Join us for a free two-day LECO Separation Science Workshop on September 23–24, 2026, at the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/companies/219">C³AL Laboratory</a> at Cal State LA. Registration is free, and meals and refreshments will be provided throughout the workshop.&nbsp;<h4>Registration</h4><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=iYeNbqIuykW7qZP4_jUEVbznDB40eK1PgjPzhHyb__9URTFTTFA5UEEzQ1A4MUtFV0o4TEJTNlZCOS4u&amp;route=shorturl">Register HERE</a>Space is limited, register today!<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_LECO_Separation_Science_Workshop_registration_332543a18e.jpg" alt="LECO: LECO Separation Science Workshop - QR code for registration" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_LECO_Separation_Science_Workshop_registration_332543a18e.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="437" height="437"></blockquote><h4>Hand-on Experience with the LECO Complex Chemical Composition Analysis Lab C3AL</h4><ul><li>Work directly with LECO instruments in the C3AL Laboratory</li><li>Learn complete analytical workflows from sample to answer</li><li>Get expert guidance from LECO application scientists</li><li>Develop methods and solve real-world challenges</li><li>Collaborate, ask questions, and build your skills</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Cal_State_LA_The_LECO_Pegasus_BTX_system_in_Cal_State_LA_s_LECO_Complex_Chemical_Compositional_Analysis_Lab_enhances_research_and_student_training_in_advanced_chemical_analysis_cover_b739e727ca.jpg" alt="Cal State LA: The LECO Pegasus BTX system in Cal State LA’s LECO Complex Chemical Compositional Analysis Lab enhances research and student training in advanced chemical analysis" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Cal_State_LA_The_LECO_Pegasus_BTX_system_in_Cal_State_LA_s_LECO_Complex_Chemical_Compositional_Analysis_Lab_enhances_research_and_student_training_in_advanced_chemical_analysis_cover_b739e727ca.jpg 227w," sizes="100vw" width="1252" height="863">The first day will focus on the fundamentals and theory of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC), with an emphasis on understanding how GC×GC can enhance your research, solve complex analytical challenges, and support your laboratory or company goals.&nbsp;The second day will be dedicated to hands-on activities, giving participants the opportunity to work directly with LECO instrumentation, learn practical analytical workflows, and analyze their own samples with guidance from LECO application scientists.&nbsp;Whether you are new to GC×GC or looking to expand its use in your research or organization, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn, explore, and apply the technology in a practical setting. Space is limited, so register early!<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Cal_State_LA_LECO_QUADJET_G_Cx_GC_coupled_to_Pegasus_BT_4_D_TOM_MS_in_the_Complex_Chemical_Composition_Analysis_Lab_C_AL_077a14ae34/Cal-State-LA-LECO-QUADJET-GCxGC-coupled-to-Pegasus-BT-4D-TOM-MS-in-the-Complex-Chemical-Composition-Analysis-Lab-(CAL).jpg" alt="Cal State LA: LECO QUADJET GCxGC coupled to Pegasus BT 4D TOM MS in the Complex Chemical Composition Analysis Lab (C³AL)" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Cal_State_LA_LECO_QUADJET_G_Cx_GC_coupled_to_Pegasus_BT_4_D_TOM_MS_in_the_Complex_Chemical_Composition_Analysis_Lab_C_AL_077a14ae34/thumbnail_Cal-State-LA-LECO-QUADJET-GCxGC-coupled-to-Pegasus-BT-4D-TOM-MS-in-the-Complex-Chemical-Composition-Analysis-Lab-(CAL).jpg 234w," sizes="100vw" width="1949" height="1299">

