<p><strong>International team of scientists shed light on the processes that drive the global distribution of air pollutants - the re-emission of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs). The new study was published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials.</strong></p><p>PACs are long-lived toxic substances contributing significantly to air pollution in the industrialized world. They are inevitable byproducts of all kinds of fossil fuel and wood combustion, and following dry or wet deposition (rainfall), PACs are transferred to and stored in soils. In response to continued pollution and wind conditions for transport and deposition, PACs may volatilize from the soil surface and be re-released into the air. That way, soils become secondary sources of these air pollutants.</p><p>By determining air and soil contamination as well as the exchange between air and soil in rural grassland and in a remote forest, the scientists identified a number of substances being potentially re-emitted.</p><p><i>“Such re-emissions might add significantly to the concentrations of PACs in ambient air far from source areas," </i>emphasizes the importance of these findings <strong>Gerhard Lammel</strong> from the RECETOX center.</p><p>For the first time, they also quantified the soil’s re-emission flux (mass of PACs volatilised per time and area) in a boreal forest in Finland. When extrapolating this flux to the country scale, they found it comparable to the primary emissions from industry, household heating, and motor vehicle traffic in Finland. The results of the study, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, suggest that such secondary emissions in countries receiving air pollution from neighboring states might even exceed the domestic primary emissions.</p><p><i>"Our results suggest that emission inventories at least in the less populated countries of Europe should account for this additional type of sources. We need more measurements to help identify sensitivities towards certain soil conditions driving these re-emissions to ultimately arrive at more accurate emission inventories across landscapes,”</i> adds Lammel.</p><p>Furthermore, the research highlights the 'grasshopper effect’, meaning that the potential of re-emission enhances the widespread distribution and environmental lifetimes of substances hazardous for human health and ecosystems.</p><blockquote><p><i><strong>The research was supported by the Czech Science Foundation</strong> (25-17534S); <strong>Research Infrastructure ACTRIS-CZ </strong>(No. LM2023030) and <strong>RECETOX</strong> (No. LM2023069) <strong>financed by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, and the OP RDE </strong>(the CETOCOEN EXCELLENCE project No. CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/17_043/0009632).</i></p></blockquote><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/RECETOX_MUNI_Studie_odhalila_necekane_velky_prinos_pudy_ke_znecisteni_ovzdusi_0c2b62ee68.jpg" alt="RECETOX-MUNI: Study reveals an unexpectedly large contribution to air pollution from soils" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_RECETOX_MUNI_Studie_odhalila_necekane_velky_prinos_pudy_ke_znecisteni_ovzdusi_0c2b62ee68.jpg 146w," sizes="100vw" width="738" height="790"></p><blockquote><h4><strong>The original article</strong></h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304389426022636?via%3Dihub#sec0005"><strong>Polycyclic aromatic compounds in air – importance of re-volatilisation from soils</strong></a></h4><p>Gerhard Lammel, Dominika Bezdeková, Jakub Martiník, Karsten Baumann, Rostislav Červenka, Petr Kukučka, Ondřej Letocha, Ludovic Mayer, Petra Přibylová, Roman Prokeš, Üllar Rannick, Risto Taipale</p><p><i><strong>J. Hazard. Mater.</strong></i>, 2026, <strong>516</strong>, 143283&nbsp;</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143283"><span>https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.143283</span></a></p><h6>licenced under<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/"> <strong>CC-BY 4.0</strong></a></h6></blockquote><h4><strong>Abstract</strong></h4><p>Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their nitrated and oxygenated derivatives (NPAHs, OPAHs) are semivolatile air pollutants which may re-volatilise following atmospheric deposition to soil. Here, we determined polycyclic aromatic compounds’ (PACs) concentrations in air, topsoil and air equilibrated with soil at a rural grassland site and a boreal forest site. The samples were analysed by GC-MS/MS and the flux was studied by fugacity calculations and a micrometeorological flux-gradient method. In soil at the boreal site, OPAH and NPAH contributed much higher fractions to PAC contamination of air and soil than at the rural site, reflecting the conversion of primary PACs during transport from sources. The same number of PACs in soil have reached equilibrium concentration with air, despite one site being in a polluted and PAC source region and the other in a much less polluted and PAC receptor region. The direction of air-soil exchange was found insensitive to the modest day-night temperature variation at both sites. Upward diffusive flux was observed for one PAH, triphenylene, at the rural grassland site, and for three 3-ring PAHs and naphthaldehyde at the boreal forest site. There, emission fluxes were quantified and ranged 0.5–12 ng m<sup>−2</sup> h<sup>−1</sup>. The results indicate that low molecular weight PAH secondary emissions in a receptor region may be of same order of magnitude as domestic primary emissions.</p>

