Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have earned the moniker "forever chemicals" due to their extreme persistence in the environment. Their detection is crucial for protecting public health and the environment as these synthetic compounds continue to pose significant challenges worldwide. This comprehensive exploration examines why PFAS detection matters, current detection methods, and future directions in addressing PFAS contamination.<h3>Understanding PFAS and Their Health Impacts</h3>PFAS are a class of synthetic organic compounds with diverse structures, properties, and uses. Despite their diversity, all PFAS contain perfluoroalkyl moieties that are extremely resistant to environmental and metabolic degradation [1]. This high persistence is a defining characteristic that makes PFAS management particularly challenging.<h3>Documented Health Effects</h3>Current scientific research has linked PFAS exposure to numerous adverse health outcomes:<ul><li>Reproductive effects including decreased fertility and increased high blood pressure in pregnant women [8]</li><li>Developmental effects in children such as low birth weight, accelerated puberty, and behavioral changes [8]</li><li>Reduced immune system function, including decreased vaccine response</li><li>Interference with natural hormones and endocrine disruption</li><li>Increased cholesterol levels and obesity risk</li><li>Increased risk of several cancers, including prostate, kidney, testicular, oral cavity/pharynx, brain, and endocrine cancers [3]</li></ul>A 2023 study linked PFAS-contaminated water with up to a 33% increase in cancer incidence in affected areas [3]. The study compared regions with elevated PFAS levels to cancer data from the National Cancer Institute, finding higher incidences of various cancers after controlling for factors like smoking and obesity.<h3>Environmental Persistence and Contamination</h3>The extreme persistence of PFAS represents a fundamental concern for environmental management. PFAS are considered the most environmentally persistent substances among organic chemicals [7]. This persistence means that even if all PFAS uses were immediately phased out, existing contamination would continue to affect ecosystems and water supplies for generations.A 2023 study at a military fire training site estimated that PFAS contamination will persist for centuries without remediation [7]. The research found that terminal PFAS still exceed regulatory limits by 2000-fold decades after aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) use ceased, with precursors accounting for around half of the extractable organofluorine across years.<h3>Current Detection Methods</h3><h4>EPA Standardized Methods</h4>The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed several standardized methods for PFAS detection, each with specific applications and capabilities:<h5>EPA Method 533</h5><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/epa-533-drying-down-pfas-samples-after-spe">EPA Method 533</a> focuses on "short chain" PFAS with carbon chain lengths of C4 to C12. Released in December 2019, this method complements Method 537.1 and includes several key features:<ul><li>Uses isotope dilution quantification approach with extracted internal standards, which reduces overall analytical uncertainty</li><li>Employs weak anion exchange solid phase extraction cartridges as opposed to polystyrene divinylbenzene used in 537.1</li><li>Can analyze 25 PFAS compounds, including additional short-chain PFAS that were not apart of Method 537.1</li><li>Allows for longer holding times: 28 days to extraction and 28 days to analyze (compared to 14 days to extraction in Method 537.1)</li><li>Uses ammonium acetate as a preservative (versus Trisma in Method 537.1) [1]</li></ul><h5>EPA Method 537/537.1</h5><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/sample-concentration-epa-method-537-pfas-determination">EPA Method 537 </a>was first published in 2009 for the determination of 14 PFAS in drinking water [6]. It was later updated to Method 537.1 in 2018 (with editorial updates in 2020) to expand its capabilities:<ul><li>Uses<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/what-is-solid-phase-extraction-spe"> solid phase extraction (SPE) </a>and<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/preparing-samples-for-lc-ms/ms-analysis"> liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)</a></li><li>Method 537.1 expanded detection to 18 PFAS compounds, including HFPO-DA (one component of GenX technology)</li><li>Utilizes styrene-divinylbenzene (SDVB) media for extraction</li><li>Requires samples to be extracted within 14 days and analyzed within 28 days</li><li>Methanol is used to elute the extracts. This should then be reconstituted with a 96:4 methanol:water mixture [1]</li></ul>Together, Methods 533 and 537.1 can detect a total of 29 unique PFAS compounds in drinking water and are approved for monitoring under the fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5) and the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation [1] [3].<h5>EPA Method 1633</h5><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/preparing-diverse-sample-matrices-for-epa-method-1633">EPA Method 1633</a>, released in 2024, represents a significant advancement in PFAS analysis:<ul><li>Developed for the analysis of 40 PFAS compounds in various matrices, including surface water, groundwater, wastewater, soil, biosolids, sediment, landfill leachate, and fish tissue</li><li>Expands beyond the drinking water focus of Methods 533 and 537.1</li><li>Provides a standardized approach that may replace modified drinking water methods (i.e., modified EPA 537) that were previously used for non-drinking water matrices [1]</li></ul><h4>Conventional Analytical Techniques</h4>The gold standard for PFAS analysis involves chromatographic techniques coupled with mass spectrometry:<ul><li>Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is the most widely used method for PFAS analysis, offering high sensitivity and specificity [1]</li><li>High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS) allows for rapid detection and identification of PFAS species at very low concentrations [5]</li></ul>These techniques can detect PFAS at parts per trillion (ppt) levels, which is essential given the low concentrations at which PFAS can cause health effects [1]. However, these methods require sophisticated equipment, specialized training, and significant financial resources, making them inaccessible in many regions, particularly in developing countries.