LECO Separation Science Workshop

This study presents a robust GC-MS method for direct detection and quantification of hydrogen in complex gas mixtures using electron ionization without dopants, reagent gases, or ion–molecule reactions. A modified EI source combined with a cryogenically cooled single capillary column achieved baseline separation of hydrogen from permanent gases and hydrocarbons in refinery gas while using helium as the carrier gas.The method demonstrated high sensitivity, linearity, and reproducibility across trace- and percent-level hydrogen concentrations. By simultaneously profiling other gas components in a single run, the approach simplifies conventional multi-column workflows and extends GC-MS capabilities for hydrogen analysis in complex industrial gas mixtures.<blockquote><h4>The original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/ancham/article/98/26/19493/5200102/Hydrogen-Analysis-by-Gas-Chromatography-Mass#247324328">Hydrogen Analysis by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry&nbsp;</a></h4>Vladislav V. Lobodin* ; Yensil Park; Charles E. A. FinneyAnal. Chem. (2026) 98 (26): 19493–19499.<div><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.6c00257">https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.6c00257</a></div><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><div><div><div>Hydrogen analysis in complex gas mixtures, including permanent gases, and volatile and semivolatile organic and inorganic compounds, is crucial for optimizing hydrogen production, storage and use, and ensuring reliability across diverse applications. Accurate hydrogen analysis underpins production and distribution processes such as steam methane reforming, gasification, and electrolysis, helping maintain purity and quality throughout the supply chain. (<a href="javascript:;">1</a>) Reliable hydrogen measurements are also critical for fuel cell power generation, where automotive manufacturers and fueling stations must meet strict fuel quality standards to ensure safety and performance. (<a href="javascript:;">2, 3</a>) Hydrogen is a flammable, colorless, and odorless gas that poses significant hazards in air at levels between 4 and 74%. (<a href="javascript:;">4, 5</a>)</div><div>Many industrial processes, including chemicals and petrochemicals, steel manufacturing, glass production, and electronics, depend on precise hydrogen measurements for process control, quality assurance, and energy efficiency. (<a href="javascript:;">6−9</a>) Beyond these established uses, hydrogen analysis plays a vital role in energy storage, power generation, and utilization as a fuel for transportation and grid applications (e.g., power-to-gas and sustainable integration), with monitoring required to maintain the integrity and safety of stored and injected hydrogen. (<a href="javascript:;">10, 11</a>) It is also essential for environmental monitoring, including leak detection, emissions control, (<a href="javascript:;">5, 12</a>) and geological exploration of natural hydrogen sources. (<a href="javascript:;">13−15</a>) In the aerospace industry, hydrogen analysis ensures its safe handling and optimal performance of hydrogen as a fuel or propellant. (<a href="javascript:;">16−18</a>) In addition, forensic studies also rely on hydrogen measurements to provide critical evidence in criminal investigations and legal cases. (<a href="javascript:;">19, 20</a>)</div><div>A GC coupled to thermal conductivity detector (TCD) continues to be a common method of choice for hydrogen analysis despite the detector limitations. (<a href="javascript:;">21, 22</a>) However, the use of helium as a carrier gas, despite being the most popular choice, results in complications with a TCD because the thermal conductivity for hydrogen and helium is very close and hydrogen produces a relatively low and nonlinear response. To avoid the hydrogen–helium interference, argon or nitrogen is used as the carrier gas with a TCD. However, the use of those gases compromises chromatographic resolution, significantly reduces sensitivity for the other compounds by a factor of ∼10, and can interfere with the detection of other analytes.</div><div>Besides a TCD, a helium ionization detector (HID) and an atomic emission detector (AED) are utilized by coupling to a GC to analyze hydrogen. (<a href="javascript:;">23, 24</a>) As in the case of a TCD, these detectors suffer from limitations and more importantly are not informative enough for identification of unknown chromatographic peaks during the hydrogen production development. Raman spectroscopy can detect low hydrogen concentrations but suffers from low sensitivity, complex setups, and long measurement times. Commercial systems have high detection limits and reduced precision over time, limiting practicality for dynamic or in-line applications. (<a href="javascript:;">25, 26</a>)</div><div>In contrast, GC coupled to MS serves as a powerful tool for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of various compound mixtures. (<a href="javascript:;">27</a>) Nonetheless, it has been reported that GC–MS faces challenges due to the difficulties of detecting lighter gases relative to the carrier gas (<a href="javascript:;">28, 29</a>) and direct EI in the absence of a dopant and ion–molecule reactions has been considered an impossible task. (<a href="javascript:;">29</a>)</div><div>Chromatographic analysis of hydrogen typically involved a dual-column setup to effectively separate it from other gases like O2, N2, CO, CO2, CH4, and various volatile hydrocarbons. These setups often used packed columns or molecular sieves PLOT columns, which additionally necessitated a particle trap on the detector side to block sorbent particles from entering the mass spectrometer’s ion source. (<a href="javascript:;">30, 31</a>)</div><div>In the present study, we report the development of a novel method for hydrogen analysis that employs direct EI of hydrogen and a simplified column configuration with a single capillary column. This approach is capable of detecting hydrogen across a broad concentration range, including trace levels in complex matrices. Importantly, our method also delivers compositional information for other gases in a single run, which can provide valuable context for many applications, thereby providing a significant advancement in hydrogen analysis methodology.<h4>Experimental Part</h4>The development of the method for hydrogen analysis was conducted with a GC–MS instrument employing an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=7890B">Agilent 7890B GC</a> system and an Agilent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=5977B">5977B mass spectrometer</a> (Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA). The GC system was modified with a liquid N2 cryogenic valve kit (Agilent G3466A) to enable operation at low temperatures and liquid N2 (supplied from a Dewar) was used to cool the GC oven. Chromatography-grade helium with a purity of 99.9999% from Airgas (Radnor, PA) additionally passed through a helium purifier trap (model RMSH-2) from Agilent Technologies at a flow rate of 2.0 mL·min–1 was used as a carrier gas. The gas chromatograph inlet temperature was set to 200 °C. The GC oven temperature was programmed to hold at −80 °C for 2 min, subsequently ramped to 260 °C at 20 °C·min–1, and then held for 17 min. The transfer line was kept at 260 °C. A GS-GASPRO GC column (60 m long, 320 μm ID) from Agilent Technologies was used for chromatographic separation. The ion source was held at 230 °C. The EI ion source was modified by replacing a standard (350 G) magnet with a low-gauss magnet (220 G) assembly (Agilent part: G3163-60560). The hydrogen tune macros were procured from Diablo Analytical (Antioch, CA) and are described elsewhere. (<a href="javascript:;">32</a>) Both selected ion monitoring (SIM) and scan modes (recorded as a total ion chromatogram [TIC]) were utilized for detection of hydrogen and other gases. In particular, hydrogen detection was performed using SIM mode at a mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of 2.