Application Notes: General

High-resolution ICP-OES for the interference-free and accurate analysis of elemental parameters, which are relevant to composition and quality of biodiesel, after dilution in an organic solvent.

Often used to analyze solution-phase samples, UV-Visible absorption methods are remarkably effective for measuring solid-state samples too. UV-Visible analysis of solid samples can provide valuable information about the quality and effectiveness of manufactured materials and also reveal important characteristics during early stages of materials‘ development.

The Agilent Advanced Dilution System 2 (ADS 2) is a new two-syringe autodilution system for Agilent ICP-MS instruments that can automatically dilute stock standards and samples up to 400 times. Agilent has developed the ADS 2 to improve the efficiency and cost-per-sample of elemental analyses by automating calibration, sample dilution, and the reanalysis of out-of-range samples.

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a versatile multi-elemental analysis technique that is widely used across various sectors due to its high sensitivity and selectivity. Many environmental, food, pharmaceutical, and material testing laboratories that rely on high-throughput methods have benefited from the robustness, reliability, and high performance of Agilent ICP-MS instruments. As laboratories look to further reduce inefficiencies in their workflows and lower demands on staff, there is a shift towards automating manual tasks to improve overall productivity.

To manage the large sample loads that are typical of many environmental testing laboratories, ICP-OES users need instruments that deliver fast sample-to-sample analysis times, while generating consistently high-quality results. Agilent has developed the Advanced Dilution System (ADS 2) for Agilent ICP-OES (and ICP-MS) instruments. The ADS 2 is an intelligent autodilution system, which includes an Advanced Valve System (AVS). The system improves the productivity of ICP-OES workflows by automating many manual tasks throughout the analytical sequence.

This study aimed to assess the levels of phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) in various popular bottled waters compared to tap water. Additionally, it investigated whether exposure to high temperatures, akin to those in a car during summer, would elevate these levels. Using GC/MS analysis, samples were examined. Results showed that phthalates and BPA were either absent or well below safety thresholds in all bottled and tap water samples. Moreover, heating did not significantly affect phthalate concentrations, and BPA was undetectable in all samples.

The science and art of gardening and agriculture is part passion, part luck and a lot of chemistry. In this podcast, we will take a look at the science of soil and how chemistry can affect the growth and health of plants. We will also take a look at sources of potential contamination in gardens and how those contaminants can be tested and remediated. Hosted by Patricia Atkins, Manager, Global Product at Spex®.

Bottled water has evolved from a trendy luxury to a global consumer staple, with significant growth projected by 2012. In the U.S., consumption has soared, with safety concerns and substitution driving its popularity. Developing nations also rely on bottled water for safety. This study aims to address debated issues surrounding BPA and phthalate exposure in consumer water sources: 1. Are BPA and phthalates present in bottled water? 2. Does exposure to high temperatures increase leaching of BPA or phthalates? 3. Are levels in municipal or filtered water significantly different from bottled water?