<h4>Emerging Detection Technologies</h4>Several innovative approaches are being developed to address the limitations of conventional methods:<ul><li>Electrochemical biosensors using modified electrodes have shown promise for selective PFAS detection with low detection limits [2]</li><li>Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) uses metallic nanoparticles and can be made into a portable method for on-site testing [1]</li><li>Molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs) offer thermal and physical stability, reusability, and low-cost synthesis for PFAS detection [6]</li></ul>These emerging technologies aim to provide more accessible, field-deployable, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional laboratory-based methods.<h3>Challenges in PFAS Detection</h3><h4>Analytical Challenges</h4>Detecting PFAS presents several technical challenges:<ul><li>The ubiquity of PFAS in laboratory equipment and accessories can lead to background contamination when measuring at parts-per-trillion levels [1]</li><li>Many components in liquid chromatographs, mass spectrometers, and solid-phase extraction systems contain materials that can leach PFAS compounds [9]</li><li>The vast number of PFAS (thousands of compounds) makes comprehensive detection difficult, as analytical standards are only available for a small subset [1]</li><li>Complex matrices like food and environmental samples require sophisticated sample preparation techniques</li></ul><h4>Global Disparities in Detection Capabilities</h4>Access to PFAS detection technology varies significantly worldwide:<ul><li>Many developing regions, particularly in Africa, lack adequately equipped laboratories with the necessary instrumentation to detect and measure PFAS</li><li>There is often a scarcity of qualified professionals with experience in PFAS analysis in these regions</li><li>The high cost of acquiring and maintaining sophisticated analytical instruments presents a substantial obstacle to conducting extensive PFAS investigations in resource-limited settings [1]</li><li>Competing priorities such as infectious diseases, poverty, and food security often divert attention and resources from environmental pollutants like PFAS</li></ul><h4>Regulatory Landscape and Compliance</h4>The regulatory framework for PFAS is evolving rapidly worldwide:<ul><li>The EPA finalized Section 8(a)(7) of the Toxic Substances Control Act in September 2024, requiring manufacturers and importers to report on their use of PFAS since 2011 [10]</li><li>Electronic reporting for PFAS will open on July 11, 2025, with final reporting deadlines in 2026</li><li>Companies must report detailed information including chemical identity, production volumes, industrial and consumer products, worker exposure, and disposal methods [10]</li></ul>These regulations are driving demand for more effective and accessible PFAS detection methods to ensure compliance and protect public health.<h3>Future Directions in PFAS Detection</h3><h4>Technological Advancements</h4>The future of PFAS detection lies in developing more accessible, sensitive, and comprehensive methods:<ul><li>Non-targeted screening methods that can identify unknown PFAS compounds without requiring analytical standards for each specific compound</li><li>Total fluorine analysis techniques like Adsorbable Organic Fluorine and Total Oxidizable Precursor Assay that can quantify the presence of fluorine atoms within a sample [1]</li><li>Portable sensors and field-deployable technologies that enable on-site monitoring and rapid response to contamination events</li><li>AI-driven solutions that can improve data analysis and interpretation for complex PFAS mixtures</li></ul><h4>Collaborative Approaches</h4>Addressing the global challenge of PFAS detection requires coordinated efforts:<ul><li>International partnerships between researchers in developed and developing regions to enhance expertise and capacity building</li><li>Standardization of analytical methods to ensure consistency and comparability of results across different laboratories and regions</li><li>Open data sharing and collaboration across countries to leverage collective knowledge and resources</li><li>Integration of PFAS monitoring into broader environmental and public health surveillance systems</li></ul><h3>Conclusion</h3>The detection of PFAS is not merely a technical challenge but a critical public health and environmental imperative [1]. As these "forever chemicals" continue to persist in our environment, developing effective, accessible, and comprehensive detection methods becomes increasingly important. By advancing detection technologies, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and fostering global collaboration, we can better understand, monitor, and ultimately mitigate the impacts of PFAS contamination.The EPA's standardized methods (533, 537.1, and 1633) provide crucial tools for monitoring PFAS in various environmental matrices, but continued innovation is needed to address the full spectrum of PFAS compounds and to make detection more accessible globally [1] [6]. The path forward requires sustained investment in research and development, capacity building in resource-limited settings, and a commitment to environmental justice that ensures all communities have access to the tools and information needed to protect themselves from PFAS exposure. Only through such comprehensive approaches can we hope to address the complex challenges posed by these persistent pollutants.Be sure to check out our other installments of our&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/introducing-our-environmental-contaminants-series-making-sense-of-the-alphabet-soup">Environmental Contaminant Series</a>&nbsp;covering&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/the-importance-of-detecting-persistent-organic-pollutants-pops">Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/the-importance-of-detecting-polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbons-pahs">Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)</a>,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/the-importance-of-detecting-semi-volatile-organic-compounds-svocs">Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs)</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/the-importance-of-detecting-polychlorinated-biphenyls-pcbs">Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)</a>.

