<div><div><div><div><h3>How Does Your Monthly Nitrogen Gas Bill Compared to Other Labs?</h3>If your lab relies on nitrogen gas cylinders, you already know how quickly costs can add up. Between purchase prices, rental fees, delivery charges, and frequent refills, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/understanding-the-costs-of-renting-nitrogen-gas-cylinders-in-laboratories?hsLang=en">nitrogen cylinders can become a hidden financial drain</a> on your operations.But how do you know if you're paying a fair price—or if you're overspending compared to other labs? Our "Am I Overpaying on my Nitrogen Gas Cylinders?" tool helps you determine whether your current nitrogen supply costs are within an acceptable range or if you're paying too much.<h3>The Hidden Costs of Nitrogen Cylinders</h3>Nitrogen cylinders are a staple in many laboratories, but they come with several costly drawbacks:<h4>1. High Cylinder Costs</h4>The upfront cost of nitrogen cylinders can be significant, especially for labs that require multiple cylinders per month. Pricing varies depending on size and supplier, but the recurring need to purchase or replace cylinders creates an ongoing expense that can quickly add up. Unlike a fixed investment in a nitrogen generator, cylinder costs are a constant and unavoidable part of lab operations.<h4>2. Monthly Rental Fees</h4>Most gas suppliers charge a rental fee per cylinder, adding to the overall cost of maintaining a steady nitrogen supply. These fees might seem small at first, but when multiplied across multiple cylinders and months, they become a substantial recurring expense. Over time, these rental costs can easily surpass the price of investing in an in-house nitrogen generation system.<h4>3. Delivery &amp; Handling Expenses</h4>Delivery costs vary but can add hundreds of dollars per month to your nitrogen expenses, especially if you're receiving frequent shipments. Beyond costs, frequent deliveries create workflow disruptions and safety concerns due to cylinder handling and storage. Each delivery requires time, coordination, and often additional fees, making cylinders an inefficient option for labs that require a reliable nitrogen supply.<h4>4. Gas Waste</h4>Did you know that most nitrogen cylinders leave about 10% of their gas unused due to pressure limitations? That means you're paying for nitrogen you can’t even use. Additionally, each time a cylinder runs empty, there is downtime involved in switching to a new one, causing further inefficiencies in lab operations.<h4>5. Storage &amp; Safety Risks</h4>Cylinders require dedicated storage space and proper handling to prevent leaks, pressure hazards, and accidents. Many labs struggle with cylinder management, leading to compliance concerns and workflow inefficiencies. Storing multiple high-pressure cylinders also introduces potential safety risks, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols and regulatory standards.<h3>The Smarter Alternative: Switching to a Nitrogen Generator</h3>A nitrogen generator offers a cost-effective, on-demand solution for labs that need a steady nitrogen supply—without the ongoing expenses of cylinder rentals, refills, and deliveries. Here’s why more labs are making the switch:<ul><li>Eliminate Cylinder Costs – No more purchases, rentals, or refills.</li><li>Reduce Long-Term Expenses – A one-time investment with minimal maintenance.</li><li>On-Demand Supply – Generate high-purity nitrogen whenever you need it.</li><li>No More Deliveries – Say goodbye to disruptions and recurring delivery fees.</li><li>Increased Safety &amp; Efficiency – No handling of high-pressure cylinders.</li><li>Better Environmental Impact – <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/are-nitrogen-generators-actually-more-environmentally-friendly?hsLang=en">Reduce carbon emissions</a> associated with cylinder deliveries and production.</li></ul>Many labs find that a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/would-a-nitrogen-generator-make-sample-preparation-more-affordable?hsLang=en">nitrogen generator pays for itself within a year</a>—especially if they use multiple cylinders per month. Beyond the financial savings, labs that <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/why-nitrogen-generators-are-gaining-popularity?hsLang=en">switch to a nitrogen generator</a> experience greater efficiency, safety, and reliability in their daily operations.<blockquote>Learn More: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/nitrogen-generators-for-sample-preparation-everything-you-need-to-know?hsLang=en">Nitrogen Generators for Sample Preparation: Everything you need to know</a>Watch Our Webinar: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://explore.organomation.com/the-case-for-nitrogen-generation-in-your-lab?hsLang=en">Improving Laboratory Workflows with Nitrogen Generation</a></blockquote><h3>Find Out If You’re Overpaying</h3>Not sure if switching to a nitrogen generator makes sense for your lab? Use our "Am I Overpaying on My Nitrogen Gas Cylinders?" tool to compare your costs against industry benchmarks. Simply answer a few quick questions, and we’ll help you determine whether it’s time to make the switch.</div></div></div></div>

Am I Paying Too Much for my Nitrogen Gas Cylinders?

