Combining elemental analysis and molecular techniques to characterize Ancient Egyptian mummification balms

Microplastics have emerged as one of the most widely discussed environmental contaminants of our time. Regardless of where we live, daily exposure to microplastics has become virtually unavoidable—these tiny plastic particles are present in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the environments we inhabit. As researchers work to better understand the sources, transport pathways, and impacts of microplastics, the demand for reliable microplastic analysis methods continues to grow.While techniques such as FTIR and Raman spectroscopy have become standard tools for identifying microplastics, their utility is limited for smaller particles (i.e. nanoplastics) and in complex matrices. More advanced microplastic analysis methods can provide a deeper understanding of what these particles contain and how they may change over time in the environment.<div><h3>The Limits of Spectroscopic Microplastic Analysis Methods</h3>Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy are widely used microplastic analysis methods because they can identify polymer types by measuring how electromagnetic radiation interacts with a material. These techniques are valuable for determining whether a particle is polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or another common plastic. For many studies, this information is sufficient to confirm the presence of microplastics, especially in clean samples with sufficient microplastic density.However, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.leco.com/application/environmental/">environmental samples</a> are rarely clean and compositionally simple. Microplastic particles can become weathered and obscured by other materials in the environment, making their accurate identification with spectroscopy difficult. Additionally, if researchers want to understand what additives, degradation products, or pollutants are associated with the plastic, particle identification alone is not enough. Thus, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy methods alone struggle to thoroughly characterize these complex chemical components, particularly in challenging environmental matrices. As questions surrounding microplastic exposure become increasingly important, researchers require analytical techniques capable of examining the chemistry of a sample in greater detail, not simply confirming the presence of the physical particle itself.</div><div><h3>Thermal Desorption and Pyrolysis GCxGC-TOFMS For Deeper Microplastic Analysis</h3>Thermal Desorption (TD) and Pyrolysis (Py) coupled with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.leco.com/core-analysis/gc-and-gc-ms/">GCxGC-TOFMS</a>) offer a powerful alternative for investigating nano- and microplastics in complex samples. These techniques provide complementary information about sample composition.&nbsp;Thermal desorption releases volatile and adsorbed compounds, including environmental contaminants, degradation products, and VOCs associated with microplastic particles. This can reveal important information about chemicals present within or on the plastic.Pyrolysis thermally deconstructs the polymeric material, breaking it into GC-amenable characteristic degradation compounds. These compounds act as chemical markers that can be used to identify the various polymers present. When analyzing complex or heavily weathered microplastics that may be difficult to characterize using traditional spectroscopic techniques, pyrolysis is particularly advantageous.The most significant benefit comes from pairing these techniques with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography. Environmental samples often contain hundreds or even thousands of compounds that coelute in 1D GC-MS, making it difficult or impossible to identify each compound. GCxGC provides significantly greater separation capability, helping analysts distinguish important polymer markers from background matrix components. This enhanced separation improves the mass spectrometer’s ability to identify characteristic polymer pyrolysis products, even in highly complex environmental samples. As a result, researchers can detect and identify challenging microplastics without the extensive purification steps often required by other analytical workflows.Another unique advantage of this approach is that thermal desorption and pyrolysis can be used in series on the same sample. Together, they create a more complete chemical profile of the sample.</div><div><h3>A Powerful Microplastics Analysis Workflow for Deeper Insight into the Effects on Our Environment</h3>FTIR and Raman spectroscopy remain valuable tools for rapid screening and flagging samples containing microplastic particles. However, by combining thermal desorption, pyrolysis, and GCxGC-TOFMS, analysts can obtain a much more comprehensive view of plastics in their samples and their environmental implications. As environmental research continues to advance and concerns surrounding microplastic contamination grow, researchers will increasingly require information that extends beyond answering the question,&nbsp;“What plastic is present?”&nbsp;&nbsp;Ultimately, this deeper level of characterization can provide new insights into the environmental fate of microplastics and help scientists better understand their potential impacts on ecosystems and human exposure.</div>

Surpassing the Limits of Traditional Microplastic Analysis Methods with Thermal Desorption and Pyrolysis GCxGC-TOFMS

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 39, 2026

Article

Application

Environment

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Poster

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

In 1936, the Laboratory Equipment Company introduced the first rapid carbon determinator for the American iron and steel industry.  Today, almost 80 years later, LECO is recognized globally as a leader in the development of high-quality analytical instrumentation, mass spectrometers, comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography, metallography & optical equipment as well as consumables.