The Importance of Detecting Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Scientists at CEITEC Brno University of Technology have developed microscopic robots that could one day accelerate beer production and simplify food quality control. The magnetically controlled biobots can actively mix liquids during fermentation, speed up the process, and separate themselves from the finished product once fermentation is complete. The results of the research, carried out by Professor Martin Pumera’s team, were published in the journal ACS Nano.“When people hear the word ‘robot’ today, they often imagine an electronic device. In reality, however, a robot can be any system capable of autonomously performing a specific task,” explains Martin Pumera of CEITEC Brno University of Technology.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Mikroroboti_z_CEITEC_mohou_urychlit_vyrobu_piva_i_kontrolu_kvality_potravin_7d9ff82875.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/Jakub Rozboud: CEITEC Microrobots Could Speed Up Beer Production and Food Quality Control: Martin Pumera in his lab at CEITEC BUT." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Mikroroboti_z_CEITEC_mohou_urychlit_vyrobu_piva_i_kontrolu_kvality_potravin_7d9ff82875.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1067">The research team created so-called biobots—biohybrid microrobotic capsules containing brewer’s yeast and magnetic nanoparticles. When the yeast produces carbon dioxide during fermentation, the resulting bubbles cause the biobots to move up and down through the liquid. This naturally mixes the contents of the vessel and makes fermentation more efficient. Compared with conventional static particles, the biobots can therefore accelerate chemical processes that are important in food production.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Mikroroboti_z_CEITEC_mohou_urychlit_vyrobu_piva_i_kontrolu_kvality_potravin_4_af5fd4611f.jpg" alt="CEITEC BUT/Martin Pumera's archive: CEITEC Microrobots Could Speed Up Beer Production and Food Quality Control: Hematite microrobot (image for illustrative purposes)." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Mikroroboti_z_CEITEC_mohou_urychlit_vyrobu_piva_i_kontrolu_kvality_potravin_4_af5fd4611f.jpg 209w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1192">Another major advantage of the technology is that the biobots can be easily separated from the finished beverage. Thanks to the magnetic particles they contain, they can be controlled with a magnetic field and removed once fermentation is complete, eliminating the need for additional filtration. The researchers also demonstrated that the biobots can be reused over several production cycles.“Unlike conventional static particles, microrobots actively move throughout the entire volume of the liquid, allowing them to cover a larger area and make the whole process more efficient. At the same time, they also facilitate the automation of production,” adds Martin Pumera. The team is currently discussing potential applications of the technology with a major European brewery.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Mikroroboti_z_CEITEC_mohou_urychlit_vyrobu_piva_i_kontrolu_kvality_potravin_3_e8e5a3a55a.jpg" alt="CEITEC BUT/Martin Pumera's archive: CEITEC Microrobots Could Speed Up Beer Production and Food Quality Control: g-C₃N₄ microrobots (image for illustrative purposes)." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Mikroroboti_z_CEITEC_mohou_urychlit_vyrobu_piva_i_kontrolu_kvality_potravin_3_e8e5a3a55a.jpg 158w," sizes="100vw" width="1476" height="1460">Martin Pumera’s group has long been exploring the use of microrobots and advanced materials in the food industry. In the past, for example, the team developed a flexible sensor for smart packaging capable of detecting spoiled fish. The new biobots therefore represent another step towards more advanced methods of food quality and safety control.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Mikroroboti_z_CEITEC_mohou_urychlit_vyrobu_piva_i_kontrolu_kvality_potravin_2_75c7fed958.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/ACS Nano: CEITEC Microrobots Could Speed Up Beer Production and Food Quality Control: ACS Nano - cover featuring article by Martin Pumera et al." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Mikroroboti_z_CEITEC_mohou_urychlit_vyrobu_piva_i_kontrolu_kvality_potravin_2_75c7fed958.jpeg 117w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="2128">

