Gulf Coast Conference: A Preview of the 2024 Poster Presentations
During the 2024 Gulf Coast Conference, which will take place October 15–16, 2024 in Galveston, Texas, scientists will present posters displaying their research. Below is a selection of posters that attendees can view at the conference.
Galveston Texas from the air | Image Credit: © eric - stock.adobe.com
Separation of Neopentane in Hydrocarbon Mixture Using Helium and Hydrogen Carrier Gas–Facilitated by ProEZGC Chromatogram Modeling
Neopentane is an impurity that can be found in C4 hydrocarbon streams, such as 1,3-butadiene, n-butane, and butylene. This substance is used in various applications, from producing adhesives, paints and inks to being a blowing agent in polystyrene foam production. Though neopentane analysis is performed more frequently than in the past, chemists can face difficulties in separating them from other hydrocarbons due to column limitations. In this study, Restek’s ProEZGC platform has been expanded to include PLOT functionality, which will allow users to accurately model retention characteristics and optimize gas chromatography (GC) conditions without timely trial-and-error. With this approach, Erica Pack of Restek will describe her use of this system for separating neopentane in hydrocarbon mixtures, using both helium and hydrogen as carrier gases.
Screening for PFAS by Determining AOF with Pyrohydrolytic Combustion IC: Our Lab’s Results from EPA 1621 Collaboration Study
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used extensively across various industries, though their environmental hazard and health concerns have created a need for a proper analytical screening method. According to Terri Christison and Neil Rumachik of Thermo Fisher Scientific, the authors of this study, combustion ion chromatography (CIC) can eliminate a sample matrix and determine the concentration of halogens and sulfur present. In this poster, they share their results from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency draft Method 1621 collaboration study, where CIC was used to determine adsorbable organic fluorine (AOF) captured on granular activated carbon. Further, they highlight method validation, analysis of wastewater samples, and recovery results of the PFAS standard.
Group-Type Quantitation of Hydrocarbons in Aviation Fuel Using GC×GC–FID
To ensure quality control and determine the effects of processes in fuel production, accurate hydrocarbon composition of finished fuels, such as aviation fuel, is required. This becomes more important when developing novel renewable fuels, including sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). In this poster, Khaled Murtada of SepSolve Analytical demonstrates the use of flow-modulated multidimensional gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GCxGC–FID) and automated group-type data processing (as shown in ASTM Method D8396) to provide fast and accurate quantitative information on hydrocarbon composition. Further, he also demonstrates a dual-channel configuration where two samples can be simultaneously analyzed to double productivity.
HPLC Analysis of Additives in Soft Drinks Using an Environmentally-Friendly Mobile Phase
Ethanol is a common mobile phase in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). While reagent-grade ethanol is perfect for this type of analysis, it can also create hazardous waste. A potentially “Greener Method” would be using food-grade commercially available ethanol, since it can be disposed of down a drain; therefore, in terms of disposal and initial purchase costs, this would be a suitable option for food product analysis. In this study, led by Ryan Lau of Texas A&M University, using Tito’s Homemade Vodka as a mobile phase, a standard solution containing six compounds commonly found in soft drinks was analyzed, in hopes of determining if using commercially available ethanol will yield suitable results.
Reference
(1) 2024 Posters. Gulf Coast Conference 2024. https://www.gulfcoastconference.com/posters.php (accessed 2024-9-26) https://www.gulfcoastconference.com/posters.php
Analytical Challenges in Measuring Migration from Food Contact Materials
November 2nd 2015Food contact materials contain low molecular weight additives and processing aids which can migrate into foods leading to trace levels of contamination. Food safety is ensured through regulations, comprising compositional controls and migration limits, which present a significant analytical challenge to the food industry to ensure compliance and demonstrate due diligence. Of the various analytical approaches, LC-MS/MS has proved to be an essential tool in monitoring migration of target compounds into foods, and more sophisticated approaches such as LC-high resolution MS (Orbitrap) are being increasingly used for untargeted analysis to monitor non-intentionally added substances. This podcast will provide an overview to this area, illustrated with various applications showing current approaches being employed.
AI-Powered Precision for Functional Component Testing in Tea Analysis
October 11th 2024Analyzing functional foods reveals numerous health benefits. These foods are rich in bioactive compounds that go beyond basic nutrition, boosting the immune system and improving overall wellness. However, analyzing these compounds can be challenging. This article discusses AI algorithms to support automated method development for liquid chromatography, simplifying the process, enhancing labor efficiency, and ensuring precise results, making it accessible to non-experts for tea analysis.
Advanced LC–MS Analysis for PFAS Analysis in Eggs
October 11th 2024The European Commission's regulation on maximum levels for certain contaminants in food highlights the need for precise and reliable methods to quantify per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various food matrices. This article discusses development and validation of a robust method for analyzing 21 PFAS compounds in chicken eggs using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS).
