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Biodiesel is a very important biofuel obtained from vegetable oil or animal fat by a chemical reaction known as transesterification. It consists mainly of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs). In biodiesel quality control, the limits and methodologies for each parameter are well established, and one of them is related to the total amount of FAMEs, which is measured by gas chromatography. However, the development of other analytical methods for such measurements can serve as alternative techniques. In this work, the use of a mass spectrometer with direct infusion into an electrospray ionization source (ESI-MS) is shown as a promising technique to quantify the FAMEs present in biodiesel. Due to the chemical difference and the behaviour of the methyl esters, the ionizations occur at different scales. Thus, to evaluate this behaviour, the concept of relative ionization efficiency (RIE) in the ESI source was used for quantification. Uncertainty estimations of intensity measurement by ESI-MS were also proposed. Four biodiesel samples (canola, coconut, crambe and soy) were synthesized, and their concentrations were determined by the reference methods, GC-MS and GC-FID, and by the proposed method, ESI-MS. Then the efficiency of the method was evaluated by comparing the methods with two approaches, one using the uncertainties and another considering a statistical analysis. In both situations, the methods could be considered as equivalent.

By Brazilian law, biodiesel has to satisfy certain quality requirements and measurements established by standardized procedures, as is the case for kinematic viscosity and density. In this respect, information on the profile of methyl esters in biodiesel is very important because they are directly related to both these parameters. The objective of this study was to determine the profile of methyl esters present in a biodiesel sample by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and evaluate its reliability in predicting their kinematic viscosity and density. Two multivariate statistical models were used for this purpose, the multiple multivariate linear regression (MMLR) and the partial least square regression (PLSR). The input variables used in the models were the relative intensities of the main methyl ester peaks, and the models were compared by their predictive behavior. Samples were randomly divided into two parts: 87% in the training or calibration set, used for the estimation of MMLR and PLSR models...

The demonstration of competency and equivalence for the assessment of levels of contaminants and nutrients in primary foodstuffs is a priority within the 10-year strategy for the CCQM Organic Analysis WG series of Track A core comparisons. The area of low polarity analytes in high fat foods had not been covered by the OAWG for many years since the key comparison CCQM-K21 p,p'-DDT in fish oil occurring in 2000. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is one of the markers for the occurrence of PAHs in foods, for which maximum residue limits are enforced in many countries. Edible oil and fats are the main source of human PAH intake. BaP may form in edible oils by pyrolytic processes, such as incomplete combustion of organic substances. Worldwide regulatory limits of BaP in edible fats and oils are from 2.0 μg/kg to 10 μg/kg. Comparable and traceable measurement results for BaP in oil are important worldwide. Thus BaP in edible oil was the model system selected to align within the OAWG strategy. 16 NMIs and DIs participated in CCQM-K146. Different methods such as liquid-liquid extraction, GPC and SPE were applied in the sample pre-treatment and HPLC-FLD, HPLC-MS/MS, and GC-MS or GC-MS/MS were applied for detection by the participants. Most participants either used their own CRMs, other NMI's CRMs or pure materials assessed in house to guarantee traceability to SI for the calibrants. One lab was excluded from the KCRV evaluation, as they did not meet the CIPM metrological traceability requirements for their calibrant. Regarding the data evaluation, five labs withdrew their results from the statistical evaluation of the KCRV for technical reasons. In line with the OAWG guidance document for KCRV estimator selection, the Hierarchical Bayes option was selected for the KCRV value, which was determined as 2.74 μg/kg with a standard uncertainty of 0.03 μg/kg. The remaining ten institutes that were included in the calculation of the consensus KCRV all agreed within their standard uncertainties. In general, the majority of CCQM-K146 participants performed very well. Therefore, this Track A Key Comparison directly illustrates the capabilities in determining mass fraction of organic compounds, with molecular mass of 100 g/mol to 500 g/mol, having low polarity pKow < -2, in mass fraction range from 0.1 μg/kg to 1000 μg/kg in a high fat, low protein, low carbohydrate food matrix. Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

