Environmental Analysis
Separation Science Environmental offers free learning from the experts covering methods, applications, eBooks, webinars, eSeminars, expert forums, videos, tutorials and training for environmental analysis users of chromatography, mass spectrometry, spectroscopy, sample preparation and related analytical techniques.
Featured Educational Resources
EXPERT ROUNDTABLE: Why is PFAS testing so challenging?
22 March, 2023
Lee Ferguson, John Quick, Vladimir Nikiforov, Christopher P. Higgins and Ed George
This exclusive roundtable event will host experienced industry leaders in the PFAS analytical testing field to share their own experiences and discuss various topics that will help empower PFAS analytical testing laboratories to future-proof themselves, in this constantly evolving area of environmental concern.
Powering through the complexity of elemental environmental analysis
28 March, 2023
Jon Peters and Dr. Daniel Kutscher (Thermo Fisher Scientific)
Explore the role that ICP-MS and supporting technologies play in environmental analysis by joining us for this upcoming webinar. You will learn how these latest technologies can simplify your workflow and increase uptime and productivity whilst discovering how automated sample handling systems can support robust instrument performance when analysing difficult environmental samples.
Indoor Air Quality – The Science and Regulations Behind the Headlines
On-demand
Caroline Widdowson (Markes International) & Thomas Neuhaus (Eurofins Product Testing)
This presentation addresses the wide range of regulatory and market pressures placed on manufacturers to limit the chemical emissions from products and materials. It describes the use of thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD–GC–MS) to characterise the chemicals that affect indoor air quality, and highlights the importance of robust sample preparation, sampling and analytical procedures.
How to optimise your PFAS air sampling method using thermal desorption
On-demand
Helen Martin and Hannah Calder (Markes International)
This presentation discusses the advantages that thermal desorption offers, how to optimise a system for targeted and untargeted PFAS analysis, and how to overcome challenges posed by low-level PFAS monitoring.
Critical Insights in the Detection of PFAS in Our Environment
On-demand
Derek Mattern (PerkinElmer)
This presentation explores some high-performance solutions to optimize your laboratory workflow for PFAS analysis. It provides a detailed overview of PFAS LC/MS/MS methods, including direct injection and SPE methods fitting to various global regulations.
Global PFAS Testing Virtual Symposium: Advances in Occurrence & Testing
On-demand
Frederik Zietzschmann (Laboratory of Berliner Wasserbetriebe), Stephen Somerville (Pace Analytical), Dr. Nobuyoshi Yamashita (AIST), Dr. Bradley Clarke (University of Melbourne), Dr. Arjun Venkatesan (Stony Brook University), Dr. Erin Baker (North Carolina State University)
Learn about the latest advances in quantification of legacy and novel PFAS; developing and accreditation for routine and regulatory PFAS methods including EPA and EU guidelines; novel analytical techniques to identify new PFAS; and testing methods optimized for water, air, commercial products, textiles, soil and others.
Practical Challenges in PFAS Extraction for Water Samples and How to Address Them
On-demand
Bill Jones (Director of Chemical R&D, Biotage LLC)
This practical, experience-based webinar is useful for anyone involved in or performing method development for PFAS in aqueous matrices using a range of methods. You will gain more information on the pervasiveness of PFAS compounds in a typical extraction laboratory and the steps that can and should be undertaken to combat them.
Optimized Workflow of POPs Analysis in Environmental and Food Matrices Using Semi-Automated Cleanup and GC-MS/MS
On-demand
Ruud Addink (Technical Director, Fluid Management Systems)
This presentation discusses several clean-up methods with data and shows how the Agilent 7010 GC-MS/MS instrument can be used for state-of-art dioxin and PCB work at levels of sensitivity equal to or better than magnetic sector instruments.
Gas Chromatographic Analysis of Biofuels – A Survey of Solutions to Assure Quality and Performance for Today’s Energy Needs
On-demand
Scott Hoy (Application Chemist, Agilent) and Jim McCurry (Senior Application Chemist, Agilent)
Several gas chromatographic (GC) methods have been developed to help producers and users of biofuels meet these specifications. This seminar presents solutions built on Agilent’s Smart Gas Chromatographic instruments. Analysis of several classes of biofuel samples demonstrates the performance of these solutions in meeting the requirement of industry standard methods.
PAMS Analysis during COVID-19 Lockdowns in New York City
On-demand
Pete Furdyna (Applied Analytical Chemist, NYSDEC, USA) and Laura Miles (Senior Application Chemist, Markes International, UK)
In this presentation you will learn how NYSDEC achieved excellent data stability over extended sampling periods, how water can be effectively managed for sample integrity and to achieve sub-ppb levels of detection for ozone precursor VOCs, and the benefits of using hydrogen carrier gas for continuous, robust and unattended monitoring in remote locations.