<h4>Results and Discussion</h4><div>Here, we describe the development of a new hydrogen analysis approach that utilizes direct EI and selective detection at m/z = 2. Because the conventional EI source magnetic field is optimized to confine and focus electrons for ionization of species with m/z ≥ 10, this configuration is suboptimal for hydrogen, resulting in limited ionization efficiency and inefficient extraction of low-mass ions. The modification of the EI ion source with a low-gauss magnet is necessary to improve the formation and detection of H2+ ions. Reduction of the magnetic field strength decreases confinement of ionizing electrons emitted by the filament, thereby increasing the effective interaction volume and residence time of electrons with hydrogen molecules and enhancing ionization probability. In addition, the reduced magnetic field mitigates discrimination against low-mass ions during extraction and transmission into the mass analyzer. Collectively, these effects enhance sensitivity for H2 detection under EI conditions, eliminating the need for chemical ionization or indirect detection strategies.</div><div>In addition to the specialized hardware, custom low-mass optimization tune macros are required to achieve reliable sensitivity. We used tune macros from a hydrogen detection kit developed for Agilent MSD instruments that had been converted into standalone RGA-type mass analyzers. (<a href="javascript:;">32</a>) The tuning and mass-calibration procedure began with a low-mass autotune (lomass.u), followed by a helium optimization tune that used the helium carrier gas flowing through the column into the ion source as the tuning mixture. The optimization tune adjusts key ion–optics parameters, including repeller voltage, ion focus, electron energy, emission current, and entrance lens offset to maximize the response at m/z = 4. Additionally, ions at m/z = 69, 131, and 219 from the instrument’s calibration compound (PFTBA) were used to calibrate the mass axis, adjust the electron multiplier voltage, and set appropriate peak widths.<div>The mass spectrometry detection method involved simultaneous acquisition in SIM mode at m/z = 2 for hydrogen detection, and scan mode (at 2.4 scans s–1) within the range of m/z = 10–160 for other gases. Attempts to scan from m/z = 1.6 to 160 and subsequently extract the ion chromatogram at m/z = 2 resulted in a significantly lower signal response for hydrogen detection. Detection of hydrogen in SIM mode at m/z = 2 significantly improves the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and detection limit. The dwell time (the time during which the quadrupole is set at m/z = 2) was adjusted to 100 ms to enhance sensitivity. The high-resolution quadrupole settings (with peak width of 0.5 m/z) further improved S/N ratio by a factor of 2.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Anal_Chem_2026_98_26_19493_19499_Figure_1_GC_MS_analysis_of_hydrogen_standard_gas_mixtures_9439c835f2.jpg" alt="Anal. Chem. (2026) 98 (26): 19493–19499: Figure 1. GC–MS analysis of hydrogen standard gas mixtures. Upper figures show scans from m/z = 10–160, and lower figures show detection at m/z = 2. Left: 5% (50000 ppm) H2. Right: 5000 ppm of H2. Nitrogen is a balance gas." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Anal_Chem_2026_98_26_19493_19499_Figure_1_GC_MS_analysis_of_hydrogen_standard_gas_mixtures_9439c835f2.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1022"></div><div>Standalone mass spectrometers (without GC) are often employed as RGAs, including for hydrogen detection. However, the absence of chromatographic separation limits reliable hydrogen quantification and comprehensive characterization of other species in a mixture. Furthermore, quadrupole mass spectrometers, commonly used both as RGAs and in GC–MS configurations, are subject to the “zero-blast” effect. (<a href="javascript:;">35</a>) This occurs when low DC voltage and RF amplitudes at low m/z are insufficient to prevent heavier ions from reaching the detector, leading to false signals in the low m/z range up to m/z = 4, even in the absence of corresponding low molecular weight analytes such as H2 or He. (<a href="javascript:;">36</a>) The “zero-blast” effect is particularly noticeable when measuring low levels of hydrogen amidst significantly higher concentrations of heavier gases, e.g., N2, O2, CO, Ar, CO2, H2O, hydrocarbons. This interference, which fluctuates constantly, makes the detection and resolution of hydrogen peaks at m/z = 2 highly challenging. <a href="javascript:;">Figure 1</a> shows the GC–MS analysis of two standard gas mixtures containing 50000 and 5000 ppm hydrogen with nitrogen as the balance gas. The injected sample volume was 250 μL, and the split ratio was 20:1. The upper plots display total ion chromatograms for the mass range m/z = 10–160, where the peak at 4.1 min corresponds to N2. The lower plots show extracted ion chromatograms at m/z = 2, where the peak at 3.4 min represents H2, while the peak at 4.1 min, matching the nitrogen elution time, is a false signal caused by the “zero-blast” effect. This interference is especially pronounced at lower hydrogen concentrations and would significantly affect quantitation in the absence of chromatographic resolution. By separating hydrogen into a distinct chromatographic peak with GC–MS, the “zero-blast” interference can be minimized. Therefore, efficient chromatographic separation of hydrogen from other gases is essential for reliable detection and quantification.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Anal_Chem_2026_98_26_19493_19499_Figure_4_GC_MS_analysis_of_refinery_gas_mixture_2977041c4b.jpg" alt="Anal. Chem. (2026) 98 (26): 19493–19499: Figure 4. GC–MS analysis of refinery gas mixture. Top. TIC for m/z = 10–160. Bottom. SIM at m/z = 2." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Anal_Chem_2026_98_26_19493_19499_Figure_4_GC_MS_analysis_of_refinery_gas_mixture_2977041c4b.jpg 226w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1104"><a href="javascript:;">Figure 4</a> presents the gas chromatographic separation and mass spectrometric detection of a refinery gas test mixture using a combined scan (m/z = 10–160) and SIM (m/z = 2) acquisition mode. The total ion chromatogram (top panel) demonstrates excellent baseline separation of all major permanent gases and hydrocarbons, including O2, N2, CO, CH4, CO2, C2H4, C2H6, propane, propylene, n-butane, iso-butane, and various C5 isomers. Notably, even isobaric species such as N2, CO, and C2H4, each with nominal mass of 28 Da, are fully resolved chromatographically, enabling accurate identification and quantitation despite their identical molecular weights.The SIM trace at m/z = 2 (bottom panel) highlights the selective detection of hydrogen. One of the most critical regions for hydrogen separation is between 2 and 7 min, where H2 elutes well before O2, N2, CO, and CH4. This complete chromatographic resolution effectively eliminates interference from the quadrupole “zero-blast” effect and suppresses false low-mass signals that typically arise from high concentrations of heavier gases, thereby ensuring reliable and interference-free quantitation of hydrogen. The combination of efficient separation and SIM-based detection provides a robust analytical platform for accurate measurement of hydrogen in complex gas mixtures.</div></div><h4>Conclusions</h4>We successfully developed and validated a robust GC–MS method capable of directly detecting and quantifying hydrogen using EI without the need for dopants, reagent gases, or ion–molecule reaction schemes traditionally required for low-mass. By integrating specialized low-mass tuning procedures, a modified EI source, and a cryogenically cooled single-capillary column, we achieved efficient baseline chromatographic separation of hydrogen from other permanent gases, hydrocarbons, and isobaric species in complex gas mixtures. This separation was essential to eliminate false low-mass signals originating from the quadrupole “zero-blast” effect, and provided accurate, interference-free hydrogen quantitation. The method demonstrated high sensitivity and selectivity across more than 3 orders of magnitude concentration ranges from 5 to 5000 ppm, with excellent linearity (R2 = 0.9999). The combination of adjustable sample-loop volumes and tunable split ratios allowed optimization of peak shape and signal-to-noise performance for both trace-level and percent-level hydrogen concentrations. Triplicate analyses showed exceptional reproducibility, with variability below 1%, confirming suitability of the sampling approach for reliable quantitative analysis. Importantly, this approach provides simultaneous compositional information for a wide range of gases in a single analytical run, enabling comprehensive characterization of complex mixtures. This capability is particularly valuable for hydrogen production, storage, fuel-quality monitoring, geologic hydrogen exploration, industrial process control, safety and forensic applications, and environmental assessments where hydrogen must be measured alongside a panel of other gases.</div></div></div></div>