Intensive farming, even when good agricultural practices are followed, very often results in pesticide contamination of soil, surface water and groundwater. Water sources used for drinking water production are thus often affected. The outcome is the progressive banning of proven, effective, yet persistent pesticides in the environment, alongside a decline in water quality. This, in turn, results in substantial investments in water treatment technologies to ensure that drinking water meets relevant legal standards. Passive, easy to maintain and low-cost in-situ denitrification woodchip bioreactors might be a solution to this situation. These bioreactors have already been successfully used in some countries (e.g. the USA) to remove other types of agricultural pollution directly at the point of origin, thus preventing its further transport in the environment.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ALS_Czech_Republic_Enviro_Mail_17_Europe_Protecting_Drinking_Water_Sources_with_Bioreactors_An_Innovative_Solution_to_the_Problem_of_Pesticides_in_the_Landscape_ba53628b5a.jpg" alt="ALS Czech Republic: EnviroMail™ 17/Europe: Protecting Drinking Water Sources with Bioreactors: An Innovative Solution to the Problem of Pesticides in the Landscape: Figure 1: A real example of an installed semi-operational bioreactor unit." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ALS_Czech_Republic_Enviro_Mail_17_Europe_Protecting_Drinking_Water_Sources_with_Bioreactors_An_Innovative_Solution_to_the_Problem_of_Pesticides_in_the_Landscape_ba53628b5a.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1971" height="919"><h3>Nitrates and Denitrifying Bioreactors</h3>Denitrifying woodchip bioreactors are a relatively simple containerised treatment technology originally intended for the removal of nitrates from agricultural outflows. They use woodchip media as a source of bioavailable organic carbon to promote denitrification, which converts nitrates to gaseous nitrogen, the predominant natural component of the atmosphere. The advantages of using denitrification woodchip bioreactors are low acquisition and operating costs, minimal maintenance, long lifetime, and low land take. At some sites, these bioreactors have been operated for more than 15 years without major interventions and with the original fill and still achieve high denitrification rates.<h3>ALS Research Project</h3>To verify the usability of denitrifying woodchip bioreactors for the simultaneous removal of both nitrates and pesticides found in surface runoff from agriculturally active areas is the goal of research project "Comprehensive assessment of soil contamination with pesticides and in-situ remediation leading to eliminate their entry into groundwater“. The project is being realised under the leadership of ALS Laboratories in cooperation with other research institutes. Work on the project will continue until 2025.<h3>Semi-operational Unit and Expected Pesticides Removal</h3>Previous research projects by ALS and their partners have thoroughly mapped and identified sites that have been, in terms of pesticides occurrence, problematic for a long time. A semi-operational unit of the denitrification woodchip bioreactor described above was commissioned at one of these sites in the autumn of 2023.The unit uses poplar wood chips as a feedstock, which have proven well for this purpose, and is equipped with automatic samplers, sensors measuring basic physical and chemical parameters and a data station with on-line data transmission.In the case of pesticides, several decontamination mechanisms are envisaged in the bioreactor area, the most important of which will be the sorption and microbial decomposition. The aim of the project is to suggest the operating conditions of the bioreactor in such a way that the natural processes of microbial degradation of pesticides are facilitated to the maximum extent possible, or to support these processes by active intervention in the physicochemical composition of the bioreactor and its microflora.<blockquote>Related EnviroMail_08_Europe: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.alsglobal.eu/enviromails/enviromail_08">Hidden Pesticide Threats in Protected Landscape Areas</a></blockquote><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ALS_Czech_Republic_Enviro_Mail_17_Europe_Protecting_Drinking_Water_Sources_with_Bioreactors_An_Innovative_Solution_to_the_Problem_of_Pesticides_in_the_Landscape_2_4e7e587035.jpg" alt="ALS Czech Republic: EnviroMail™ 17/Europe: Protecting Drinking Water Sources with Bioreactors: An Innovative Solution to the Problem of Pesticides in the Landscape: Figure 2: Results of pesticides detected in tested soil samples." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_ALS_Czech_Republic_Enviro_Mail_17_Europe_Protecting_Drinking_Water_Sources_with_Bioreactors_An_Innovative_Solution_to_the_Problem_of_Pesticides_in_the_Landscape_2_4e7e587035.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1439" height="783"><h3>Case Study: Monitoring of Pesticides in Soil Sam- ples from Central Europe</h3>In June 2023, monitoring of pesticides in agricultural soils and surrounding surface waters was conducted from 45 sites across Central Europe. The range of determined targeted substances was based on prepared risk analysis taking into account the consumption of pesticides and their risk properties such as toxicity and persistence. Analytical methods based on liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) were used to determine a wide range of active pesticide substances and their metabolites (308 and 352 parameters, respectively). Results are summarized in Figure 2.Pesticides were detected in all collected soil samples ranging from 0.01 to 0.73 mg/kg DW (dry weight of soil). By far the most abundant group was glyphosate pesticides, i.e. the herbicide glyphosate and especially its metabolite AMPA (Aminomethylphosponic acid), its total concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 0.46 mg/ kg DW in 36 of the 45 samples collected and tested. Comparing to levels and incidence of pesticides within the Europe, glyphosate and AMPA belong to the most frequently detected and those with the highest concentrations pesticide compounds generally.In related surface water samples, pesticides were detected in 43 out of 45 tested samples, their concentrations ranged from 0.01 μg/L to 14.1 μg/L. The most abundant pesticides detected were chloracetanilide and glyphosate.<h3>Protective Measures in the Landscape</h3>Based on the results obtained during the testing of the semi-operational denitrification woodchip bioreactor unit, a linear measure will be designed and properly sized for the model catchment to remove pesticides directly at the point of generation and thus prevent their further spread.<h3>European Legislation</h3><ul><li>SOIL: Proposal COM(2023) 416 final of 5 July 2023 for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on Soil Monitoring and Resilience (Soil Monitoring Law).</li><li>SURFACE WATER: Directive 2008/105/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on environmental quality standards in the field of water policy, amending and subsequently repealing Council Directives 82/176/EEC, 83/513/EEC, 84/156/EEC, 84/491/EEC, 86/280/EEC and amending Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.</li><li>GROUND WATER: Directive 2006/118/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on the protection of groundwater against pollution and deterioration.</li><li>DRINKING WATER: Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 on the quality of water intended for human consumption (recast).</li></ul>

