In late February 2025, a train carrying benzene derailed in Hustopeče nad Bečvou, and within hours, a race was on to save the groundwater and surface water. One of the most toxic industrial substances began seeping into the gravel-sand subsoil. While fieldwork was underway to prevent the spread of contamination, decisions were already being made in the CXI TUL laboratories regarding how to subsequently clean up the contaminated rock environment.The accident ranks among the most serious environmental incidents in the Czech Republic in recent years. After a tanker train derailed, hundreds of metric tons of benzene leaked; due to the highly permeable geological subsoil, it quickly seeped into deeper soil layers and into the groundwater. The combination of the substance’s high toxicity and local conditions complicated both the emergency response and the subsequent remediation. The key was to stop further spread, determine the extent of the contamination, and establish a remediation strategy for the entire site.It was at this stage that CXI TUL became involved in the solution. At the request of the renowned remediation company DEKONTA, a.s., a team led by RNDr. Jan Němeček, Ph.D., began testing the feasibility of the in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) method. This technology is designed to break down benzene directly within the rock matrix, without the need for extensive excavation of contaminated soil or the pumping out of large volumes of groundwater. The goal was simple: to find a method that would work quickly, safely, and under the actual conditions of the affected site.<h4>Benzene Remediation: Technically Simple, Complicated in Practice</h4>Benzene is a highly toxic and carcinogenic substance that rapidly penetrates into groundwater in permeable subsoil, where it dissolves and spreads further as the water flows toward surface water bodies. Benzene also binds to rock particles and migrates in the form of vapors into overlying unconsolidated layers.Scientists in Liberec therefore tested in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) technology under laboratory conditions. The goal was to find an oxidant capable of breaking down benzene directly underground into less hazardous substances.The tests evaluated two main options: activated hydrogen peroxide and sodium peroxodisulfate. Both substances removed up to 99.99% of the benzene, but there was a difference in their kinetics and impacts on the natural environment. Activated hydrogen peroxide achieved nearly complete degradation of the contaminant within a single day. Activated sodium peroxodisulfate was slower and also significantly altered the chemistry of the water; it acidified the environment and increased the sulfate content in the water, which poses an additional environmental burden.For field applications, the researchers therefore unequivocally recommended activated hydrogen peroxide.<h4>Dosage Matters</h4>It was not just the oxidant’s effectiveness that was key. It was equally important to determine how the chemical reaction would behave in a real geological environment. The team of scientists therefore also analyzed what is known as soil oxidant consumption (SOD). It turned out that a significant portion of the oxidizing agent does not react solely with benzene but is also consumed to a significant extent by the rock environment itself, particularly by natural organic substances present in the fine-grained fraction of the soil.An oxidant consumption value was determined specifically for the local composition of the aquifers, which is essential for the correct dosing of chemicals in the field so that the remediation is not only effective but also economically viable and safe for surrounding ecosystems.<h4>One Year After the Accident: Research Turns into Real-World Assistance</h4>While the public often perceives university science as a distant world of laboratories and grant projects, it is precisely situations like this that demonstrate its practical impact. The results of the work by researchers at CXI TUL did not remain confined to academic studies but directly influenced decisions regarding the technology used to clean up one of the largest environmental accidents in recent years.

Science on the Front Lines: Cleanup of a Benzene Spill

Development of a Flow-through Cell for Ultrasonic Extraction (UE)─Single Particle (SP)─ICP-MS─an Approach for Nano/Microparticle Elemental and Isotopic Analysis