LECO

Separation Science

Agilent Technologies

Technology Networks

SelectScience

Shimadzu Corporation

Whether it be eating healthier or exercising more, we all set goals for the New Year. But are you also resolving to get better resolution this year with your GC columns?
Are you experiencing peak co-elution or would you simply like to obtain more resolution between your peaks?
Join us as we discuss methods and strategies for getting better resolution as your New Year&#39;s resolution.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Alex Ucci (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
In his current position at Agilent, Alex provides application assistance and technical support for sample preparation products as well as GC and LC consumables. Before he joined Agilent in 2014, Alex was a graduate student at the Pennsylvania State University researching the morphology and surface properties of aerosol particles using a wide variety of analytical techniques. He has an MS degree in chemistry.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Get Better Resolution for your New Year’s Resolution: GC Separation Troubleshooting

Get Better Resolution for your New Year’s Resolution: GC Separation Troubleshooting

Join us as we discuss methods and strategies for getting better resolution as your New Year's resolution.

Get Better Resolution: GC Separation Troubleshooting

Agilent Vaya Raman spectrometer is a true see-through-barrier instrument with great adaptivity and sensitivity. The Agilent Vaya Raman system tests more raw materials for the same cost and reduces the need for sampling. Vaya offers best-in-class ID testing through transparent containers, and transformative handheld testing through nontransparent containers—for the fastest possible release to manufacturing.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Yanqia Wang, PhD (Application Engineer, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Yanqia Wang started working for Agilent Technologies Inc. as a FTIR application Engineer in 2013, providing pre-&amp;post-sale application support. The products he covers from Bench-top FTIR microscopes to various Mobile FTIR spectrometers. Dr. Wang received his PhD of analytical chemistry from Duke University in 2004, doing dynamic IR spectroscopy research. Then he joined Fitzpatrick Center for Photonics at Duke University, doing Tissue Raman spectrometer instrumentation. Since 2007, Dr. Wang worked for Avery Dennison Corp. as a spectroscopist, providing molecular analytical support to the research &amp; development.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Through Barrier Verification using a Handheld Spectrometer with SORS

Through Barrier Verification using a Handheld Spectrometer with SORS

Agilent Vaya Raman spectrometer is a true see-through-barrier instrument with great adaptivity and sensitivity. 

Through Barrier Verification by SORS Handheld Spectrometer

As the production and use of solar panels increases worldwide, there is an urgent need to find more effective and efficient photovoltaic materials testing techniques.
During this webinar, we will investigate how FTIR and UV spectroscopy can be used in a number of materials testing areas including material degradation, surface cleanliness, material identification and coating/adhesive thickness and quality analysis. We will also show how parameters relating to these applications can be measured effectively.
Attend this webinar to:
<ul>
<li>Gain an overview of the 4300 handheld FTIR system</li>
<li>Learn how to analyze photovoltaic material degradation and surface contamination</li>
<li>Understand the importance of material identification and coating/adhesive thickness testing</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Donald Inglis (Product Specialist Handheld/Portable FTIR and Raman Systems, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>

Technology Networks: How To Test Photovoltaic Cells Using FTIR and UV Spectroscopy Techniques

How To Test Photovoltaic Cells Using FTIR and UV Spectroscopy Techniques

We will investigate how FTIR and UV spectroscopy can be used in a number of materials testing areas.