Determination of Anions and Cations in Power Plant Water using Ion Chromatography
On-demand
Peter O’Brien (EDF Energy, UK)
Learn how ion chromatography with suppressed conductivity detection is the safe and reliable method of choice to determine both µg/L (ppb) and mg/L (ppm) levels of anions and cations including transition metals in power plant waters.
Precise Testing of Pesticides in Food using the SCIEX 7500 System
On-demand webinar
Jianru Stahl-Zeng (Global Technical Leader for Food and Environmental, SCIEX)
This presentation gives an overview of the new SCIEX 7500 System that is integrated with innovative technologies. The presenter showcases the capabilities and potential of the SCIEX 7500 System for precise pesticide testing in food.
The Essentials of Air Sampling from Strategy to Solutions
On-demand webinar
Kristen Schultz (MilliporeSigma)
This webinar provides a workflow approach to guide the user from the strategy decision to the sample media selection process for air monitoring methods. The fundamental differences between active and passive sampling devices, when to use or not to use them noting the advantages and disadvantages of each type are also outlined.
PFAS Testing Solutions & How Best to Minimize External Contamination Sources
On-demand webinar
Abderrahim Abdelkaoui (UCT)
This webinar provides solutions for PFAS testing in line with the updated method, EPA 533 and explains what measures can be taken to mitigate external contamination sources.
Strategies for Improving Sample Clean-up During the Analysis of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) by Gas Chromatography
On-demand webinar
Deyny Mendivelso-Pérez (Senior R&D Scientist in the life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany)
This on-demand presentation provides an alternative approach for the extraction of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) for gas chromatography analysis. Examples include analysis of pesticides using QuEChERS methodology and the use of unique solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges for analysis of PCBs and PAHs in fatty foods
Analysis of PFAS: Strategies to Optimize Performance
On-demand webinar
Detlef Knappe, Bradley Clarke & Carrie McDonough
This discussion forum addresses some of the key issues surrounding the targeted analysis of PFAS in environmental matrices. Benefit from the real-world experiences of our expert panelists who provide their insights into analytical approaches to the targeted determination and quantification of PFAS in environmental matrices.
The Challenges of Pesticide Analysis - LC or GC Triple Quadrupole?
On-demand webinar
Bert Popping, Katie Banaszewski & Łukasz Rajski
Part 1 of this 'Instrument Selection Discussion Series' takes a look at the pros and cons of LC-QqQ and GC-QqQ for the analysis of pesticides in food and agricultural matrices. Industry and technology experts provide their insights on the various instrumental setups and workflows for analysing real-work samples.
Learn New Methods to Enhance Quantitative Workflows for VOC Analysis
On-demand webinar
Hannah Calder (Markes International) and Pascual Pérez Ballesta (European Commission, Joint Research Centre)
In this presentation we introduce the next generation in radial diffusive sampler – the POD Sampler. As part of this webinar you will find out how the POD samplers enhanced design can benefit your analytical workflow and field monitoring campaigns from its creator Pascual Pérez Ballesta.
Passive Sampling and Its Pivotal Role in ʹGreenerʹ Sampling of VOCs
On-demand webinar
Nicola Watson (Markes International)
This webinar introduces TD and discusses how the options available for passive sampling can be best applied to a variety of VOCs in a range of situations. The webinar also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each option, with tips and tricks for successful measurement.
Advancements and Key Parameters for EPA 8260 and EPA 524.2 using GC/MS with Purge and Trap
On-demand webinar
Joel Kelly (Pace Analytical) and Bruce Quimby, Ph.D. (Senior Applications Scientist, Agilent)
In the first part of this presentation, Joel Kelly from Pace Analytical discusses the evolution of EPA method 8260. Bruce Quimby, from Agilent Technologies, spends the latter part of the presentation discussing data achieved using a 8860/5977B GC/MS instrument coupled with a Teledyne Tekmar Lumin purge and trap concentrator and an AQUATek liquid vial autosampler for the analysis of VOCs to the requirements of US EPA method 524.2.
Overview of Air Sampling Techniques for Environmental Contaminants
On-demand webinar
Kristen Schultz (MilliporeSigma, Bellefonte, PA, USA)
By viewing this presentation you will gain knowledge of air sampling devices commonly used for analytical air sampling both active and passive techniques, discover features and benefits of radial passive sampling devices compared to badge type air samplers, and learn an easier way to reliably sample isocyanates – monomers and oligomers. A practical application is discussed.
Improve your Karl Fischer Titration Process for Water Determination
On-demand webinar
Bettina Straub-Jubb (Merck KGaA) and Thomas Hitz (Mettler-Toledo)
This webinar describes how to avoid errors, get tips and tricks, and discover seamless data transfer to improve your Karl Fischer titration process for water determination.
