In The Story of Our App Note, scientists share the ideas and challenges behind their latest application research. This edition highlights a new LC method developed to address updated German soil regulations. The workflow, built on the Agilent 1260 Infinity III LC and Poroshell 120 PFP column, separates 16 structurally similar explosives and automates calibration preparation to improve speed and reproducibility. Scroll down to read the interview with Manfred Maier, Pre-Sales Application Engineer, and Sonja Schipperges, Scientist Application Development at Agilent – and download the full technical note.
What prompted you to take on this application?
Manfred Maier: Customers asked for an instrument demo and brought the new regulation to my attention. There was already an application note from Agilent available, but it missed some components that needed to be analyzed according to the new regulation. Therefore, I thought an updated application note could be useful for all labs that are working in this field.
What were the trickiest parts of separating so many structurally similar explosives?
Sonja Schipperges: The most important aspect was the selection of the right stationary phase. The Agilent InfinityLab Poroshell 120 PFP column provides extra selectivity for positional isomers of nitro-substituted benzenes, which allows successful separation of the structurally similar explosives.
Were there any surprises while developing the workflow?
Schipperges: The importance of selecting the right buffer! In terms of separation of the explosives, the choice of mobile phase additive and pH value did not have a significant influence. One of the explosives, tetryl, however, shows decomposition in water and methanol solutions. Using the selected pH 3 potassium phosphate buffer avoids this issue.
What’s the biggest real-world advantage of this workflow for labs?
Schipperges: Firstly, having a method available that allows the analysis of the explosives and related compounds covered in the new regulation. This is important as not all of these compounds are included in established methods such as the respective EPA method. And secondly, the method’s injector workflows allow for the easy automation of the preparation of calibration solutions – which avoids manual liquid handling steps. This saves time and cost – since workforce is a significant cost factor. Furthermore, calibration results become independent of the pipetting skills of the operator. These aspects will be especially beneficial for contract analytics labs offering the analysis of explosives in soil.
Download the full technical note
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