Test Photovoltaic Cells Using FTIR and UV Spectroscopy

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is the only major pharmacopeia with a general chapter dedicated to analytical instrument qualification (USP &lt;1058&gt;). This makes &lt;1058&gt; a globally significant regulatory reference. However, despite the significant changes with the 2017 edition of &lt;1058&gt;, 68% of laboratories have not updated their qualification procedures. Additionally, the USP has already started the process to initiate updates to &lt;1058&gt;, when many laboratories may not fully comply with the current edition!
This raises many questions about the role of the current &lt;1058&gt; general chapter and how it aligns with the recently issued 2nd Edition of GAMP® 5.
By attending this webinar you will learn about:
<ul>
<li>How USP &lt;1058&gt; aligns with GAMP® 5</li>
<li>Core elements of the &lt;1058&gt; instrument life-cycle framework</li>
<li>Areas of &lt;1058&gt; the USP are exploring improvements in</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Paul Smith (Global Laboratory Compliance Marketing Specialist (USP &lt;1058&gt;), Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Paul has a passion for laboratory compliance and started his career as an Infrared Spectroscopist, performing his first FT-IR software validation in 1992, 30 years ago. In his current Agilent role, Paul is an active member of GAMP, a member of the UK GAMP Community of Practice (CoP) steering committee and has contributed to GAMP® Good Practice Guides. He helps laboratories understand their laboratory instrument qualification requirements and writes publications and white papers about this.
</blockquote>

Pixabay/Rigby40: Evolution of USP<1058> updates and insights in regulations

Evolution of USP<1058> updates and insights in regulations

The role of the current <1058> general chapter and how it aligns with the recently issued 2nd Edition of GAMP® 5.

The presence of microplastics in the environment, drinking water, and food chains is gaining significant public interest. To study their presence, rapid and reliable characterization of microplastic particles is essential. Significant technical hurdles in microplastics analysis stem from the sheer number of particles to be analyzed in each sample. Total particle counts of several thousand are not uncommon in environmental samples, while well treated bottled drinking water may contain relatively few.
While visual microscopy has been used extensively, it is prone to operator error and bias and is limited to particles larger than 300 µm. As a result, vibrational spectroscopic techniques such as Raman and FTIR microscopy have become more popular, however they are time-consuming. There is a demand for rapid and highly automated techniques to measure particle count, size, and provide high-quality polymer identification. Analysis directly on the filter that often forms the last stage in sample preparation is highly desirable as, by removing a sample preparation step, it can both improve laboratory efficiency and decease opportunities for error. 
Recent advances in infrared micro-spectroscopy combining a Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) with scanning optics has created a new paradigm, laser direct infrared imaging (LDIR). It offers improved speed of analysis as well as high levels of automation. Its mode of operation however requires an infrared (IR) reflective background, and this has, to date, limited the ability to perform direct “on-filter” analysis. This study explores the potential to combine the filter with an infrared reflective surface filter.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Andreas Kerstan (SPSD Product Specialist, Agilent)
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Rapid, automated characterization of microplastics using laser direct infrared imaging and spectroscopy

Rapid, automated characterization of microplastics using laser direct infrared imaging and spectroscopy

Recent advances in infrared micro-spectroscopy combining a Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) with scanning optics has created a new paradigm, (LDIR).

Microplastics by using LDIR and spectroscopy

Can the TopScan 4300 FTIR test liquid? What is the detection limit of the 4300 FTIR? Is ambient light an issue for Vaya Raman spectrometer?
Lets discuss some of the most common questions about Agilent Handheld spectrometers.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Yanqia Wang, PhD (Application Engineer, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Yanqia Wang started working for Agilent Technologies Inc. as a FTIR application Engineer in 2013, providing pre-&amp;post-sale application support. The products he covers from Bench-top FTIR microscopes to various Mobile FTIR spectrometers. Dr. Wang received his PhD of analytical chemistry from Duke University in 2004, doing dynamic IR spectroscopy research. Then he joined Fitzpatrick Center for Photonics at Duke University, doing Tissue Raman spectrometer instrumentation. Since 2007, Dr. Wang worked for Avery Dennison Corp. as a spectroscopist, providing molecular analytical support to the research &amp; development.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Common Handheld FTIR and Raman Questions Answered

Common Handheld FTIR and Raman Questions Answered

Lets discuss some of the most common questions about Agilent Handheld spectrometers.