The Exposome of PFAS
On-demand webinar
Simon Roberts (SCIEX) and Christian Lindh (Lund University)
By viewing these presentations you will be provided with an overview of PFAS - what it is, its analytical characteristics and an introduction to PFAS analysis using LC-MS/MS, hidden tips and tricks to get the best from your workflow, and some practical applications of blood and urine concentrations and toxicokinetics of PFAS in various human populations.
Towards AI-Powered Cost Effective Elemental ICP-OES Analysis
On-demand webinar
Eric Vanclay and Lindsey Whitecotton (Agilent)
Learn how artificial intelligence based smart tools paired with innovative sample introduction systems can reduce sample remeasurement to improve productivity and overall performance, and simplify routine maintenance with your ICP-OES analyses.
The Power of GC-TOF-MS for Food and Environmental Applications eSeminar
On-demand webinar
Multi-speaker event
Discover how GC-TOF-MS and GC×GC-TOF-MS technologies can dramatically enhance your applications for food and environmental analysis and increase data quality and sample throughput. This on-demand eSeminar comprises two sessions: one dedicated to food analysis and the other to environmental analysis.
GC×GC-FID/TOF MS for the Optimization of Novel Catalytic Strategies to Improve Fuel Streams with High Aromatic Content
On-demand webinar
Miren Pena-Abaurrea (Cepsa Research Center)
Learn the value of GC×GC with parallel detection by TOF MS and FID, and see how GC×GC offers the unique possibilities for detailed petrochemical fingerprinting.
GC/MS Analysis of Aromatics in Gasoline using ASTM D5769: Set-up, Optimization, and Automated Reporting
On-demand webinar
Jim McCurry & Craig Marvin (Agilent)
This presentation will offer best practices for setting up, optimizing, and running this method on a new, cost-effective GC/MS system. Data analysis approaches will also be discussed with emphasis on a new system for automated reporting of results.
A Review of Air Sampling Techniques and Monitoring of Ozone Precursor VOCs
On-demand webinar
James Dernie (Senior Air Quality Consultant, Ricardo Energy & Environment)
Separation Science, in collaboration with PerkinElmer has developed an upcoming webinar that will compare the different techniques of air sampling and when they are utilized. Regulatory agencies globally are increasing requirements and rigor for the monitoring of air to protect human health and the environment. This presentation will compare the different techniques of air sampling and when they are utilized. The methods for toxic compound monitoring in air for fenceline, soil gas, and manufactured gas plants (MGP) use both passive and active sampling; and monitoring of ozone precursors using online sampling with robust data management platforms will be discussed.
Ion Chromatography Solutions in the Petrochemical Industry
On-demand webinar
Iris Reber (Metrohm, Switzerland) and Ricardo Sales Tena (BP, Spain)
Learn how ion chromatography can be used as a versatile analysis technique and discover solutions to some of the challenges faced by petrochemical labs. In addition, get to know various inline sample preparation techniques that will allow you to save valuable time and resources.
Latest Mass Spectrometry-based Trends for Identifying and Quantifying Unknown PFAS Compounds
On-demand webinar
Lee Ferguson and Abigail Joyce (Duke University, North Carolina, USA)
In this webinar, leaders of the Ferguson Laboratory discuss a Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap™ Mass Spectrometer-based method, which captures more meaningful data to demystify unknown PFAS compounds. Additionally, a triple-quadrupole MS method will be discussed, which achieves desired limits of detection for identified PFAS compounds.
Better Thermal Extraction: Tips and Tricks for VDA-278 and Other Thermal Desorption – GC/MS Methods Used for Material Emissions Testing
On-demand webinar
Kurt Thaxton (GERSTEL International Product Manager, Pyrolysis and Thermal Desorption)
You'll learn about the history and analytical basis of analytical thermal extraction for interior air quality, the current state of the art, including tips and advice for scientists and engineers that perform VDA-278 and related methods for material emissions analysis, and where these methods fit in the overall strategy for automotive air quality and where these methods are headed in the future.
A New Integrated, Sample-to-Result, Analytical Workflow for the Sensitive and Reliable Analysis of Polar Anionic Pesticides and Metabolites
On-demand webinar
Richard Fussell and Fausto Pigozzo (Thermo Fisher Scientific)
This webinar introduces a new validated ion-chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry-based workflow for the robust, sensitive and reliable determination of a group of polar anionic pesticides and metabolites at low µg/kg levels, without the need for derivatization, and all in a single analysis.