Hydrogen Analysis by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry

In the week of August 24, the following webinars await you in the field of gas / solid phase and especially Raman, FTIR, GC and GC/MS.<blockquote><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinars">👉 DETAILS AND REGISTRATION IN THE WEBINARS SECTION</a></h4>👉 Search and filter in the largest global database with over 5 500 GC, LC, MS and spectroscopy webinars.</blockquote><h5>1. Thermo Fisher Scientific: From legacy to leading edge: unlock more uptime, throughput, and confidence with modern GC-MS technology</h5><ul><li>Tu, 25.8.2026 11:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6457">Registration</a></li></ul>Discover how upgrading legacy GC-MS systems to the Thermo Scientific ISQ 7610 GC-MS and TSQ 9610 GC-MS/MS can improve performance, simplify maintenance, and reduce operating costs.<h5>2. Waters Corporation: Foundations of a Sustainable, High-Performing QA Program</h5><ul><li>We, 26.8.2026 17:00 CEST</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6448">Registration</a></li></ul>Build a sustainable, high-performing QA program in your lab. Learn the four pillars of data quality: method validation, analyst competency, control charting, and certified reference materials.

Webinars LabRulezGCMS Week 35/2026

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In 1936, the Laboratory Equipment Company introduced the first rapid carbon determinator for the American iron and steel industry.  Today, almost 80 years later, LECO is recognized globally as a leader in the development of high-quality analytical instrumentation, mass spectrometers, comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography, metallography & optical equipment as well as consumables.

