To commemorate Earth Day, LCGC International is publishing numerous Q&A interviews, news articles, and technical content that spotlights the current chromatographic research taking place in the field of environmental analysis and sustainability.
Environmental analysis is an important interdisciplinary study. It is essential to the flourishing of human nature because it helps us understand the potential risks and opportunities that may arise from environmental changes, allowing us to anticipate how changes in the climate could directly impact us.
Environmental analysis can take many different forms. Chemical analysis, biological surveys, soil tests, vegetation surveys, and remote sending are the main analytical methods used in environmental analysis, and they accomplish specific goals.
Below is a compilation of recent news articles the LCGC International team wrote that showcase some of the most current research in environmental analysis. Topics include per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances, emerging contaminants (ECs), nanoplastics, and more.
Title: Green Metrics for Analytical Methodologies Measured for Detecting Emerging Contaminants in Food and Water
Summary: A group of Malaysian and American scientists recently analyzed the benefits of using green metrics for detecting emerging contaminants (ECs) using analytical methods.
Title: North Carolina Collaboratory Expands PFAS Research Capabilities
Summary: The North Carolina Collaboratory’s partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific’s mass spectrometry instruments is designed to further research into per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Title: Trends for Monitoring Micro- and Nanoplastics in Soil
Summary: In a recent study, scientists from Europe reflected over how more testing protocols must be created to monitor and control micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in soil.
Link: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/trends-for-monitoring-micro--and-nanoplastics-in-soil
Title: Sustainable Green Solvents in Microextraction: Review of Recent Advancements
Summary: Microextraction using sustainable green solvents, followed by mass spectrometric analysis, comprise a combined approach that is still in its infancy.
Title: PFΔScreen — A New Tool Developed for Efficient Prioritization of PFAS in Environmental Samples
Summary: A new study from the University of Tübingen presents a new Python-based open-source software tool for PFAS detection.
Title: Green Chemistry Top of Mind at Analytica
Summary: The 2024 Analytica trade fair brought together thousands of exhibitors and attendees from around the world. Many are focused on developing sustainable technology.
Link: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/green-chemistry-top-of-mind-at-analytica
Title: Analytica 2024: A Look at Anthropogenic Emissions
Summary: At Analytica 2024 in Munich, Germany, an afternoon oral session took place titled, “Tracking Anthropogenic Emissions: Environmental Analysis of Elements, Organic Trace Chemicals and Isotopes (GDCh).” During the session, experts presented four talks that covered the latest developments of detecting organic trace chemicals and isotopes in environmental samples.
Link: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/analytica-2024-a-look-at-anthropogenic-emissions
Title: Using LLE and GC–MS to Separate Biologically Extractive Components in Alaska Yellow Cedar Trees
Summary: A recent study explores the use of liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to identify the compounds found in extractives of Alaska Yellow Cedar trees.
Link: https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/sustaining-pittcon-conversations-about-green-chemistry
To continue your exploration of our “LCGC International Celebrates Earth Day,” you can view our Featured Q&As and Technical Articles landing pages by clicking on them below.
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.
Overcoming Common Challenges to Determine Residual Impurities Using IC in APIs with Limited Water
December 10th 2024Organic solvents are generally not compatible with ion chromatography (IC) systems. The approach presented here assists the use of organic solvents for sample preparation and provides a mechanism for the removal of the organic solvents from the chromatographic flow path.
The Chromatographic Society 2025 Martin and Jubilee Award Winners
December 6th 2024The Chromatographic Society (ChromSoc) has announced the winners of the Martin Medal and the Silver Jubilee Medal for 2025. Professor Bogusław Buszewski of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland, has been awarded the prestigious Martin Medal, and the 2025 Silver Jubilee Medal has been awarded to Elia Psillakis of the Technical University of Crete in Greece.