Changes from EPA Method 218.6 to 218.7 Yield Improved Detection Limits for Hexavalent Chromium
Chromium is a naturally occurring metal that is widely used in steel making, plating, tanning, paints, dyes, and wood preservation. The most common environmental forms are trivalent Cr(III), hexavalent Cr(VI), and the metallic form Cr.
Chromium is a naturally occurring metal that is widely used in steel making, plating, tanning, paints, dyes, and wood preservation. The most common environmental forms are trivalent Cr(III), hexavalent Cr(VI), and the metallic form Cr. The trivalent form is a nutrient and sold as a nutritional supplement, while Cr(VI) is a highly toxic carcinogen and regulated by the US EPA in drinking water and certain waste waters.1, 2 Cr(VI) is also monitored in soils, sludges, sediments, concrete, and leather to prevent exposure. In the US, the Criteria for Maximum Concentration is 0.016 µg/L for surface waters. Many countries also have discharge regulations, including Argentina, Russia and Italy (0.2 mg/L); Brazil, Mexico and Poland (0.5 mg/L); and Hungary (0.1 mg/L). Some countries have set a range for their discharge limits depending on the type of water, such as Chile (0.05–0.2 mg/L) and Tunisia (0.01–0.5 mg/L).
Analytical Challenges in Measuring Migration from Food Contact Materials
November 2nd 2015Food contact materials contain low molecular weight additives and processing aids which can migrate into foods leading to trace levels of contamination. Food safety is ensured through regulations, comprising compositional controls and migration limits, which present a significant analytical challenge to the food industry to ensure compliance and demonstrate due diligence. Of the various analytical approaches, LC-MS/MS has proved to be an essential tool in monitoring migration of target compounds into foods, and more sophisticated approaches such as LC-high resolution MS (Orbitrap) are being increasingly used for untargeted analysis to monitor non-intentionally added substances. This podcast will provide an overview to this area, illustrated with various applications showing current approaches being employed.
Using Chromatography to Study Microplastics in Food: An Interview with Jose Bernal
December 16th 2024LCGC International sat down with Jose Bernal to discuss his latest research in using pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py-GC–MS) and other chromatographic techniques in studying microplastics in food analysis.
The Use of SPME and GC×GC in Food Analysis: An Interview with Giorgia Purcaro
December 16th 2024LCGC International sat down with Giorgia Purcaro of the University of Liege to discuss the impact that solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and comprehensive multidimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) is having on food analysis.
