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Drinking water analysis, LC-MS troubleshooting and simple sample handling

11 Oct 2015
Lois Manton-O'Byrne, PhD
Executive Editor

Editorial article

Drinking water analysis, LC-MS troubleshooting and simple sample handling 

Discover the latest innovations in environmental monitoring and testing

1. BUYING GUIDE: Download the new Mass Spectrometry Buying Guide

Learn about key factors and application considerations when buying a new mass spectrometer with this independent SelectScience Buying Guide. Read impartial user reviews to help you to purchase with confidence. Download guide.

2. APPLICATION NOTE: Determination of Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water using LC/MS/MS

Download this application note to learn how to detect cylindrospermopsin and anatoxin-a in drinking water under EPA Method 545, using direct aqueous injection LC/MS/MS. Download method.

3. VIDEO: Easy Vial Identification with the Thermo Scientific Virtuoso™ Vial ID System

Watch this entertaining animation to learn about a fully customizable, direct-to-vial labeling technology that enables accurate identification and increases sample security for all your environmental samples. Watch video.

4. WEBINAR HIGHLIGHTS: Simultaneous Quantitative Determination and Screening of Pesticides using LC-Q-Orbitrap-MS

Dr Hans Mol (Senior Scientist, RIKILT Wageningen UR) describes the favored combination of full scan and vDIA (variable Data Independent Acquisition) for targeted and non-targeted approaches, and how you can obtain efficient data analysis. Read a summary of the Q&A or watch the webinar on-demand.

5. APPLICATION NOTE: Determination of Trace Nitroaromatic, Nitroamine, and Nitrate Ester Compounds for EPA Method 8330BT

This application note demonstrates the capabilities of the Horizon Technology SPE-DEX® 4790 Automated Extractor System when used for the analysis of nitramine, nitroaromatic, and nitrate ester compounds in surface and ground water. EPA Method 8330B provides high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) conditions for the detection of parts per billion (ppb) levels of certain explosives residues in surface or ground water, often nitroaromatic compounds, which include trinitrotoluene (TNT) and dinitrotoluene (DNT). Nitramines are the most recently introduced class of organic nitrate explosives. Download method.

6. PRODUCT: PlasmaQuant ® MS - Accurate and Precise Arsenic Speciation in Foods and Beverage with Superior Detection Limits

The use of arsenic based pesticides and fertilizers over the last century still contaminates soil today. Some regions are also affected by naturally-occurring inorganic arsenic present in groundwater. With its unrivalled sensitivity, the PlasmaQuant ® MS Elite delivers the lowest detection limits of any ICP-MS when measuring both organic and inorganic species of arsenic in food and beverages. Read more.

7. WEBINAR: Tips and Tricks for LC-MS

In this webinar, Hans Griesinger, Analytical R&D Engineer, Merck KGaA, discusses tips and tricks for optimizing the coupling of liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Using several case studies, Hans covers sensitivity, column robustness and lifetime, plus methods to correctly analyze complex samples. Watch webinar on-demand.

8. APPLICATION NOTE: Quantitation and Confirmation of Organophosphorus Pesticides in Apple Extract in a Single Injection by GC-MS/MS

This application note demonstrates a quantitative method for the analysis of organophosphorus pesticides in apple extract. The analysis of organophosphorus pesticides is routinely performed by injection on a selective GC detector, Flame Photometric Detector (FPD) or Nitrogen Phosphorus Detector (NPD). Although both the FPD and NPD have high selectivity and linearity, when the matrix ions coelute with a target compound, the resulting spectrum is very complex and the confirmation is not always clear. Download method.

To discover more environmental news, visit our dedicated page or sign up for free editorial newswires about the topics that interest you.

