"Focus on Environmental Analysis" covers environmental scientists providing updates on changes in regulations as well as advances in methods for detecting and quantifying environmental analytes in various matrices.

Column: Focus on Environmental Analysis

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Newer direct-injection mass spectrometry techniques can improve real-time monitoring of volatile organic compounds.

Real-Time Monitoring of Volatile Organic Compounds in Ambient Air Using Direct-Injection Mass Spectrometry

There is a need for fast and reliable PFAS analyses to monitor drinking water quality. We report on the use of semi-automated sample preparation with EPA methods 533 and 537.1, assessing performance and processing time.

Analyzing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Drinking Water Using EPA Methods 533 and 537.1 with Semi-Automated Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE)

Pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry has advantages for the analysis of environmental microplastic samples compared to other leading analytical methods, including spectroscopic techniques.

Identification of Microplastics in Environmental Monitoring Using Pyrolysis–GC–MS Analysis

Environmental laboratories with high sample throughput often wish to analyze PCDD/Fs and PCBs in separate fractions. The cleanup method described here results in complete separation, and offers an alternative to fully manual or fully automated cleanup.

Semi-Automated Cleanup of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Environmental Samples—Complete Separation of PCDD/Fs and  PCBs for Extracts in Toluene

Laura Bush is a former managing editor of 

. She is currently the Editor-in-Chief of 

. 485 Route One South, Building F, First Floor, Iselin, NJ 08830, lbush@advanstar.com, tel. 732.346.3020

LC–MS techniques, particularly those using high-resolution MS and nontargeted analysis, are advancing many areas of water research. Here, Imma Ferrer of the University of Colorado shares some of her recent work in this field.

Advancing Nontargeted Analysis of Water

In on-site environmental applications, representative sampling and proper replication are essential. For these reasons, recent work in thin-film solidphase microextraction has focused on the development of unique holders and customized samplers that are tailored for distinct sampling environments. Here, we explore the latest developments.

Frontiers of Sampling: Design of High Surface Area Thin-Film Samplers for On-site Environmental Analysis

 until his resignation in July 2002 for the pursuit of other interests. He has nearly 17 years' experience in all aspects of scientific, technical, and medical publishing, and has served as the editor of publications such as 

The environmental analysis community sorely needs a system by which new and up-to-date methods are more easily developed, shared, and adopted.

Environmental Method Development: Key Challenges and Unmet Needs

In this interview, Thomas Letzel of the Technical University of Munich considers the current state of water analysis, looking at recommended techniques, the
growth of nontargeted screening, and multi-disciplinary collaboration.

Trends in Water Analysis

James Stry of FMC Agricultural Solutions talks about best practices for developing robust environmental analysis methods, including simplifying sample preparation and dealing with matrix effects.

Best Practices for Analyzing Pesticides and Their Metabolites in Environmental Samples

In the environmental analytical chemistry literature, the topic of matrix interferences and matrix effects has not been addressed in a fundamental way. Here, we examine which methods appear to have a tendency for matrix interference and suggest ways to reduce the problem.