Plastic samples can be very difficult to analyze as sample preparation is required to extract analytes or remove interfering matrices, and these sample preparation techniques can be labor intensive. In this application note, we demonstrate that a CIC system can be used for automated qualitative and quantitative analysis of halogens and sulfur in plastic samples. Four plastic samples were analyzed for their chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), and sulfur (S) content. Method accuracy was evaluated using a polymer certified reference material (ERM EC680k) for Cl,Br, and S.

We present an IC-MS/MS based method for high-throughput screening and quantitation of polar pesticide residues and their metabolites in water matrices below the current legislative requirements. Direct injection eliminates long and laborious sample preparation and makes the method more sensitive and faster than traditionally used LC-MS/MS methods, which utilize FMOC derivatization. This method can increase cost savings, provide more reliable results, and increase sample throughput.

To demonstrate that oxyhalides and bromide can be successfully determined at concentrations required for regulatory standards and guidelines using a Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ ion chromatography system equipped with a Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ IonPac™ AS23-4μm column,Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ CRD 300 Carbonate Removal Device, and a Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ AERS™ 500 Carbonate Anion Electrolytically Regenerated Suppressor.

EPA Method 608 uses liquid-liquid extraction by separatory funnel combined with gas chromatography and electron capture detector for the analysis of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in municipal and industrial waste water. Unlike the drinking water methods, however, analysis of waste waters and the streams they flow into, need to contend with particulates. The Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ AutoTrace™ 280 instrument has features that allow analysis of samples even with high amounts of suspended solids and is suitable for use in EPA Method 608.

The following compounds are listed by UNEP to be POPS: • Pesticides: Aldrin, Chlordane, DDT, Dieldrin, Endrin, Heptachlor, Mirex, and Toxaphene • Industrial chemicals: Hexachlorobenzene, and PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) • Chemical by-products (Dioxins): Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD and PCDF) This application note describes methods and results for extraction of the POPs listed above, with tables comparing ASE to traditional extraction methods.