EnviroMail™ 17/Europe: Protecting Drinking Water Sources with Bioreactors: An Innovative Solution to the Problem of Pesticides in the Landscape

Mushrooms – a fragrant forest treasure for some, a fascinating object of study for others. In this case, the connection between nature and science is entirely natural. What can you discover about a simple mushroom under a microscope or using chromatography? And how helpful is a scientific education when it comes to everyday mushroom hunting?&nbsp;We asked RNDr. Roman Kysilka, CSc., who worked as a research specialist at the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences and now works at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Watrex Prague</a>. He walked us through not only his career, but also through the forest – both scientific and real.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_19_6_uvod_1600_X900_4dca2a04b3.jpg" alt="Watrex Fig.1: RNDr. Roman Kysilka, CSc." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_19_6_uvod_1600_X900_4dca2a04b3.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="3540" height="1875"><h4>When and why did you decide to study natural sciences? Were you drawn to them as a child?</h4>I got a chemistry experiment kit, I think it was called "Curious Chemist," around seventh grade, and I was immediately captivated by home experiments. I was also into electricity and experimented with that as well. In my early years of high school, I was still considering studying electrical engineering or chemistry. But chemistry won out, largely thanks to the chemistry olympiads I took part in regularly from elementary school. Through national competitions (later in high school), I met a lot of chemistry enthusiasts. And during training camps for the international olympiad, I got to know chemists from the Faculty of Science at Charles University – and that sealed the deal.<h4>How did you first get into studying mushrooms? Was it by chance or intentional?</h4>It was a coincidence. I did grow champignons when I was around twelve, but that had nothing to do with research – I was mostly curious about what my mom would cook with them. Between 1982 and 1984, I was working on my thesis, and my advisor, Prof. Karel Štulík, arranged for me to work in a chromatography lab in the Department of Experimental Mycology at the Institute of Microbiology of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences. And that’s where I first encountered mushrooms as a subject of scientific research.&nbsp;<h4>What fascinated you most about mushrooms?&nbsp;</h4>Mushrooms have been with humankind since ancient times. You might recall the phrase “mushrooms – meat of the poor.” The Aztecs used the word teonanácatl, which roughly translates as “meat of the gods” (later found to refer to mushrooms with psychoactive effects). Meat for both the poor and the gods – interesting, right? The diverse world of fungi – heterotrophic organisms with a vital role in nature – fascinated me from the start. And of course, there’s also the unexpected potential of the compounds mushrooms produce. Every year, hundreds of new, previously unknown chemical compounds – secondary metabolites – are isolated and described in scientific literature, with potential uses in medicine and other fields. You could say the world of fungi is still largely unexplored from a chemical standpoint.&nbsp;<h4>You worked at the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences from 1985–1991 – what exactly did you do there?&nbsp;</h4>After returning from military service, I went back to the Institute of Microbiology, where I focused on research into psychoactive tryptamine derivatives in basidiomycetes for my dissertation. The list of substances later narrowed to psilocybin, psilocin, baeocystin, and bufotenin. I worked on developing analytical methods to detect these compounds in fruiting bodies and mycelium, designing chromatographic methods for semi-preparative scale isolation, conducting cultivation experiments with various Psilocybe species in the lab, and screening potentially psychoactive mushrooms for these compounds.&nbsp;<h4>Do you recall a moment or discovery that left a strong impression on you?&nbsp;</h4>Yes. Part of the research on magic mushrooms included experimental poisonings. In the late 1980s, together with Marta Semerdžieva, we completed (and later patented) a method for producing mushroom mycelium via submerged cultivation. We planned an intoxication experiment using this rather unappealing material. Based on HPLC analysis, we cooked a “mushroom” soup and began the experiment. However, the outcome was very different from what we expected – it was clear we had significantly overdosed the test subjects. That prompted a detailed review of the analytical method used to determine psilocybin and psilocin levels. We found that the critical step for accurate results was the sample preparation before HPLC analysis. With optimized extraction, we detected concentrations of active compounds several times higher than with previously published methods. Our article in Planta Medica is still cited today and occasionally discussed in forums about psychoactive substances.&nbsp;<h4>What techniques were you using then – and what surprises you most about modern lab methods?&nbsp;</h4>Our main analytical technique was HPLC. Mass spectrometry, which is standard today, was just a dream back then. The peak was using a UV-VIS diode-array detector or selective and sensitive amperometric detection. I find the current development of lab automation, the explosive growth of computing and mathematical modeling, and more recently, the use of artificial intelligence truly remarkable.