Application Notes: General

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?

This survey shows how Raman imaging can characterize food samples to help understand the products and production processes.

Single cell ICP-MS (scICP-MS) is increasingly seen as a powerful and fast tool for the measurement of elements in individual cells, mainly due to the high sensitivity and selectivity of ICP-MS. Analysis is performed in the same way as single nanoparticle (spICP-MS) analysis, which has become a well-established technique for the analysis of nanoparticles and particles.

Watch this video featuring Darren Robey and Dr. Wesam Alwan from Agilent Technologies to gain insights into the future trends shaping microplastics research and the challenges of their characterization. Discover the essential components necessary for accurate microplastics analysis and learn how the Agilent 8700 LDIR system addresses these challenges. Offering rapid and precise analysis capabilities, along with easy sample preparation methods that minimize contamination, the Agilent 8700 LDIR system is at the forefront of advancing microplastics research.

Comprehensive guide containing best practices, proven strategies, and solutions for the entire trace elemental analysis workflow, starting with an introduction to environmental analysis, getting started with ICP-MS, and then workflow topics: sample and standard preparations, instrument calibration strategies, pre-analysis inspections, instrument optimization, data analysis and troubleshooting, and general maintenance. The guide emphasizes the importance of streamlining workflow to obtain accurate, reliable results. It’s an all-encompassing practical resource guide that also include links to pages online for the recommended laboratory apparatus, reagents, and standard solutions for convenience of the reader. The eBook has a related resource section with a curated list of relevant education resources such as app notes, technical notes, product brochures, and links to our environmental learning center pages.

This application note describes the analytical workflow developed for the analysis of water samples over an extended period using the latest innovations in ICP-MS instrumentation. The innovations specifically highlighted in this app note are the next generation Argon Gas Dilution accessory, which simplifies the analysis of high matrix samples allowing direct analysis without prior manual diution; the HAWK consumables and maintenance assistant within the Qtegra ISDS software; the new Easy-click compact (ECC) peristaltic pump; and the new Thermo Scientific autosampler, the iSC-65 autosampler.

This application note details the analysis of various brine solutions, containing up to 25% w/w dissolved salt, using robust ICP-MS instrumentation operated with the next generation Argon Gas Dilution (AGD) accessory. These high matrix samples were analyzed directly, without manual dilution, eliminating error prone and time- consuming preparation and handling steps. The developed method was rigorously tested for performance and reliability demonstrated through excellent quality control, matrix spike and internal standard recoveries for an analysis of 120 samples of 2.5% w/w brine solution.

This application note discusses a total workflow for the analysis of water and wastewater samples using the latest innovations in ICP-MS instrumentation which offers a comprehensive solution for effective and trouble-free analysis of samples containing high dissolved solids. The complete method quality control protocol was included in this study to ensure accuracy, precision, and reproducibility of an extended analysis consisting of 600 samples.

Watch this 20-minute educational video by Andreas Kerstan, Agilent Product Specialist in molecular spectroscopy, to gain a comprehensive update on the microplastics landscape and the environmental concerns related to them. Discover the current challenges in microplastics characterization and how Agilent innovative solutions and techniques, including FTIR, LDIR, GC/MS, and ICP-MS, are addressing these issues head-on.

Single Reaction Chamber (SRC) technology is used to process challenging pharmaceutical samples quickly and simultaneously in accordance with USP <232>/<233>.

BLADE was used to digest various cosmetics products in preparation for analysis of As, Cd, Cr, Co, Pb, Hg, and Ni. Analysis was performed by ICP-OES.

The capability of the VeeMAX III with ATR to maximize sensitivity by using the accessory’s variable angle feature and a low RI ATR material, ZnS, is investigated.

The automated Agilent 8700 LDIR chemical imaging system lets you obtain high-quality images and spectral data faster than ever before. So, you can perform confident large-scale microplastics studies and monitoring activities.

It is estimated that more than 75% of the 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic produced over the last 65 years have turned into waste. Up to 13 million metric tons of this waste ends up in the ocean every year and recent calculations estimate that more than 5.25 trillion plastic particles float in the world’s oceans. Scientists have demonstrated the alarming environmental ubiquity and persistence of particulate plastic in aquatic ecosystems. Models predict that approximately 14% of the plastic debris in the ocean surface layer can be classified as so-called microplastics (often referred to as particles between 1 µm and 5 mm in size). These ingestible and potentially harmful particles have been formed by UV-induced, mechanical, or biological degradation of larger debris items. To verify the estimates and to meet upcoming regulatory measures (e.g., California Senate Bill 1422) and directives (MSFD, 2008/56/EC), accurate, time-efficient, and robust analytical workflows and techniques are required.

Plastic pollution has become a high-priority area of study in recent years due to the increasing prevalence of plastics in the environment. Currently, researchers have a limited understanding of the impact of plastic pollution on human health, how it affects wildlife and their habitats, and its long-term effects on the environment. An important step in overcoming this pressing global environmental issue is the advancement of research relating to the identification of plastic waste and microplastic particles.

During the invention, development, and early production phases of synthetic plastics, only small quantities were produced, and dealing with waste-plastic was relatively controllable. Over the last few decades, however, plastic production has been growing faster than the production of any other materials. Nowadays, an estimated 400 million tons of plastic waste is produced every year, and a large portion of this waste ends up in the natural environment.

See how Raman microscopy in combination with SEM, AFM, topographic imaging and other methods can characterize chemical and structural properties of geoscience samples.

In the years since Agilent released the first triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-QQQ), the company’s instruments have been used for several novel applications. Case studies at Ghent University and an interview with Source Certain help demonstrate the full potential of this technology.

This comprehensive peer-reviewed set of more than 600 definitions covers topics of interest for the biopharmaceutical and gene therapy subjects of genetics, therapeutics, drug development, clinical medicine, and the analytical science tools used for characterization of drugs. This glossary serves as a helpful reference to both novice and advanced scientists, engineers, and business executives involved with biopharmaceuticals and gene therapy technologies. Online sources of information for topics covered in this guide are also included for additional insights.

Source Certain use both Agilent ICP-MS (single and triple quadrupole versions) and Agilent ICP-OES instruments. Source Certain have six Agilent atomic spectroscopy instruments in their new state-of-the-art lab. Their new 8900 ICP-QQQ is allowing them to see things they have never seen before in the samples, with some detection limits at parts-per-quadrillion levels.

Source has been using Agilent equipment since 2010, so selecting another Agilent instrument was an easy choice. They currently have three Agilent ICP-OES instruments from three different generations, the 700 series, a 5110, and the most recent a 5900, all with autosamplers.

The efficient, rapid sample preparation and analysis of dietary supplements for elemental impurities is demonstrated using the BLADE, a sequential digestion system.