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Waters Corporation

<div><h4>Navigating Challenges and Opportunities for Environmental Testing Labs Under the Revised EU Water Framework Directive</h4>The European Commission’s proposed updates to the Water Framework, Groundwater, and Environmental Quality Standards Directives are bringing new responsibilities and opportunities for environmental testing labs. With expanded pollutant lists - including PFAS, pharmaceuticals, and pesticide metabolites - and stricter monitoring and reporting requirements, the landscape of water analysis is rapidly evolving.Join the 4th Waters Environmental Webinar Series to explore how your lab can navigate these challenges and turn regulatory change into opportunity.Register for free and partner with us to shape the future of European water quality.<h5>Why Attend</h5>Stay ahead of new EU regulatory demands with insights from leading experts. Gain practical guidance, share experiences with peers, and prepare your lab for the next generation of water quality standards.<h5>Highlights</h5><ul><li>New pollutant categories and analytical challenges</li><li>Updates to monitoring protocols and reporting</li><li>Innovative methods to meet revised Environmental Quality Standards</li><li>Strategic guidance for compliance and adaptation</li></ul>Lead the change in water analysis—stay ahead, stay compliant, and make a real impact.<h4>EPISODE 6: Blue Thursdays 2026 – The Best Of</h4>In this final session, we’ll look back at the most important things we’ve learned throughout the Blue Thursday series. We’ll explore the big trends we’re seeing, the smart tools scientists use to study the environment, and what exciting developments will be coming next.<blockquote>Speaker: Claudia Rathmann (Principal F&amp;E Market Development Manager, Waters Corporation)Experienced and passionate analytical science professional with over 20 years of technical and strategic expertise in food and environmental applications. Currently serving as Principal Market Development Manager at Waters Corporation, Claudia specializes in connecting customers with product management to deliver innovative solutions for complex analytical challenges. With a strong scientific foundation and a proven track record in both technical and marketing roles, Claudia bridges the gap between customer needs and product innovation across the EMEA region.Speaker: Janitha De-Alwis (JD) (Principal F&amp;E Market Development Manager, Waters Corporation)Janitha De-Alwis (known as JD) is an applications chemist in the European demo lab, based in Wilmslow, UK. His main role focuses on application development work for the food and environmental sector. JD takes great pride in speaking to, and advising, many food and environmental customers. His position requires him to be reactive and proactive to the changes in the food industry, such as changing regulations, topical issues and food safety risks.</blockquote></div>

Blue Thursdays 2026 – The Best Of

In this final session, we’ll look back at the most important things we’ve learned throughout the Blue Thursday series.

PFAS &amp; Our Planet is a webinar series on PFAS testing in environmental samples, food and food contact materials, textiles and other materials. Alongside the laboratory and regulatory lens, the series addresses the broader planetary impact of PFAS, including their persistence and movement through water, soil, air, food systems, and materials. It brings together what laboratories and industry need to understand now: where PFAS rules are heading, which sample types are under increasing focus, what needs to be measured, and how those needs translate into method selection, workflow setup, and result reporting.<h4>Webinar Series Details</h4><ul><li>One registration to attend the full three-part series</li><li>Questions for experts in advance and/or live Q&amp;A</li><li>Access to recorded sessions provided</li></ul><h4>Who Should Attend:&nbsp;</h4>Environmental and water testing laboratories, food testing laboratories, food contact material and packaging laboratories, textile and materials testing laboratories, contract testing laboratories, public sector and regulatory laboratories, manufacturers of food, packaging, textiles, and consumer goods, quality, product safety, regulatory affairs, and sustainability functions, and research laboratories working on PFAS analysis.<h4>Recommended for:&nbsp;</h4>Analytical chemists, laboratory managers, QA/QC managers, regulatory affairs managers, food safety and product safety managers, environmental scientists, packaging and food contact materials specialists, textile and materials testing leads, sustainability and product stewardship managers, validation and method development scientists, and technical leaders in contract, public sector, and research laboratories.<h4>Regulatory context covered:&nbsp;</h4>EU and U.S. PFAS developments, food contact and packaging measures, environmental monitoring frameworks, OEKO-TEX requirements for textiles and materials, Singapore’s food and water surveillance activity, India’s draft PFAS-related packaging amendment, and emerging movement in parts of Southeast Asia like Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Philippines.<h3>Textiles and Materials</h3>Textiles and treated materials are facing stronger PFAS scrutiny as product restrictions widen and supply chains are asked to verify material content more clearly. This session will cover the main external reference points shaping that shift, including the EU REACH PFAS restriction process and OEKO-TEX requirements, which have become highly relevant for textile and material suppliers serving global brands.It will then step into the laboratory workflow for textiles and related materials, covering extraction and cleanup, targeted LC/MS/MS for non-volatile PFAS, selected GC/MS/MS approaches for volatile PFAS where relevant, contamination control, and reporting formats suited to product verification. Regional context will be framed around export-market pull, buyer specifications, and certification-driven testing, which are often the main drivers for suppliers in South and Southeast Asia.<blockquote>Presenter: David Saladin (Ecology Lab Team Leader, TESTEX AG, Swiss Textile Testing Institute)Presenter:&nbsp;Aimei Zou, Ph.D. (Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Singapore)</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: PFAS & Our Planet: Textiles and Materials

PFAS & Our Planet: Textiles and Materials

PFAS in textiles webinar: regulations, LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS workflows, contamination control, and compliance for global supply chains.