<h4>How did you transition from academia to Watrex Prague? What attracted you to the change?</h4>In the early '90s, research projects at the Institute of Microbiology were being reorganized, and several colleagues I worked with left the institute. Around the same time, I got a job offer from Milan Minárik, who was founding <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Watrex</a> – a distributor for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/companies/325">Waters</a> chromatography systems. I had met Milan a few years earlier (through HPLC, of course), and the idea of working as an applications specialist in his private company was very appealing. It was a time of rapid private sector growth in Czechoslovakia, and I was excited to be a part of that.&nbsp;<h4>You’ve studied mushrooms scientifically, but what about in the actual forest? Are you a mushroom picker?</h4>I love picking mushrooms (their fruiting bodies), but I don’t have as much time for it as I’d like.&nbsp;<h4>How much do you rely on your scientific knowledge when mushroom picking? Do you see mushrooms differently than the average picker?&nbsp;</h4>Rather than scientific knowledge, I rely on experience from field excursions with the Institute of Microbiology, where I had the chance to learn mushroom identification from leading Czech mycologists. And unlike “typical pickers,” I often collect gilled mushrooms. My three-year-old granddaughter Anička might actually be able to name more bolete species than I can.<h4>Does your knowledge of chemistry help with identifying lesser-known species?</h4>No.&nbsp;<h4>Do you have a favorite mushroom – either for eating or just because it’s interesting?&nbsp;</h4>Aside from magic mushrooms, I have a soft spot for the fly agaric. Amanita muscaria, with its unmistakable red cap and white spots, has a rich and ancient history. Its story intersects with folk medicine and shamanism across many cultures, especially in the Northern Hemisphere. Another mushroom worth mentioning is the deadly Cortinarius orellanus. It grows in our region and can unfortunately be confused with some edible species. It contains the nephrotoxin orellanine, which is dangerous due to its delayed onset – symptoms can appear up to three weeks after ingestion, which makes treating the poisoning extremely difficult.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Watrex_19_6_obr_2_02794e1777.jpg" alt="Watrex Fig.2: Illustrative photo of Amanita muscaria and Cortinarius orellanus" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Watrex_19_6_obr_2_02794e1777.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="839"><h4>What can we learn about a mushroom in a laboratory — apart from whether it’s edible or not?&nbsp;</h4>A mushroom, as a subject of laboratory study, can be analyzed taxonomically; we can identify substances that are toxicologically significant, search for new biologically active compounds, or use fungi as model organisms in genetic research. Their bioaccumulation capacity can help monitor unwanted substances in the environment. And I’m sure there are many other possibilities for scientific investigation in the lab.&nbsp;<h4>Have you ever examined the presence of toxins, heavy metals, or pesticides? How common are they in mushrooms?&nbsp;</h4>The ability of mushrooms to accumulate foreign substances is well documented and stems from the way they absorb nutrients from their surroundings. Their mycelium has a huge surface area and absorbs not only nutrients from the soil solution, but also unwanted substances, which may then accumulate in the fruiting bodies. I personally haven’t focused on bioaccumulation research in fungi — with one exception. After the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, we collected various mushroom species to monitor levels of Cesium-137.&nbsp;<h4>What’s your opinion on identifying mushrooms using mobile apps?&nbsp;</h4>If a mobile app serves as a replacement for a quality, well-illustrated mushroom atlas, I have no objections. However, I’d be very cautious when using various "identification keys." An amateur can easily overlook or misinterpret an important feature that differentiates an edible mushroom from an inedible or even poisonous one. That said, with the advancement of AI, things will surely improve :). As always — only collect mushrooms you can identify with absolute confidence!&nbsp;<h4>What’s something every mushroom hunter should know — but often overlooks?</h4>Where north is — and how to get back to the train station or their parked car.<h4>Besides a knife, is there anything else you’d bring in your mushroom basket?&nbsp;</h4>A camera. Mushrooms are incredibly photogenic. And if one doesn't end up in the basket, it can at least become a model for photography.&nbsp;<h4>And finally: If you had to describe mushrooms in one word, what would it be?</h4>Saprophytes. Without them, life on our planet would come to a halt.&nbsp;Many thanks to Roman Kysilka for such an open and inspiring conversation. It was a pleasure to explore his professional journey and the unique experiences that have shaped it. Roman currently works at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_clanky">Watrex Praha</a>, where his expertise and experience continue to make a valuable impact. We wish him all the best in his future professional and personal endeavors!