During this webinar, an expert panel will discuss the historical events that have resulted in the consolidation of the use of helium as the GC carrier gas of choice, and how those events may no longer apply to modern instrumentation. 
The panelists will discuss the benefits of migration to alternative carrier gases, including hydrogen and, more importantly, nitrogen, so that GC and GC-MS laboratories can eliminate their reliance on helium. Due to the cost of helium and increasing supply limitations, this topic is especially relevant, as some have estimated that helium may no longer be available for use in the chromatographic market within a relatively short space of time.
<h5>Key learning objectives</h5>
<ul>
<li>Learn about how the consolidation to helium as the GC carrier gas of choice has come about</li>
<li>Understand why helium reliance may cause a significant impact on the analytical testing market</li>
<li>Discover how GC-MS methodologies can be adapted to use nitrogen as a carrier gas, without sacrificing analytical performance</li>
<li>Understand why hydrogen may not be the best alternative to helium, in terms of GC carrier gas</li>
</ul>
<h5>Who should attend?</h5>
<ul>
<li>Laboratory analysts</li>
<li>Laboratory managers</li>
<li>Laboratory directors</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Frank Dorman (Dartmouth College and Waters Corp)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Frank Dorman is currently Senior Business Development Manager at Waters, focusing on their global environmental business, and, concurrently, a resident scholar in the Chemistry Department at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. In his role at Waters, Dorman manages the research-focused environmental market, external collaborations, and interfaces with R&amp;D for new product development. Prior to this, he was an associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) at Penn State University in University Park, PA. Dorman’s scientific interests are in gas and liquid chromatography and fundamental characterization, instrumentation and column development, and mass spectrometry and atomic spectroscopy applied to trace analysis in complex sample matrices.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jaap de Zeeuw (CreaVisions)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Located in The Netherlands, de Zeeuw has 42 years of experience in GC capillary technology, working for Chrompack, Varian and Restek. He has developed many PLOT columns and the first bonded WAX column. He has published more than 100 articles in the field of GC, related to column technology and applications. He is the originator for applying a new GC technique for fast GC-MS using a high vacuum inside the capillary column, for which several patents were granted. de Zeeuw retired from Restek in 2022 and started a new company called CreaVisions. CreaVisions offers GC-consultation and GC masterclasses, as well as a class for creative problem solutions, which helps participants to learn how to think outside the box to generate unique ideas.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Chris English (Restek Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Chris English has managed a team of chemists in Restek’s Innovations Laboratory since 2004. Before this, he spent seven years as an environmental applications chemist and was critical to the development of Restek’s current line of volatile GC columns. Prior to joining Restek, he operated a variety of gas chromatographic systems, conducting method development and sample analysis for a global laboratory testing network. Chris holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Saint Michael’s College, USA.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Georgina Wynne Hughes (Editorial Team)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Georgina studied at Birmingham University where she gained a BSc in Biomedical Science, and an MSc by Research in Cancer and Genomic Sciences, which focused on defective autophagy in rare neurodegenerative diseases. As a member of the Editorial team, she now plays an integral role in shaping the content on SelectScience.
</blockquote>

SelectScience: Using nitrogen as a GC-MS carrier gas: Opportunities to eliminate reliance on helium

Using nitrogen as a GC-MS carrier gas: Opportunities to eliminate reliance on helium

The benefits of migration to alternative carrier gases, including hydrogen and, more importantly, nitrogen.

Using nitrogen as a GC-MS carrier gas

High-throughput laboratories face constant pressure to analyze more samples, even as resources shrink, and analytical challenges grow. New developments in intelligence and performance raise the gold standard in GC/MS to handle the complexity and demands of routine testing.
Recent challenges due to helium shortage can put your lab in a risky situation.
Hydrogen has some attractive benefits, such as increased speed and lower-temperature separations, but has traditionally been viewed as having performance drawbacks.
In this webinar series, we will focus on new technology advancements and best practices in GC/MS that reduce downtime and enhance lab productivity and performance. We will also present the new Agilent HydroInert source, designed to help minimize sensitivity loss and spectral anomalies associated with hydrogen gas.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Anastasia A. Andrianova (GC/MS Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Anastasia Andrianova is a GC/MS Applications Scientist in the Mass Spectrometry Division of Agilent Technologies, located in Wilmington, Delaware. She received a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of North Dakota (Grand Forks) in 2017 and a combined masters’ and bachelor’s degree in analytical chemistry from the Moscow State University (Moscow, Russia) in 2014. Anastasia has been at Agilent Technologies since 2018. She has authored or co-authored over 30 journal articles and application notes, as well as 1 patent in the field of analytical chemistry, focusing on chromatography and mass spectrometry. Anastasia is currently working in GC/MS applications in multiple areas with a focus on food and environmental analysis.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Tackling Helium Shortages with New and Novel Solutions

