Considering uncertainty of measurement when assessing compliance or non-compliance with reference values given in compositional specifications and statutory limits: a proposal

Considering the uncertainty of measurement (UOM) is mandatory when assessing compliance with reference values given in compositional specifications and statutory limits, but the matter is still open to question. Working in the signal or concentration domains and considering false negative together with false positive errors are the main points of debate. Frequently, the available approaches look too simplified for being accurate or too complex (since more rigorously formulated from a theoretical point of view) for being largely acceptable. In the Authors opinion, assessing compliance with reference values given in compositional specifications and statutory limits is a problem similar to that of estimating the limit of detection. This allows proposing a simple operational approach based on well-known and accepted assumptions and approximations. This proposal, described in the light of the most recent literature information, is aimed to stimulate a critical discussion in view of evaluating possible corrections to the generally accepted approach.Papers published in this section do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Editors, the Editorial Board and the Publisher.     

Clarification of the limit of detection in chromatography

Summary Current problems with the limit of detection (LOD) concept in chromatography are reviewed. They include the confusion of the LOD with other separate, distinct concepts in trace analysis such as the minimum detectability (MD); the use of arbitrary, unjustified models for the calculation of the LOD; the use of concentration units instead of units of amount; and the failure to account for differences in chromatographic conditions when comparing LODS.Solutions to these LOD problems are discussed. Two models are proposed for calculating the chromatographic LOD. A new concept, the standardized chromatographic LOD, is introduced to account for differences in chromatographic bandwidths of experimentally measured LODs. The standardized chromatographic LOD is shown to be a more reliable parameter than the conventional (non-standardized) chromatographic LOD.This paper is published as a discussion mateiral. We welcome comments from our readers.     

A study of the relation between the limit of detection and the limit of quantitation in inductively coupled plasma spectrochemistry

The limit of quantitation based on a repeatability threshold concept is compared with the limit of detection in induction coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and induction coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A 5%-based limit of quantitation would normally correspond to 10 times the 3-σ based limit of detection. However, because of a possible lack of linearity of the calibration graph at low concentrations, some additional noise not taken into consideration and the possible use of time-correlated multichannel detection, this ratio of 10 cannot be used in every case. It is suggested that a suitable way of determining the limit of quantitation is to establish the plot of the percentage relative standard deviation (RSD) of the net signal as a function of the concentration in a range from the limit of detection to 50 times this limit.     

Tutorial on evaluation of type I and type II errors in chemical analyses: From the analytical detection to authentication of products and process control

Uncertainty is inherent in all experimental determinations. Nevertheless, these measurements are used to make decisions including the performance of the own measurement systems. The link between the decision and the true implicit system that generates the data (measurement system, production process, category of samples, etc.) is a representation of this uncertainty as a probability distribution. This representation leads to the probabilistic formalization of the possibility of making errors. In the context of regulations established by official agencies, it is important to use these statistical decision methods in some cases because the own norm makes them mandatory and, in general, because this is the way of reasonably evaluating whether a working hypothesis is rejected on the basis of the experimental data.The aim of the present tutorial is to introduce some ideas and basic methods for the critical analysis of experimental data. With this goal, the basic elements of the Neyman-Pearson theory of hypothesis testing are formally introduced in connection with the common problems in chemical analysis and, if this is the case, their relation to the norms of regulatory agencies. The notion of decision with ‘enough quality’ is modelled when explicitly considering: (1) the null, H₀, and alternative, H₁, hypotheses. (2) The significance level of the test, which is the probability, α, of rejecting H₀ when it is true, and the power of the test, 1 − β, β being the probability of accepting H₀ when it is false. (3) The difference between H₀ and H₁ that has to be detected with experimental data. (4) The needed sample size. These four concepts should be explicitly defined for each problem and, under the usual assumption of normal distribution of the data, the mathematical relations among these concepts are shown, which allow the analyst to design a decision rule with pre-set values of α and β.To illustrate the unifying character of this inferential methodology, several situations are exposed along the tutorial: the design of a hypothesis test to decide on the performance characteristics of analytical methods, the capability of detection of both quantitative and qualitative analytical methods (including its generalization to the case of multivariate and/or multiway signals), the analytical sensitivity with multivariate signals, the class-modelling and the process control.     