Are you scientifically prepared for the new mushroom-picking season?

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For more than 40 years, ALS has provided testing and technical solutions to clients all over the world in a wide range of industries. We have built our global reputation by embracing the latest technologies and innovative methodologies to deliver high quality testing services to clients. ALS is able to leverage a multifaceted international team while remaining agile enough to provide local expertise and personalized solutions to every one of our clients.

ALS Czech Republic

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

WATREX Prague is the distributor and producer of HPLC techniques in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Main Chromatografic and Related Techniques Supported: LC, GPC, IC, IEC, Automated SPE, LC Columns and special column packings, LC method development, Software development, Laboratory Robots.

Watrex Praha

Separation Science

Agilent Technologies

Phenomenex

Shimadzu Corporation

Whether you are new to the practice of gas chromatography, or would like a refresher, the installation and care of your GC column is of the utmost importance.Join us as we discuss proper column installation and handling for all Agilent GCs including the Intuvo 9000. We will also address the common modes of column degradation and some of the misconceptions that people have concerning column degradation.Lastly, we will discuss ways that you can protect and maintain your column’s performance and extend its lifetime while minimizing instrument downtime.<blockquote>Presenter: Alex Ucci (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)In his current position at Agilent, Alex provides application assistance and technical support for sample preparation products as well as GC and LC consumables. Before he joined Agilent in 2014, Alex was a graduate student at the Pennsylvania State University researching the morphology and surface properties of aerosol particles using a wide variety of analytical techniques. He has an MS degree in chemistry.Presenter:&nbsp;Ryan Birney (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)In Ryan’s current role at Agilent, he provides application assistance and technical support for GC and Spectroscopy. He has been supporting Agilent in technical and sales roles for the past seven years. Ryan came to Agilent from industry, and has an BS degree in Biochemistry.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Ensuring Peak Performance: Comprehensive Guide to GC Column Care

Ensuring Peak Performance: Comprehensive Guide to GC Column Care

Join us as we discuss proper column installation and handling for all Agilent GCs including the Intuvo 9000. 

Comprehensive Guide to GC Column Care

Autosampler vials, often overlooked in the analytical workflow, play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of laboratory analyses. These small yet indispensable components are designed to securely hold samples for automated injection into analytical instruments such as HPLC, GC, and MS. By providing a contamination-free environment, autosampler vials help maintain sample integrity, reduce errors, and enhance reproducibility.This presentation will explore the various types of autosampler vials, their material properties, and the impact they have on the overall analytical process. Understanding the importance of autosampler vials can lead to better laboratory practices and improved analytical outcomes.<blockquote>Presenter: Craig Douglas, B.Sc. (Global Product Manager for Vials and Sample Containment, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)Craig Douglas is a scientist with over 20 years as a chemist, sales and marketing specializing in analytical chromatography across all industries Agilent Technologies serves. His current role involves the development of the broadest range of vials and sample containment solutions to address our customers broad and demanding applications, whether it be LC, LC/MS, GC, GC/MS or non-chromatography based applications down to trace level analysis from simple to complex matrices. Craig holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Prince Edward Island and has extensive international industry experience.</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Becoming a Better Chromatographer - Educational Webinar Series

The Unsung Heroes of Analytical Chemistry: The Vital Role of Autosampler Vials

This presentation will explore the various types of autosampler vials, their material properties, and the impact they have on the overall analytical process. 

