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

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

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 19, 2026

<p><strong>🎤Francis Femi Oloy</strong></p><p><strong>In this episode of Concentrating on Chromatography, David speaks with Francis Femi Oloy about using chromatography to uncover hidden pollutants in real-world water systems.</strong></p><p>Femi’s team analyzed polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in six major rivers in southwestern Nigeria — compounds that were banned decades ago but still persist in the environment. Using a workflow that many analytical labs will recognize — liquid–liquid extraction, cleanup, rotary evaporation, nitrogen blowdown, and GC-ECD detection — they quantified 25 PCB congeners at trace levels and linked the results to ecological and human health risk.</p><h4><strong>In this conversation, we cover:</strong></h4><ul><li>Why legacy pollutants like PCBs still show up today</li><li>Choosing GC-ECD vs LC-MS for halogenated compounds</li><li>Liquid–liquid extraction and matrix cleanup strategies</li><li>Why sample concentration is critical for dilute environmental samples</li><li>How rotovap + nitrogen blowdown work together without losing volatile analytes</li><li>Seasonal trends (why wet season levels were higher)</li><li>Translating concentration data into meaningful risk assessments</li></ul><h3><strong>Video Transcription</strong></h3><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><p><strong>Persistent organic pollutants</strong> such as polychlorinated biphenyls (<strong>PCBs</strong>) remain a significant environmental concern despite decades of regulatory restrictions. In this interview, Francais Femi Oloy discusses the environmental and analytical challenges associated with monitoring PCB contamination in rivers of southwestern Nigeria, a rapidly industrializing region where urban growth, industrial activity, agriculture, and dense populations intersect with extensive aquatic systems.</p><p>Oloy explains that his interest in environmental contaminant analysis emerged from observing unexplained health problems and environmental degradation while growing up in Nigeria. This motivated his transition into organic and environmental chemistry, with a focus on identifying pollutants present in drinking water, agricultural soils, and food systems. Southwestern Nigeria, particularly the Lagos region, represents a critical environmental monitoring area due to intense industrial development, shipping activity, and widespread human dependence on rivers for domestic use, agriculture, and fishing.</p><p>Although PCBs are considered “<strong>legacy pollutants</strong>” and are no longer intentionally produced, the interview highlights why they continue to persist in aquatic environments. Old electrical transformers and aging industrial equipment still contain PCB residues, while historical contamination stored in river sediments can become remobilized during flooding, dredging, or sediment disturbance. Because PCBs are hydrophobic and resistant to degradation, they preferentially accumulate in sediments and bioaccumulate through aquatic food chains, creating long-term environmental and human exposure risks.</p><p>A major focus of the discussion centers on the analytical workflow used for PCB determination in environmental water samples. Composite river water samples were collected in amber glass bottles to avoid contamination and photodegradation, preserved with sodium azide to minimize microbial activity, and stored under cooled conditions prior to extraction. The analytical protocol employed <strong>liquid–liquid extraction</strong> using dichloromethane (DCM) and hexane to recover both polar and nonpolar PCB congeners. Oloy emphasizes that liquid–liquid extraction was selected over solid-phase extraction (SPE) because of concerns about congener retention within sorbent materials and clogging issues associated with large-volume environmental samples.</p><p>Following extraction, concentration and cleanup represented critical analytical stages due to the trace-level occurrence and volatility of PCBs. Silica and alumina cleanup procedures were used to remove matrix interferences prior to instrumental analysis. The concentration workflow combined rotary evaporation for bulk solvent reduction with nitrogen blowdown for final volume reduction to less than 1 mL, while carefully avoiding excessive temperature or complete dryness to minimize analyte loss. Oloy repeatedly stresses that improper concentration procedures are among the most common causes of analytical failure in PCB analysis.</p><p>For instrumental determination, the study utilized <strong>gas chromatography coupled with electron capture detection (GC-ECD)</strong> rather than LC-MS or GC-MS. According to Oloy, GC was preferred because PCBs are sufficiently volatile for gas chromatographic separation, while ECD provided superior sensitivity and selectivity for chlorinated compounds at environmentally relevant concentrations. The interview also discusses analytical validation strategies, including the use of surrogate standards to assess <strong>recoveries,</strong> which ranged from approximately <strong>85% to 114%</strong>, and signal-to-noise-based determination of detection limits.</p><p>The study further examined <strong>seasonal variations in PCB concentrations</strong>, revealing <strong>higher levels during the wet season</strong>. This observation was attributed to rainfall-driven runoff from contaminated infrastructure, sediment resuspension, and lower temperatures that reduce volatilization losses. To communicate toxicological relevance beyond simple concentration reporting, the researchers also calculated <strong>toxic equivalency values (TEQs)</strong>, converting mixtures of PCB congeners into biologically meaningful toxicity estimates comparable to dioxin toxicity metrics.</p><p>Beyond environmental monitoring, Oloy highlights broader research interests focused on <strong>pollutant remediation and sustainable environmental protection</strong>. His group is also involved in developing catalytic materials capable of degrading or removing persistent contaminants from environmental systems. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes that analytical chemistry plays a central role not only in detecting pollutants, but also in enabling prevention, remediation, and long-term environmental management strategies.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></section><blockquote><p><strong>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</strong></p></blockquote><blockquote><h4><strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</strong></h4><p>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!</p><p>You can find <strong>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast </strong>in podcast apps:</p><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL"><strong>Spotify</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185"><strong>Apple podcast</strong></a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography"><strong>podscan</strong></a></li></ul><p>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos"><strong>YouTube channel</strong></a></p></blockquote>

