Ensuring water quality and safety through analytical testing is crucial for public health and environmental protection. Comprehensive testing involves analysing regulated pollutants, including pesticides, semi-volatile organic compounds, metals, and disinfection byproducts. It also extends to emerging contaminants such as PFAS, microplastics, hormones, and various unknown chemicals.

As environmental challenges continue to evolve, detecting and identifying emerging contaminants in water has become a critical task for researchers. Advanced analytical technologies, such as high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), play a pivotal role in this effort. These sophisticated instruments not only enhance the detection capabilities but also contribute to a deeper understanding of the toxicological impacts of unknown chemicals.

The role of advanced analytical technologies

High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS)

HRMS provides unparalleled precision and accuracy in measuring the mass of chemical compounds. It allows for the detection of a wide range of contaminants, even those present at trace levels. This technology is particularly beneficial for non-targeted analysis, where the goal is to identify unknown compounds in water samples. By delivering high-resolution data, HRMS enables researchers to pinpoint the exact mass of contaminants, facilitating their identification and characterisation.

Watch our webinar on Using Liquid Chromatography with QTOF High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry to Identify Emerging Contaminants in Urban Waters >

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

GC-MS is a powerful tool for separating and analysing volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds. It combines the separation capabilities of gas chromatography with the detection prowess of mass spectrometry. This technology is essential for identifying contaminants that may not be detectable through other means. GC-MS excels in providing detailed information about the chemical composition of water samples, making it indispensable for comprehensive water quality assessments.

Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

LC-MS/MS is renowned for its sensitivity and specificity in detecting and quantifying contaminants. This technology is particularly effective for analysing non-volatile and polar compounds that are challenging to detect with GC-MS. LC-MS/MS allows researchers to conduct multi-residue analysis, detecting multiple contaminants simultaneously. Its high throughput and precision make it a cornerstone in environmental monitoring and toxicological studies.

New threats emerging

Microplastics are tiny synthetic particles or polymeric matrices derived from plastic, ranging from 1 µm to 5 mm in size and insoluble in water. According to an article published by Agilent, current research believes that microplastics will also degrade into smaller particles on a nanoscale, called ‘nanoplastics’. Despite increasing analysis, their environmental risk remains unclear. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for more scientific research to better understand the potential toxicity of microplastics.

Download the infographic poster on Accurate Microplastics Analysis >

A recently published study* stated, “The prevalence of micro and nanoplastics (MNPs) in various environmental and human compartments has highlighted the need for analytical methods to accurately detect and quantify these contaminants. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), one of the thermo-analytical methods, is evolving as an analytical technique to quantify MNPs in complex matrices.”

This study evaluated the impact of using diverse polystyrene (PS) standards with different molecular weights, polydispersity indexes, tacticity, end-capping, and chain branching, on quantifying the mass concentration of PS in various products. The results for the PS-based products showed inconsistencies across different standards, indicating that the measurements for a single product varied substantially when different polystyrene (PS) standards were applied.

The team behind the study made use of Agilent technologies for their research and found there is a need for refined calibration strategies and standardised reference materials to improve the reliability of the MNP analysis method.

From this example, it’s clear that advanced analytical technologies are not only about detection but also about understanding the broader implications of contaminants, like microplastics. By accurately identifying and understanding newer chemicals and contaminants, researchers can assess their toxicological impacts on human health and the environment. This knowledge is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies and regulatory policies.

Watch our webinar on Microplastics Analysis Just Got Easier: Analysis Direct On-Filter >

Continuous improvement of water analysis

Chemetrix is at the forefront of providing state-of-the-art analytical instruments that empower researchers in their quest to safeguard water quality. By offering cutting-edge technologies such as HRMS, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS, Chemetrix supports comprehensive environmental research. The instruments are designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern laboratories, ensuring reliable and accurate results.

A prime example of the application of these technologies is non-targeted analysis in water. This approach involves screening water samples for a wide array of contaminants without prior knowledge of their presence. By employing HRMS, GC-MS, and LC-MS/MS, researchers can detect and identify unknown compounds, providing a holistic view of water quality. This method is essential for uncovering emerging contaminants that may not be included in routine monitoring programs.

To preserve our planet’s resources for future generations, the scientific community has to be the trailblazers of today that’ll help find the solutions to protect our tomorrow. There is an incredible amount of passion and dedication among the researchers and scientists who are fighting the good fight against emerging water contaminants and providing valuable insights that everyone can use to make better choices. They can’t do this work without great analytical instruments.

These instruments enhance detection capabilities, provide valuable insights into toxicological impacts, and support informed decision-making. Chemetrix’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions underscores its vital role in environmental research. As we continue to face new environmental challenges, the adoption of these advanced technologies will be crucial in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water resources.