Study reveals an unexpectedly large contribution to air pollution from soils

ISC 2026 - Day 5

<p><strong>Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezGCMS Library in the week of 14th September 2026? Check out new documents from the field of the gas phase, especially GC and GC/MS techniques!</strong></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:20px;">👉 </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT GCMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES</strong></span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques?</strong> Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezLCMS</strong></a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezICPMS</strong></a> libraries.</p></blockquote><p>This week we bring you application note by <strong>Agilent Technologies, </strong>poster<strong> </strong>by <strong>Shimadzu / AOAC </strong>and brochure by<strong> Thermo Fisher Scientific!</strong></p><h3><strong>1. Agilent Technologies: Analysis of Ethylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol in Oral Syrup Containing Glycerin</strong></h3><p><strong>Using the Agilent 8890 GC system coupled with the Agilent 5977C GC/MSD</strong></p><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/pdf/an_glycol_analysis_gc_ms_5994_9411en_agilent_e9dfb856ce.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>This study demonstrates the use of an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/gcms/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8890"><strong>Agilent 8890 GC system</strong></a> coupled with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/gcms/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=5977C"><strong>Agilent 5977C single quadrupole GC/MSD</strong></a> to detect and quantify ethylene glycol (EG) and diethylene glycol (DEG) in oral syrups containing glycerin per United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) recommendations.1 Samples were extracted using methanol, filtered through nylon filters, then followed by GC/MS analysis. Instrument Limit of Quantification (iLOQ) of 0.1&nbsp;ppm was achieved using internal standard calibration. A solvent-based calibration range was established from 0.1 to 4&nbsp;ppm.</p><h4><strong>Experimental</strong></h4><h5><strong>GC parameters</strong></h5><ul><li><strong>Inlet Temperature: </strong>240&nbsp;°C&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Analytical Column: </strong>DB-WAX GC column, 30&nbsp;m × 0.25&nbsp;mm, 0.50&nbsp;µm&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Injection Volume:</strong> 1&nbsp;µL&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Column Flow: </strong>Helium; 1.0&nbsp;mL/min, constant flow&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Injection Mode: </strong>Split (20:1)&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Oven Program:</strong> Start at 130&nbsp;°C (hold for 4&nbsp;min), ramp at 17&nbsp;°C/min to 195&nbsp;°C (hold for 4&nbsp;min), then at 35&nbsp;°C/min to 240&nbsp;°C (hold for 4&nbsp;min).&nbsp;</li><li><strong>MS Transfer Line Temperature: </strong>240&nbsp;°C&nbsp;</li></ul><h5><strong>MS Parameters&nbsp;</strong></h5><ul><li><strong>SIM Ions:</strong> 31, 33, 43, 75, 113&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Ion Source Temperature: </strong>230&nbsp;°C&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Quadrupole Temperature (Q1 and Q2):</strong> 150&nbsp;°C</li></ul><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>A sensitive and robust method was optimized for analysis of EG and DEG in oral syrups containing glycerin. The method uses an internal standard calibration using 2,2,2-trichloroethanol. Instrument LOQ was established at 0.1&nbsp;ppm level for both EG and DEG. This method meets the requirements per US FDA recommendations for EG and DEG testing.1 Therefore, this study demonstrates the usefulness of the developed method for routine analysis of oral syrup samples for EG and DEG analysis using GC/MS.</p><h3><strong>2. Shimadzu / AOAC: Investigation of Varietal Classification Method for Coffee Beans Using Aroma Compounds</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/pdf/aoac_2026_17_e6687812af.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Common coffee bean species are broadly classified into two types: Coffea arabica (Arabica) and Coffea canephora (Robusta). Among them, Arabica is superior in flavor and is highly favored as a specialty beverage. However, in recent years, there have been multiple reports of products sold claiming to be 100% Arabica while being adulterated with Robusta1) . A reported method for discriminating between the two is the analysis of lipophilic extracts of coffee beans using a benchtop NMR spectrometer1) . This method uses 16- O-Methylcafestol, which is present in Robusta but almost undetectable in Arabica, as a marker. However, it requires complicated pretreatment such as extraction and concentration. Therefore, in this Application News, we investigated a method to discriminate between Arabica and Robusta more easily and rapidly using GC-MS/MS and the statistical analysis software eMSTAT Solution.</p><h4><strong>Methods</strong></h4><h5><strong>Analytical Methods&nbsp;</strong></h5><p>Volatile compounds were concentrated and introduced into the GC-MS using the HS-SPME method and then analyzed under the conditions registered in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/gcms/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=Smart+Aroma+Database"><strong>GCMS(/MS) Smart Aroma Database</strong> </a>(Table 2). The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/gcms/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=GCMS-TQTM8040+NX"><strong>GCMS-TQTM8040 NX</strong></a> and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/gcms/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=AOC-6000"><strong>AOC-6000 multifunctional autosampler</strong></a><strong> </strong>system were used as the analytical instruments (Fig. 1). To verify whether rapid analysis is possible, a temperature ramp of 10˚C/min was adopted, and a low-polarity column was used to obtain stable retention times for each compound. Data acquisition was performed in Scan mode or MRM mode, and each sample was analyzed three times.</p><h4><strong>Conclusions&nbsp;</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Clear Group Separation:</strong> Statistical analysis (PCA and cluster analysis) of data acquired in highly sensitive MRM mode clearly separated the two coffee bean types into distinct groups.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Successful Discrimination:</strong> Our investigation suggested that the discrimination of Arabica and Robusta coffee beans based on aroma compounds is possible using the GCMS-TQ8040 NX, the Smart Aroma Database, and eMSTAT Solution.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Intuitive and Comprehensive Workflow:</strong> Using eMSTAT Solution, statistical analysis and the creation of discrimination models can be easily performed without advanced expertise. Additionally, this method provides a comprehensive workflow that allows for the qualitative identification of key compounds contributing significantly to the discrimination</li></ul><h3><strong>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: On-site gas analysis for ABO Thermo Scientific Antaris FTIR Aviator’s Breathing Oxygen (ABO) Gas Analysis System</strong></h3><ul><li>Brochure</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/pdf/on_site_gas_analysis_for_abo_br1828_en_4c3b71b244.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>The <strong>Thermo Scientific™ Antaris™ FTIR Aviator’s Breathing Oxygen (ABO) Gas Analysis System</strong> is a rugged, portable system that enables rapid validation of the compressed oxygen used by pilots and crew during flight operations. Use of sophisticated FTIR spectroscopic analysis enables detection of common contaminants that may be present due to the manufacturing process— contaminants such as methane, acetylene, and CFC/HCFC can be readily spotted and identified. The instrument’s sturdy design and FTIR spectroscopy’s ability to quantify multiple compounds in a single analysis make the Antaris ABO Analyzer a robust, readily deployable solution for validating the quality of aviator breathing oxygen.</p><h4><strong>Antaris FTIR Aviator’s Breathing Oxygen (ABO) Analyzer at a glance:</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Components measured:</strong> Up to 25 components can be measured simultaneously, including freons, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Sample type:</strong> Gas&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Dimensions:</strong> 51 in. (H) x 30.25 in. (W) x 41.5 in. (D)&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Weight:</strong> 240 kg&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Optional accessories:</strong> Purge gas generator, uninterruptible power supply, oxygen analyzer&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Voltage: </strong>120/240V</li></ul></div></div></div></div></div></div></section>

