Investigating Plastic–Metal Interactions in Aquatic Environments Using Laser Ablation ICP–MS and Chemical Markers

<h4>Types of comparisons&nbsp;</h4>Interlaboratory comparisons mean organisation, performance and evaluation of measurements and tests on the same or similar items by two or more laboratories in accordance with predetermined conditions. Comparisons are organised at all scientific levels, but the objectives, protocols and participants vary. In certification trials, the measurements are used to assign values to reference materials. In method validation studies (collaborative trials), the performance, e.g. trueness and precision of methods, is evaluated. The most accurate measurements are compared world-wide in ’key comparisons’.&nbsp;Proficiency testing (PT) schemes – also known as ‘external quality assessment (EQA) schemes’ or ‘laboratory performance studies’ – are one means of assessing the quality of routine measurements. PT schemes are the most common, and perhaps the most important, type of interlaboratory comparisons.&nbsp;<h4>Advantages of PT&nbsp;</h4>Participation in PT enables you to compare your results with those from other laboratories. It can also provide you with:&nbsp;<ul><li>Regular, objective and independent assessment of the quality of your routine analyses;&nbsp;</li><li>Feedback that stimulates improvement of the technical work;</li><li>Comparative information about method and instrument performance;</li><li>An overview of the quality of specific analyses in a sector, country or region.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Limitations of PT&nbsp;</h4>Ideally, PT samples are similar in nature to routine samples, and sufficiently homogeneous and stable not to influence the evaluation of participants’ performance. Due to practical aspects, PT samples are sometimes processed, e.g. stabilised and/or freeze-dried. Participants should be aware of this.&nbsp;PT schemes can be organised and evaluated in many different ways. There is no perfect protocol! For laboratories and their customers, and for accreditation and regulatory bodies, it can be important to know if the same result is judged differently by different PT providers.<h4>Appropriate PT schemes&nbsp;</h4>The huge number of analytes, and the large variety in the way tests are performed, means that it is not always possible to find a scheme that meets a laboratory’s exact requirements. Before signing up for a scheme, carefully check that the test materials, and the analytes and their levels fit your routine measurement procedures. Is the frequency appropriate and does the provider’s report give you sufficient information?&nbsp;<h4>Role of PT in measurement quality&nbsp;</h4>Correct measurements require both internal and external ‘tools’. During the validation step, the performance of the method is established. Subsequent use of control charts will show if the measurements are under statistical control. Many laboratories choose to accredit their services, thereby agreeing to implement a quality management system and accepting regular external audits of their work. Participating in PT is an effective external means to check that the procedures are fit for purpose!&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Proficiency_testing_schemes_and_other_interlaboratory_comparisons_2_7688414cd9.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Proficiency testing schemes and other interlaboratory comparisons" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Proficiency_testing_schemes_and_other_interlaboratory_comparisons_2_7688414cd9.jpg 206w," sizes="100vw" width="848" height="642"><h4>Educational aspects&nbsp;</h4>PT offers opportunities for education and training. Many providers have regular user meetings to discuss results and problem areas. Virtual PT schemes, using digital images of the samples, enable an unlimited number of participants, immediate feedback and repeated assessments.<h4>Accreditation of PT providers&nbsp;</h4>Some providers choose to accredit their PT schemes. The work with organising and evaluating the results will then be assessed according to international guidelines, similar to calibration and testing laboratories.<h4>Use of PT results&nbsp;</h4>Because PT schemes provide an overview of the analytical quality for specific applications, the results are increasingly used by laboratories’ customers, and by accreditation and regulatory bodies. PT helps identify measurement problems, which have a direct impact on trade, environmental monitoring, and health and safety.&nbsp;<h4>More information / further reading&nbsp;</h4>Information about PT providers and schemes can be obtained from your national accreditation body, from the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.eptis.org/">EPTIS website</a> or from other national or international organisations.