*Quantitation of polystyrene by pyrolysis-GC-MS: The impact of polymer standards on micro and nano plastic analysis by M. Brits, B. van Poelgeest, W. Nijenhuis, M.J.M. van Velzen, F.M. B´een, G.J.M. Gruter, S.H. Brandsma, M.H. Lamoree

]]> https://chemetrix.co.za/unveiling-the-hidden-threats-researching-emerging-contaminants-in-water/feed/ 0 https://chemetrix.co.za/the-benefits-of-following-the-carbon-in-your-process-water/ https://chemetrix.co.za/the-benefits-of-following-the-carbon-in-your-process-water/#respond Tue, 03 Sep 2024 13:00:27 +0000 https://chemetrix.co.za/?p=6576 Continue reading "The Benefits of Following the Carbon in your Process Water"]]> It’s well known that around 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water. It’s our most precious natural resource and great efforts have been made globally to protect the finite supply of water for the planet’s inhabitants. Growing population, climate change, and industrial contamination are some of the issues that cause water stress and impact water quality. This is why analytical testing to ensure water quality and safety is essential for health and the ecosystem.

There’s no denying that sustainability is a big topic for water management and resource conservation. As industries continue to prioritise eco-friendly practices, carbon monitoring will play a crucial role in achieving these goals, demonstrating a commitment to both innovation and environmental responsibility. But what does it mean to follow the carbon, and how does it benefit your operations?

What it means to follow the carbon

Following the carbon throughout your processes allows you to monitor processes or quality and pinpoint issues as they come about. Starting from the source water to the water that is used in the plant as utility and process water, and ultimately wastewater that is purified and discharged back into the environment, carbon monitoring can track the changing levels as the water moves throughout the facility and monitor levels if something goes awry. By monitoring carbon levels at each stage, facilities can gain valuable insights into their processes and quality control, enabling them to pinpoint issues as they arise and take timely corrective actions.

Download the eBook on the Power of Organics Monitoring >

Some of the benefits of following the carbon include:

Process optimisation – Facilities can improve the efficiency of the treatment process, reduce chemical use, and lower energy consumption.

Quality control – Continuous carbon monitoring helps maintain consistent water quality, which is critical for processes that require precise conditions, such as pharmaceutical production and food processing.

Regulatory compliance – Accurate carbon tracking provides the necessary data for regulatory reporting, demonstrating a facility’s commitment to environmental stewardship and compliance.

Let’s talk about TOC

Total Organic Carbon is a common measurement to gauge the amount of carbon-based compounds in water. TOC analysis aims to help corporations and municipalities reduce and optimise water use, comply with permit and regulatory requirements, and demonstrate safety and quality standards while maintaining asset reliability.

It provides reliable data and is written in many regulatory guidelines around the world and across various industries.

TOC and conductivity analysis aids in detecting chemical impurities in pharmaceutical-grade water systems and process equipment. Using TOC to understand the comprehensive cleanliness of water and equipment allows manufacturers to consistently deliver safe, high-quality drug products. Many TOC technologies work by oxidising organic molecules using UV or chemical oxidation and measuring the resulting CO2.

Watch our webinar on TOC and Conductivity Analysis: Back to Basics >

Water soluble compounds can be analysed using TOC analysis with little to no method variation. Compounds that do not readily solubilise in water can still be detected using small adjustments such as: agitation, pH, or temperature. With Sievers TOC Analyzers, consumables, and expertise from Veolia, you can be confident your method development will go smoothly.

The Veolia TOC-R3 Online Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Total Nitrogen (TN) Analyzer is designed to solve critical industrial and environmental water challenges. From source water contamination and condensate leaks to wastewater optimisation and discharge, the TOC-R3 is a peace of mind analytical tool that provides responsiveness and repeatability.

Following the carbon in process water is an essential practice for modern industrial facilities. By systematically monitoring carbon levels, companies can protect their assets, optimise processes, maintain high-quality standards, and ensure regulatory compliance. This not only contributes to operational efficiency and cost savings but also supports environmental sustainability. As industries continue to prioritise eco-friendly practices, carbon monitoring will play a crucial role in achieving these goals, demonstrating a commitment to both innovation and environmental responsibility.

Microplastics in the environment are becoming a greater concern as scientists begin to understand their penetration into our ecosystems and food chains. Typically, techniques such as vibrational spectroscopy have been used to chemically identify microplastics. However, this approach is often complex and slow.

What you will learn

The Agilent Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) chemical imaging system introduces an automated approach to imaging and spectral analysis. Its Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) technology—coupled with rapidly scanning optics—provides fast, high-quality images and spectral data. Using the 8700 LDIR, experts and non-experts alike can:

• Analyse samples in minutes, not hours.
• Determine the chemical identity, size, and shape of microplastics in their samples.
• Obtain useful statistical data to advance their microplastics research.
• Take rapid, detailed images of large sample areas with intuitive Agilent Clarity software.

Register now >

Plastic is one of the most enduring materials created by humans. Unfortunately, it can take hundreds of years to degrade, and even then, it often becomes microplastics – tiny particles that can be ingested by marine animals. These microplastics enter the food chain, leading to disastrous consequences for our planet and its inhabitants.

Improving plastic waste management globally is critical and individuals and organisations can play a part in reducing plastic pollution and regenerating oceans. Researchers are exploring biodegradable plastics and alternative materials to reduce plastic’s impact and there are many alternative solutions available to reduce single-use plastics.