Measurement results are only fit for purpose if the measurement uncertainty (MU) is reliable and has a magnitude small enough for the intended use. The target MU is the maximum admissible uncertainty defined for a specific measurement goal.&nbsp;In compliance assessment, the MU should be small enough to enable identification of deviations from compliance relevant to the interests to be protected (such as public health or industrial productivity). Too large an uncertainty would not provide the required protection, while an uncertainty that is too small could mean the use of unnecessary expensive measurements.&nbsp;The Eurachem/CITAC guide on ‘Setting and Using Target Uncertainty in Chemical Measurement’ suggests how to set upper boundaries for the uncertainty based on the intended use of the result [1].&nbsp;The impact of the MU on decisions is illustrated in a fictional scenario.&nbsp;<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Setting_Target_Measurement_Uncertainty_2_daf2cb4ec8.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Setting Target Measurement Uncertainty" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Setting_Target_Measurement_Uncertainty_2_daf2cb4ec8.jpg 150w," sizes="100vw" width="740" height="770">Mr. Reis is a farmer planning to sell oranges to a juice producer. The juice producer checks oranges for thiabendazole pesticide residues and Brix level (degrees Brix provides a measure of orange juice sweetness). The producer only accepts oranges with thiabendazole residues below 1 mg kg-1 and a Brix level above 55 °Bx, paying more if the Brix level is above 65 °Bx.&nbsp;Mr. Reis contracted Laboratory C to analyse his oranges before shipping them to the producer knowing that the customer also checks the oranges in its laboratory. Mr. Reis was very happy with the results provided by Laboratory C although the pesticide residue analyses were expensive.&nbsp;The producer accepted the oranges but decided to pay less than expected.&nbsp;After asking the juice producer, the detailed results of both laboratories were compared. This showed that although the results were metrologically compatible they supported different decisions on the oranges’ price.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Setting_Target_Measurement_Uncertainty_3_aa7c28e61a.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Setting Target Measurement Uncertainty - Laboratory C" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Setting_Target_Measurement_Uncertainty_3_aa7c28e61a.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="927" height="192"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Setting_Target_Measurement_Uncertainty_4_4588f40881.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Setting Target Measurement Uncertainty - Juice producers Laboratory" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Setting_Target_Measurement_Uncertainty_4_4588f40881.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="911" height="195">The measurement of thiabendazole residues performed by Laboratory C is associated with an extremely low uncertainty making measurements more expensive than necessary. However, the uncertainty associated with the determination of the Brix level is too large, making compliance decisions too uncertain.Measurement results are only fit for the intended use if the measurement uncertainty (MU) is smaller than a maximum acceptable value (i.e. the target MU).&nbsp;Even if the customer or the regulator does not define the target MU, the laboratory should define it to decide if the measurement is fit for the intended use. The Eurachem/CITAC guide [1] suggests the use of different indicators of the measurement quality requirement to define the target MU. Information used to define the target MU is presented from the most likely to become harmonised to the ones supported with less adequate data. The following figure presents this hierarchy of adequacy with numbers from #1 to #9.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Setting_Target_Measurement_Uncertainty_01cd73bb2c.jpg" alt="Eurachem: Setting Target Measurement Uncertainty" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Setting_Target_Measurement_Uncertainty_01cd73bb2c.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="900"><blockquote>Approaches to defining the target MU described in the Eurachem/CITAC Guide, where utg and Utg represent the target standard and expanded uncertainties, respectively. (the numbers in the bottom of the circles identify the sections of the Guide)</blockquote>

Setting Target Measurement Uncertainty

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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.

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The Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovations of the Technical University of Liberec, also known as CXI TUL, was founded in 2009. Our mission is to support TUL's long-term vision of collaboration with industry and innovation.

CXI TUL

Thermo Scientific ARL QUANT’X EDXRF spectrometer

Achieve fast, nondestructive elemental analysis from F (or C*) to Am with the compact ARL QUANT’X EDXRF spectrometer—ideal for major to trace element quantification with minimal prep.