The Vital Role of Autosampler Vials

As you heat up your column, there is going to be some degree of bleeding. But sometimes we can have excessive or abnormal bleeding. There are also many misconceptions about column bleed and how it appears in your chromatogram. Join us as we distinguish between abnormal and normal bleed as well share some tips and tricks to control your bleed.<blockquote>Presenter: Alex Ucci (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)In his current position at Agilent, Alex provides application assistance and technical support for sample preparation products as well as GC and LC consumables. Before he joined Agilent in 2014, Alex was a graduate student at the Pennsylvania State University researching the morphology and surface properties of aerosol particles using a wide variety of analytical techniques. He has an MS degree in chemistry.</blockquote>

Comprehensive Guide to GC Column Bleed: From Troubleshooting to Prevention

Join us as we distinguish between abnormal and normal bleed as well share some tips and tricks to control your bleed.

Comprehensive Guide to GC Column Bleed

Sample introduction is arguably one of the most important aspects in successful gas chromatography. The vast majority of problems that arise in GC are inlet or "front-end" related. If your sample is not introduced properly to the inlet and column, all bets are off for producing a useful high-resolution chromatogram. In this presentation we will discuss the various types of GC inlets available including when and how to use them.<blockquote>Presenter: Mark Sinnott (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)Mark Sinnott works for Agilent Technologies as a Technical Support Engineer in the Consumables and Supplies Division (CSD). In his position at Agilent, Mark performs technical support and applications assistance to gas chromatographers worldwide. He has more than 22 years of experience in gas chromatography, including environmental analysis of compounds in air, soil and water matrices, including dissolved gas analysis for the electrical industry. Mark holds a Master’s Degree in Chemistry from California State University, Sacramento, and currently resides in Twin Falls Idaho.</blockquote>

Choosing the Right GC Inlet: Tailoring Your Method for Optimal Results

In this presentation we will discuss the various types of GC inlets available including when and how to use them

Choosing the Right GC Inlet

Whether you are new to GC or have been performing it for years, you may find that things just aren’t /going the way you want them to. There are many pitfalls that can cause problems and in this talk some of the topics we will discuss include:<ul><li>Problematic solvents</li><li>The importance of gas traps</li><li>Syringe hygiene</li><li>Front-end maintenance</li><li>Proper conditioning</li><li>Making connections</li><li>Importance of sample preparation</li></ul>Avoiding these pitfalls can help you achieve long-term reliable results.<blockquote>Presenter: Alex Ucci (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)In his current position at Agilent, Alex provides application assistance and technical support for sample preparation products as well as GC and LC consumables. Before he joined Agilent in 2014, Alex was a graduate student at the Pennsylvania State University researching the morphology and surface properties of aerosol particles using a wide variety of analytical techniques. He has an MS degree in chemistry.</blockquote>

Common Pitfalls in GC Chromatography: What to Avoid

There are many pitfalls that can cause problems and in this talk some of the topics we will discuss 

The recent rise in export rejections due to contamination from mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) has become a pressing concern for the food industry. Known for their links to health risks such as organ toxicity, carcinogenicity, and tissue accumulation, MOSH/ MOAH contamination underscores the urgent need to safeguard public health and comply with evolving regulations.Shimadzu, in collaboration with Axel Semrau, introduces an enhanced turnkey analytical solution to enable effective MOSH/MOAH analysis. Join our latest session in Digital Classrooms to gain exclusive insights into the new and improved MOSH/MOAH detection method, strategies for navigating regulatory compliance, and actionable solutions to mitigate contamination risks effectively.Tailored for regulators, private testing laboratories, and food manufacturers, this session is a must-attend to enhance your expertise to do food testing with compliance.Equip yourself with Shimadzu's solutions to address one of the food industry’s most significant challenges. Register now!<h5>Learning Objectives</h5><ul><li>Discover the latest trends and challenges surrounding MOSH/ MOAH contamination in the food industry.</li><li>Explore cutting-edge advancements in MOSH and MOAH analyzers, paving the way for more accurate and efficient detection.</li><li>Learn how Shimadzu’s innovative solutions can effectively manage contamination risks and ensure compliance with evolving regulations.</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Goh Wan Yu Elton (Market Specialist - Food And Environmental, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)Elton dedicates his career to food analytics, ensuring the safety and quality of our daily consumption. As a Food Specialist at Shimadzu, he develops and applies advanced analytical techniques to detect and quantify compounds in food products, from contaminants to nutrients. Elton takes pride in advancing food science, enhancing safety, and building consumer trust. His goal is to make valuable contributions to analytical chemistry and the global food industry.</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Enhancing Food Testing: New And Improved Method For MOSH/MOAH Contamination

Enhancing Food Testing: New And Improved Method For MOSH/MOAH Contamination

Learn about MOSH/MOAH detection, regulatory tips, and solutions to reduce contamination risks in our latest Digital Classrooms session.