Proficiency testing schemes and other interlaboratory comparisons

We are excited to announce that registration for the 12th International Symposium on Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA 2026), along with the call for abstracts and travel grants for young scientists, is now officially open!<h3>Key dates</h3><ul><li>May 31, 2026: Application for Young scientist travel grant</li><li>June 30, 2026<ul><li>Application for participation as a Sponsor or Exhibitor or Media partner</li><li>Abstract submission for oral presentation</li><li>Reduced registration fee</li></ul></li><li>August 31, 2026: Abstract submission for poster presentation</li><li>September 30, 2026: Last minute posters submission</li><li>November 3 - 6, 20026: 12th International Symposium on Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA 2026) in Prague, Czech Republic</li></ul><h3>Registration</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rafa.easyevent.eu/tickets/">Registration for RAFA 2026 is OPEN!</a>Early-bird registration until 30 June, 2026</blockquote>After successful submission of your registration, you will receive by e-mail (i) an automatic confirmation of receipt indicating the total amount of payment due (either for bank transfer or for on-line payment by card), (ii) login to Member section where you can administrate your profile, submit your abstracts, and from September 2026 register for satellite events, workshops and seminars. If it will not be delivered within a few minutes after submission of your registration please contact us at RAFA2026@vscht.cz.As soon as payment of registration fee is processed, you will also receive by e-mail (iii) confirmation of payment.<h4>Important notice:</h4>Registration fee of those who have submitted an abstract for oral or poster presentation has to be received until September 30, 2026, otherwise these contribution(s) will not be included into the Book of Abstracts and the Conference programme.<h4>Registration Fees</h4><ul><li>Smart rate (Until 30 June, 2026): € 655</li><li>Regular registration (Until 30 September, 2026): € 855</li><li>Late registration (From 1 October, 2026): € 955</li><li>Student rate*&nbsp;<ul><li>Until 30 June, 2026: € 465</li><li>From 1 July, 2026: € 605</li></ul></li></ul>* The proof of student status (e.g. copy of a student identify card) is requested as an attachment of the registration form.<h5>The regular registration fee will include:</h5><ul><li>Attendance at all scientific sessions, workshops, seminars, vendor seminars and other satellite events</li><li>Access to the poster and exhibition area</li><li>Conference kit (name badge, conference bag, conference documents, certificate of participation, certificate of presentation on request)</li><li>Final programme</li><li>E-Book of Abstracts</li><li>Coffee breaks</li><li>Buffet luncheons</li><li>Welcome drink</li></ul>In the registration form you can register free of charge for the welcome drink and you can also order ticket(s) for the conference dinner (€ 85).Please note that your registration is firm when your payment has been received.<h3>Abstract submission</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rafa.easyevent.eu/tickets/">CALL for ABSTRACTS is OPEN!</a>In order to submit an abstract, you must first register to attend RAFA 2026. After registration you will receive an access to the Member section where you can submit your abstract(s).</blockquote>&nbsp;After successful submission of your abstract you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt of submitted abstract via e-mail. If it will not be delivered within a few minutes after submission of your abstract please check at first your spam box-mail and then contact us at RAFA2026@vscht.cz.Please ensure that your abstract does not contain spelling, grammatical or scientific errors. Even though modifications of your submitted abstract will be allowed in the Abstract section of the Member section until the deadline for the abstract submission, please be confident on the lack of errors in your final version prior to starting the submission process.The abstract will be reproduced exactly as submitted. No proofreading will be done, although some corrections may be requested by the reviewers.If you need to withdraw your abstract, a written statement reflecting the reasons for this decision must be sent to RAFA2026@vscht.cz no later than September 30, 2026.<h4>Important notice:</h4><blockquote>1 registered participant can submit no more than 2 abstracts.</blockquote>To apply for a young scientist’s oral presentation, as an indication please respect the rule that you should be born in 1991 or later.The text of the abstract should be limited to 3000 characters including spaces. Tables and pictures are not allowed.Abstracts of oral presentations and posters will be included into the "e-Book of Abstracts" only after receipt of the conference registration fee. Any payment of the registration fee has to be received until September 30, 2026, otherwise contribution(s) will not be included into the e-Book of Abstracts and the Conference programme.<h3>Special opportunities for young scientists:</h3><ul><li>Dedicated slots for oral presentations within the main scientific programme</li><li>Competitive travel grants for young scientists</li><li>Award(s) for the best poster presentation(s)</li></ul>Whether you are a PhD student or an early-career researcher, RAFA 2026 offers a unique opportunity to present your work, gain international exposure and connect with leading experts in the field.Be part of this inspiring scientific event and join us in Prague!

