Emerging contaminants continue to reshape analytical priorities across environmental and applied markets. Tarun Anumol highlights a central challenge: laboratories often lack standardized methods when new contaminants appear. Scientists must build and harmonize approaches while detection limits drop. He points to PFAS as a clear example, where measurements now reach low nanogram-per-liter levels, far below historical microgram-per-liter targets. Such demands place pressure on instrumentation. Advances in GC-MS and LC-MS/MS, including triple quadrupole platforms and high-efficiency ion sources, enable the required sensitivity.
Anumol stresses a second requirement. Sensitivity alone cannot support routine analysis. Laboratories need robust systems that deliver reproducible performance across varied matrices and workflows. Collaboration with regulatory agencies and research partners plays a critical role in developing harmonized, defensible methods.
He also underscores the importance of high-resolution mass spectrometry, software, and sample preparation. These tools help scientists identify the next wave of contaminants, from PFAS to microplastics. Reliable global monitoring ultimately depends on productivity, repeatability, and analytical confidence.