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

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<p>The legalization of medical and recreational cannabis products across Canada and many US states has led to an increased demand for safe cannabis products. Health Canada has set stringent regulations for testing pesticides in cannabis products, both in terms of the number of pesticides required to be analyzed and the relatively low limits of quantification that must be achieved.</p>
<p>To fulfil these mandatory testing requirements, we need quantitative and confirmatory methods that can provide reliable coverage and robust performance for the entire list of pesticides.</p>
<p>Although most of the target pesticides are amenable to LC-MS/MS analysis, selected pesticides require much lower detection limits that can be achieved using GC-MS/MS methods. We will discuss how these complimentary techniques and the benefits of atmospheric pressure GC (APGC-MS/MS) can be used to provide a suitable determination of all pesticides currently regulated by Health Canada at the recommended limits of quantitation.</p>
<h3><strong>By attending this webinar, you will:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Understand the value of LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS for comprehensive pesticide screening in cannabis</li>
<li>Gain insight into regulatory requirements for cannabis testing labs to ensure safety and quality of cannabis-derived products</li>
<li>Learn how to leverage the benefits of turnkey solutions to help regulated labs consistently deliver accurate results</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Karen K. Broad (Lab Supervisor - Organic Analytical Chemistry, Research and Productivity Council)</strong></p>
</blockquote>


Pixabay/Miloslav Hamřík: Overcoming Analytical Challenges for Mandatory Testing of Pesticides in Cannabis Products to Comply with Health Canada Guidance

Overcoming Analytical Challenges for Mandatory Testing of Pesticides in Cannabis Products to Comply with Health Canada Guidance

<p><strong>With the decline in availability, and performance limitations of magnetic-sector high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), many laboratories are investigating new methodology and instrumentation to address the demanding needs of ‘“dioxin’” and dioxin-like persistent organic pollutants (POP’s) analysis. In recent years, both the European Union (EU 644-2017 and EU 771-2017) and the United States (USEPA ATP 16130) have recognized the use of tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) as an acceptable alternative to traditional high-resolution magnetic sector-based methods. Additionally, other countries have evaluated and validated this methodology as a replacement for the traditional HRMS approach, and in doing so, have realized several advantages.</strong></p>
<h3><strong>This webinar will discuss</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Selecting a new instrument to replace legacy HMRS</li>
<li>How the atmospheric pressure gas chromatography (APGC) MS/MS technology that was selected compared with the previous instrument in performance and usability</li>
<li>How the new method was accredited</li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Key learning objectives</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Assessing alternative systems for the analysis of dioxins and furans.</li>
<li>The advantages of tandem MS and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) as an alternative test procedure.</li>
<li>Accrediting a new method.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Peter Blow (HRMS Chemist, Environmental, ALS Global)</strong></p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Peter has been involved in the development of dioxin analysis since 2002 when he established Australia’s first commercially available dioxin analysis capability at ALS. Initially joining ALS in 1991, he was involved in developing most of ALS’ original organic analysis methodologies as the Senior Organic Chemist.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>A graduate of Queensland University of Technology, Peter has also held positions at Incitec, Elite Chemicals, and Caltex.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>With almost 20 years’ experience in dioxin analysis, Peter has a wealth of knowledge on the subject.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter: Rory Shadbolt (Editorial Team, SelectScience)</strong></p>
</blockquote>


SelectScience: Advancing technology for dioxins analysis – adapting methodology to address current and future needs

Advancing technology for dioxins analysis – adapting methodology to address current and future needs

The use of tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) as an acceptable alternative to traditional high-resolution magnetic sector-based methods.

