Managing Heterogeneity with Incremental Sampling Methodology
November 1st 2017Perhaps the largest source of error with sampling and sample preparation, especially with solid and semisolid samples, is the sample heterogeneity. Generally, sample heterogeneity is managed by sample homogenization, such as grinding and mixing, as well as use of an appropriately large sample size. Incremental sampling methodology (ISM) involves structured composite sampling and a processing method to create an unbiased estimate of the mean concentration of soil contaminants. Hence, ISM is emerging as a preferred methodology for conducting field environmental sampling. In this month’s instalment of “Sample Preparation Perspectives”, we describe the application of ISM to laboratory subsampling protocols.
New Mass Screening Approach for Algal Blooms
October 24th 2017Researchers from The First Institute of Oceanography in Qingdao, China, have developed an exact mass suspect screening approach for identifying multiple lipophilic marine toxins in seawater, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and marine sediment using LC–TOF-MS.
Tips & Tricks: New and Old Approaches to Handle Unknown dn/dc in GPC/SEC-LS
October 10th 2017The intensity of the light scattering signal depends on concentration, molar mass, and the specific refractive index increment, dn/dc, of the sample. dn/dc therefore usually needs to be known to derive molar masses by gel permeation chromatography/size-exclusion chromatography-light scattering (GPC/SEC-LS). How to overcome the issue of unknown refractive index increments is outlined in this instalment of Tips & Tricks. In particular, a new approach to derive molar masses by GPC/SEC-LS that requires only the molar mass of a reference material, and not the dn/dc of the sample or of the reference material, is introduced.