The Column-06-05-2015
Microdestructive Capillary Electrophoresis Analysis of Ink Samples
June 5th 2015A novel microdestructive capillary electrophoresis (CE) method for the analysis of blue pen ink strokes has been published. The analysis of pen inks can be challenging because ink compositions are usually under patent, the samples are small, and inks can degrade over time.
Identifying Fracking Contamination of Drinking Water Using GC×GC–TOF-MS
June 5th 2015Fracking activity in the northeast of the USA has rapidly increased over recent years, with over 8000 Marcellus wells drilled in the Marcellus Formation in Pennsylvania, USA, alone. Scientists in Pennsylvania investigating an isolated contamination incident have published data from their study, demonstrating the application of comprehensive 2D gas chromatography coupled with time-of‑flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC–TOF-MS) to investigate fracking contamination in a drinking water source.
Parabens Detected in Plastic Teething Toys
June 5th 2015Parabens are commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products to protect against microbial growth, but a new study suggests that manufacturers may also be using parabens in plastic teething products designed for infants. Scientists applied an effect-directed approach (to determine endocrine disrupting ability) to analyze teething products prior to chemical analysis using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Of 10 products were tested, two were found to contain endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
