August 2021

Py–GC–MS has advantages for the analysis of environmental microplastic samples compared to other leading analytical methods, including spectroscopic techniques.

Tailing peaks—the most common type of asymmetric peak shape—can negatively affect both the qualitative and quantitative performance of LC methods. This instalment will discuss basic concepts in peak shape, and the potential for poor fluidic connections to cause peak tailing in a separation where the peak shape would otherwise be excellent.

This column will examine simple steps that can be taken to optimize a separation without changing the column. Adjusting temperature, flow, and sampling with an eye towards the classical method optimization goals of high resolution, high speed, high sample capacity, and ease of use will be discussed.

There is a hidden factory in plain sight in many laboratories. Not many people know of its existence, yet it stares back at you when you work. What is the output from this hidden factory? Paper.