Tutorial on estimating the limit of detection using LC-MS analysis,part I: Theoretical review

A large body of literature exists on the limit of detection (LOD), but there is still a lot of confusion about this important validation parameter. This confusion mainly stems from its statistically complex background. The goal of this two-part tutorial is to discuss and clarify the topic of LOD for practitioners. The two main conclusions of this tutorial are: (1) the choice of how to estimate LOD should be based on the purpose of the analytical method that is being validated (e.g. considerable effort should not be made to estimate LOD for a method that is not used for detecting traces in the vicinity of LOD), and (2) LOD estimates are strongly dependent on different assumptions and the approach used, and therefore caution must be exercised when using the estimate or when comparing different estimates.     

Tutorial on estimating the limit of detection using LC-MS analysis,part II: Practical aspects

In part II of this tutorial, the investigated approaches of estimating the limit of detection (LOD) are applied to experimental data from LC-MS measurements. Important practical aspects specific to LC-MS and related to LOD are reviewed. The results of different tests of estimating linearity and scedasticity are compared. LOD estimates obtained with different approaches (for both simple characterization of the analysis method and accurate interpretation of the results) are applied to the data and the obtained values are compared. As a conclusion, a decision tree is proposed for estimating LOD for analytical methods using the LC-MS technique.     

Trace-level analysis of organic contaminants in drinking waters and groundwaters

We expect drinking water and groundwater samples to be contaminated very little, so they are subject to trace-level analysis. Due to the very low levels of contamination, this sort of analysis requires not only powerful analytical technologies to reach limits around the ng/L level, but also quality-control parameters (e.g., blank and spike samples) to monitor potential contamination or losses during sample treatment. Based on a literature review and laboratory experience, we discuss the problems linked to the difficulties of calculating limits of detection, distinguishing instrumental from methodological limits and preventing false-positive results in cases of sample contamination, or false-negative results in cases of compound losses. When possible, we suggest solutions to compensate for, or to prevent, these problems.     

Determination of carboxylic acids and phenols in water by extractive alkylation using pentafluorobenzylation,glass capillary GC and electron capture detection

A method is presented for the simultaneous determination of a wide range of carboxylic acids and phenols in water. Extractive alkylation is used with the tetrabutylammonium ion as counter ion and pentafluorobenzylbromide as alkylating agent. Extracts are analyzed by glass capillary gas chromatography and electron capture detection. Using one ml of water sample, the detection limit lies in the range of 1–10 μg/l. Application has been made to the analysis of steam condensate and domestic sewage effluent.     

Characterisation of polymers by size exclusion chromatography using multiple detection. Investigations on the determination of structural differences of hydroxyethyl starches

Summary An aqueous size exclusion chromatography system is outlined using dual detection by a multi-angel laser light scattering photometer (MALLS) and a concentration detector (RI). This system makes possible the determination of the molecular weight distribution of water soluble polymers in conjunction with the radius of gyration. The differences in the radii of gyration at the same molecular weights of two hydroxyethyl starches with different molecular structure are presented qualitatively. The determination of the Mark-Houwink relation for these polymers leads to a qualitatively similar result.     

GC/MS investigations of the constituents in a diethyl ether extract of an acidified roast coffee infusion

A roast coffee infusion (nicaragua arabica) was acidified (pH 1,5) with hydrochloric acid and extracted with diethyl ether in a perforator. After evaporation of the solvent the residue was treated with N-methyl-N-trimethylsilyl trifluoroacetamide and analyzed by glass capillary GC/MS. The main components were identified by their electron impact and isobutane chemical ionization mass spectra. 1,2,4-trihydroxy benzene, 1-ethyl-3, 4-dihydroxy benzene and 2,3-dihydroxy toluene were identified as new constituents of roast coffee with possible emetic properties.     

