News

Non-targeted analysis related posts, journal news, events, etc.

Remembering BP4NTA Member Kathy Peter

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It is with great sadness that we share the news of Kathy Peter’s passing, ending her battle with stage 4 colon cancer.  Kathy was a driving force in founding BP4NTA, and contributed to the organization in numerous impactful ways, including:

  • Leading a sub-group to develop reference content regarding QA/QC and performance metrics for NTA; 
  • Co-leading a sub-group to develop and test the Study Reporting Tool, which is now being used by NTA researchers, journal reviewers, and editors in a variety of fields;  
  • Co-leading a BP4NTA committee to generate a manuscript and two videos demonstrating the utility of the Study Reporting Tool; 
  • Co-leading a sub-group to produce a manuscript and video detailing the current options for assessing NTA method performance; 
  • Giving numerous presentations on behalf of BP4NTA, including a keynote presentation regarding NTA performance assessments; 
  • Producing, updating, and maintaining informational content on the BP4NTA website; 
  • Contributing to the ongoing design and testing of the “Study Planning Tool”; 
  • Contributing to a manuscript proposing a tool for evaluating the chemical space covered by NTA methods;
  • Playing a pivotal role in generating BP4NTA’s non-profit Charter;
  • Continuously contributing innovative and practical suggestions to other committees and the BP4NTA leadership. 

Due to the breadth and quality of her contributions, Kathy was conferred the BP4NTA Outstanding Service Award in 2023. As its inaugural recipient, Kathy was given the opportunity to define the award criteria, including recipient qualifications and procedures for nominating and selecting subsequent candidates. The award reflects her vision of encouraging scientific service in the NTA community and has been renamed the “Katherine T. Peter BP4NTA Outstanding Service Award” in her honor. BP4NTA members paid tribute to Kathy and her impressive legacy in a moment of silence at the November meeting. Kathy was very invested in BP4NTA’s success and longevity and would want all of us to continue carrying the torch she lit.

Kathy is lovingly remembered by her husband, Jason, her son, Ollie, and countless BP4NTA members who were inspired by her leadership and drive. Kathy wrote about her experience with cancer in an effort to connect to both patients and providers, and was awarded an honorable mention in the Pulse writing contest, “On Being Different”. 

November Meeting: Dr. Zhenyu Tian

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Dr. Zhenyu Tian is an assistant professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Northeastern University. His lab focuses on the identification and quantification of known and unknown contaminants in our environment to assess their risks to human health and the ecosystem.

This meeting will occur on Tuesday, November 19th, from 12 pm – 1 pm EST.

Title: Environmental non-targeted analysis: unveiling emerging contaminants in rubber, plastic, and surface water.

Abstract: In the Anthropocene, human beings are changing the earth chemically. Hundreds of thousands of synthetic chemicals are manufactured, and production numbers keep increasing. These chemicals don’t magically disappear, and many end up in environmental compartments such as soil, water, and air, becoming “emerging contaminants”. Our group focuses on chemical contaminants in crumb rubber from end-of-life tires, microplastics, and persistent and mobile organic contaminants in water. By developing new sample preparation and non-targeted analysis methods, we investigate the chemical profiles, transformation products, and environmental fate of these emerging contaminants. Our studies reveal complex mixtures of chemicals in artificial turf crumb rubber, develop novel “fingerprinting” methods for microplastic source tracking, and characterize previously unknown polar chemicals in water supplies. By combining laboratory experiments, environmental monitoring, and innovative data analysis approaches, we provide new insights into the occurrence, sources, and potential risks of these contaminants. The results will advance our understanding of emerging contaminants and inform improved water treatment technologies, support green chemistry initiatives, and enhance environmental management strategies.

Click here for the recording: BP4NTA Monthly Meeting-20241119_180011-Meeting Recording.mp4

BP4NTA Talks at SETAC North America 2024

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BP4NTA Sessions:

Individual Posters:

Individual Presentations:

BP4NTA is Switching to a New Membership System

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To continue receiving email communications and webinar invites to the BP4NTA webinars, you will need to create a (free) membership through BP4NTA’s webpage. This distribution list will continue to be used as a failsafe through the end of the calendar year. This provides us with some logistical improvements as our membership grows and enables us to comply with certain privacy regulations.

A paid membership is needed for individuals to hold BP4NTA offices, vote on BP4NTA products and elections, and use BP4NTA to promote their publications, events, etc.

Please use this link: www.nontargetedanalysis.org/membership-join

If you have any issues with registration, please contact Sara Nason (Sara.Nason@ct.gov)

October Meeting: Business Meeting

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BP4NTA will hold a business meeting for nominated individuals to speak on their interests and vision for BP4NTA. There will also be a general membership discussion.

Time: Tuesday, October 15th at 12 pm – 1 pm EST.

BP4NTA is seeking elected representatives for the Steering Committee

The Steering Committee positions of Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Technical Liaison are open for elections in 2024.

Vice Chair will serve a 3-year term as vice-chair, chair, and then past-chair. They lead BP4NTA and determine the direction of the organization.
Secretary will serve a 2-year term. They maintain BP4NTA records and communications.
Technical Liaison will serve a 2-year term. They lead communications between individual BP4NTA working groups and the steering committee.

If you are interested in holding an elected position or nominating someone for one, please send interest or nominations to the Elections Chair, Elin Ulrich (Ulrich.Elin@epa.gov), by October 8.

August Meeting: Davis Schiessel

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David Schiessel is the Technical Manager for Organics at Babcock Laboratories. He will be discussing their commercial laboratory NTA product development.

This meeting will occur on Tuesday, August 20th, from 12 pm – 1 pm EST.

Title: Implementing Meaningful NTA Quality Metrics for Commercial Laboratory Testing

Click here to watch the recording: BP4NTA Monthly Meeting-20240816_DaveSchiessel.mp4

July Meeting: Dr. Sarah Choyke

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Dr. Sarah Choyke (pronounced: Choy-key) will be speaking on the development of NTA products in a contract research environment. She is the Technical Director at Eurofins Environment Testing in Arvada, Colorado. She brings over 10 years of experience in analyzing emerging contaminants in the environment with expertise in field sampling, sample preparation, and mass spectrometry. She received her Ph.D from Duke University and her B.S. in Chemistry from Haverford College.

This meeting will occur on Tuesday, July 16th, from 12 pm – 1 pm EST.

Title: Knowing Known Unknowns: A Vision for Non-Targeted Analysis Product Offerings

Abstract: Current analytical methodologies typically quantify a predefined list of analytes using targeted methods. However, environmental field samples may contain additional analytes beyond this predefined list. Advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) have significantly enhanced the analysis of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) through non-targeted analysis (NTA). For a commercial or contract laboratory, there is a heightened emphasis on meeting client objectives, turn-around-times, ensuring data quality metrics and adhering to specific report formatting requirements. To streamline these processes, we have adopted the Study Reporting Tool (SRT) framework as a template for clients to structure their projects and understand the workflow. The NTA workflow and report is designed to be adaptable to project-specific requirements, understandable to the clients, all while remaining manageable for laboratory staff. Due to the complex nature of NTA datasets, client input can drive the NTA to ensure data packages encompass pertinent data objectives while remaining comprehensible to all parties.         

Click here to watch the recording: BP4NTA Monthly Meeting-20240716_164729-Meeting Recording.mp4