Trace organic analysis

The Trace Organic Analysis program provides specialized analytical services focused on trace organic issues in Canadian grains. Along with the Trace Elements program and the Microbiology program, it is part of the Canadian Grain Commission’s focus on grain safety assurance.

Program researchers:

• Collaborate with academic, industrial and governmental laboratories on trace organics research. Example: Working with the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Cereal Research Centre to study mycotoxins produced by various chemotypes of fusarium.
• Participate in annual international proficiency tests to ensure analytical methods are working properly. Example: Tests organized by FAPAS, a food and environment research agency, and the American Society of Brewing Chemists.
• Collaborate with the grain industry to evaluate rapid testing technology for the analysis of mycotoxins.

Technology

The program uses the following technologies for trace organic analysis:

• Gas chromatography (GC) with electron capture and flame photometric detectors and headspace analysis capability
• GC with mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
• Liquid chromatography (LC) with fluorescence,ultraviolet and photodiode array detectors
• LC with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
• Gel permeation chromatography sample cleanup
• Accelerated solvent extraction
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
• Immunoaffinity column cleanup with fluorometry

Methods

Researchers are also involved in method development research for sampling, trace organics analysis, and sample preparation techniques.

• Analytical capability for approximately 200 pesticides (insecticides, herbicides or fungicides)
• Analytical capability for the major food mycotoxins