Streamlined sample cleanup using combined dispersive solid-phase extraction and in-vial filtration for analysis of pesticides and environmental pollutants in shrimp

A new method of sample preparation was developed and is reported for the first time. The approach combines in-vial filtration with dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) in a fast and convenient cleanup of QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) extracts. The method was applied to simultaneous analysis of 42 diverse pesticides and 17 environmental contaminants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and flame retardants, in shrimp as the sample matrix. Final extracts were analyzed by both low-pressure gas chromatography – triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (LPGC-MS/MS), and high-performance liquid chromatography – triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) to provide a wide scope of analysis for targeted analytes. During method development, several different commercial sorbents for d-SPE were investigated and compared with respect to analyte recoveries. The method was validated at 10, 50, and 100 ng g⁻¹ spiking levels (10-fold lower for PCBs), and the results for nearly all analytes were between 70 and 115% recoveries with ≤17% relative standard deviations. The method was shown to be simple, fast, and effective for multi-application analysis of chemical residues in the representative food and environmental marker matrix.     

Liquid chromatography with diode array detection and multivariate curve resolution for the selective and sensitive quantification of estrogens in natural waters

Following the green analytical chemistry principles, an efficient strategy involving second-order data provided by liquid chromatography (LC) with diode array detection (DAD) was applied for the simultaneous determination of estriol, 17β-estradiol, 17α-ethinylestradiol and estrone in natural water samples. After a simple pre-concentration step, LC–DAD matrix data were rapidly obtained (in less than 5 min) with a chromatographic system operating isocratically. Applying a second-order calibration algorithm based on multivariate curve resolution with alternating least-squares (MCR-ALS), successful resolution was achieved in the presence of sample constituents that strongly coelute with the analytes. The flexibility of this multivariate model allowed the quantification of the four estrogens in tap, mineral, underground and river water samples. Limits of detection in the range between 3 and 13 ng L⁻¹, and relative prediction errors from 2 to 11% were achieved.     

Sample cleanup-free determination of mycophenolic acid and its glucuronide in serum and plasma using the novel technology of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is an immunosuppressant drug which powerfully inhibits lymphocyte proliferation. Since the early 1990s it has been used to prevent rejection in organ transplantation. The requirement of therapeutic drug monitoring shown in previous studies raises the necessity of acquiring accurate and sensitive methods to measure MPA and its major metabolite mycophenolic acid glucuronide (MPAG).The authors developed a sample cleanup-free, rapid, and highly specific method for simultaneous measurement of MPA and MPAG in human plasma and serum using the novel technology of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. MPA- and MPAG-determinations were performed during a 2.0-min run time. Multiple calibration curves for the analysis of MPA and MPAG exhibited consistent linearity and reproducibility in the range of 0.05-100 (r > 0.999) mg L⁻¹ and 4-4000 mg L⁻¹ (r > 0.999), respectively. Limits of Detection were 0.014 mg L⁻¹ for MPA and 1.85 mg L⁻¹ for MPAG. Lower Limits of Quantification were 0.05 mg L⁻¹ for MPA and 2.30 mg L⁻¹ for MPAG. Interassay imprecision was <10% for both substances. Mean recovery was 103.6% (range 78.1-129.7%) for MPA and 111.1% (range 73.0-139.6%) for MPAG. Agreement was good for MPA and MPAG between the presented method and a validated HPLC-MS/MS method. The Passing-Bablok regression line for MPA and MPAG was HPLC-MS/MS = 1.14 UPLC-MS/MS—0.14 [mg L⁻¹], r = 0.96, and HPLC-MS/MS = 0.77 UPLC-MS/MS + 0.50 [mg L⁻¹], r = 0.97, respectively. This sample cleanup-free and robust LC-MS/MS assay facilitates the rapid, accurate and simultaneous determination of MPA and MPAG in human body fluids.     

Fast and simple method for the detection and quantification of 15 synthetic dyes in sauce,cotton candy,and pickle by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

A simple and sensitive liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous determination of 15 illegal dyes (Sudan I, Sudan II, Sudan III, Sudan IV, Sudan Red G, Sudan Orange G, Sudan Red 7B, Para Red, Dimethyl Yellow, Rahodamine B, Sudan Black B, Sudan Red B, Auramine O, Toluidine Red and Orange II) was developed and validated in sauce, cotton candy, and pickle. The samples were extracted with acetonitrile without the use of solid-phase extraction cartridges. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Zorbax Eclipse Plus C18 column with a flow rate of 500 µL/min at 45 °C, using a gradient elution with A (10 mM ammonium formate in water with 0.1% formic acid) and B (10 mM ammonium formate in acetonitrile (ACN) with 0.1% formic acid) as the mobile phase. The detection was performed on a AB Sciex 6500 Qtrap mass analyzer under multiple reaction monitoring mode. Limit of detection, quantification, linearity, and precision were determined during the validation process. Recoveries ranged from 82% to 119% for all synthetic dyes, in exception to Orange II in cotton candy and pickle, where signal was suppressed due to high matrix interference and poor ionization. This method offers a simple and rapid approach to detect and quantify prohibited dyes in foodstuff that can be utilized in food contaminant laboratories.     