 CEITEC Microrobots Could Speed Up Beer Production and Food Quality Control 

In this episode of ‪ChromatographyTalk‬, ‪Organomation‬ General Manager David Oliva sits down with Michelle Taylor, Editor-in-Chief of LabCompare, to go behind the scenes of their groundbreaking two-part documentary series on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).The conversation kicks off with a startling revelation: many of the world’s leading PFAS experts have completely stopped eating seafood due to high contamination levels discovered during testing. From there, we dive deep into the technical and regulatory challenges facing today's analytical laboratories.<h4>In this episode, we discuss:</h4><ul><li>The Laboratory Throughput Crisis: Why labs are currently "overwhelmed with samples" and how tiered testing—using single quad instruments for screening before moving to triple quads—is helping to manage capacity without sacrificing sensitivity.</li><li>The Battle Against Background Contamination: Why PTFE-free (PFAS-free) laboratory equipment is no longer optional when trying to detect "forever chemicals" at the parts-per-trillion and parts-per-quadrillion levels.</li><li>Complex Matrices (Seafood &amp; Packaging): The technical hurdles of analyzing high-lipid samples like fish and the rising demand for migration testing as states like Rhode Island begin to phase out PFAS in food packaging.</li><li>Global Regulatory Shifts: A look at the "dual compliance model" required for labs supporting international exporters, especially with the European Union’s stricter enforcement compared to the U.S. monitoring approach.</li><li>The "Grand Challenge" of Unknowns: How EPA Method 1621 (Total Organic Fluorine) is helping labs close the mass balance gap and why the next generation of bench chemists must embrace *AI and data science* to manage the massive datasets generated by high-resolution mass spectrometry.</li><li>PFAS Destruction vs. Remediation: &nbsp;The promising (and problematic) methods for breaking the carbon-fluorine bond, and why incineration may inadvertently be spreading shorter-chain PFAS into the air.</li></ul>Whether you are a lab manager looking to future-proof your workflow or a chemist navigating the ever-evolving landscape of EPA Method 1633, this episode provides essential insights into the most pressing environmental crisis of our time.<h3>Video Transcription</h3><h4>Michelle Taylor: PFAS Testing Is Becoming a Much Bigger Analytical Challenge</h4>PFAS analysis has rapidly evolved from a specialized environmental testing problem into a much broader challenge involving drinking water, food, packaging, laboratory contamination, international regulation, data analysis, and even destruction technologies. In an interview with Michelle Taylor, Editor-in-Chief of Labcompare, the discussion explored what laboratories are learning from the latest PFAS research—and why the analytical demands are likely to continue growing.Taylor leads editorial content for Labcompare, an online resource covering analytical laboratory instrumentation, products, and scientific developments. Among the projects she considers particularly important are two long-form documentaries produced by Labcompare examining per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), first through drinking water and subsequently through food.The documentaries brought together subject-matter experts working across PFAS analysis and exposed some of the practical realities laboratories now face: rapidly changing regulations, extremely low detection limits, complex matrices, contamination risks, and sample volumes that can overwhelm laboratory capacity.<h4>From drinking water to seafood</h4>One of the most memorable findings for Taylor came during production of the second documentary, which focused on PFAS in food.Several experts interviewed for the project told her they had stopped eating seafood, in some cases many years earlier, because of concerns surrounding contamination. For Taylor, the consistency and immediacy of those responses illustrated how closely analytical research can intersect with everyday decisions.Seafood also demonstrates why PFAS testing can become analytically difficult.Fish and other high-lipid samples require effective extraction to release the analytes, followed by rigorous cleanup to remove fats. According to the experts Taylor interviewed, the cleanup step is particularly critical because residual lipids can damage LC columns and create severe matrix interferences.Laboratories are therefore using approaches such as enhanced matrix removal and carbon- or silica-based sorbents to reduce the lipid content of extracts before instrumental analysis. The goal is not simply obtaining sufficient recovery, but producing an extract clean enough to maintain analytical performance and laboratory throughput.<h4>How laboratories are handling the PFAS sample burden</h4>The analytical sensitivity now required for PFAS testing presents another challenge: laboratories may need to measure compounds at parts-per-trillion levels while processing growing numbers of samples.Automation has therefore become increasingly important, particularly during sample preparation, where repetitive manual procedures can otherwise create a major bottleneck.Taylor also described a tiered analytical strategy being used by some laboratories. A less demanding measurement can first be used for screening, while samples generating a positive result are subsequently transferred to a more sensitive platform, such as triple-quadrupole mass spectrometry, for confirmation and quantitation.This type of workflow can help laboratories concentrate their highest-performance instrumentation on the samples that actually require it rather than applying the most intensive analysis to every incoming sample.The broader principle is likely to become increasingly important as PFAS testing expands: laboratories must find ways to increase throughput without sacrificing the sensitivity demanded by regulatory methods.<h4>When the laboratory itself becomes a source of PFAS</h4>At trace concentrations, contamination introduced during sample preparation or measurement can become comparable to the concentration being determined.This makes the materials used throughout the analytical workflow particularly important.Taylor emphasized that PFAS laboratories must maintain continuous awareness of potential contamination from solvents, water, tubing, containers, and other laboratory components. Equipment containing fluoropolymers such as PTFE may be problematic in certain PFAS workflows because background contamination can contribute to false positives or elevated blanks.As detection limits move lower, dedicated PFAS-compatible or fluoropolymer-free laboratory equipment becomes increasingly valuable.Taylor described manufacturers offering clearly identified PFAS-free configurations as an important response to this problem. Rather than forcing laboratories to investigate the material composition of each component individually, dedicated configurations can simplify method implementation and reduce uncertainty about potential background sources.For laboratories already dealing with demanding workflows and large sample loads, eliminating potential contamination before it occurs can save considerable troubleshooting time.<h4>Food packaging could drive the next major wave of testing</h4>PFAS concerns are not limited to the food itself.The interview also examined food-contact materials, including takeout containers and other packaging from which PFAS may migrate into food. State-level restrictions in the United States are already beginning to affect the materials manufacturers can use.For contract laboratories, this creates the possibility of another significant increase in demand for compliance and migration testing.Taylor’s recommendation is straightforward: laboratories should follow proposed regulations before they become final.Waiting until a new requirement takes effect can leave a laboratory simultaneously trying to acquire instrumentation, establish methods, train staff, and respond to customer demand. Monitoring regulatory agencies, scientific meetings, and industry discussions earlier gives laboratories time to prepare analytical capabilities before the testing requirement becomes urgent.She expects PFAS restrictions in food packaging to continue developing first through a patchwork of individual state regulations. Once a sufficient number of states adopt restrictions, however, the economics may increasingly encourage suppliers to move toward PFAS-free materials regardless of whether every jurisdiction requires them.A national standard could eventually follow that transition.