<div>Reliable microplastics analysis requires both robust extraction workflows and defensible analytical techniques. In this two-part webinar, we bring together complementary approaches to address these challenges across the full analytical pipeline.The first session introduces a novel dry-ice-assisted fractionation method combined with the Agilent 8700 LDIR chemical imaging system, enabling efficient extraction and automated particle identification, sizing, and counting in complex soil and sediment samples. The second session focuses on pyrolysis–GC/MS, highlighting best practices to ensure accurate polymer identification while avoiding common pitfalls such as misidentification and background interference.Together, these approaches illustrate how combining orthogonal techniques, particle-based imaging and mass-based analysis, can strengthen data quality, improve reproducibility, and provide greater confidence in microplastics results. Attendees will gain practical insights into building robust, scalable workflows that support high-quality, defensible microplastics analysis across a range of environmental applications.<h4>Key Learning Objectives:</h4><ul><li>Build confidence in microplastics data through robust, defensible workflows</li><li>Improve data quality and reproducibility across complex sample types</li><li>Mitigate analytical risk by avoiding contamination and misidentification pitfalls</li><li>Combine complementary techniques to strengthen insight and validation</li><li>Enable scalable, routine analysis for real-world laboratory environments</li></ul><h4>Who Should Attend:</h4><ul><li>Microplastics researchers</li><li>Microplastics analysts from commercial, QA, or research labs seeking to understand key challenges in Microplastics analysis</li><li>Those interested in microplastics analysis and the development of standardized methodology around the world</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Subharthe Samandra (Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, The University of Melbourne, Australia)Presenter: Dr. Amy Cuthbertson (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies Inc)Presenter: Melissa O’Meara (Forensic Science Consultant, ACS Media Group)</blockquote></div>

C&EN: Microplastics Analysis You Can Defend: From Method to Results

Microplastics Analysis You Can Defend: From Method to Results

Discover robust microplastics analysis. Learn how orthogonal LDIR imaging and Py-GC/MS workflows improve reproducibility and polymer identification

Advanced LDIR and Py-GC/MS for Microplastics Analysis

<div><div id="inner_content_body_text" data-content-id="394785">Industrial laboratories are navigating a rapidly changing landscape. Rising helium costs, increasing sustainability initiatives, emerging PFAS testing requirements, and growing demands for laboratory productivity are reshaping how laboratories operate.Join us for this webinar as we explore practical gas chromatography (GC) solutions and workflows that help laboratories address today's most pressing analytical challenges.<h4>What you'll learn</h4><h5>Helium conservation and carrier gas strategies</h5>Discover practical approaches to reducing helium consumption, optimizing carrier gas usage, and maintaining analytical performance while managing operational costs.<h5>PFAS testing in industrial applications</h5>Learn about emerging PFAS testing workflows relevant to industrial and environmental applications, including OTM-50 and ASTM D8591-24 methods using thermal desorption GC-MS (TD-GC-MS). We will also discuss the evolving analytical landscape for PFAS monitoring and screening.<h5>Recycled plastics and circular economy testing</h5>Explore analytical solutions for recycled plastics and waste plastic pyrolysis oil (WPPO), supporting material characterization, quality control, and sustainability initiatives.<h5>Improving laboratory productivity</h5>Learn how modern GC technologies can help laboratories improve workflow efficiency, minimize downtime, and maximize instrument utilization.<h5>Register today!</h5>Gain practical insights into the technologies, workflows, and analytical approaches helping industrial laboratories address today's challenges and prepare for tomorrow's requirements.English subtitles will be provided for this webinar and a Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to all attendees of the live webcast.<blockquote>Presenter: Daniela Cavagnino (Product Marketing Manager GC, Thermo Fisher Scientific)Dr. Daniela Cavagnino received a Master Degree in Chemistry at the University of Milan, Italy. She started her career in gas chromatography at Thermo Fisher Scientific spending several years in the R&amp;D laboratories working on GC technology innovation and more than 15 years in product and marketing management roles promoting GC/GCMS technology and applications.</blockquote></div></div>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Helium, PFAS & Recycled Plastics - Addressing Key Challenges in Industrial Laboratories

Helium, PFAS & Recycled Plastics: Addressing Key Challenges in Industrial Laboratories

Explore practical GC workflows for industrial labs. Learn about helium conservation, PFAS analysis via TD-GC-MS, and recycled plastics characterization.

Overcoming GC Challenges: Helium, PFAS & Microplastics

In this SelectScience® TechTalk, Dr. Stefan Christian Gaugler, Professor of Applied Analytics at the Institute for Chemistry and Bioanalytics, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), will provide an up-to-date overview of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), focusing on their environmental impact, regulatory landscape, and associated analytical challenges. Highlighting the growing concern surrounding PFAS contamination across Europe, alongside the complexity arising from their chemical diversity and persistence.The session will explore current analytical workflows and sample preparation techniques, including the use of a novel PFAS-selective polymer for micro solid-phase extraction (µSPE), supporting efficient and automated analysis across diverse sample matrices. Attendees will gain insight into approaches for detecting both ultra-short and long-chain PFAS, as well as practical strategies to improve sensitivity, selectivity, and sustainability in PFAS analysis.<h4>What will this webinar cover?</h4><ul><li>The environmental relevance and regulatory developments surrounding PFAS in Europe.</li><li>The analytical challenges associated with PFAS diversity, including ultra-short and long-chain compounds.</li><li>Modern analytical workflows for PFAS detection using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS techniques.</li><li>The advantages of novel PFAS-selective polymer-based µSPE methods for efficient and automated sample preparation.</li></ul><blockquote>Speaker: Prof. Dr. Stefan Christian Gaugler (Professor of Applied Analytics at the Institute for Chemistry and Bioanalytics, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW))Prof. Dr. Stefan Christian Gaugler is a researcher and lecturer at FHNW with a background in life sciences and analytical chemistry, driven by a long-standing interest in translating complex biomarker diagnostics into accessible solutions. Over the past 14 years, his work has focused on microsampling technologies, particularly dried blood spot (DBS) analysis.He currently leads the micro lab at FHNW, where the team operates one of the world’s most technologically advanced dried blood spot laboratories and develops advanced methods for trace analysis of emerging contaminants. Alongside his research, he teaches advanced analytical techniques and laboratory automation, with a strong focus on bridging academia and real-world application.His current work, including this presentation, focuses on advancing PFAS analysis to better understand and address their impact on human health and the environment.</blockquote><blockquote>Moderator: Cameron Smith-Craig (Pharma and Applied Sciences Editor, SelectScience)</blockquote>

SelectScience: Advancing PFAS analytics across complex matrices

Advancing PFAS analytics across complex matrices

Discover automated µSPE solutions for PFAS analysis. Learn strategies from FHNW experts to overcome matrix challenges for ultra-short & long chains.