Analytical chemistry of the persistent organic pollutants identified in the Stockholm Convention: A review

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are major environmental concern due to their persistence, long-range transportability, bio-accumulation and potentially adverse effects on living organisms. Analytical chemistry plays an essential role in the measurement of POPs and provides important information on their distribution and environmental transformations. Much effort has been devoted during the last two decades to the development of faster, safer, more reliable and more sensitive analytical techniques for these pollutants. Since the Stockholm Convention (SC) on POPs was adopted 12 years ago, analytical methods have been extensively developed. This review article introduces recent analytical techniques and applications for the determination of POPs in environmental and biota samples, and summarizes the extraction, separation and instrumental analyses of the halogenated POPs. Also, this review covers important aspects for the analyses of SC POPs (e.g. lipid determination and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC)), and finally discusses future trends for improving the POPs analyses and for potential new POPs.     

Review of validation and reporting of non-targeted fingerprinting approaches for food authentication

Food fingerprinting approaches are expected to become a very potent tool in authentication processes aiming at a comprehensive characterization of complex food matrices. By non-targeted spectrometric or spectroscopic chemical analysis with a subsequent (multivariate) statistical evaluation of acquired data, food matrices can be investigated in terms of their geographical origin, species variety or possible adulterations. Although many successful research projects have already demonstrated the feasibility of non-targeted fingerprinting approaches, their uptake and implementation into routine analysis and food surveillance is still limited. In many proof-of-principle studies, the prediction ability of only one data set was explored, measured within a limited period of time using one instrument within one laboratory. Thorough validation strategies that guarantee reliability of the respective data basis and that allow conclusion on the applicability of the respective approaches for its fit-for-purpose have not yet been proposed. Within this review, critical steps of the fingerprinting workflow were explored to develop a generic scheme for multivariate model validation. As a result, a proposed scheme for “good practice” shall guide users through validation and reporting of non-targeted fingerprinting results. Furthermore, food fingerprinting studies were selected by a systematic search approach and reviewed with regard to (a) transparency of data processing and (b) validity of study results. Subsequently, the studies were inspected for measures of statistical model validation, analytical method validation and quality assurance measures. In this context, issues and recommendations were found that might be considered as an actual starting point for developing validation standards of non-targeted metabolomics approaches for food authentication in the future. Hence, this review intends to contribute to the harmonization and standardization of food fingerprinting, both required as a prior condition for the authentication of food in routine analysis and official control.     

Controlling the diffusion of micro-volume Pb solution on hydrophobic polyurethane membrane for quantitative analysis using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)

This work reports a novel controlling mechanism of analyte diffusion in a micro volume solution (100 μL) into a hydrophobic membrane. This study was designed to facilitate the liquid–solid conversion using membrane for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) in quantitatively analyzing aqueous lead (Pb) pollutant. Herein, we used the same analyte (Pb) solution applied on one side of the membrane (back side) to enhance the diffusion of the analyte administered from the other side (front side). The membrane was confirmed hydrophobic with contact angles ranged from 104.6°±1.3° to 106.28°±1.7°, where its morphology had smooth surface and randomly distributed small pores. We found the limit of detection (LOD) to reach 184.2 mg/L derived from a calibration curve with Pb I (405.7 nm) line intensity as the dependent variable, where the root-mean-square-errors (RMSE) and correlation (R²) were 1.08 M and 0.999, respectively. In comparison, the membrane back side with distilled water achieved LOD as low as 134.53 mg/L obtained from the similar calibration curve (RMSE = 5.8 M; R² = 0.986). Further analysis using the LIBS spectra confirmed the role of the analyte ion on the back side of the membrane in enhancing the analyte diffusion.