Agilent Manuals

This document introduces an updated and expanded mass spectral library for analysis of pesticides and endocrine disruptors. The library contains 926 pesticides, endocrine disruptors, and related compounds, 359 more than the original library. All compounds have locked retention times that can be accurately reproduced using an Agilent GC/MS system with the ChemStation's Retention Time Locking software. The document also explains the use of Agilent's Screener software and Deconvolution Reporting Software for compound identification and screening.

This application describes how to use automated online trace enrichment (SPE) cartridges and a rapid switching valve in a Rapid Resolution LC (RRLC) system for rapid analysis of chlorinated phenoxy acid herbicides. Using small 3.5- and 1.8-µm ZORBAX RRHT columns and an automated online SPE cartridge in place of the loading pump specified in the EPA method dramatically reduces the total analysis time and virtually eliminates the potential for sample cross-contamination.

The increased availability of sub-2-micron (STM) columns and increased demand for methods friendly to mass spectrometers has led to a strong trend toward conversion of existing HPLC methods to smaller diameter and smaller particle size columns. While the conversion is a simple mathematical exercise requiring the scaling flow rates, gradient times, and injection volumes, many users observe less than perfect results. Here we look closely at the problem and propose calculations that improve the speed and/or resolution in a more predictable and beneficial way.

This paper introduces a rapid LC/MS method for determining hydroxymethylfurfural in foods. The method has high sensitivity, selectivity, and a low detection limit

A sensitive and selective analytical method for the determination of 44 pesticide residues in several foodstuffs using the Agilent G6410AA Triple Quadrupole Mass Spec- trometer (QQQ) was developed. This method use two dif- ferent sample preparation methods followed by LC/MS/MS (liquid chromatography/tandem mass spec- trometry). The limits of detection for all pesticides were less than 10 ng/mL in foodstuff. The sensitivity of QQQ easily met the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of all investigated pesticides in Japan Food Hygiene Law.

This study used Agilent G6410AA triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (QQQ) to detect 100 pesticides residues in vegetables and fruits

This application note describes a complete method to rapidly and precisely determine residue levels of malachite green and leucomalachite green in fish with the new Agilent 6410 LC/MS triple quadrupole system. Using positive mode electrospray ionization (ESI+) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), qualification and quantification were accomplished without the traditional tedious PbO2 oxidation process. The LC/MS/MS method’s LOQ is 0.01 µg/Kg, which easily meets the import requirement of 2 µg/Kg set by Japan and the EU.

The analytical method uses LC/MS/MS to detect 4 banned nitrofuran antibiotics metabolites, furazolidone, furaltadone, nitrofurantoin and nitrofurazone in fish, and the method is highly sensitive, down to 0.01 ppb (10 ppt). The method meets all the confirmation criteria set by the European Union for analytical method performance. The method is suitable for the analysis of fish and other aquaculture samples.

An improved analytical method that offers rapid, accurate determination and identification of 22 amino acids in a variety of matrixes is reported. The amino acids were extracted from the matrixes using acidified water. Simul- taneous determination of 22 underivatized amino acids was carried out by liquid chromatography–mass spec- trometry (LC/MS). A narrow-bore column allowed rapid screening and quantitative analysis by LC/atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) MS in positive ion mode.

This article illustrates how time-of-flight mass spectrometry can be used in the safety evaluation of new and existing can coatings used in the food industry. The accurate mass provides information for the parent compound and fragment ions greatly increase the confidence in the identification process.

This document describes a method for detecting chloramphenicol in honey, shrimp, and chicken using the Agilent G6410AA Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (QQQ). The sensitivity obtained exceeds the minimum required performance level (MRPL) established by the European Union regulation for food monitoring programs. Using a deuterated internal standard and one simple sample solid phase extraction (SPE) procedure can provide a limit of detection at 10 ppt in sample matrix. The analytical performance of the method was evaluated for three different matrixes and the results show little or no matrix effects. Linearity of response over 2 orders of magnitude was demonstrated (r > 0.99). In addition, good reproducibility of the two required product ion ratios was obtained to meet the EU identification points needed for confirmation. This study is a valuable indicator of the ability of the QQQ for routine quantitative trace analysis of chloramphenicol in honey, shrimp, and chicken.

This article describes the use of RTL and a three-way splitter to identify unknowns in strawberry extract.

This document describes a method for improving productivity and extending column life using backflush application. The method includes using a 3-way splitter to divide the column outlet into two branches, each of which is connected to a GC detector, as well as an MSD. This configuration provides full-scan data for library searching, SIM data for quantitation, and element selective detector data for excellent selectivity and sensitivity from complex matrices.

A Deans switch, employing Agilent's Capillary Flow Technology, was configured on an Agilent 7890A gas chromatograph (GC) equipped with dual electron capture detectors (ECDs). A method was developed for the analysis of fish oil for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination. The Deans switch was used to heart cut 7 indicator PCBs (IUPAC congeners 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, and 180) from the primary DB-XLB column onto a DB-200 column for further separation. Fish oil from a supplement capsule was simply diluted 1:10 in isooctane and injected directly. In a separate experiment, the fish oil was analyzed by GC with a flame ionization detector (GC/FID) without backflushing. From these analyses, it was estimated that about two-thirds of the fish oil components would remain on the column after the 17.4-minute GC/ECD run. To prevent carryover, contamination, and retention time shifts, the Deans switch was used to backflush the primary column at the end of each run. Evidence shows that backflushing removed the fish oil residue, which otherwise would quickly degrade the chromatography.

This paper describes a new methodology for amino acid analysis using recently developed columns with an engineered particle size of 1.8 µm. These patented particles are specifically designed to create less backpressure than other sub-two-micron particles on the market; therefore, they can be used on 400 bar HPLC systems as well as higher pressure limit instruments.