RAFA 2026 - Registration & Call for Abstracts are now OPEN

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Events

Academy

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Food

Scientific article

Science and research

RAFA provides an overview of contemporary trends in ANALYTICAL & BIOANALYTICAL STRATEGIES IN FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY CONTROL and discusses CHALLENGES / NOVEL APPROACHES IN FOOD AND NATURAL PRODUCTS ANALYSIS.

Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA)

Eurachem is a European network promoting international traceability of chemical measurements and good analytical practice. It provides expert guidance, supports method validation, uncertainty evaluation, proficiency testing, and facilitates discussion on technical and policy issues in analytical quality.

Eurachem

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Thermo Scientific ARL 9900 IntelliPower Series

Powerful WDXRF analyzer with optional XRD for real-time elemental and phase analysis of solids. Configurable with up to 32 channels and 3 goniometers for fast, precise process control.

The Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ 9900 IntelliPower Series spectrometer is a powerful and versatile WDXRF analyzer with optional integrated XRD, designed for high-performance, real-time process control in demanding industrial environments. It enables rapid, precise, and fully automated elemental and phase analysis of solid samples such as metals, cement, and minerals.With up to 32 fixed monochromators and one to three gearless goniometers, the ARL 9900 performs both simultaneous and sequential elemental analysis across a wide range—from boron to americium (Z=5–95). It can be enhanced with a compact X-ray diffraction (XRD) module to deliver phase-specific data, such as free lime content, clinker phases, and iron compounds in DRI processes.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_ARL_9900_Intelli_Power_Series_3_75f234904f.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ 9900 IntelliPower Series: Integration of XRF and XRD in the same instrument: one sample, one instrument, one analysis for two techniques." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_9900_Intelli_Power_Series_3_75f234904f.jpg 237w," sizes="100vw" width="1143" height="753"><h3>Applications</h3><ul><li>Metals: iron, steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, nickel, titanium, magnesium alloys, slags, and sinters</li><li>Cement: raw meal, clinker, free lime, clinker phases, limestone, additives</li><li>Mining &amp; Minerals: ores, rocks, beach sands, sediments, industrial minerals</li><li>Other Materials: ceramics, glass, polymers, soils</li><li>By-products: process residues and waste materials</li></ul><h3>Key Features</h3><ul><li>Fully integrated simultaneous and sequential WDXRF analysis in one instrument</li><li>Configurable with up to 24 fixed channels and one or more goniometers for ultra-fast, high-precision analysis</li><li>Rapid and reliable sample introduction system with multiple automation levels</li><li>Wide detection range: from parts per million (ppm) to 100% concentration</li><li>LoVap™ X-ray tube with 50 μm Be window for long-term stability and enhanced performance</li><li>Modular IntelliPower platform available in 1500 W, 2500 W, and 4200 W configurations</li><li>Ultra-low detector gas consumption</li><li>Optional integrated XRD module for qualitative and quantitative phase analysis</li><li>Scalable design to meet evolving analytical requirements</li><li>Factory calibration ensures fast commissioning and immediate operational readiness</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_ARL_9900_Intelli_Power_Series_e194c316bb.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ 9900 IntelliPower Series" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_9900_Intelli_Power_Series_e194c316bb.jpg 128w," sizes="100vw" width="650" height="795"><h3>X-ray System</h3><ul><li>X-ray tube mounted above the sample: protects the system from fragile or damaged samples</li><li>Thermostatically regulated spectrometer: ensures consistent analytical conditions and excellent measurement stability</li></ul><h3>Fixed Monochromators</h3><ul><li>Up to 32 fixed channel monochromators for full simultaneous operation</li><li>Compact slit-crystal geometry: optimized for low detection limits and rapid analysis of dedicated elements</li></ul><h3>XRF Goniometers</h3><ul><li>Programmable for both quantitative and qualitative analysis</li><li>Moiré fringe technology ensures fast, gearless sequential X-ray spectrometry with excellent angular precision</li><li>SmartGonio: compact system covering F to Am with up to 3 crystals</li><li>Universal goniometer: extended coverage from B to Am with up to 9 crystals and 4 collimators</li></ul><h3>Calibration Options</h3><ul><li>Fully factory-calibrated for a broad range of sample types including: cast irons, steels, brasses, bronzes, copper, aluminum, zinc, tin, magnesium, nickel, titanium, cobalt, ferro-alloys, cement, minerals, slags, limestone, ceramics, glass, soils, sediments, rocks, and polymers</li><li>XRD calibrations available for: free lime, clinker phases (C3S, C2S, C3A, C4AF), amorphous content in clinker, DRI phases, and more</li></ul><h3>Automation</h3><ul><li>Fast and dependable sample introduction with scalable automation</li><li>Compatible with ARL SMS systems for fully automated online process control, including integrated sample preparation</li></ul>