<h4>One sample, two regulatory environments</h4>International food exporters face another complication: PFAS requirements are not necessarily the same between the United States and European Union.Taylor noted that laboratories serving both markets may effectively need to operate under a dual-compliance model.In the interview, she highlighted EU requirements targeting specific PFAS—including PFOS, PFOA, PFNA, and PFHxS—at very low concentrations in certain foods, while the U.S. approach has historically involved a different combination of monitoring programs, evolving compound lists, and import-related requirements.For laboratories supporting international customers, this means more than simply selecting a different reporting limit.Different markets may require different target lists, methods, documentation, auditing, and compliance procedures. Laboratories therefore need analytical platforms capable of ultratrace measurements while also maintaining the operational flexibility to support multiple regulatory frameworks.That additional complexity also carries a practical cost: performing different protocols for different jurisdictions means more staff time, additional workflow management, and potentially greater instrument demand.<h4>Total fluorine screening can help laboratories decide what to analyze next</h4>Targeted LC-MS/MS methods are highly sensitive, but they only measure compounds included in the analytical panel.This creates an important question: what about fluorinated substances that are present but are not included in the targeted method?The interview discussed EPA Method 1621, which uses a broader fluorine-based screening approach. Taylor described this type of measurement as useful for helping laboratories assess the gap between compounds captured by targeted LC-MS/MS methods and the broader amount of organofluorine present in a sample.Such screening can also become part of a tiered workflow.For applications such as food packaging, laboratories could initially use a broader fluorine measurement to determine whether a sample warrants further investigation. Positive or suspicious samples could then move to more selective and sensitive targeted analysis for identification and quantitation.Non-targeted high-resolution mass spectrometry can add another layer by revealing compounds outside conventional target lists.Together, these approaches create a funnel from broad screening toward increasingly detailed characterization rather than attempting the most comprehensive analysis on every sample from the outset.<h4>PFAS analysis is becoming a data problem too</h4>High-resolution mass spectrometry can generate enormous datasets containing signals from large numbers of known and unknown compounds.As a result, Taylor believes the role of the analytical chemist is changing.Strong laboratory skills remain essential, but scientists increasingly need data literacy as well. Understanding complex datasets, working with advanced software, and interacting effectively with artificial intelligence and machine-learning tools are becoming important parts of modern analytical work.Taylor does not see this change primarily as replacing scientific expertise.Instead, she compares it with earlier laboratory automation: repetitive or technically demanding tasks can increasingly be handled by software, allowing scientists to spend more time interpreting results and making decisions.AI may also make sophisticated analytical information more accessible. A less experienced mass spectrometry user could potentially receive explanations of complex data through software capable of presenting results in natural language, reducing dependence on a single specialist being immediately available.There is another potential advantage beyond speed.Machine-learning systems can recognize patterns across large datasets that may be difficult or impossible for an individual scientist to detect manually. As analytical datasets become larger and multidimensional, that pattern-recognition capability could become increasingly valuable.<h4>Finding PFAS is only the first half of the problem</h4>For years, much of the PFAS discussion has focused on answering two questions:<ul><li>Are PFAS present, and how much is there?</li></ul>The next challenge is considerably harder: how do we actually remove or destroy them?Taylor described this as an expanding research field that will increasingly involve analytical laboratories.The strength of the carbon-fluorine bond makes PFAS destruction difficult. Some treatment approaches seek to break this bond and achieve complete defluorination, but incomplete destruction can create another analytical problem.For example, thermal treatment may transform longer-chain PFAS into shorter-chain fluorinated compounds rather than eliminating them completely. Those products may then enter another environmental compartment, including atmospheric emissions.Consequently, laboratories studying PFAS destruction must do more than measure disappearance of the original compound. They also need to determine whether fluorinated transformation products or other byproducts remain.Analytical chemistry therefore has two roles: monitoring PFAS contamination and demonstrating whether remediation technologies truly destroy the substances they are intended to remove.<h4>The PFAS problem is expanding beyond water and food</h4>The first two Labcompare documentaries focused primarily on water and food, two matrices already receiving substantial regulatory and public attention.But Taylor does not expect the story to end there.If Labcompare produces another PFAS documentary, she sees PFAS in air as a likely subject. Discussions with experts during earlier filming repeatedly raised atmospheric contamination, including both direct environmental occurrence and emissions potentially associated with treatment or destruction processes.The progression illustrates how quickly the PFAS field is expanding.Drinking water regulation accelerated analytical development. Food testing introduced more difficult matrices and new exposure pathways. Packaging is creating another compliance challenge. Environmental remediation raises questions about destruction products. Atmospheric monitoring could become another significant frontier.For laboratories already working with chromatography and mass spectrometry, Taylor’s message is essentially to be prepared—even organizations that do not currently consider themselves “PFAS laboratories” may eventually become involved.<h4>An analytical field that is still changing rapidly</h4>Perhaps the strongest theme running through the interview is that PFAS analysis has no fixed endpoint yet.Methods continue to evolve. Regulations change. Target compound lists expand. Instrument sensitivity improves. Laboratories discover new sources of background contamination, while researchers identify additional exposure pathways and investigate new destruction technologies.Taylor compares the situation to earlier periods of rapid analytical development, such as the evolution of forensic DNA analysis: each technological advance reveals more information, which in turn creates new questions and new analytical requirements.That makes preparation particularly important.Laboratories cannot predict every future regulation, but they can follow proposed requirements, develop flexible workflows, invest in contamination control and data capabilities, and understand how their existing chromatography and mass spectrometry expertise could be applied to emerging PFAS challenges.The analytical problem is no longer simply detecting a group of “forever chemicals.”It is becoming a much larger question of how we identify them, quantify them, prevent contamination during analysis, understand their movement through food and the environment, comply with evolving regulations, and ultimately prove that they have actually been destroyed.<blockquote>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</blockquote><blockquote><h4>Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast</h4>Dive into the frontiers of chromatography, mass spectrometry, and sample preparation with host David Oliva. Each episode features candid conversations with leading researchers, industry innovators, and passionate scientists who are shaping the future of analytical chemistry. From decoding PFAS detection challenges to exploring the latest in AI-assisted liquid chromatography, this show uncovers practical workflows, sustainability breakthroughs, and the real-world impact of separation science. Whether you’re a chromatographer, lab professional, or researcher you'll discover inspiring content!You can find Concentrating on Chromatography Podcast in podcast apps:<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1wZg67rCjoGju4yhqxI3tL">Spotify</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/tz/podcast/concentrating-on-chromatography/id1788429185">Apple podcast</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podscan.fm/podcasts/concentrating-on-chromatography">podscan</a></li></ul>and on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/@ChromatographyTalk/videos">YouTube channel</a></blockquote>