Advancing technology for dioxins analysis

<p><strong>As population grows, demand for food consumption and global trade in the food industry has also increased. Hundreds of pesticides are routinely used for crop protection across the globe, traces of pesticides left in treated commodities are called “residues”.</strong></p>
<p>Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 sets maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed and is under constant revision as shown by the recent amendment EU 2021/155, published February 9th 2021. A growing target list of pesticides in complex matrices, and the need for low limits of detection, bring various challenges to testing laboratories.</p>
<h3><strong>Pesticide Thursdays - A Waters&#39; 3-episode webinar series</strong></h3>
<h4><strong>Episode 2 - APGC-MS/MS a game changer for routine pesticide analysis: Reaching new heights</strong></h4>
<p>With the increasing demand for food and increased global supply chains there is more pressure for laboratories to operate efficient, sensitive, and selective multiresidue pesticide methods.</p>
<p>A growing target list of pesticides in complex matrices, and the need for low limits of detection, bring various challenges to testing laboratories. The use of GC-MS/MS utilizing atmospheric pressure gas chromatography (APGC) has been shown to offer significant improvements in performance over electron ionization (EI) for pesticide residue analysis, in terms of selectivity and specificity.</p>
<p>Join us for the Pesticide Thursdays webinar series and learn more about Waters turn-key solutions developed to tackle pesticide residue analysis in food and feed.</p>
<p>We are looking forward to discussing these topics with you.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Wim Broer (Development and Science, Nofalab)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Janitha de Alwis (JD) (Senior Applications Chemist, Waters Corporation)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>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.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Rhys Jones (Principal Consulting Scientist, Waters Corporation)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Rhys has worked for Waters in research and development for 20 years with a strong focus on gas chromatography mass spectrometry. ​The early part of his career was spent developing and supporting the AutoSpec magnetic sector instrument. ​One of his current responsibilities is the research, development and support of the atmospheric pressure gas chromatography (APGC) chemical ionization source, which has allowed the full range of Waters’ mass spectrometry techniques to be applied to GC analyses.</p>
</blockquote>


Waters Corporation: APGC-MS/MS a game changer for routine pesticide analysis: Reaching new heights

APGC-MS/MS a game changer for routine pesticide analysis: Reaching new heights

The use of GC-MS/MS utilizing APGC has been shown to offer significant improvements in performance over electron ionization (EI) for pesticide residue analysis.

APGC-MS/MS a game changer for routine pesticide analysis

<p><strong>The drive for lower analyte detection limits, increased laboratory productivity, and concerns around gas chromatography carrier gas availability and costs push the need for innovation in gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) technology.</strong></p>
<p>The next generation of GC-MS is already here! Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography (APGC) technology offers laboratories a powerful alternative to Electron Ionization (EI) technology, enabling low limits of detection and confident compound identification and confirmation, while reducing laboratory costs, from reduced GC system maintenance and the ability to use nitrogen as an alternative carrier gas.</p>
<p>Agenda</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Understanding the next generation GC-MS/MS requirement</strong></li>
<li><strong>Top 5 benefits of Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography Technology</strong></li>
<li><strong>Applications for Food &amp; Environmental Testing</strong></li>
<li><strong>Hear from our Experts!</strong></li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Wim Broer (Development and Science, Nofalab)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Rhys Jones (Principal Consulting Scientist, Waters Corporation)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Rhys has worked for Waters in research and development for 20 years with a strong focus on gas chromatography mass spectrometry. ​The early part of his career was spent developing and supporting the AutoSpec magnetic sector instrument. ​One of his current responsibilities is the research, development and support of the atmospheric pressure gas chromatography (APGC) chemical ionization source, which has allowed the full range of Waters’ mass spectrometry techniques to be applied to GC analyses.</p>
</blockquote>


Waters Corporation: Next Generation GC-MS/MS for Food and Environment Application

Next Generation GC-MS/MS for Food and Environment Application

The next generation of GC-MS! Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography (APGC) technology offers laboratories a powerful alternative to Electron Ionization (EI).

