Gulf Coast Conference 2024: A Preview of the Program

This year’s Gulf Coast Conference, taking place from October 15–16, 2024 in Galveston, Texas, will feature various presentations on separation science. Below, the editors of LCGC International have highlighted some upcoming sessions that attendees should add to their schedule (1).

Galveston sunrise on beach | Image Credit: © BJ Ray - stock.adobe.com

Microplastics Workshop: 10/15/2024 – 12:50–2:50 PM

When plastic waste flows into the ocean, it is typically degraded by various mechanical and chemical forces, such as ocean waves and sunlight’s photo-oxidation. Fragments that are less than 5 mm in size are referred to as microplastics (MPs). MPs have been detected in many marine species, in addition to drinking water and various foods, such as salt, honey, and marine organisms (2). Environmental pollution stemming from MPs have grown to great global concern, as these substances can interfere with important human biological processes, causing effects like disruption of the endocrine or immune system or negatively impacting mobility or reproduction. In this workshop, led by Rojin Belganeh of Frontier Lab Americas and Alan Owens of Shimadzu, micro-furnace pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) is analyzed for how it can help quantify and identify MP polymers in various environmental samples. Further, attendees will be able to perform hands-on data interpretation using the F-Search MP engine, which is an analytical software for MP analysis.

Pyrolysis-GCMS Analysis of Microplastics in the Air Atmosphere: 10/15/2024 – 8:00–8:20 PM

MPs are present air we breathe and the air we drink. In this presentation, Athena Nguyen of Frontier Lab Americas shares findings from a study of MPs in the atmosphere. In this study, the MPs were collected by passive sampling method in three different rooms. After 30 days, the analysis was carried out using the Frontier Lab multi-mode micro-furnace pyrolyzer to perform Flash Pyrolysis-Gas chromatography/ Mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Py-GC/MS is an easy solid sample introduction technique that expands the application areas of GC/MS. This process is believed to be easy to use and simple to operate.

Unlocking the Full Potential of GCxGC for Petrochemical Analyses: 10/15/2024 – 8:25–8:45 AM

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) is an analytical technique that utilizes two columns of differing phase selectivity connected by a modulation device (3). GC×GC is highly valued in the petrochemical industry, offering superior separation while allowing complex mixtures to be identified. Furthermore, GC×GC excels in group-type analysis, enabling the classification of chemical families within complex petrochemical samples. Despite its advantages, challenges remain in optimizing workflows, automating processes, and in data analysis. This presentation, led by Khaled Murtada of SepSolve Analytical, will showcase ongoing advancements in hardware and software that are driving improvements, making GC×GC increasingly valuable for high-throughput and detailed petrochemical analyses.

Overview of Current Methods for Analyzing Trace Impurities in Hydrogen Fuel by Gas Chromatography: 10/16/2024 – 10:30–11:00 AM

Hydrogen (H2) is the simplest and most abundant element in the universe, being capable of being produced without a carbon footprint from various sources. This includes natural gas, coal, biomass, waste materials, or by splitting water molecules. Recent interests have turned towards using H2 as an energy source across the economy. However, as this approach is being increasingly adopted, strict requirements have been put in place to limit poisoning effects on fuel cell catalyst and environmental pollution. In this presentation, Shannon Coleman of Agilent Technologies will discuss Agilent’s current GC solutions to analyzing trace-level impurities in hydrogen.

A Beginner’s Guide to Using GC×GC: 10/15/2024 – 12:50–1:15 PM

GC×GC was introduced in 1991 by John Philips. Initial developments focused on custom-made innovative modulators, software, and applications. Despite this, industry adoption proved slow due to scarcities of commercial products and operational expertise. Nowadays, GC practitioners have the resources to adopt everyday use of GC×GC, thanks to several instrument vendors offering equipment, software, and support for this specialty. In this presentation, Shayne Green of Dow Incorporated and Bill Winniford, formerly of Dow Incorporated, aim to provide insight and guidance on using GC×GC for routine industrial analysis.

Introduction to Polymer Chromatography (GPC/SEC): 10/16/2024 – 12:30–1:30 PM

Gel permeation chromatography (GPC), which is a type of size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), is used to separate and characterize molecules based on their size in solution. In this presentation, which is the first level of a two-course training series meant to cover introductory and intermediate GPC, John Erne of Analytical Outfitters, LLC will introduce the fundamental principles, components, and applications of GPC. Outlining the essential components of a GPC system, including the mobile phase, stationary phase, and detectors, the step-by-step process of GPC analysis will be described in detail. By the end of the presentation, the audience will gain clear understanding of analytical GPC and its role in scientific research and industry.

Intermediate Level Polymer Chromatography (GPC/SEC): 10/16/2024 – 1:30–2:45 PM

In the second part of John Erne’s series on polymer chromatography, GPC will be further investigated using advanced detection techniques and calibration methods. Beyond basic SEC principles, this talk will explore advanced detection techniques, including static light scattering (SLS), viscometry, differential refractive index (RI), and UV-Visible (UV-Vis) detection. Each method enhances the precision of molecular weight and structural analysis, offering more insight into polymer properties. This presentation will also examine the main 3 calibration methods, including conventional calibration, universal calibration using the Mark-Houwink equation, and triple detection, which integrates RI, viscometry, and light scattering. With this presentation, attendees will understand how advanced techniques can improve the resolution, accuracy, and applicability of GPC in polymer science, biochemistry, and materials research.

References

(1) 2024 Oral Presentations. Gulf Coast Conference 2024. https://www.gulfcoastconference.com/abstracts.php (accessed 2024-9-20)

(2) Ziani, K.; Ioniță-Mîndrican, C. B.; Mititelu, M.; Neacșu, S. M. Microplastics: A Real Global Threat for Environment and Food Safety: A State-of-the-Art Review. Nutrients 2023, 15 (3), 617. DOI: 10.3390/nu15030617

(3) LECO Solutions for GCxGC. LECO Corporation 2024. https://www.leco.com/technique/gcxgc/ (accessed 2024-9-20)