Mass spectrometry for environmental samples: from data to insights (IN-PERSON)

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The development of Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) revolutionised our understanding of environmental samples, which have been studied for decades or even centuries. It was discovered that samples of soil, water or air consist of thousands of unknown organic constituents that were overlooked by other techniques. The complexity of such samples has been specifically demonstrated in crude oil, where 250,000 individual signals were detected in a single sample. This “hidden” complexity raises several questions. How can we predict the impact of a petroleum spillage if we don't know what was spilled? How can we describe microbial processes in soil if we miss most of the components of the carbon cycle? Unlike other methods, FTMS provides a unique opportunity to study unknown compounds by directly assigning exact elemental compositions from mass spectra, without the need for references, even in complex mixtures. Determining the elemental composition of a mixture is the starting point for many research questions. Although FTMS is now available worldwide, its potential remains to be fully exploited.

The aim of this course is to provide a comprehensive overview of FTMS techniques and their areas of application. Throughout the course we will consider various case studies where the full power of FTMS is demonstrated, including its use in biogeochemistry, ecology, environmental and atmospheric chemistry. Additionally, we will discuss how FTMS is used to study whiskey, beer, meteorites and mummies. You will get an understanding of the types of data provided by FTMS, where you can apply it and how to manage the large data it generates. We will also cover how to analyse and visualise FTMS data in various applications.

If you do not have a University of Cambridge Raven account please book or register your interest here.

If for any reason the above links do not work, please email Research Informatics Training Team with details of your course enquiry.

• ♿ The training room is located on the first floor and there is currently no wheelchair or level access.
• Our courses are only free for registered University of Cambridge students. All other participants will be charged according to our charging policy.
• Attendance will be taken on all courses and a charge is applied for non-attendance. After you have booked a place, if you are unable to attend any of the live sessions, please email the Research Informatics Training Team.
• Further details regarding eligibility criteria are available here.
• Guidance on visiting Cambridge and finding accommodation is available here.

• This course is aimed at researchers working on environmentally relevant samples or complex organic matrices of any kind, including lipids and metabolites.
• Everyone is welcome to attend the courses, please review the relevant policies.

• A working knowledge of Python (course registration page).
• Prior knowledge of other mass spectrometry techniques is beneficial, but not required (course registration page).

Number of sessions: 1

Fourier transform mass spectrometry, molecular analysis, formulae assignment, carbon cycle, aerosols, permafrost, biogeochemistry, environmental hazards, molecular analysis, crude oil, data treatment

During this course you will learn about:

• The working principles of Orbitrap™ and ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.
• Analytical strategies with typical upstream procedures.
• Algorithms for elemental composition assignment, mass defect and isobaric resolution.
• Visualisation and statistical assessment of FTMS data.
• Various applications of FTMS in Environmental and Earth sciences.

After this course you will be able to:

• Assess the actual complexity of your samples.
• Recognise how FTMS can be used in your research.
• Understand the principles of sample fingerprinting and non-targeted analysis.
• Describe the upstream procedures for various FTMS applications.
• Apply statistical metrics to compare samples represented by thousands of data points.
• Use structure-descriptive visualisation strategies.

Presentations, demonstrations, practicals

Participants can make use of the computers in the training room.

• Free for registered University of Cambridge students
• £ 60/day for all University of Cambridge staff, including postdocs, temporary visitors (students and researchers) and participants from Affiliated Institutions. Please note that these charges are recovered by us at the Institutional level
• It remains the participant's responsibility to acquire prior approval from the relevant group leader, line manager or budget holder to attend the course. It is requested that people booking only do so with the agreement of the relevant party as costs will be charged back to your Lab Head or Group Supervisor.
• £ 60/day for all other academic participants from external Institutions and charitable organizations. These charges must be paid at registration
• £ 120/day for all Industry participants. These charges must be paid at registration
• Further details regarding the charging policy are available here

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