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Gas ChromatographyGas chromatography (GC) is an analytical technique used to separate and quantitate mixtures of small and volatile compounds. Gas chromatographs or GC systems include components such as GC columns, detectors, pumps and autosamplers. Choose from packed or capillary GC columns, flame ionization (FID), photoionization (PID) electron capture detectors and selective or non-selective detectors. Find the best gas chromatographs in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.UHPLC and HPLCHigh performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), also known as UPLC, are analytical techniques used to separate, identify and quantitate components of complex mixtures including biological samples such as proteins and lipids as well as chemical mixtures of pesticides, drugs and oils. Both techniques are liquid chromatographic methods but differ by operating pressures (HPLC < 6000 psi < UHPLC ). Components of HPLC and UHPLC systems include columns, detectors, pumps, autosamplers and column heaters. Explore a range of UHPLC and HPLC columns for your specific sample needs including reverse phase, normal phase, ion exchange, HILIC, ion exclusion and size exclusion columns. For more specialized HPLC, explore FPLC, countercurrent LC and simulated moving bed systems. Find the best UHPLC and HPLC equipment in our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Fluorescence SpectroscopyFluorometers and spectrofluorometers (also called fluorescence spectrometers) are used to measure the intensity and wavelength of fluorescent light emitted from a sample after excitation by illumination. Spectrofluorometers utilize monochromators to select the desired wavelengths, whereas filter fluorometers employ a set of filters. Spectrofluorometers for measuring steady-state fluorescence and lifetime fluorescence (or time-resolved fluorescence) are available, as well as fluorescence microscopes and microplate readers. Find the best fluorescence spectroscopy products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.LC-MSLC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) systems and equipment are used for separation and quantitative analysis of complex mixtures, combining liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Quantify proteins, contaminants, pesticides or screen for drug metabolites with a high level of sensitivity. LC-MS systems and equipment include reverse phase, normal phase and specialized columns integrated with various MS detectors such as time-of-flight (TOF), quadrupole, orbitrap or ion trap mass analyzers. LC-MS/MS instruments equipped with a qTOF or triple quadrupole analyzer give greater sensitivity and resolving power to your analysis. Find the best LC-MS equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Mass SpectrometryMass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and quantify molecules based on the mass-to-charge ratio of gas-phase ions. It provides detailed information about the structure, composition, and properties of compounds and is widely used across fields such as environmental monitoring, materials science, drug discovery and development, food and beverage testing, and wider chemical research. Key MS techniques include tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LS-MS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). Choosing from these wide range of techniques and technologies can be a daunting task, so keep up to date with scientific applications, performance expectations, and customer reviews here all in one place. Visit our product directory to receive quotes direct from the manufacturer. Environmental Monitoring and TestingEnvironmental monitoring and testing uses handheld portable analyzers, kits, spectrometers or chromatography systems for air, water, soil, food and other sample testing. Useful features of analyzers such as BOD and COD include portability, easy calibration, automation and sensitivity.  Environmental test kits for pH, water, moisture, etc, should be accurate, sensitive, reliable, fast and easy to use.Solid-Phase ExtractionSolid-phase extraction (SPE) is used for clean-up, extraction and concentration of semi-volatile or non-volatile analytes from complex mixtures including blood, urine and food samples. Multiple formats are available for conducting SPE, including prepacked SPE cartridges, disks and microplates, as well as SPE sorbent powders for manual packing. SPE systems can be used to automate the process and extract multiple samples at once. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and supported liquid extraction (SLE) products are also available in the same formats. Find the best SPE, SLE and SPME equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Food and Beverage AnalyzersFood and Beverage Analyzers are commonly used to provide information about the chemical composition, structure and physical properties of food materials.Food and Beverage ProcessingFood and Beverage Processing involves the preparation of food products for further analysis. Typical instrumentation includes blanchers, color sorters, cookers, grinders, and refrigeration. These are used to replicate the processes commonly used in the commercial preparation of food and beverages.Particle CharacterizationParticle characterization instruments are used to determine particle size distribution, shape, surface area, zeta potential, density and porosity of particles and materials. Multiple tecchniques are available for determining particle size, shape and count including dynamic light scattering (DLS), laser diffraction, electrozone (Coulter technique), imaging particle analysis and single particle optical sensing. Determine the density of your material with a gas pycnometer or examine its surface area and porosity with gas adsorption analyzers and mercury porosimeters. Find the best particle characterization instruments in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Non-Destructive TechniquesNon-destructive techniques (NDT) describes a variety of analytical techniques used to evaluate the properties of a material. Common methods include ultrasonic, magnetic-particle, liquid penetrant, radiographic, remote visual inspection (RVI), and eddy-current testing. NDT is regularly used in forensic engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, aeronautical engineering, and medicine.GC-MS GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) instruments and equipment are used to separate, quantify and identify mixtures of small and volatile compounds, such as polycyclic aromatics, fatty acids and alcohols. Often used in drug detection, forensic investigation and environmental analysis for pesticides and contaminants, GC-MS is a powerful addition to your lab’s analytical capabilities. GC-MS/MS instruments equipped with a qTOF or triple quadrupole analyzers can give greater sensitivity and resolution to your analysis. Find the best GC-MS instruments and equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Water PurificationThere are a number of water purification methods available to remove contamination from laboratory water. These systems include demineralization, reverse osmosis, filtration and ultrafiltration. A combination of methods is sometimes necessary to achieve purified water suitable for use in experiments.PesticidesPesticides are used to protect crops from diseases, pests and unwanted plants. They are classed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and can be harmful to humans. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently regulates the use of pesticides in the USA. Food SafetyFood safety describes the prevention of food-borne illnesses. Contamination with a variety of pathogens can be prevented with adequate temperature control, hygiene and labeling. Food samples can be tested using GC/MS, HPLC, SPE, and qPCR to ensure their adherence to regulations.

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