PFAS in Water, Food & Packaging: Michelle Taylor on the "Forever Chemicals" Documentary Series

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Since its establishment in 2011, CEITEC has quickly developed into a cutting-edge infrastructure for research which performs highly alongside the best institutes in Europe. Among the main priorities of CEITEC are the promotion of a motivating and dynamic international scientific environment, the provision of state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and the policy of open communication and equal opportunities.

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Organomation, founded in 1959, designs and manufactures high-quality nitrogen evaporators and extraction systems. Known for innovation and durability, their lab instruments are used globally for efficient sample preparation with strong customer support.

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LECO Paradigm Flow Modulator and Shift Flow Splitter

Paradigm RFF Flow Modulator with Shift Flow Splitter boosts GC×GC peak capacity while maintaining constant MS/FID split ratios, enabling accurate, repeatable quantitation across full volatility ranges.

The Paradigm Flow Modulator with Reverse Fill-Flush (RFF) technology dramatically expands chromatographic peak capacity across the full volatility range while preserving quantitative accuracy. The RFF modulator fills a fixed-volume sample loop with effluent from the first-dimension column and then rapidly flushes it onto an orthogonal second-dimension stationary phase. This true comprehensive GC×GC transfer ensures excellent repeatability, robust quantitation, and high-quality separations for complex samples.<h3>Key features</h3><ul><li>Reverse Fill-Flush (RFF) modulation for true comprehensive GC×GC with complete analyte transfer</li><li>Novel chromatography splitter with two channels of pressure assistance</li><li>Designed for high flows required for RFF modulation (≈20 mL/min)</li><li>Constant MS/FID split ratio maintained throughout the entire run, including oven temperature ramps</li></ul><h3>ChromaTOF makes modulation simple</h3>Paradigm eliminates complex offline flow calculations. Integrated <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/41">ChromaTOF® software</a> automatically performs all required calculations via a straightforward interface. The resulting methods are optimized to deliver complete analyte transfer, excellent peak shapes, and high chromatographic resolution—without manual trial-and-error.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Chromatof_flow_calculation_6b8ca60f99.jpg" alt="LECO Paradigm Flow Modulator and Shift Flow Splitter: ChromaTOF Software identifies method calculation improvements for RFF modulation" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Chromatof_flow_calculation_6b8ca60f99.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="670" height="426"><h3>A shift forward in chromatographic analyses</h3>The Shift Flow Splitter introduces a novel splitting mechanism that maintains a constant split ratio between MS and FID across the full GC oven program. Compared to traditional splitters, Shift delivers superior quantitative accuracy with minimal internal standardization, greatly simplifying compound-level and group-type quantitation in GC and GC×GC workflows.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_LECO_Paradigm_G_Cx_GC_prutokovy_modulator_a_Shift_splitter_5_245c7c2fde.jpg" alt="LECO Paradigm Flow Modulator and Shift Flow Splitter: Close-up on the Shift Flow Splitter installed in a GC oven" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_LECO_Paradigm_G_Cx_GC_prutokovy_modulator_a_Shift_splitter_5_245c7c2fde.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2925" height="825"><h3>Software-optimized detector performance</h3>ChromaTOF automatically balances and optimizes the flow directed to TOFMS and FID, ensuring proper peak shapes and matched sensitivity for reliable qualitative and quantitative results.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Optimize_flow_e51d505415.jpg" alt="LECO Paradigm Flow Modulator and Shift Flow Splitter: ChromaTOF Software automatically optimizes flow rates" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Optimize_flow_e51d505415.jpg 207w," sizes="100vw" width="808" height="608">

LECO QuadJet™ SD

GC×GC-FID system combining thermal modulation and ChromaTOF software to reduce coelution bias, boost resolution, and deliver accurate quantitation of complex samples—without sacrificing productivity.