Food Testing: Method For MOSH/MOAH Contamination

<h4>Key Learning Points</h4><ul><li>Understand the purpose for common preventative measures towards GC challenges&nbsp;</li><li>Identify and attribute challenges to specific areas of the GC instrument or column&nbsp;</li><li>Recognize symptoms of challenges with method performance&nbsp;</li><li>Attribute common maintenance practices to specific remedies</li></ul><h4>Who Should Attend</h4><ul><li>Those who perform routine analysis using gas chromatography and would like to begin exploring techniques for troubleshooting&nbsp;</li></ul><blockquote>Speaker: Zachary Woodward (Senior Technical Specialist, Phenomenex)Zachary Woodward is a Senior Technical Specialist with Phenomenex, Inc, assisting laboratories with method development in the bio-pharma, environmental, and food industries. Zachary spent his formative years developing HPLC and GC methods with a pharmaceutical lab in Albany, NY, after which he developed HPLC and SPE methods in a clinical setting here in Southern California. Zachary received his B.Sci. in Chemistry from the College of William and Mary, was awarded his Master’s in Chemistry at San Diego State University, and is happy to speak with you today!</blockquote>

Phenomenex: GC Troubleshooting Quick Guide: Quick Fixes for Common Problems

GC Troubleshooting Quick Guide: Quick Fixes for Common Problems

Learn to troubleshoot common GC issues, recognize performance symptoms, and apply quick fixes in this practical webinar with expert Zachary Woodward.

GC Troubleshooting Quick Fixes for Common Problems

This webinar will explore how the new Agilent 8850 gas chromatograph, now compatible with single and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, can save users bench space, utility costs, and analysis time without compromising on performance. Viewers will see these features demonstrated through the applications of solvent purity by ASTM D7504 and gasoline aromatic composition by ASTM D5769.&nbsp;The 8850 GC using FID successfully accelerated the D7504 application from a runtime of 39 minutes using helium carrier gas down to 6 minutes using hydrogen. Combining the 8850 GC with the Agilent 5977C single quadrupole mass spec also yielded an accelerated solution for D5769 using hydrogen carrier gas with a total runtime of 9 minutes while achieving exceptional linearity for bulk compounds without compromising on sensitivity for trace analytes.<h5>By attending this presentation, you will learn about:</h5><ul><li>How the 8850 GC can help expand available bench space while using less electricity and gas for FID, TCD, and now both single and triple quadrupole MS applications</li><li>How the GC Intelligence features of the 8850 can help increase system up-time through advanced system monitoring, onboard maintenance, and guided troubleshooting</li><li>How the 8850 GC can accelerate applications with examples for solvent purity by ASTM D7504 and gasoline aromatic composition by ASTM D5769.</li></ul><h5>Who should attend:</h5><ul><li>Lab analysts using GC and GC/MS who are interested in increasing efficiency and throughput</li><li>Analytical lab managers looking to save time, operational expenses, and bench space</li><li>Petrochemical scientists producing high-purity aromatic streams and finished motor gasoline</li><li>Analytical chemists interested in the latest innovations in GC and GC/MS</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Scott Hoy (Applications Chemist, Agilent, Gas Phase Separations Division)Scott received his BS in Chemistry from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2009 and his PhD in Analytical Chemistry from the University of South Carolina in 2013. He spent eight years working for ExxonMobil as a GC chemist in a refinery quality control lab and as a GC and GCxGC research chemist in R&amp;D. Scott joined Agilent Technologies in 2021 and is an applications chemist in the GC and GC/MS business unit in Wilmington, Delaware. His current work is focused on GC applications supporting conventional and renewable fuels, and the emerging GCxGC applications landscape.Presenter:&nbsp;James Cain (Product Manager, Agilent, Gas Phase Separations Division)James earned his BS in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh and his PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Arizona. After serving in various research and commercial roles with other organizations, including as an Agilent customer, he has been a product manager in the GC and GC/MS business unit with Agilent for five years. He is focused on understanding the needs of GC users globally, tracking changes in the market and regulatory landscape, and seeking new opportunities to apply Agilent innovation to emerging applications.</blockquote>

Separation Science: At Home on Any Bench: High-Performance GC/MS for Every Lab

At Home on Any Bench: High-Performance GC/MS for Every Lab

Save space and time while increasing efficiency and throughput with the Agilent 8850 gas chromatograph.

