing Manager - Orbitrap GC-MS, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p><p>Dominic Roberts has been closely involved with the Thermo Scientific GC Orbitrap MS since its launch in 2015. He started at Thermo Fisher Scientific as a Senior Applications Specialist for the product and is currently the GC Orbitrap MS Marketing Manager. Dominic is an experienced analytical chemist and mass spectrometrist with more than 20 years of experience using state-of-the-art analytical systems. He has worked in both a regulatory and industrial environment with GC–MS and LC–MS systems to investigate a variety of chemicals in food, biological, and environmental samples.</p><p><strong>Speaker:&nbsp;</strong>Adam Ladak (Product Marketing Manager, GC Quadrupole MS, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</p><p>Adam started his career working in a contracting testing lab analyzing sports supplements and horse feed for prohibited substances. He has over 20 years of experience in the analytical testing industry and has worked for leading instrument manufacturers in various roles from an application specialist to a global marketing role focused on food and environmental testing. Adam is passionate about utilizing our GCMS instrumentation to meet the customer needs and solve real world problems.</p></blockquote>

GC/GC-MS selection guide: Choosing the right technology in an evolving landscape

In this GC/GC-MS power hour webinar, we’ll take a practical, educational approach to help you navigate system selection.

GC/GC-MS selection guide: Choosing the right technology

<p><strong>Pesticide residue testing in complex food and botanical matrices pushes GC‑MS/MS systems to their limits. Heavy co‑extracted interferences, diverse analyte chemistries, and increasing sensitivity requirements can overwhelm traditional workflows. Challenging matrices such as roots, spices, and oils rapidly degrade standard GC columns, driving up maintenance and slowing laboratory productivity.</strong></p><p>In this SelectScience® webinar, discover a new approach to tackling these high‑matrix challenges. Our experts will share data from a study evaluating an advanced GC column engineered for long‑term robustness and matrix resilience, delivering stable retention times, improved peak shape, and strong signal‑to‑noise across thousands of real‑world injections.</p><p>Residue and pesticide testing specialist Carlos Parra of NOW Foods, alongside Colton Myers from Restek Corporation, will discuss how this innovative design boosts sensitivity and extends column lifetime to help labs achieve cleaner, more confident pesticide results.¨</p><h4><strong>Who should attend?</strong></h4><ul><li>Food Analysis Scientists</li><li>Lab Chemists</li><li>Professionals in food pesticide testing</li><li>Analytical chemists</li><li>Food safety professionals</li></ul><h4><strong>What will this webinar cover?</strong></h4><ul><li>Tips and tricks from industry experts on multi-pesticide analysis by GC MS/MS.</li><li>How novel GC technology and formats can bring sensitivity and peak shape improvement.</li><li>How to reduce MS maintenance and improve lab throughput.</li><li>How to handle challenging food matrices and extend column lifetime.</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker:&nbsp;</strong>Carlos Parra (QC MS Specialist II, NOW Foods)</p><p>Carlos Parra is a QC MS Specialist II at NOW Foods where he has spent the past five years specializing in contaminant analysis, including pesticide residue testing, using GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, Orbitrap MS, and TOF MS technologies. He brings over 21 years of experience as an analytical chemist across multiple industries – pharmaceuticals, packaging, cosmetics, medical devices, and food. From this experience he has developed deep expertise in mass spectrometry, method development, and complex analytical workflows.</p><p><strong>Speaker:&nbsp;</strong>Colton Myers (Product Manager, Restek Corporation)</p><p>Colton Myers is a product manager for GC columns at Restek Corporation with over 10 years of experience in research and development. He specializes in driving new GC column technologies from concept to market, combining deep technical expertise with a strong focus on innovation and commercialization. He has a BS in chemistry from Juniata College and a Master of Management in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Penn State University.</p><p><strong>Moderator:&nbsp;</strong>Olivia Long (Editorial Team, SelectScience)</p><p>As a Science Editor specializing in pharmaceutical and applied research, Olivia Long brings a strong background in experimental biology and scientific communication. She holds a B.Sc. in Pharmacology from the University of Southampton and an M.Sc. in Neuroscience from the University of Sussex, where she investigated neuro‑oncology drug‑resistance pathways using patient‑derived cell models.</p><p>Her broader laboratory experience spans R&amp;D hygiene testing, controlled environment entomology workflows, and protocol development, giving her a practical understanding of diverse analytical and research environments. She is dedicated to translating complex science into clear, engaging content for researchers and industry professionals.&nbsp;</p></blockquote>

Select Science: Improving multiresidue pesticide GC‑MS/MS reliability through GC column longevity

Improving multiresidue pesticide GC‑MS/MS reliability through GC column longevity

How this innovative design boosts sensitivity and extends column lifetime to help labs achieve cleaner, more confident pesticide results.

