UK Focus v GC-MS air analyser for very low concentration determination


of VOCs in indoor and ambient air to method TO-17 A new instrument for the automated, in situ, determination of airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using the OPTIC-4 Multimode Inlet for gas chromatography has been introduced by GL Sciences BV and ChromaVision. The technology features a sorbent tube placed as an injection port liner which can be repeatedly used to collect samples of air, with the trapped analytes being subsequently desorbed onto a capillary gas chromatography (GC) column without the use of intermediate cryogenic refocusing. As the system has no need for any liquid nitrogen or CO2, there is no need for adsorption/desorption tubes. It is possible to set a continuous run so that for on-line analysis the system can run 24-7.


Using a multi positioning valve, the system can select between standards or taking sample directly from the outside via, e.g., a probe on the roof of a mobile lab. Sampling is done during a fixed time with a constant flow controlled with a mass flow controller. Once the sampling period is finished, the carrier gas flow via the injector port is re-established. Following this, the injection port is heated to desorb the analytes from the injection port liner for transfer to the GC capillary column. In parallel with heating the injection port liner, the GC–MS analysis is started.


A home-made mixture of 63 compounds (comparable to the TO-17 mixture) is used for evaluation of the Air Analyser. Via a smart valving system, sample is loaded from bottom-to-top on the OPTIC Air Liner, being located inside the injection port at a temperature of 25°C The injection port is cooled with compressed air. Sampling is done during three minutes at 75 ml/min (total sample volume = 225 ml). After sampling, the carrier gas is re-routed through the injection port from top-to-bottom. Following this, the injection port is heated to 270°C, desorbing the trapped compounds to the capillary column using spitless transfer. The resulting chromatogram starts with n-Propane and ends with Naphthalene. Since the sample trap is in the injection port, no additional cryogenic focusing is required at the head of the capillary column.


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Conference to highlight how


industries can reduce pollution levels It might come as a surprise to some that the


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clothing and textiles industries are among the most polluting on the planet. However, the sector contributes as much as 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the world, as well as being responsible for various other types of air pollution. What’s more, the disposable nature of modern consumer culture means that it generates a substantial amount of waste, as well.


These days, it has become highly unfashionable to wear an item of clothing until the end of its lifespan. Indeed, many people buy a t-shirt, dress or other garment with the express intention of wearing it just once before throwing it away. This culture of instant gratifi cation and the constant need to impress has led to an excessively high turnover of products in the clothing industry.


Furthermore, this apparel is all too often made from cheap and low-quality materials which carry a high plastic content. Even while they are being used, they can expel tiny microplastics into the environment through the process of washing and drying, with the particles eventually fi nding their way into the ocean. Scientists are already working on advanced techniques to address this growing problem, but the best solution would be to stop it at source.


Meanwhile, the fact that many of the factories which produce these clothes are in impoverished countries is another troubling aspect of the industry. Though the labour is cheaper in such places, the environmental standards are also generally laxer and the factories which produce the clothing generally rely on damaging forms of energy generation, such as coal and oil. This contributes further to their pollution footprint.


In order for the fashion industry to enhance its environmental credentials, major brands must take responsibility for the pollution they create. While many do currently have Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) standards in place, they sometimes comprise nothing more than box-ticking exercises which do not go to the heart of the problem.


If you have an interest in learning more about how various industry sectors contribute to pollution through the emissions they generate, the CEM Conference is taking place virtually this year. Those keen to attend can sign up online (ilmexhibitions.com/cem) and attend via video link in March to expand their knowledge on the subject.


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An improved method for the prevention and control of outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease


IDEXX has welcomed the publication of a study carried out by the Public Health Laboratory of L’Hospitalet in Barcelona, Spain, which compared the IDEXX Legiolert® method for detection and enumeration of Legionella (ISO 11731).


test with the standard


Comparing the methods in both potable and non-potable water samples according to the rigorous ISO 17994 protocol, the study found that Legiolert detected more positive results than ISO 11731 and was statistically more sensitive for Legionella pneumophila.


Additionally, Legiolert was compared to ISO 11731 for the detection of all Legionella species, and while ISO 17994 results demonstrate the two methods to be statistically equivalent, Legiolert was found to be more sensitive.


The study found that all Legiolert results were confi rmed to be Legionella pneumophila, indicating a specifi city of 100% and no false positives. The authors of the study also noted the procedural advantages of Legiolert, and suggest that it is an easier-to-use test that could be


performed more frequently than the standard ISO 11731 method.


Legiolert uses bacterial enzyme detection technology to identify and enumerate Legionella pneumophila, the principal cause of Legionnaires’ disease. This latest study is notable because it shows that despite being specifi c to Legionella pneumophila, Legiolert even outperforms ISO 11731 when other Legionella species results are included.


These results convinced the study authors to utilise Legiolert instead of the traditional plate method whenever possible in order to minimise the risk of Legionnaires´ disease in their community.


Full details of the study can be found here: ilmt.co/PL/5OYP More information online: ilmt.co/PL/JQZg


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Sensitive, fast, compact instrumentation for science and research applications.


High performance gas and particulate instruments for climate change & earth science research.


38 years of supplying cutting-edge environmental monitoring equipment to the scientific and academic communities speaks for itself. NO2


O3 CO2 NH3 PM2.5 N2 SO2 O PM10 CH4


World leading environmental monitoring systems VOCs


01453 733200 sales@et.co.uk www.et.co.uk WWW.ENVIROTECH-ONLINE.COM


Call today to speak to a specialist.


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