Next Generation GC-MS/MS for Food and Environment Apps

<ul>
<li><p><strong>Discuss what GC-MS/MS is and what applicaitons it is used for (Dioxins, POPs, etc.)</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Transition into an overview of APGC as a solution</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Discuss challenges or limitations of the current GC/MS/MS technology</strong></p>
</li>
<li><p><strong>Share why using nitrogen as a carrier gas for GC/MS/MS analysis is optimal</strong></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Webinar Learning Objectives:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Understanding GC-MS/MS and Its Applications:- Discuss the principles of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) and its role in analytical chemistry.- Explore specific applications of GC-MS/MS, including its use in detecting dioxins, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and other environmental contaminants.</p>
</li>
<li><p>Introduction to APGC (Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography):-. Provide an overview of Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography (APGC) as an alternative solution to traditional GC-MS/MS.- Highlight the advantages and unique features of APGC, such as improved sensitivity, reduced matrix effects, and enhanced selectivity.</p>
</li>
<li><p>Challenges and Innovations in GC-MS/MS Technology:- Identify the current challenges and limitations faced by GC-MS/MS technology.- Discuss recent innovations and advancements aimed at overcoming these challenges.- Emphasize the importance of using nitrogen as a carrier gas for GC-MS/MS analysis, considering its inertness, availability, and compatibility with various detectors.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Prtesenter:</strong> Frank Dorman (Senior Principal Market Development Mgr, Waters Corporation)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Frank Dorman is currently Senior Principal Market Development Manager for Waters focusing on their global environmental business and, concurrently, a Resident Scholar in the Chemistry Department at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH where he is active in teaching analytical chemistry to undergraduates and graduate students.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>In his role at Waters, Frank manages the research-focused environmental market, external collaborations, and interfaces with R&amp;D for new product development. Prior to this, Frank was an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) sat Penn State University in University Park, PA. At Penn State, Frank served as a member of the Graduate Faculty in: Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology (BMMB), Chemistry (CHEM), Biogeochemistry (BGC) and the Forensic Science Program (FRNSC) and the Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis. Franks scientific interests are in gas and liquid chromatography and fundamental characterization, instrumentation and column development, as well as mass spectrometry and atomic spectroscopy as applied to trace analysis in complex sample matrices.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Sarah Dowd (Principal Mass Spectrometry Applications Specialist, Waters Corporation)</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Sarah Dowd joined Waters as a mass spectrometry application specialist in 2015 after earning her PhD in analytical chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>In her eight years at Waters in the Americas application lab, Sarah has collaborated with many customers looking to expand the MS capabilities of their laboratories with Water&#39;s instruments and software. Specializing in analyses in food, environmental, and polymeric materials characterization, she has done extensive work looking at environmental contaminants with tandem quadrupole and high resolution mass spectrometers.</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>One of the hot topics for the past couple of years is the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and Sarah has collaborated with customers and other scientists within Waters to guide the next phase of PFAS testing with Waters mass spectrometry systems.</p>
</blockquote>


Waters Corporation: APGC Roundtable: Unveiling the Pathways of GC-MS/MS Evolution

APGC Roundtable: Unveiling the Pathways of GC-MS/MS Evolution

Discuss what GC-MS/MS is and what applicaitons it is used for (Dioxins, POPs, etc.)