The CCQM-K154.a and subsequent CCQM-K154.a.1 comparisons were coordinated by the the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) and the Chinese National Institute of Metrology (NIM) on behalf of the Organic Analysis Working Group (OAWG) of the Comité Consultatif pour la Quantité de Matière (CCQM) for National Measurement Institutes (NMIs) and Designated Institutes (DIs) which provide measurement services in organic analysis under the 'Comité International des Poids et Mesures' Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA) and/or have participated in the BIPM's Mycotoxin Metrology Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer (MMCBKT) project as part of its "Metrology for Safe Food and Feed in Developing Economies" Capacity Building Programme. Gravimetrically-prepared solutions having an assigned mass fraction of specified organic analytes are routinely used to calibrate measurement processes for the quantification of the same analytes in matrix samples. Appropriate assignments of the property value and associated uncertainty of calibration solutions thus underpin the traceability of routine analysis and are critical for accurate measurements. Evidence of successful participation in relevant international comparisons is needed to document calibration and measurement capability claims (CMCs) made by national metrology institutes and designated institutes. In total, eleven NMIs/DIs participated in the Track C, Model II, Key Comparison CCQM-K154.a and the Subsequent Comparison CCQM-K154.a.1 [Gravimetric preparation and value assignment of trans-zearalenone (trans-ZEN) in acetonitrile (ACN)] for emerging areas of global interest and innovation. Participants were requested to gravimetrically prepare calibration solutions and value assign the mass fractions, expressed in mg/kg, of trans-zearalenone (trans-ZEN) in the acetonitrile (ACN) solution. Study samples, with assigned values and associated uncertainties were prepared by the comparison participants and sent to the coordinating laboratory for comparison. The Key Comparison Reference Values (KCRVs), calculated form values measured by the coordinating laboratory based on calibrations obtained from independent gravimetrically prepared calibrant solutions, agreed with participants reported values, within their stated uncertainties. trans-ZEN was selected to be representative of non-polar Fusarium mycotoxins. It was anticipated to provide a challenge representative for the gravimetrical preparation and value assignment of calibration solutions in the mass fraction range of 10 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg of mycotoxins with broadly similar structural characteristics. Six participants of the MMCBKT programme were provided with a stock solution having a known trans-ZEN mass fraction and expanded uncertainty to use to gravimetrically prepare and value assign a calibration solution. Four NMIs/DIs also participated using their own calibration solutions. The use of in-house solutions required an additional capacity to undertake a fit-for-purpose purity assessment. NIM was the only NMI participating using both the MMCBKT based and their own in-house assigned solutions in order to connect the two different groups. It was decided to propose separate KCRVs for each of the two ampoules provided by the participating NMIs/DIs based on the trans-ZEN mass fraction. This allowed participants to demonstrate the efficacy of their implementation of the approaches used to gravimetrically prepare calibration solutions and to assess the trans-ZEN mass fraction. The majority of the trans-ZEN mass fraction KCRVs (wKCRV) for CCQM-K154.a and CCQM-K154.a.1 spanned a mass fraction range of 12.18 mg/kg to 15.29 mg/kg. Solely the solutions of NRC exhibited higher trans-ZEN mass fraction KCRVs of 66.68 mg/kg and 66.90 mg/kg. The relative expanded uncertainties U(wKCRV) ranged from 0.90 % to 4.54 %. Inspection of the degree of equivalence plots for the trans-ZEN mass fraction assignments in CCQM-K154.a indicated that there was an excellent agreement of results in general. The CCQM-K154.a.1 subsequent comparison was organized for INTI to repeat measurements with new ampoules. The trans-ZEN mass fraction assignments of INTI within CCQM K154.a.1 were in agreement with the KCRVs. Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Solutions of organic analytes of known mass fraction are typically used to calibrate the measurement processes used to determine these compounds in matrix samples. Appropriate value assignments and uncertainty calculations for calibration solutions are critical for accurate measurements. Evidence of successful participation in formal, relevant international comparisons is needed to document measurement capability claims (CMCs) made by national metrology institutes (NMIs) and designated institutes (DIs). To enable NMIs and DIs to update or establish their claims, in 2015 the Organic Analysis Working Group (OAWG) sponsored CCQM-K131 “Low-Polarity Analytes in a Multicomponent Organic Solution: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Acetonitrile”. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) result from combustion sources and are ubiquitous in environmental samples. The PAH congeners, benz[a]anthracene (BaA), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), and naphthalene (Nap) were selected as the target analytes for CCQM-K131. These targets span the volatility range of PAHs found in environmental samples and include potentially problematic chromatographic separations. Nineteen NMIs participated in CCQM-K131. The consensus summary mass fractions for the three PAHs are in the range of (5 to 25) μg/g with relative standard deviations of (2.5 to 3.5) %. Successful participation in CCQM-K131 demonstrates the following measurement capabilities in determining mass fraction of organic compounds of moderate to insignificant volatility, molar mass of 100 g/mol up to 500 g/mol, and polarity pKow < −2 in a multicomponent organic solution ranging in mass fraction from 100 ng/g to 100 μg/g: (1) value assignment of primary reference standards (if in-house purity assessment carried out), (2) value assignment of single and/or multi-component organic solutions, and (3) separation and quantification using gas chromatography or liquid chromatography. KEY WORDS FOR SEARCH benz[a]anthracene (BaA), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), gas chromatography(GC), isotope dilution (ID), liquid chromatography (LC), mass spectrometry (MS), naphthalene (Nap), organic calibration solution, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Within the Organic Analysis Working Group (OAWG) of the Comité Consultatif pour la Quantitè de Matiére (CCQM), key comparison CCQM-K141 and associated pilot study CCQM-P178 were coordinated by the National Research Council Canada (NRC). This comparison was a Track A key comparison that formed part of the OAWG 10-year strategic plan. The comparison demonstrated capabilities for measuring high-polarity analytes in a high-fat and high-protein matrix. The measurand chosen as the model system was enrofloxacin and sulfadiazine in bovine tissue. Thirteen National Metrology Institutes or Designated Institutes participated in the CCQM-K141, while two National Metrology Institutes participated in CCQM-P178. The bovine muscle tissue study material was derived from a single live animal that was administered with chemical based pharmaceutical agents prior to processing. Therefore, the study material was naturally incurred, providing a true test of extraction procedures relative to more commonly encountered spiked materials. NRC confirmed excellent homogeneity and stability of the material prior to shipping. Three 10 g bottles of freeze dried powdered muscle tissue were supplied. NRC also provided isotopically labelled solutions of the two measurands, 13C6-sulfadiazine and enrofloxacin-d5 (HI Salt), to those interested in using isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) methodologies. Procurement and purity assignment with appropriate metrological traceability of native calibrants were the responsibility of individual participants. The study required extraction, clean-up, analytical separation, and selective detection of the analytes. The level of agreement was reasonable given the measurands and matrix were new for most laboratories. The KCRV values and their uncertainties at the 95% confidence level of 57.81 ± 2.57 μg/kg for enrofloxacin and 2285 ± 68 μg/kg for sulfadiazine were calculated using the DSL means. While one participant's value was voluntarily excluded from the KCRV calculations for enrofloxacin, all other participants demonstrated equivalence for both measurands. Significant effort was undertaken post-study to identify the major sources of variability between results. In particular, the various extraction conditions used by participants were investigated thoroughly. While there appeared to be a correlation between highly acidic conditions and higher recovery, this was not definitive and could not be confirmed. The form of standards employed (i.e. free base vs salts) and potential differential solubility between forms was also a suspected source of variability. Biases could also have been introduced with the choice of solvents used for standard preparation, with some solvents better able to minimize adsorption of the analytes to glass surfaces. KEY WORDS FOR SEARCH enrofloxacin, sulfadiazine, bovine tissue, incurred, key comparison Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

