Week after week, the presentations from this year colloquium give me lots of new knowledge in different areas. Among that, Dr. Krogh’s presentation on last Friday was one of them. Even though I have a familiarity with comprehensive field sampling and analysis with ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) method, Erik’s presentation added me tons of new information about his advancement of scientific instrumentation, and on-line measurement of trace organic volatile compound by using mass spectrometry. The use of direct sampling method, the process of sample collector on how making iron, separating molecules, and how membrane they used fitting in hydrocarbon molecule to measure the primary pollutant in the air and water. In the conventional way of analysis, Pulverised field sample is used in the lab, no doubt that his direct measurement (On-the-fly method) can expand the spatial and temporal extents much effectively than traditional way. With the examples, Dr. Krogh brought the work (the measurement) they have done in Vancouver, Nanaimo, and the trip from Fort McMurray to Vancouver in his presentation. Reflecting on his explanation, I would like to understand more about on the processing method such as what methodology they have used, how system will configure in different environment, and what is their interpretation concepts, etc. For instance, driving from North to South will have significant variations in topography, landcover or landscape, traffic pattern, and time differences. In this situation, how does the system work? Is there any pre-set standard configuration bench mark for the region? And how did they collect representative samples among other others?

His presentation is not directly related to my research, but, I learned a new idea to explore more about hydro-fabric molecule measure in water sample and to identify whether that new method can be applied for geochemical study of water samples for my research. Dr. Krogh answered all questions well. If I could have, I would have asked him the intensity of variation from their result measured in Prince George Town by referencing to the fixed monitoring station from Ministry of Environment (MoE). I enjoyed the moment. I need bigger storage, because others are still on the way, and excited for. May your knowledge be golden.