Discover the Possibilities: New Application Notes for Analysis of Pesticides with new GC/MS/MS

Analysis of Pesticides with new GC/MS/MS

Introducing the new &quot;Ultra-Fast Bites&quot; series - where you can get ultra-fast insights about the latest trends and hottest topics in bite-sized content to stay at the forefront of science. Herein, we will present the hot topic of concern about the screening of Ethylene Glycol (EG) and Diethylene Glycol (DEG) in medicinal syrup.
In Indonesia and Gambia, deaths among children have been reported relating to such contamination. This has caught the attention of the World Health Organization (WHO), hence leading to the issuance of a global alert on this issue. In this talk, our senior application chemist, Dr Chia Chee Geng will examine how the Shimadzu GCMS-QP2020 NX is the optimal solution for accurate qualification and quantitation of EG and DEG in medicinal syrup within a single injection.
Learning Objectives
<ul>
<li>Discover the high scan-speed capabilities of GCMS-QP2020 NX for screening analysis</li>
<li>Learn about the Fast Automated Scan/SIM Type (FASST) mode which enables consecutive collection of scan and single ion monitoring (SIM) data</li>
<li>How to accurately identify and quantify both EG and DEG in medicinal syrup with a single injection</li>
<li>How Shimadzu&#39;s technologies produce data of superior reliability and reproducibility</li>
</ul>
 
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr Chia Chee Geng (Senior Product Specialist (GCMS), Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr Chia Chee Geng attained his Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) and Doctorate (Biochemistry) from the National University of Singapore (NUS). His wide exposure in the various fields of sciences enables him to communicate effectively with a larger group of scientists from different backgrounds. After graduating from NUS, he joined the industry as an Analytical Chemist, involved in projects that deal with small molecules traces analysis in the complex sample matrix, requiring hands-on experience in various kinds of mass spectrometry (Ion Trap, Q-Trap, timsTOF, Triple Quad). He is also experienced in optimizing and designing high throughput sample preparations process for LC and GC analysis via automation, in order to improve efficiency in routine workflow.Dr Chia Chee Geng loves learning the latest advancement in technology in the market, looking forward to sharing what he knows with the interested target audience.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Ultra-Fast Bites - Screening of Ethylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol in Medicinal Syrup

Ultra-Fast Bites - Screening of Ethylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol in Medicinal Syrup

How the Shimadzu GCMS-QP2020 NX is the optimal solution for accurate qualification and quantitation of EG and DEG in medicinal syrup within a single injection.

Ethylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol in Medicinal Syrup

Can the TopScan 4300 FTIR test liquid?  What is the detection limit of the 4300 FTIR? Is ambient light an issue for Vaya Raman spectrometer?

Common Handheld FTIR and Raman Questions Answered

Common Handheld FTIR and Raman Questions Answered

Ultra-Fast Bites - Screening of Ethylene Glycol and Diethylene Glycol in Medicinal Syrup

Using nitrogen as a GC-MS carrier gas: Opportunities to eliminate reliance on helium

Get Better Resolution for your New Year’s Resolution: GC Separation Troubleshooting

Discover the Possibilities: New Application Notes for Analysis of Pesticides with new GC/MS/MS

How To Test Photovoltaic Cells Using FTIR and UV Spectroscopy Techniques

Evolution of USP<1058> updates and insights in regulations

Through Barrier Verification using a Handheld Spectrometer with SORS

Rapid, automated characterization of microplastics using laser direct infrared imaging and spectroscopy

Related content

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 39, 2026

Surpassing the Limits of Traditional Microplastic Analysis Methods with Thermal Desorption and Pyrolysis GCxGC-TOFMS

Combining elemental analysis and molecular techniques to characterize Ancient Egyptian mummification balms