Advancing PFAS Analytics Across Complex Matrices via µSPE

This presentation will cover products from Agilent that make GC connections more robust by utilizing new technologies that make connections easier, leak free and more inert for any application.Topics covered include: Self Tightening Stainless Column Nuts and ferrules, Press Fits, UltiMetal Plus and Stainless Steel Capillary Tubing, Ferrule Pre-swaging installation tool and MS interface installation tool, among others.<blockquote>Speaker: Mark Sinnott (Technical Support Engineer, Consumables and Supplies Division, Agilent Technologies)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>

Agilent Technologies: Becoming A Better Chromatographer - GC Webinar Series

From Inlet to Detector: Building Better Connections in GC and GC/MS Workflows

Build better GC and GC/MS connections with Agilent. Explore self-tightening column nuts, pre-swaging tools, and inert capillaries to eliminate leaks

Building Better Connections in GC and GC/MS Workflows

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div><h4>Something new is on the horizon for isotopic analysis</h4>Over the past several years, Orbitrap-based isotope ratio analysis has evolved into a powerful approach for investigating isotopic composition with molecular-level detail, opening new possibilities across environmental and geochemical studies, metabolism research, food authenticity, and beyond.Now we're taking the next step.Join us for a first look at the next generation of Thermo Scientific Orbitrap IRMS.Discover how new Orbitrap IRMS is streamlining the complete isotope analysis workflow—from method development and data acquisition to calibration, data processing, and reporting.You'll hear from Thermo Fisher Scientific application specialists and Prof. Douglas Morrison (SUERC), who will share practical experience and insights gained from applying the technology across environmental and bioscience research.<h5>During the webinar, you'll see how to:</h5><ul><li>Configure isotope methods with new, dedicated workflow tools</li><li>Acquire high-quality isotope data using automated sample/reference strategies</li><li>Process and calibrate isotope ratios in an integrated software environment</li><li>Generate confident isotopic insights from samples</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Dr. Sukanya Sengupta (Application Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)Sukanya is a geochemist with PhD and postdoctoral research experience, from University of Göttingen, in isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and triple oxygen isotope ratios of terrestrial samples. Since joining Thermo Fisher Scientific in Bremen in 2020, she has supported ICP-OES, ICP-MS, and IRMS customers with method and application development for routine and research analytical workflows.Presenter:&nbsp;Dr. Brett Davidheiser (Field Application Scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)Brett has a wide experience in isotope ratio mass spectrometry from his PhD at the University of Glasgow, running a stable isotope lab at CU Boulder, to his work at Thermo Fisher Scientific as applications scientist. He is currently involved in helping new users come up to speed with Thermo Scientific Orbitrap IRMS technology for natural abundance isotope ratio analysis.Presenter:&nbsp;Prof. Douglas J. Morrison (Professor of Isotope Bioscience, SUERC – Centre for the Isotope Sciences, University of Glasgow)With a PhD from the University of Strathclyde, using stable isotopes to investigate human physiology, Douglas has a strong track record of using stable isotopes in the biosciences and currently leads the Stable Isotope Biochemistry Laboratory at SUERC. Using classical compound-specific isotope analyses, and more recently Orbitrap isotope ratio mass spectrometry, underpins his research into molecular mechanisms driving health and disease in humans with a major focus on the gut and gut microbiome.</blockquote></div></div></div>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Powerful isotopic insights, elevated

Powerful isotopic insights, elevated

Join us for a first look at the next generation of Thermo Scientific Orbitrap IRMS.

Exhaled breath is increasingly recognized as a powerful source of molecular information for personalized medicine. Containing hundreds to thousands of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that reflect metabolic, inflammatory, microbiological, and environmental processes, breath offers a unique, completely non-invasive window into human health. Yet, unlocking this chemical complexity requires analytical platforms capable of delivering both exceptional separation power and high-confidence molecular characterization.At the forefront of this evolution is comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GCxGC-MS), which has emerged as a cornerstone technology in modern breathomics. By significantly expanding chromatographic peak capacity and resolving power compared with conventional one-dimensional approaches, GCxGC-MS enables a more comprehensive exploration of the human volatilome and facilitates the discovery of clinically relevant biomarkers that would otherwise remain undetected.This webinar will explore how advanced GCxGC-MS workflows are transforming breathomics research and accelerating its translation towards clinical implementation. Drawing on recent developments in untargeted and targeted analytical strategies, we will discuss how comprehensive volatilome profiling can be integrated with rapid and streamlined methodologies to create efficient multi-platform pipelines for biomarker discovery, validation, and routine application. Particular emphasis will be placed on the critical role of analytical design, quality control, and data processing in generating robust and reproducible results from highly complex breath samples.Beyond technology development, the presentation will address the key challenges facing the field, including standardization of sampling protocols, harmonization of analytical methodologies, and the transition from exploratory studies to clinically actionable solutions. Real-world applications will illustrate how breathomics can support disease detection, patient stratification, therapeutic monitoring, and precision healthcare.As analytical capabilities continue to advance, GCxGC-MS is positioning breathomics to move beyond proof-of-concept studies and towards a future where non-invasive molecular phenotyping becomes an integral component of personalized medicine.<blockquote>Speaker: Anaïs Rodrigues (Applications Chemist, LECO Europe)</blockquote><blockquote>Speaker: Pierre-Hugues Stefanuto (Lead Scientist &amp; Senior Lecturer, Liège University, Belgium)</blockquote>