Thermo Scientific ARL 9900 Total Cement Analyzer

Combines XRF and XRD in one instrument for fast and precise analysis of cement materials. One sample, one analysis – full chemical and phase information.

Achieve excellent process control and save fuel in your cement plant with both chemical and phase analysis in one simple operation. The Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ 9900 Total Cement Analyzer combines X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) technologies for a more complete characterization of any given crystalline sample.&nbsp;Various compounds can be controlled like quartz in raw meal, hot meal, free lime in clinker, clinker phases, and additions in cement (e.g. limestone, GBFS, pozzolan) or even clinker content in cement. Clinker phase analysis ensures consistent clinker quality, which is the key to high-performance concrete.The ARL 9900 Total Cement Analyzer provides fast process monitoring during the critical phases of cement manufacturing. It combines:<ul><li>XRF analysis – determines elemental composition</li><li>XRD analysis – provides mineralogical information</li></ul>Together, they ensure the integrity of the final product.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_ARL_9900_Intelli_Power_Series_3_75f234904f.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ 9900 Total Cement Analyzer: Integration of XRF and XRD in the same instrument: one sample, one instrument, one analysis for two techniques." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_9900_Intelli_Power_Series_3_75f234904f.jpg 237w," sizes="100vw" width="1143" height="753">Traditionally, both analyses required two separate X-ray instruments, leading to higher costs. Thanks to the compact integrated XRD system, both techniques are now included in one instrument, offering key benefits:<ul><li>Only one sample introduction – fast, simple, reliable</li><li>Single user interface for both techniques</li><li>Combined elemental and phase results in one report</li><li>Minimized floor space</li><li>Replaces two instruments</li><li>Rapid and precise analysis of solid samples</li></ul>IntelliPower: choose power level as needed – 1200W, 2500W, 3600W or 4200W Advanced software: instant result reporting after analysis Easy upgrades for future analytical needs<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_ARL_9900_Total_Cement_Analyzer_8c67ede30b.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ 9900 Total Cement Analyzer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_9900_Total_Cement_Analyzer_8c67ede30b.jpg 165w," sizes="100vw" width="1626" height="1536"><h3>X-ray System</h3><ul><li>X-ray tube mounted above the sample – prevents damage (e.g. from fragile pellets)</li><li>Thermostatically regulated spectrometer – precise, sensitive, and stable measurements</li></ul><h3>Fixed Monochromators</h3><ul><li>Compact slit-crystal geometry – detects trace elements</li><li>Simultaneous multi-element analysis – for faster response</li></ul><h3>XRF Goniometers</h3><ul><li>Programmable for quantitative or qualitative element analysis</li><li>High-speed sequential X-ray spectrometry using Moire fringe technology</li><li>Handles nonroutine element analysis</li></ul><h3>Automation</h3><ul><li>Fast and reliable sample introduction, variable automation levels</li><li>Can be linked to automatic sample prep systems for online process control</li></ul>

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RAFA 2026 - Registration & Call for Abstracts are now OPEN

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Investigating Plastic–Metal Interactions in Aquatic Environments Using Laser Ablation ICP–MS and Chemical Markers