Improving multiresidue pesticide GC‑MS/MS reliability

<p><strong>Gas chromatography is a powerful tool for volatile and semi-volatile species in battery materials, but its application faces significant challenges. Many electrolyte components and degradation products are thermally labile or highly reactive, leading to on-column decomposition and poor quantification.</strong></p><p>Complex matrices, including salts and additives, cause adsorption, peak tailing, and column fouling, demanding frequent maintenance and careful selection of stationary phases. Moisture and trace impurities from sample handling can obscure low-level analytes critical to performance and safety.</p><p>This webinar will focus on addressing some of those challenges for successful, repeatable and reliable analysis.</p><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker: </strong>William Collin (Senior Researcher, General Motors R&amp;D)</p></blockquote>

LECO: Effective Utilization of GC and GCxGC in Battery Materials Characterization

Effective Utilization of GC and GCxGC in Battery Materials Characterization

This webinar will focus on addressing some of those challenges for successful, repeatable and reliable analysis.

GC and GCxGC in battery materials

<p><strong>In this webinar, you will learn about the analytical techniques and best practices for testing polymer-based advanced materials, from early R&amp;D through to production quality control. Discover how to leverage both macro- and micro-level IR analysis to optimise formulations and enhance material performance. Learn how to maximise the value of your thermal analysis instrumentation to diagnose production issues, evaluate VOCs, and support reverse‑engineering projects.</strong></p><p>This webinar is highly relevant to key industrial markets working with adhesives, sealants, coatings, paints, and 3D‑printing additives. Technologies covered will include <strong>FTIR, TGA</strong>, and hyphenated techniques such as <strong>TG‑IR and TG‑IR‑GC/MS.</strong></p><p>Join the free webinar with certification of attendance and CPD points now. &nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Attend the Webinar to Learn:</strong>&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Which analytical techniques and best practices are most effective for characterising polymer‑based advanced materials</li><li>How to apply macro‑ and micro‑level IR analysis, alongside thermal analysis, to optimise formulations, enhance performance properties, and diagnose production issues.</li><li>Benefits of hyphenated techniques (TG‑IR and TG‑IR‑GC/MS) for real‑world applications</li></ul><h4><strong>This Webinar is Ideal For:</strong></h4><ul><li>Materials scientists</li><li>Polymer researchers</li><li>Lab managers</li><li>Meet the Webinar Speakers</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Speaker: </strong>Nicholas Lancaster (Application scientist, PerkinElmer)</p><p>Nic is an application scientist in the R&amp;D team at PerkinElmer. With a background in materials characterization using FTIR &amp; UV/Vis spectroscopy, thermal analysis as well as chromatography and mass spectrometry he has been a part of PerkinElmer since 2014. He joined PerkinElmer as a Field Application Scientist (FAS) in South Africa, and now works from the UK developing laboratory workflow solutions for a range of end markets including renewable energy, lubricants, and advanced materials.</p><p><strong>Speaker: </strong>Dr Krystelle Mafina (Product leader, PerkinElmer)</p><p>Krystelle is a product leader at PerkinElmer, overseeing the thermal (TEA) analysis business. She holds a PhD in Biomedical Biomaterials Science and is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Chartered Scientist (CSci) with a strong background in materials science. A member of the Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining (IOM3) since 2009; a committee member since 2019, Krystelle is committed to continuous professional development and was recently made 'Fellow' of the institute. Her blend of scientific knowledge and industry experience makes her a valuable contributor to PerkinElmer and the wider scientific community.</p></blockquote>

Azom: Analysis Masterclass for Polymer-Based Advanced Materials

Analysis Masterclass for Polymer-Based Advanced Materials

Which analytical techniques and best practices are most effective for characterising polymer‑based advanced materials

Related content

Tracking Toxic PCBs in River Water using Gas Chromatography–Electron Capture Detection

EU Regulation 396/2005: Pesticide Residue Testing and the Critical Role of QuEChERS Evaporation in Food Safety

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 19, 2026