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 38, 2026

Article

Events

Application

Environment

Poster

RECETOX (Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment) is an independent department of the Faculty of Science of Masaryk University in Brno, which has been established in 1983. RECETOX is focused on the research and education in cross-cutting area of Environment and Health. It addresses interactions among chemicals, environment, and biological systems, including consequences at local, regional, and global levels.

RECETOX - Centrum pro výzkum toxických látek v prostředí

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The International Symposium on Chromatography (ISC) represents the oldest conference series focussing on separation science. ISC symposia have been organised since 1956 in each even year. ISC is internationally recognised as one of the premier meeting series for discussion of all modes of chromatography and separation science with a broad coverage of techniques and applications.

International Symposium on Chromatography - (ISC)

Watrex Helium Saver – intelligent helium savings for GC/MS

Helium Saver™ by Watrex Praha cuts helium use in GC/MS. It auto-switches to nitrogen when idle, prevents manual errors, and lowers costs without sacrificing analytical quality.

<p><strong>An automated device that significantly reduces helium consumption in gas chromatography. It switches between helium and nitrogen according to the set schedule, eliminates errors from manual switching, and lowers operating costs – without compromising measurement quality. Easy configuration via USB, universally compatible with any GC/MS system.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Helium Saver™ by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_produkty"><strong>Watrex Praha</strong></a> is an innovative device designed for gas chromatography (GC) and GC/MS systems, providing an efficient answer to the rising costs of helium. Helium is indispensable for GC/MS thanks to its inertness and separation properties, but it is scarce, expensive, and its price continues to increase.&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>How does Helium Saver™ work?&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The device automatically switches between helium and nitrogen according to a user-defined schedule:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>during measurements, helium is used,&nbsp;</li><li>outside of working hours (e.g., overnight), the system runs on nitrogen,&nbsp;</li><li>before the start of the working day, the chromatograph is automatically flushed with helium, ensuring it is ready for analysis.&nbsp;</li></ul><p>This process eliminates the need for manual switching, reduces human error, and significantly lowers helium consumption.&nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Key Benefits&nbsp;</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Helium and cost savings&nbsp;</strong>– consumption of helium reduced by tens of percent.</li><li><strong>No compromise in measurement quality&nbsp;</strong>– analyses are always performed under optimal conditions.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Easy USB configuration&nbsp;</strong>– the device connects as a flash drive, settings can be edited in any text editor, no special software required.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Universal compatibility&nbsp;</strong>– easily integrates with any GC/MS system.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Automatic and manual modes&nbsp;</strong>– flexible operation depending on laboratory needs.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Multi-instrument support&nbsp;</strong>– can be configured for multiple gas chromatographs simultaneously.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4><strong>Why choose Helium Saver™?&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Helium Saver™ is the ideal choice for laboratories aiming to cut operating costs, increase efficiency, and contribute to more sustainable use of helium – a limited natural resource. The device combines user-friendly operation with intelligent automation, offering a modern solution for everyday laboratory practice.</p>

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Study reveals an unexpectedly large contribution to air pollution from soils

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 38, 2026

ISC 2026 - Day 5