APGC Roundtable: Unveiling the Pathways of GC-MS/MS Evo

<h5><strong>By attending this presentation, you will learn:</strong></h5><ul><li>Non-targeted analytical methodologies for PFAS characterizations</li><li>Practical examples of identifying emerging PFAS in industrial wastewater, indoor dust, and outdoor air</li><li>Evaluation of impact from ski waxes and potentially hydrophobic coatings</li><li>Environmental transport, transformation, and degradation of commercial PFAS materials</li></ul><h4><strong>Presentation 1: Non-targeted screening of per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances by cyclic ion mobility-mass spectrometry</strong></h4><ul><li>Karl J. Jobst, Associate Professor, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador</li></ul><p>Concerns regarding the persistence, bioaccumulation behaviour, and toxicity of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) have resulted in the creation of thousands of replacements whose occurrence, environmental fate, and adverse health impacts are unknown. This has driven analytical chemists to develop non-targeted screening (NTS) methods to accelerate the identification of unknown PFAS. Unlike other halogens, such as chlorine or bromine, 19F exists as a single stable isotope; thus, PFAS are not characterized by diagnostic isotope patterns.</p><p>This presentation describes a novel strategy to identify unknown PFAS using gas or liquid chromatographic cyclic ion mobility mass spectrometry (LCxcIMS or GCxcIMS). Unknown PFAS are recognized by having a collision-cross section (CCS) that is less than the sum of 100 Å2 and one fifth of their mass. By filtering the detected unknowns by mass and CCS, novel PFAS were revealed in a variety of environmental media, including industrial wastewater, indoor dust, and outdoor air, and their identities were confirmed through tandem mass spectrometry experiments with (synthesized) standards.</p><h4><strong>Presentation 2: Explore a multidimensional, non-targeted analytical approach using advanced chromatography and mass spectrometry to improve PFAS identification</strong></h4><ul><li>Frank Dorman, Senior Business Development Manager, Waters</li></ul><p>Poly/per-fluorinated aliphatic substances (PFAS) are of increasing concern in both the environment and food, and the understanding of their chemical complexity is strategically important. According to published literature, known PFAS chemicals, quantified on a targeted basis using available reference standards, have been shown to account for only 20-30% of total organic fluorine in “traditional source” samples. The remaining 70-80% is derived from other PFAS that are either commercial chemicals for which no reference standards are available, or downstream degradation/metabolism products of commercial chemicals with novel structures. Additionally, it is arguable if the target compound lists associated with regulatory methods even apply to “non-traditional” PFAS sources (non-AFFF, etc.).</p><p>This presentation will describe an analytical approach capable of utilizing both liquid- and gas-chromatographic separations coupled to a high-resolution ion-mobility spectrometer in series with a high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometer. This multidimensional, non-targeted separation dramatically improves identification of PFAS compounds. In addition, a post-acquisition data reduction strategy will be discussed, which effectively enables more automated characterization of non-targeted PFAS, either as native or degradation compounds. This becomes especially beneficial in “non-traditional” source contamination or where degradation products are of interest. This methodology will be utilized for a series of environmental forensic applications towards winter sports activities, an emerging area of concern with respect to PFAS contamination in the environment.</p><h5><strong>Who should attend:</strong></h5><ul><li>Environmental scientists and chemists</li><li>Analytical chemists</li><li>Laboratory directors and technical leads</li><li>Contract testing organizations (CTOs)</li><li>Government and academic lab researchers</li><li>Regulatory and risk assessment professionals</li><li>Environmental forensics researchers</li><li>Food safety scientists</li><li>Toxicologists and exposure scientists</li><li>Winter sports organizations and sustainability officers</li></ul><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Karl J. Jobst (Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador)</p><p>Karl J. Jobst is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. He obtained his Ph.D. in gas-phase ion chemistry from McMaster University under the supervision of Professor Johan K. Terlouw. His interests in the chemistry of interstellar clouds soon evolved into more earth-oriented research as a Visiting Fellow at Environment Canada, a Scientist with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, as well as Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry of his alma mater and in the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough. His current research focuses on the identification of emerging contaminants and understanding their environmental and human health impacts using novel mass spectrometry and computational methods. Dr. Jobst has (co)authored over 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals, and serves on the editorial board of Current Opinion in Environmental Science &amp; Health.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Frank Dorman &nbsp;(Senior Business Development Manager, Waters)</p><p>Frank Dorman is currently Senior Business Development Manager for Waters focusing on their global environmental business and, concurrently, a resident scholar in the Chemistry Department at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH where he is active in teaching analytical chemistry to undergraduates and graduate students. In his role at Waters, Frank manages the research-focused environmental market, external collaborations, and interfaces with R&amp;D for new product development. Prior to this, Frank was an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) at Penn State University in University Park, PA. At Penn State, Frank served as a member of the Graduate Faculty in Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology (BMMB), Chemistry (CHEM), Biogeochemistry (BGC) and the Forensic Science Program (FRNSC) and the Center for Molecular Toxicology and Carcinogenesis. Frank's scientific interests are in gas and liquid chromatography and fundamental characterization, instrumentation and column development, as well as mass spectrometry and atomic spectroscopy as applied to trace analysis in complex sample matrices.</p></blockquote>

SeparationScience: Emerging Strategies in PFAS Identification: Advanced Analytical Approaches for Environmental Samples

Emerging Strategies in PFAS Identification: Advanced Analytical Approaches for Environmental Samples

Explore how advanced non-targeted workflows using ion mobility and HRMS reveal hidden PFAS in environmental samples