LECO: Breathomics - Advancing Personalized Medicine Through Next-Generation Analytical Solutions 

Breathomics: Advancing Personalized Medicine Through Next-Generation Analytical Solutions

Discover how GCxGC-MS transforms breathomics and VOC profiling. Learn how non-invasive molecular phenotyping enables personalized medicine

Breathomics & GCxGC-MS for Personalized Medicine

<div><div id="inner_content_body_text" data-content-id="394785">As PFAS regulations continue to evolve, laboratories face increasing pressure to detect a broader range of compounds while maintaining confidence, efficiency, and regulatory readiness. Traditional targeted methods remain essential, but growing awareness of emerging PFAS is driving the need for more comprehensive analytical strategies.Join us for a webinar exploring the latest advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry and intelligent data analysis that enable more comprehensive PFAS characterization in food and food-contact material testing.<h4>You will learn how to:</h4><ul><li>Expand PFAS detection beyond targeted analysis</li><li>Improve confidence in identifying known and emerging PFAS</li><li>Streamline PFAS identification with intelligent data analysis workflows</li><li>Stay ahead of evolving food safety testing requirements</li></ul>The webinar concludes with a live panel discussion moderated by Dr. Dasharath P. Oulkar (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Joined by invited customer speakers, the panel will explore the growing focus on PFAS in seafood, discussing current analytical challenges, regulatory considerations, and practical approaches to testing.English subtitles will be provided for this webinar and a Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to all attendees of the live webcast.<blockquote>Presenter: Jeremy Koelmel, Ph.D. (Associate Research Scientist in Epidemiology, Yale University)</blockquote><blockquote>Panel Discussion: Dasharath P. Oulkar, Ph.D. (Manager, FSSAI-Thermo Fisher Scientific Food Safety Solution Center, Ghaziabad, Thermo Fisher Scientific, India)Dr Dasharath P. Oulkar has 20+ years of experience in the area of food safety and quality testing and extensive technical experience various chromatography, mass spectrometry and sample preparation techniques required for food safety, authenticity and quality. He is currently working in collaboration with FSSAI to develop new methods and supporting various food laboratories across APJ.&nbsp;</blockquote></div></div>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Future-Proofing Emerging Contaminants in Food Analysis

Future-Proofing Emerging Contaminants in Food Analysis

Future-proof your food testing lab against evolving PFAS regulations. Learn how high-resolution MS and intelligent workflows identify emerging contaminants

Emerging PFAS in Food Analysis: High-Resolution MS Workflows

Legacy GC-MS systems can create costly bottlenecks through increased maintenance, reduced productivity, and limited analytical capabilities. Join our webinar to discover how upgrading from legacy GC-MS platforms to the latest Thermo Scientific™ ISQ™ 7610 Single Quadrupole GC-MS and TSQ™ 9610 Triple Quadrupole GC-MS/MS systems are helping laboratories modernize their workflows, achieve higher performance and stay ahead of evolving analytical demands.Learn how innovative technologies such as NeverVent maintenance, extended dynamic range, intelligent software tools, and advanced quantitative performance can help you generate trusted results faster while lowering operational costs. We will also discuss available upgrade incentives designed to support laboratories ready to replace aging GC-MS instrumentation.Whether you currently operate an older Thermo Scientific system or another legacy GC-MS platform, this webinar will provide practical insights into the benefits of modernization and explain how our limited-time upgrade promotion can help make the transition easier.<blockquote>Presenter: Amit Gujar (Product Manager GC-MS, Thermo Fisher Scientific)Amit Gujar, Ph.D. is a Product Manager with the GC, GC-MS business unit at Thermo Fisher Scientific. He has worked at Thermo for over 12 years and has been intimately involved with planning, development and commercial release of their most recent TRACE 1610, ISQ 7610 and TSQ 9610 GC and GC-MS systems. He has a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from University of Tulsa. He did a couple of stints as a postdoctoral scholar before coming to Thermo. The focus of his research has been catalysis, biofuels and clean energy.Moderator: Daniela Cavagnino (Product Marketing Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</blockquote>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: From legacy to leading edge: unlock more uptime, throughput, and confidence with modern GC-MS technology

From legacy to leading edge: unlock more uptime, throughput, and confidence with modern GC-MS technology

Learn how modern Thermo Scientific GC-MS systems improve productivity, maintenance, quantitation, and workflow efficiency when replacing legacy instrumentation.

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