What’s in The Air We Breathe? A Walk Through Canister Sampling and Analysis for Measuring Air Toxics
On-demand webinar
Helen Martin (Thermal Desorption Product Marketing Manager, Markes International)
Listen to this series of talks addressing 'What are VOCs and Why Measure Them?', 'Choosing the Best Air Sampling Technique for Your Application', and 'A Guide to Canister Sampling'. You will learn how to the best sampling technique for your application, what you will need for each stage of a canister sampling cycle, and how to get the most out of your air analysis instruments.
Expert Series: Environmental Applications of Ion Chromatography
Online Tutorial
Dr Joachim Weiss, Ph.D (Thermo Fisher Scientific)
This presentation covers key environmental applications of ion chromatography including conventional water analysis of common inorganic anions and cations, analysis of disinfection by-products, cyanide analysis, hexavalent chromium analysis and perchlorate analysis.
Overcoming the Challenges of Monitoring PAMS Hydrocarbons and Polar VOCs at Low Ambient Levels
On-demand webinar
Peter Furdyna (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, USA) and Rui Li (Markes International)
The presentation includes operating conditions for the Markes–Agilent PAMS autosampler/GC installed at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) PAMS monitoring site at New York Botanical Gardens, Bronx, NY, and the rationale for these conditions. You will learn how to address the challenges in on-line monitoring of ozone precursors and discover a PAMS success story.
Accurate Mass Spectra Worth Reading for Food and Environmental Analysis
On-demand webinar
Atsushi Yamamoto (Tottori University of Environmental Studies, Japan)
In this presentation, the fundamentals of high-resolution mass spectral interpretation are provided, together with some practical examples in food and environmental analysis.
New Methods & Applications in Environmental Analysis
On-demand eSeminar
Lee Marotta (PerkinElmer), Ceara MacInnis (Environment and Climate Change Canada), Carol Meyer (Orsat LLC), Marvin Shaw (University of York, UK)
Separation Science, in collaboration with PerkinElmer, has developed a multi-speaker eSeminar covering methods and applications in environmental analysis. This two-session event will provide analytical scientists and laboratory managers/directors working in this field with access to leading techniques, best practice and robust methods from leading scientists in the field.
The Use of a High Resolution Q-TOF in a Contract Laboratory for Routine Pesticide Analysis in Food & Feed
On-demand webinar
Wim Broer (Manager, Science & Development, NofaLab, The Netherlands)
This presentation will cover the instrument capabilities and the use of data analysis to create an efficient and robust method for the analysis of pesticides in food and feed commodities.
New Approaches to the Comprehensive, Automated Characterisation of VOC and SVOC Compounds
On-demand webinar
Massimo Santoro and Gareth Roberts (Markes International)
Comprehensive analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organics in environmental and food samples often demands the use of multiple sample preparation and injection techniques, frequently on several instrument platforms. Such procedures can be labour-intensive and require chemists trained in multiple analytical techniques and instrumentations.
Learn New Methods & Applications in Pesticide Analysis
On-demand eSeminar
Multi-speaker event
Separation Science, in collaboration with Agilent Technologies, has created a valuable learning series of on-demand presentations covering methods and applications for pesticide analysis in food and food-related matrices. Presentations available in this series include: 1) Evaluation of a High-Sensitivity GC-MS/MS in the Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Complex Samples: Cost Savings and Other Benefits, 2) Routine Quantitative Pesticide Analysis in Various Food Matrices using a GC/Q-TOF and 3) Improved LC-MS/MS Pesticide Multiresidue Analysis using Triggered MRM and On-Line Dilution
Accelerate Your Throughput and Be More Productive with State-of-the-Art ICP-MS Instruments
On-demand webinar
Richard Jack and Daniel Kutscher (Thermo Fisher Scientific)
This webinar demonstrates how modern ICP-MS instruments can help with analysis of trace elements in routine focused laboratories. The presentation also shows how key metrics including turnover time per sample or maintenance required downtime can be reduced without compromising system performance.
Analysis of Dioxin Compounds in Water by Isotope Dilution GC/MS/MS
On-demand webinar
Hui Lin (The Dow Chemical Company, Michigan, USA)
This current study developed an alternative method for dioxin analysis in water samples. In contrast to the GC/MS/MS method for dioxin analysis in food and feed, which primarily focuses on the 17 toxic dioxin compounds, the method for dioxin analysis in water samples needs to consider the potential co-elution and interference of non-toxic dioxin congeners.
Monitoring PAMS Hydrocarbons and Polar VOCs at Low Ambient Levels
On-demand webinar
Peter Furdyna (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, USA) and Rui Li (Markes International)
The presentation includes operating conditions for the PAMS autosampler/GC installed at the New York Botanical Gardens, Bronx, NY, and the rationale for these conditions. You will learn how to address the challenges in on-line monitoring of ozone precursors and discover a PAMS success story.