What labs are doing to reduce plastic pollution

Labs can be influential advocates and encourage industry-wide shifts toward more sustainable practices. Of course, labs are key players in the research of plastic pollution, analyzing to help organisations develop a better understanding of the scope of plastic waste worldwide and use those insights to create innovative solutions, especially for marine environments.

But there’s also no denying that labs consume vast amounts of single-use plastic items, including pipette tips, tubes, gloves, and reagent bottles. These plastics are essential for maintaining sterile conditions and avoiding contamination, but their disposal contributes significantly to plastic waste. Lab instruments are also made up of plastic parts and do most of us know the process for disposing of those instruments at the end of their life?

What’s exciting to see is the scientific community strongly advocating for change and implementing practices that already have a significant impact such as:

• Reviewing the materials used in common consumables and opting for products with minimal plastic content or those made from recyclable materials.
• Incorporating re-using along with recycling and engaging with suppliers to support re-useable product options and recycling programs
• Designing experiments and workflows with circular economy principles in mind.
• Setting targets for reducing plastic waste.

An example of plastic sustainable solutions

With a focus on forming a biotech company to tackle plastic pollution, ULUU was started in 2020 by Dr Julia Reisser and Michael Kingsbury. They are trying to solve the growing issue of plastic pollution by prototyping alternative materials to market.

“Unlike synthetic plastics, our materials are not produced using petrochemicals derived from fossil fuels. Instead, they are made from sustainable feedstocks with much more sustainable production processes. And, in the end, our products are compostable and marine-biodegradable, so they don’t pose a lasting impact on the environment,” described Dr. Luke Richards, lead scientist at ULUU.

The mission at ULUU is to replace plastics with materials that are good for the world. They’re producing a versatile natural polymer called polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), using seaweed as a sustainable resource for that process. The result is a material that is biodegradable and won’t accumulate in oceans and landfills or linger as microplastics in biological systems.

Discover the Challenges in Microplastics Analysis in our webinar >

In terms of climate change, using seaweed as a feedstock, ULUU captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converts it into PHA. Their process also doesn’t rely on conventional land-based farming, which can take land away from natural ecosystems. Additionally, farming seaweed has some positive impacts on oceans. Research indicates that seaweed helps clean up environmental pollutants and reverses acidification and eutrophication.

ULUU uses bioreactors ranging from 1 to 50 L to make their products. They also use specialised equipment to investigate injection moulding and turn their PHA product into solid objects for prototyping. The entire production process from seaweed input to the finished PHA powder is monitored by their QC lab, in which most assays use chromatography instruments. These instruments include two Agilent 1260 Infinity II liquid chromatographs (LCs) and one Agilent 8890 gas chromatograph (GC), with detection by an Agilent InfinityLab LC/MSD iQ, an Agilent 1260 Infinity II refractive index detector (RID), and an Agilent 5977B GC/MSD.

Sustainability is the way of the future for all laboratories and investing in the right solutions now can turn the tide for the future. Chemetrix is the partner labs that need to reach its sustainability goals and implement solutions that will reduce its environmental impact and plastic waste now and in years to come.

In our Microplastics Symposium, hear from industry experts and peers working within the field of Microplastics.

With a mixture of live talks across various topic areas and product demonstrations, this event is a great opportunity to uncover more about microplastics analysis in the lab. We will also have our experts available to chat live on the day, allowing you to further increase your knowledge and skills on this topical issue.

What topic areas can you expect to see on the day?

• Microplastics Analysis with the 8700 LDIR with a focus on the marine environment;
• Quantification of Microplastics with GC/MSD;
• Current activities in the world of standardization;
• Microplastics Analysis with the GC/Q-TOF;
• And more.

Agenda

Register Here >

Resources

PFAS Analysis in the Environment: Agilent solutions to improve productivity & robustness

Presentation

Reduce PFAS Background with the Agilent PFC-Free* HPLC Conversion Kit Link:

Technical Overview

Resources

Tetra- Through Octa-Chlorinated Dioxins and Furans Analysis in Water by Isotope Dilution GC/MS/MS

Application Note

Automated Online SPE-UHPLC/MS/MS Analysis of Emerging Pollutants in Water

Application Note

Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Hormones in Water by Direct Injection

Application Note

Researchers are now working towards standardized analytical solutions to best characterize
these small particles in terms of chemical identity, size, shape, and total mass.

Resources

Using the Agilent 8700 Laser Direct Infrared Imaging system for fast and automated analysis of microplastics in environmental samples

Brochure

Resources

The Fastest and Smartest Way to Analyze Water Samples by ICP-OES

Application Brief

Measuring Cadmium in Water Title: Trace Metals in Water & Waste Samples

Application Brief

Using an Agilent 7850 or 7900 ICP-MS

Selection Guide

Resources

Measurement of Underivatized Glyphosate and Other Polar Pesticides in Surface and Drinking Water

Application Note

Analysis of Drinking Water with the Agilent 8860 GC and 7697A Headspace Sampler

Application Note

Analysis of Parathion-Ethyl in Water with 85 μm Polyacrylate SPME Fibers

Application Note