This work shows the results of a Proficiency Testing performed by a partnership between INMETRO and ANP. The performance of 49 Brazilian laboratories (using the z-score statistical test) in determining 10 quality parameters of ethanol fuel and biodiesel was evaluated. The certified reference values were provided by INMETRO, allowing a more rigorous assessment of the laboratories. For hydrous ethanol, the acidity parameter showed the lowest number of laboratories with satisfactory results (48%), while 85% of the laboratories presented satisfactory results for ethanol content. For biodiesel, the percentage of laboratories with satisfactory results ranged from 46% (kinematic viscosity) to 92% (acid number).

The oil from the seeds of the “Andiroba” tree, which is found throughout most tropical America, contains high levels of unsaturated triacylglycerols (TAG), which makes it attractive to the cosmetics industry. A significant amount of limonoids also confers to this Amazonian oil several pharmaceutical and medical properties. In addition, the oil is also a potential feedstock for biodiesel production, and its many uses have intensified its extractive exploitation in recent years. Herein we report on the characterization of the TAG, free fatty acids (FFA) and limonoid profiles of the Andiroba oil via mass spectrometry (MS) fingerprinting using direct electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). An ambient desorption/ionization technique known as easy ambient sonic-spray ionization (EASI-MS) was also evaluated with similar results. ESI-MS was performed either for a methanolic solution of a few microliters of the fresh oil or from a simple aqueous extract whereas EASI-MS was applied directly to a droplet of the oil resting on a paper surface. The efficacy of these MS fingerprinting techniques requiring no pre-separation and no or very simple sample preparation protocols was investigated and compared for the typification and quality of this valuable Amazonian oil.