Evaluation and implementation of methods to increase comprehensiveness of non-target analysis

The application of non-target analysis (NTA), a comprehensive approach to characterize unknown chemicals, including chemicals of emerging concern has seen a steady increase recently. Given the relative novelty of this type of analysis, robust quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) measures are imperative to ensure quality and consistency of results obtained using different workflows. Due to fundamental differences to established targeted workflows, new or expanded approaches are necessary; for example to minimize the risk of losing potential substances of interest (i.e. false negatives, Type II error). This project aims to investigate how different approaches (e.g. data processing methods), settings (e.g. data acquisition methods) and external factors (e.g. degradation of compounds) can influence the overall result of a non-target analysis and how this knowledge can be used to help NTA towards real comprehensiveness.

Please note this is a PhD student mid-candidature milestone review presentation.