ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY 13
Achieve exceptional resolution of PAHs, including several isomer sets using special purpose capillary GC columns
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous in the environment. They belong to a group known as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Monitoring is important because some are identified as carcinogens or mutagens. With their lipophilic character PAHs will deposit in soils [1-4]. Due to this, PAH analysis in soil is regulated in many countries, e.g. China [5]. The analysis is challenging, because multiple isomers exist, which are difficult to resolve chromatographically using classical GC columns.
-ILPAH is a special purpose column based on an ionic liquid stationary phase from Merck. A distinct combination of stationary phase selectivity and efficient column dimensions allow exceptional resolution of PAHs, including several isomer sets.
SLB®
This special purpose and specially tested capillary GC column is designed for the analysis of PAHs. It incorporates an ionic liquid stationary phase. Each column is individually tested to ensure resolution of several key sets (phenanthrene / anthracene, benzo[a]anthracene / chrysene / triphenylene, and benzo [b]fluoranthene / benzo[k]fluoranthene / benzo[j] fluoranthene). The columns’ phase is non-bonded; 1,12-Di(tripropylphosphonium) dodecane bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide and they operate at temperatures ranging from sub-ambient to 300 °C (isothermal or programmed)
Every SLB® -ILPAH column is specialty tested to ensure it meets stringent resolution requirements for several sets of PAHs.
Figure 1 depicts a chromatogram obtained from analysis of the QC test mix. The resolution (RS) results obtained from this chromatogram are: 2.21 for phenanthrene/anthracene, 1.82 for benzo[a]anthracene/chrysene, 1.69 for chrysene/ triphenylene, 2.65 for benzo[b]fluoranthene/benzo[k]fluoranthene and 1.52 for benzo[k]fluoranthene/benzo[j]fluoranthene.
Column efficiency is also determined by measuring the theoretical plate value of naphthalene. This chromatogram shows excellent efficiency with a value of 109,480 plates that was obtained.
Multiple regulatory agencies around the world such as EPA or Ministry of Environmental Protection in China have promulgated methodologies for the analysis of PAHs [6]. The number of analytes listed in these methods ranges from 16 to 24. To present data more accurately aligned with real-world usage, a 22-component PAH mix which contains the most frequently listed PAHs was analyzed on a SLB®-ILPAH column. The resulting chromatogram is shown in Figure 2. The significant finding is that this column has the necessary selectivity to provide exceptional resolution for several isobaric sets of PAHs, such as peaks 5/6, peaks 9/10, and peaks 12/13/14. Also of great interest is that this column can provide baseline separation of dibenz[a,h]anthracene (peak 16) and indeno[1,2,3-cd]perylene (peak 17). This last pair typically co-elutes on other columns and requires the use of mass spectrometry (MS) for proper identification.
The main strength of ionic liquid GC columns is unique selectivity. This often results in increased resolution compared to columns made with polysiloxane polymer or polyethylene glycol columns. The analysis of PAHs is an example of how an ionic liquid column can achieve a level of separation not possible with other columns. In this case, it is the specially tested SLB®
-ILPAH.
Multiple applications, product information, real-time availability, and ordering information is available 24 hours a day at:
SigmaAldrich.com/il-gc Merck offer a wide variety of single-component and multi-component PAH mixtures available as certified reference materials (CRMs) for PAH analysis. More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/w3Br
Automated QuEChERS method for standard, dried and fatty matrices
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In many laboratories the processing of complex matrices is performed without the use of QuEChERS, because these often require additional manual working procedures that are very time consuming. Many fatty matrices, for example, require freezing out of the sample, which is a considerable burden.
After LCTech has developed an automated QuEChERS method for dried matrices such as tea or spices and standard matrices such as fruit or vegetables, which are already established in laboratories, they now also cover fatty matrices such as butter or avocado. This non-dispersive method is quick and easy to implement at a reasonable price.
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Small, efficient and ready-to-use SPE columns, which contain a LCTech proprietary sorbent with high matrix retention, allow minimised ion suppression with high recoveries and low standard deviations. In addition, less solvent is required, the extracts are cleaner and the results are improved versus using the conventional method. This makes the final analysis more robust, the data is easier to interpret and downtimes are avoided as no matrix contamination occurs.
For the automated application of the LCTech QuEChERS method, the FREESTYLE robotic system is equipped with a SPE module. The non-dispersive process of the method in combination with the miniaturized SPE columns allows a clean-up within approx. 10 minutes.
To increase the degree of automation, the robotic system can be connected to a LC-MS/MS via a HPLC direct injection module. Directly after SPE clean-up, an aliquot is injected for analysis while the next sample is prepared. Thus, clean-up and measurement of up to 120 samples in a sequence can be coupled and lead to an optimal utilisation of the LC-MS/MS system.
FREESTYLE has just a few moving or electrical parts to minimise service needs and downtime. The system can be flexibly combined and set-up with other modules for additional applications. This leaves the freedom to adapt it to the changing requirements of everyday laboratory work.
To see the advantages and the well thought-out technology of FREESTYLE QuEChERS for yourself, you can visit the LC Tech booth at analytica in Munich, Hall A2, booth 400.
Enhanced-sensitivity amplifier for industrial metal detectors
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EGE has developed a new compact, rugged MDVH amplifier with enhanced sensitivity for its System 3000 industrial metal detector. The completely redesigned amplifier is characterized by higher adjustable sensitivity levels, reduced susceptibility to interference, and a more robust housing with IP67 ingress protection. Featuring automatic self-calibration, the unit works reliably even if the detector coil comes near metal fittings. Users can adjust the sensitivity of the detector coil as required via a rotary potentiometer on the housing front. The amplifier has a 260 x 160 x 90 mm wide aluminum housing. It is designed for an extended temperature range of -25 °C to +70 °C. EGE’s System 3000 is used in conveyor lines for noncontact detection of metal parts that could damage downstream machines or degrade the quality of bulk solids. Thanks to its rugged design, it is suited for outdoor use in harsh and dirty environments. The size of detected parts varies for different models. The MDVH unit is optimised for medium-sized parts such as nails, nuts, wire, or silverware. MDV series devices are designed to protect machinery by identifying larger metal parts such as excavation bucket teeth or parts of tools and enclosures.
For More Info, email: email:
For More Info, email: email:
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51181pr@reply-direct.com
51235pr@reply-direct.com BTEX VOCs Halogenated PCB Aromatics Dioxins Precursors PAH Hydro- carbons OVOCs Solvents Online Gas Analyzer Experts 40 YEARS OF EXPERTISE c t
VOCs ON-LINE MONITORING BY autoGC-MS
TRANSPORTABLE STANDALONE COMPACT SYSTEM
LCTech GmbH offers an automated non-dispersive QuEChERS method for pesticide analysis. This solution not only realises what QuEChERS stands for (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe), it also reaches a high matrix reduction for minimized ion suppression and purer extracts for better results.
51595pr@reply-direct.com
airmoSCAN Xpert
Turnkey Stand-alone Compact Solution
Industrial or urban atmospheres
• Automatic GC-FID or GC-MS-FID analyzer for on-line monitoring • Speciation of hydrocarbons, VOCs, ozone precursors
• Cylinder free • Sensitivity down to ppt
PITTCON 1-5 March 2020 Booth # 1637
www.chromatotec.com -
info@chromatotec.com
WWW.ENVIROTECH-ONLINE.COM AET ANNUAL BUYERS’ GUIDE 2020
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