Today, laboratories consume a staggering ten times more energy and water than a typical office. Labs with GC and GC/MS systems have unique sustainability challenges due to the resource-intensive nature of these instruments, as they consume large amounts of gas and energy. A more efficient laboratory is a more sustainable one. In this webinar, we will discuss tactics that laboratories can take today to improve the sustainability of their existing GC workflows.&nbsp;By focusing on making workflows more productive and efficient, we can lessen laboratory resource consumption and waste. Topics include tactics to minimize carrier gas and energy consumption, GC column scaling to shorten analysis time, alternative carrier gases, and data quality and up-time enhancements from proper consumable selection. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<h5>By attending this presentation, you will learn about:</h5><ul><li>Simple tactics that can be employed today to optimize workflow efficiency and productivity, thus minimizing resource consumption</li><li>Methods to minimize carrier gas and energy consumption, and GC column scaling to shorten analysis time</li><li>Illustrations of data quality and up-time enhancements from proper consumable selection. &nbsp;</li></ul><h5>Why Should You Attend?</h5><ul><li>According to Agilent customer surveys, 85 percent of labs and organizations have sustainability goals in place, and 83 percent of lab leaders believe their current workflow requires optimization to meet their sustainability ambitions. &nbsp;We will illustrate how existing methods can be scaled and new methods developed to operate more sustainably and profitably. &nbsp;</li></ul><h5>Who should attend:</h5><ul><li>Laboratory technicians, researchers, and scientists wishing to learn more about how to improve operational efficiency and lower the consumption of laboratory consumables</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Vanessa Abercrombie (Gas Chromatography Applications Chemist, Agilent Technologies)Vanessa Abercrombie is a GC applications chemist at Agilent Technologies in Folsom, CA. Vanessa has a broad background in GC and GC/MS, including experience as an instrument chemist at Bode Technology in Virginia, working under contract to the FBI’s Laboratory Division. Prior to that, Vanessa worked for ETS Labs in St. Helena, CA, as an analytical chemist, where she researched and developed quantitative separations by GC/MS and UHPLC for beer, wine, and spirits. She holds a Masters of Forensic Science from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Sonoma State University.Presenter:&nbsp;Ashlee Gerardi (GC Columns Product Manager, Agilent Technologies)&nbsp;Ashlee Gerardi is currently a GC columns product manager at Agilent Technologies. She has a B.S. in Chemistry and an MBA in General Management. Over the past 13 years, Ashlee has held a variety of roles and experience in product development and product marketing. She spent five years in GC columns R&amp;D focusing on novel stationary phase and surface chemistries. She then transitioned into marketing roles, including market segment development and strategic market management. &nbsp;</blockquote>

Separation Science: How to Build Speed and Sustainability into Your GC Methods

How to Build Speed and Sustainability into Your GC Methods

Discover strategies to boost workflow efficiency and productivity while advancing your lab’s sustainability goals.

Developing an effective gas chromatography (GC) method requires careful consideration of several interrelated parameters. Adjusting these parameters systematically can significantly enhance analytical performance, reduce troubleshooting, and streamline workflows.This webinar explores the method development process and GC parameters to optimize, emphasizing the carrier gas, inlet, column, and detector, and identifying the ideal sequence for adjusting each.<h5>By attending this presentation, you will learn:</h5><ul><li>strategies for method development</li><li>how to optimize for sensitivity or to reduce carryover</li><li>how to break the method down into tasks</li><li>about the parameters and how to optimize them for each method task.</li></ul>Plus, with an extensive Q&amp;A session, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and gain deeper insights from our expert.<blockquote>Presenter: Diane Turner, FRSC (Director and Senior Consultant, Anthias Consulting, UK)A Warwick University graduate, Diane completed her MSc in analytical chemistry and started her career in environmental then agrochemical science, later gaining experience as an applications chemist. Diane has developed methods and training within most industries globally for over 25 years. A Visiting Fellow at The Open University, she continues disease diagnosis research from her PhD, along with food, drug, and space applications. Diane is Past-President of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Analytical Sciences Community and Past-Chair of the Analytical Chemistry Trust Fund. Diane is a Trustee of the Recycling Organisation for Research Opportunities (RORO), amongst other committee memberships. Diane is co-author of 'Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry: How Do I Get the Best Results?' and on the Editorial Board of the book series ‘Practical and Technical Guides for Lab-based Chemists’.</blockquote>

SeparationScience: Expert Answers: GC Method Development

Expert Answers: GC Method Development

Join this expert-led presentation and Q&A to expand your knowledge of method development for GC and GC-MS with these useful strategies.

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