The QuadJet SD is a comprehensive GC×GC-FID solution designed to reveal the true chemical composition of complex real-world samples. By combining the universal sensitivity of flame ionization detection (FID) with the dramatically increased chromatographic resolution of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC), QuadJet SD minimizes coelution-driven bias and delivers a far more accurate representation of sample composition than conventional one-dimensional GC.Unlike straight GC-FID, where unresolved peaks inflate detector response and introduce systematic error, GC×GC separates compounds using two orthogonal mechanisms within a single run. True GC×GC instruments—such as the QuadJet SD from LECO—use active modulation to quantitatively slice the effluent from the first column and refocus it onto the second column. This approach preserves quantitative integrity while unlocking orders-of-magnitude gains in peak capacity and signal-to-noise ratio.<h3>Key Benefits</h3><ul><li>Enhanced separation power for highly complex mixtures</li><li>Reduced noise and bias error compared to conventional GC-FID</li><li>Integrated <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/41">ChromaTOF-based software</a> for acquisition, processing, classification, and reporting in one environment</li><li>Classification tools that simplify component identification</li><li>Cryogen-free modulation option eliminates the need for liquid nitrogen dewars</li></ul><h3>Theory of Operation</h3>In GC-FID analysis, compound quantitation relies on peak area. As sample complexity increases—diesel fuels being a classic example with thousands of constituents—the likelihood of coelution rises sharply. Coeluting compounds produce artificially elevated FID responses, leading to high-bias errors.GC×GC overcomes this limitation by performing two independent chromatographic separations in a single experiment. Thanks to the orthogonal selectivity of the two columns, compounds that coelute in the first dimension are efficiently separated in the second. In the QuadJet SD, eluting peaks from the primary column are quantitatively segmented by the modulator and cryo-focused before entering the secondary column, generating extremely narrow second-dimension peaks—often as short as 50 ms—while maintaining accurate quantitation.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Quad_Jet_SD_2_bbb51b2254/LECO-QuadJettm-SD-2_l.webp" alt="LECO: QuadJet™ SD 2 – Processing of acquired GC×GC data using LECO ChromaTOF software" width="923" height="543"><h3>Thermal Modulation</h3>Thermal modulation represents the highest-performance approach for GC×GC, and LECO’s implementation sets the benchmark for ruggedness, reliability, and analytical performance. The QuadJet SD employs a dual-stage, quad-jet thermal modulator positioned between the two columns. This design enables on-column cryo-focusing, dramatically improving peak detectability and resolving power, and delivering an order-of-magnitude improvement in signal-to-noise.For laboratories seeking lower operating costs and simplified workflows, a consumable-free thermal modulator (no liquid nitrogen) is available. This option maintains excellent performance for moderately volatile compounds while eliminating cryogen handling.<h3>Modulators and Instrument Options</h3><ul><li>Thermal modulator choices:<ul><li>Liquid-nitrogen-cooled thermal modulator</li><li>Consumable-free thermal modulator</li></ul></li><li>Optional inlets: S/SL, PTV, and MMI</li></ul>Designed with productivity in mind, the QuadJet SD combines ease of use with an industry-leading secondary oven for the second-dimension column. For laboratories ready to move beyond conventional GC and truly see what has been hidden by coelution, QuadJet SD delivers the next dimension in analytical insight.

LECO ChromaTOF® Tile analytical software

ChromaTOF Tile enables rapid, statistically robust GC×GC-TOFMS data comparison using tiled heatmaps, reducing false positives and cutting data mining from days to minutes.

Turn Your Data into ChemistryThe volume of GC×GC-TOFMS data can quickly become overwhelming. Thousands of analytes across multiple tables may require months of pixel-level data mining, often complicated by false positives caused by normal chromatographic variation.ChromaTOF Tile fundamentally changes how GC×GC data are compared and interpreted. Instead of evaluating individual pixels, the software statistically compares tiled regions of chromatograms. Truly significant differences rise immediately to the surface—allowing you to focus on chemical meaning rather than data hunting.<blockquote>“ChromaTOF Tile is an enabling technology that has reduced our peak picking time from 10 days to 10 minutes.”</blockquote><h3>Designed for Sample Group Differentiation</h3>Integrated heatmap tables provide instant visual feedback on relative intensities and variance. ChromaTOF Tile highlights differences between two or more sample classes, including:<ul><li>Biomarkers distinguishing healthy vs. diseased samples</li><li>Off-odor detection in food quality control</li><li>Environmental samples upstream/downstream of contamination sources</li><li>Petroleum samples from different geographic origins</li><li>Any complex GC×GC comparison where class differentiation matters</li></ul><h3>Key Features</h3><ul><li>Stand-alone software designed to work in conjunction with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/41">ChromaTOF</a></li><li>Rapid statistical comparison of GC×GC data sets</li><li>Exportable tables and plots for efficient reporting</li><li>Clean, library-searchable spectra generated from tiling</li><li>Approximate trend quantification using tile areas</li><li>Reduced false positives from chromatographic misalignment</li></ul><h3>Theory of Operation</h3>The challenge: Comparing large sets of GC×GC chromatograms is slow and alignment-sensitive, often taking weeks or months even with automated tools.The solution: In collaboration with Robert Synovec, ChromaTOF Tile applies Fisher ratios to partition chromatograms into regions (“tiles”). Instead of pixel-by-pixel comparison, corresponding tiles are averaged and statistically evaluated.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Chroma_TOF_Tile_analytical_software_816a8a7705.jpg" alt="LECO ChromaTOF® Tile analytical software" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Chroma_TOF_Tile_analytical_software_816a8a7705.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="854" height="462">The result is a set of intuitive heatmaps that immediately direct attention to regions of high variance and high analytical relevance—without altering the underlying data.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Chroma_TOF_Tile_analytical_software_2_c3c8abd476.jpg" alt="LECO ChromaTOF® Tile analytical software" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Chroma_TOF_Tile_analytical_software_2_c3c8abd476.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1045" height="566">

