Application Notes: Environmental

This application note describes an LC–MS–MS method for on-line sample preparation and concentration of drinking water samples prior to analysis using a triple quadrupole with full scan Q3 confirmation.

AC Analytical Controls developed a new chromatographic solution that complies with all ASTM & EN chromatographic test methods listed in biodiesel specifications: the AC all-in-one Biodiesel analyser. Analysis results demonstrate that the AC analyser complies with EN 14103, EN 14105, EN 14106, EN 14110 & ASTM D6584 methods.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are commonly found throughout the environment in soil, water and adsorbed to fine particulate matter in air. Of the 16 common PAHs, 7 have been classified as animal carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Resulting from this classification, PAHs are monitored and regulated in the environment.

Pesticide contamination of foodstuffs has become a worldwide concern, prompting various levels of regulation and monitoring. Traditionally, pesticides are quantified with gas chromatography (GC) combined with selective detectors (ECD, FID, etc.). Selective GC detectors are great tools to quantify one or two classes at a time. However, screening for a number of different classes of pesticides requires multiple runs utilizing various GC configurations to achieve sufficient chromatographic resolution for unambiguous quantification. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) provides positive confirmation of various pesticides in a single analytical run because its superior selectivity allows interference-free quantification even with peak coelution. GC–MS has become a preferred technique for pesticide analysis because of its single-run capability.

William Goodman and Thomas Meaker, PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences

Glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine] is a broad spectrum, non-selective herbicide, which acts by inhibiting the shikimic acid pathway in plants. Recent studies have raised global health and environmental concerns about glyphosate's use.1 Glyphosate readily breaks down into aminomethyl phosphonic acid (AMPA) in the environment; requiring accurate measurement. Both highly polar compounds present an analytical challenge to the chromatographer (Figure 1). Typical silica based reversed-phase C18 columns experience difficulty with the retention of such polar compounds, and may generate non-resolved co-eluting peaks, often with polar analytes eluting in the void volume. Traditional analytical methods require complex eluents and time consuming derivatization steps to achieve retention on a reversed-phase support.

This application note will demonstrate a GC–MS analysis of common polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners. An optimized method will allow the Clarus GC–MS to provide ample separation and high yields of all PBDE congeners. The extended mass range of the Clarus 500 MS and high-mass calibration will produce mass spectra with very high levels of accuracy.

Heidi Grecsek, PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences

William Goodman and Heidi Grecsek, PerkinElmer Life and Analytical Sciences

Using mass spectral deconvolution, target pesticides in complex matrices can be quickly identified...

BDEs are widely used as flame retardants in plastics used in computers, construction materials, furniture and textiles...

The number of pesticides used in agriculture world-wide is approx. 700...

Perchlorate salts are being used as rocket propellants in fireworks...

The analysis of highly polar analytes on traditional RP silica-based columns (without the use of ion-pair reagents etc) is difficult as . . .

An application note from SGE Europe...