Thermo Electron Collaborates with Clarkson University in Development of Environmental Laboratory

23-07-2004: Thermo Electron Corporation has partnered with Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York in the development of their new environmental laboratory by supplying three mass spectrometers; the Finnigan(TM) PolarisQ GC/MS, the X Series ICP-MS, and the Finnigan LCQ(TM) Advantage MAX(TM) LC/MS.

The advanced capabilities of these instruments will provide more complete results pertaining to current research being conducted at the University on the chemical composition of particulate matter in the atmosphere, as well as supporting other research programs across the University. These analyses will help state and local air quality regulatory agencies develop more efficient and effective air quality strategies with the least economic impact.

Dr. Phillip Hopke, professor of chemical engineering at Clarkson University, commented, "We are very pleased to be working with Thermo to improve the science underlying source identification and apportionment of air pollutants, as well as providing critical inputs to the assessment of exposure and risk of people to potential pollution threats."

In the studies conducted at Clarkson University, Thermo's mass spectrometers will help improve the quality of input data because of the instruments' ability to separate and identify individual compounds. Typically, twenty percent of the compounds can be analyzed using GC/MS. Now, an additional 30% of the organic compounds can be resolved and identified using the tandem capabilities of the Finnigan PolarisQ. The Finnigan LCQ Advantage MAX will be used to analyze non-volatile compounds for the remainder of the total airborne particulate matter, enabling the scientist to better understand the chemistry produced in the observed compounds.

"The work of Dr. Hopke and his team will provide critical information on air quality and potential pollutants in the atmosphere to the community," said Marc Casper, president of life and laboratory sciences at Thermo. "We believe that the sensitivity, speed and accuracy of Thermo's mass spectrometers will play an important role in these efforts, along with other important research programs in place at Clarkston University. We look forward to great things to come from this team."