PFAS Identification: Advanced Strategies for Environment

<div><h4><strong>Navigating Challenges and Opportunities for Environmental Testing Labs Under the Revised EU Water Framework Directive</strong></h4><p><strong>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.</strong></p><p>Join the 4th Waters Environmental Webinar Series to explore how your lab can navigate these challenges and turn regulatory change into opportunity.</p><p>Register for free and partner with us to shape the future of European water quality.</p><h5><strong>Why Attend</strong></h5><p>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.</p><h5><strong>Highlights</strong></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><p><strong>Lead the change in water analysis—stay ahead, stay compliant, and make a real impact.</strong></p><h4><strong>EPISODE 1: GC-MS/MS Under Atmospheric Pressure – What are the benefits for Dioxin and Pyrethroid analysis?</strong></h4><h5><strong>What You Will Learn</strong></h5><ul><li>How to reach highest sensitivity for Pyrethroids in aqueous samples</li><li>How to bring POP's analysis in environmental samples to an easy, flexible, and robust level</li><li>How to overcome the helium shortage - nitrogen as an alternative GC-carrier gas</li></ul><p><i><strong>Join and partner with us to shape the future of European water quality.</strong></i></p><blockquote><p><strong>Presenter:</strong> Matthias Ruff (Co-Fachbereichsleiter Umweltanalytik, Bau- und Verkehrsdirektion des Kantons Bern *BVD)</p><p>Dr. Matthias Ruff completed his dissertation at the University of Bern and ETH Zurich. He then pursued postdoctoral research at Eawag's Department of Environmental Chemistry. Since 2016, Dr. Ruff has been working for the Canton of Berne at the Laboratory for the Protection of Water and Soil. His expertise lies in Analytical Chemistry, with a focus on techniques such as LC-MSMS, LC-HRMS, GC-MSMS, and APGC-MSMS. The title of his presentation will be: easureing Pyrethroid- and other Insecticides in low pg/L-levels using AP-GC-MSMS – Experiences, Facts and Tasks</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Daniel Dahlberg (Head of Development, SGS Environmental, Sweden)</p><p>Daniel works as head of development at SGS Environmental Sweden, previously SYNLAB Analytics &amp; Services and before that Alcontrol. In his current position he is working on new products for the SGS analytical portfolio, where analytical performance needs to be in line with regulations and client. In recent years they’ve been analysing around 5000 dioxin samples per year in diverse environmental matrices and food &amp; feed. Daniel previously held a position as technical specialist in organic analytical chemistry, with a focus on trace analysis with GC-MS (GC-MS, GC-MSMS and GC-HRMS), where he worked with method development and analysis of POPs. He started his career in dioxin analysis in 2010 on a magnetic sector instrument and in 2014 we started verification of performance on APGC and later on EI-GC-MSMS as well.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Cliff Svenman (Technical Specialist, SGS Analytics Sweden)</p><p>Cliff has spent 10 years as an analytical chemist working in an environmental contract lab with a focus on dioxins and PCBs. His main duties are method development, sample analysis and technical support. He started using APGC in 2017 and has developed several methods for the system since then.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Frank Dorman (Senior Principal Market Development Mgr<br>Waters)</p><p>Frank Dorman is currently Senior Business Development Manager at Waters, focusing on their global environmental business, and, concurrently, a resident scholar in the Chemistry Department at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. In his role at Waters, Dorman manages the research-focused environmental market, external collaborations, and interfaces with R&amp;D for new product development. Prior to this, he was an associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) at Penn State University in University Park, PA. Dorman’s scientific interests are in gas and liquid chromatography and fundamental characterization, instrumentation and column development, and mass spectrometry and atomic spectroscopy applied to trace analysis in complex sample matrices.</p><p><strong>Presenter: </strong>Janitha De-Alwis (JD), Principal F&amp;E Market Development Manager, Waters Corporation</p><p>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.</p></blockquote></div>

GC-MS/MS Under Atmospheric Pressure – What are the benefits for Dioxin and Pyrethroid analysis?

Webinar on EU Water Framework Directive updates, new pollutant requirements, and advanced GC-MS/MS strategies for dioxins and pyrethroids analysis.

GC-MS/MS Under Atmospheric Pressure

<p><strong>This 2nd episode of our Pesticide Thursdays is dedicated to the Quantification of pesticides in food using GC-MS/MS with APGC (Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography)</strong></p>
<h3><strong>During this episode we will demonstrate:</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>The performance of a large suite pesticide method using APGC which meet SANTE/12682/2019 method validation requirements</li>
<li>The performance of troublesome toxic pesticides of concern</li>
<li>The unmatched selectivity and sensitivity of this approach to GC-MSMS in challenging matrices such as infant food</li>
</ul>


Pixabay/PublicDomainPictures: GC-MS/MS multi-residue method: Using APGC for baby food analysis

GCMS webinars focusing on GC/APCI, GC/MS/MS - page 1