Environmental Testing & Analysis Solutions

Comprehensive Environmental Monitoring

These application notes highlight how advanced GC-MS techniques tackle the growing challenge of detecting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across a range of real-world, complex samples. Due to the diverse nature of PFAS, sensitive, high-resolution separations and complementary data processing tools are required to confidently identify trace-level analytes and uncover previously uncharacterized species. Each app note demonstrates how LECO’s high-resolution GC- and GCxGC-TOFMS platforms enable both targeted detection of known PFAS and non-targeted discovery of previously unknown compounds.

Determination of PFAS in Environmental Waters Using DHS-GCxGC-TOFMS

Determination of PFAS in Environmental Waters Using DHS-GCxGC-TOFMS

This research demonstrates a solvent-free method for extracting volatile and semi-volatile PFAS from water using Dynamic Headspace (DHS) and Thermal Desorption. By utilizing GCxGC-TOFMS, the method provides the superior resolution and sensitivity required to identify over 15,000 PFAS variants in complex matrices.

Enhanced PFAS Workflow with High Performance GC-TOFMS

Enhanced PFAS Workflow with High Performance GC-TOFMS

High-performance GC-TOFMS enables rapid screening of known and unknown PFAS in complex environmental samples, supporting regulatory monitoring.

PFAS and Environmental Pollutants in Household Dust

PFAS and Environmental Pollutants in Household Dust

The goal of this work was to develop a methodology for the untargeted analysis of a dust standard reference material (NIST 2585) as well as dust samples collected from household and office settings for both legacy and emerging pollutants. The method uses two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRTOFMS), is comprehensive, and covers…

Tracking Trace-Level Contaminants

This series of application notes shows how labs can utilize advanced GC-TOFMS to uncover and measure harmful contaminants in challenging environmental samples—from water and sediments to household dust and wildfire ash. Using techniques such as GCxGC-TOFMS and high-resolution (HR) TOFMS, each study demonstrates how improved separation, sensitivity, and data processing power make it easier to detect trace-level pollutants, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and disinfection byproducts.

Analysis of Polychlorinated Paraffins using GCxGC-HRTOFMS

Analysis of Polychlorinated Paraffins using GCxGC-HRTOFMS

Household dust is a key indicator of human exposure to persistent organic pollutants such as polychlorinated paraffins (PCPs). This application note presents an improved GCxGC-HRTOFMS approach with ECNI that enhances sensitivity, selectivity, and quantification of SCCPs and MCCPs while minimizing interferences from complex dust matrices.

Determination of OCPs and PCBs in Sediments

Determination of OCPs and PCBs in Sediments

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pose significant environmental risks due to their toxicity and tendency to bioaccumulate. Monitoring these compounds at ultra-trace levels in sediment is challenging because of the high complexity of the matrix. By combining solid-phase extraction (SPE) with the enhanced separation power of comprehensive…

Tracing Disinfectants in Treated Water Impacted by Wildfires

Tracing Disinfectants in Treated Water Impacted by Wildfires

Chlorine treatment of water can form harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs), especially when wildfire ash is present. GC-TOFMS with deconvolution enables accurate identification of targeted DBPs and other potential contaminants in ash-impacted water.

Identifying Disinfection Byproducts in Treated Water

Identifying Disinfection Byproducts in Treated Water

This application note demonstrates the use of LECO’s Pegasus GC-HRT for non-target analysis of swimming pool and hot tub water. Known and unknown disinfection byproducts are identified using high-resolution deconvolution, accurate mass EI and CI data, and advanced ChromaTOF tools to support comprehensive chemical characterization of complex water matrices.

Rapid, Reliable, and Consistent Analysis for Wastewater

Read our white paper that demonstrates how thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) can simplify and improve the measurement of total solids (TS) and total volatile solids (TVS) in wastewater and sewage sludge. See how automated LECO TGA systems enable fast, reliable analysis of large sample volumes while reducing manual handling and improving precision at VERITAS S.p.A, one of Italy’s largest water treatment providers. By combining automation with standardized methods and ISO-accredited workflows, the lab can generate accurate, real-time data to better manage sludge processes and treatment performance.

Improving Wastewater Sludge Analysis with LECO TGA

Improving Wastewater Sludge Analysis with LECO TGA

One of the most important ways to keep our environment clean and preserve nature for future generations is through water treatment. For this process to be successful, laboratory-based quality control is crucial. This paper describes an example of total solids (TS) and total volatile solids (TVS) determination at an important water treatment facility in Italy.

TOC: Precision, Accuracy, and Reliability Matter

Total organic carbon (TOC) is a key indicator of soil quality, performance, and environmental impact. This application note showcases how LECO’s automated carbon analyzer, the C832, enables accurate measurement of TOC in agricultural soils. It addresses the challenge of separating organic carbon from inorganic carbon, demonstrating workflows for acid digestion and combustion-based methods.

Acid Digestion Determination of Total Organic Carbon in Rock Samples

Acid Digestion Determination of Total Organic Carbon in Rock Samples

The LECO C832 measures total organic carbon in soil, rock, and shale using macro combustion, supporting hydrocarbon exploration, agriculture, and quality control.