LECO GCxGC FLUX flow modulator

Flux GC×GC flow modulator simplifies GC×GC analysis using diverting flow principles. It offers robust, cost-effective modulation without cryogens, ideal for complex, concentrated samples.

Our innovative Flux GC×GC flow modulator was designed with one goal in mind—to make GC×GC more routine, accessible, and easier for you. The flow modulator's concept is based on the sound and easily understood principles first articulated by Seeley et al. on diverting flow. This extraordinarily simple design comprising of a cross shape and sideways T, is not only easy to setup and get started, but its ease-of-use makes it the most cost-effective option for GC×GC analysis.This flow-based modulator is perfect for those who want to perform robust GC×GC analysis, but who don't need the sensitivity of standard quad jet thermal modulation. Ideal samples should be complex, but relatively concentrated. Appropriate applications include petroleum and fragrance analyses such as the classic weathered crude oil example pictured below, which shows a GC×GC plot generated on our Pegasus® BT platform using the Flux flow modulator.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ee943ea0acb34a8d9c5b72e7ace10666/obrazek_l.webp" alt="LECO GCxGC FLUX flow modulator" width="957" height="523"><h4>Theory of Operation: Diverting Flow</h4>The first and secondary capillary columns are connected together through a simple tube with a fixed gap between the columns. A flow of gas (helium) is then used to inject into the second column or divert to waste. The precision timing and flows are all handled by our integrated software, therefore you just have to click one button to setup and begin performing flow modulation GC×GC on our Pegasus BT platform.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/508b477dd1604d15855f26d786d5b1e4/obrazek_l.webp" alt="LECO GCxGC FLUX flow modulator" width="1026" height="488">Furthermore, no complex spreadsheets are needed to understand your method. This simple and robust design does not require cryogens to carry out GC×GC, which saves time and boosts efficiency in your lab.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/6796d4581c894291b9fab0088753cb8b/obrazek_l.webp" alt="LECO GCxGC FLUX flow modulator" width="918" height="545">

LECO QUADJET Thermal Modulator

Consumable-free dual-stage thermal jet modulator for GC×GC delivering on-column cryo-focusing, higher peak detectability, superior separation, and reliable performance without liquid nitrogen.

The QUADJET Thermal Modulator from LECO delivers industry-leading performance for comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC). Compared to alternative thermal or valve-based modulators, QUADJET stands out for its exceptional ruggedness, long-term reliability, and superior modulation efficiency.This GC×GC modulation system uses a dual-stage thermal jet modulator positioned between the first- and second-dimension columns. The design enables true on-column cryo-focusing, significantly enhancing peak sharpness, detectability, and separation power—especially for co-eluting compounds in complex sample matrices.<h3>Key benefits</h3><ul><li>Highest modulation performance for GC×GC Enhances peak detectability and improves separation of co-eluting compounds.</li><li>Dual-stage thermal jet design Provides efficient trapping and re-injection between columns.</li><li>On-column cryo-focusing Improves sensitivity and separation of closely eluting analytes.</li><li>Exceptional robustness and reliability Designed for routine, long-term GC×GC operation.</li></ul><h3>Thermal modulation without liquid nitrogen</h3>Unlike traditional cryogenic modulators, the QUADJET thermal modulator is consumable-free. It delivers the full performance benefits of thermal modulation without the need for liquid nitrogen, eliminating cryogen costs, logistical complexity, and downtime—while maintaining consistent, high-quality results.The QUADJET Thermal Modulator is an ideal choice for laboratories seeking maximum GC×GC performance with minimal operational burden, particularly in demanding applications involving highly complex samples.

LECO Simply GC×GC®

Simply GC×GC from LECO guides users through the steps of creating an optimized GC×GC method or converting an existing 1D GC method for complex samples.

Simply GC×GC from LECO is a free tool designed to walk users through the steps of creating an optimized GC×GC method for complex samples.The tool allows users to create a GC×GC method from scratch or convert an existing 1D GC method to GC×GC.Simply GC×GC provides logical, step-by-step instructions, for example for:<ul><li>setting the secondary oven offset,</li><li>setting the second-dimension column length,</li><li>experimentally evaluating stationary phases and peak capacity.</li></ul>Simply GC×GC takes a simple approach to GC×GC and helps users avoid unnecessary testing while streamlining the method development cycle.

Products focused on GCxGC distributed by LECO Instrumente Plzeň - page 1

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