Accomplish the most challenging analytical tasks in research and manufacturing with powerful X-ray fluorescence technology for nondestructive elemental analysis of any sample.&nbsp;The Thermo Scientific ARL QUANT’X EDXRF spectrometer is a convenient and cost-effective analysis tool delivering major, minor and trace element quantification from F (C*) to Am for a wide range of samples with minimal sample preparation. The ARL QUANT’X offers top performance from light elements to heavy elements, speed and flexibility in a compact benchtop format.<h4>Features</h4><h5>Effortless bulk elemental analysis</h5>The ARL QUANT’X EDXRF spectrometer provides several advantages:<ul><li>Compact. Small footprint benchtop system fits in busy labs or next to production lines.</li><li>Simple. User-friendly software for both operators and advanced users.&nbsp;</li><li>Reliable. Proven components and robust design for highest instrument uptime.</li><li>Versatile. Flexible sample handling of solids, granules, powders, fused beads, liquids, thin-films and filters.</li><li>Accurate and precise. Advanced technology components and analytical algorithms deliver wide dynamic range from ppm to 100%.</li></ul><h5>Increase productivity and support faster decision-making</h5>Unattended instrument operation enables users to maximize sample throughput and frees up time to focus on other tasks. Our 10 and 20 position auto-changers are designed for batch analysis, which is easily started for an entire tray of samples in the software interface. Share analysis data without delay to a LIMS using the optional TraceCom package, enabling faster decision making in QC and production environments.<h5>Effortlessly analyze unknown materials with success</h5>New compounds, one-off samples and materials without suitable reference materials are challenging to analyze. With the UniQuant advanced standardless analysis you can obtain reliable elemental composition results within minutes for any sample, including multi-element solids, pressed powder, small samples, liquids or air-filters. UniQuant comes pre-calibrated and ready to use, so everyone can get high-quality results from day one.<h5>Highest performance is our standard</h5>Accuracy and precision are the foundation for elemental analysis results you can trust. The ARL QUANT’X uses an optimized direct excitation geometry to bring top performance to your lab. Benefit from better sensitivity across the periodic table with the combination of a high power 50W X-ray tube and the latest generation SDD silicon drift detector, for both bulk and small samples.<h5>Receive superior service with dedicated support worldwide</h5>ARL QUANT’X spectrometers are backed by our global applications and support team. With dedicated support for most countries and regions around the world, our customer support organization is the best in the industry. We offer a full suite of product and customer services tailored to bulk elemental analysis. Let us recommend a support plan or ask us how we can customize services specifically to your requirements.<h4>ARL QUANT’X accessories</h4><h5>Sample changer</h5><ul><li>Automated sample carousels enable batch analysis for maximum productivity. Sample changer is compatible with standard powder and liquid cups, pressed pellets, as well as aerosol filters.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_ARL_QUANTX_accessories_Sample_changer_17931e2933.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific: ARL QUANT'X accessories - Sample changer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_QUANTX_accessories_Sample_changer_17931e2933.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="800" height="800"><h5>Vacuum and/or helium atmosphere</h5><ul><li>Measuring under vacuum improves the sensitivity for light elements in solids; while helium atmosphere is used for measurement of liquids, or to inert the measurement atmosphere for sensitive materials.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_ARL_QUANTX_accessories_Vacuum_and_or_helium_atmosphere_fe0831ae9f.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific: ARL QUANT'X accessories - Vacuum and/or helium atmosphere" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_QUANTX_accessories_Vacuum_and_or_helium_atmosphere_fe0831ae9f.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="800" height="800"><h5>Collimators</h5><ul><li>Available in different sizes to reduce the beam size down to small spot. Used to analyze small samples, such as gemstones, or a specific area on a larger sample.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_ARL_QUANTX_accessories_Collimators_b8464d2bf1.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific: ARL QUANT'X accessories - Collimators" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_QUANTX_accessories_Collimators_b8464d2bf1.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="800" height="800"><h5>Camera</h5><ul><li>Record an image of the samples or use the live view to select the part of the sample that you want to analyze.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_ARL_QUANTX_accessories_Camera_167d3e28d3.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific: ARL QUANT'X accessories - Camera" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_QUANTX_accessories_Camera_167d3e28d3.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="800" height="800"><h5>SDD500G detector</h5><ul><li>The SDD500G silicon drift detector extends the elemental range further, enabling the detection of carbon (C) and significantly improving sensitivity for fluorine (F) and sodium (Na), allowing you to measure e.g. fluorine in cement slag or sodium in milk powder at lower concentration levels.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_ARL_QUANTX_accessories_SDD_500_G_detector_3a0ab3226b.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific: ARL QUANT'X accessories - SDD500G detector" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_QUANTX_accessories_SDD_500_G_detector_3a0ab3226b.jpg 156w," sizes="100vw" width="800" height="800"><h4>ARL QUANT’X applications</h4>The ARL QUANT’X EDXRF Spectrometer delivers reliable elemental analysis results in central and contract laboratories, academic institutions as well as the environmental monitoring, RoHS and WEEE screening, chemicals, mining, forensics, food, cement, and metals industries.<h4>Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ QUANT’X EDXRF Spectrometer – Configuration Overview</h4>The ARL QUANT’X EDXRF Spectrometer is available in three configurations—Select, Ideal, and Enhance—to suit a variety of elemental analysis needs. Below is a comparison of their key features:<ul><li>Elemental Range<ul><li>Select: Magnesium (Mg) to Uranium (U)</li><li>Ideal: Fluorine (F) to Uranium (U)</li><li>Enhance: Carbon (C) to Uranium (U)</li></ul></li><li>Atmosphere Options<ul><li>Select &amp; Ideal: Air</li><li>Enhance: Vacuum or Helium</li></ul></li><li>Detector<ul><li>Select &amp; Ideal: SDD500</li><li>Enhance: SDD500G</li></ul></li><li>Sample Chamber<ul><li>All configurations include a large chamber with a single-position stage</li></ul></li><li>Liquids Analysis<ul><li>Select: Not available</li><li>Ideal: Optional with helium atmosphere</li><li>Enhance: Yes, using helium</li></ul></li><li>Small Spot Analysis<ul><li>Enhance only: Supported via choice of collimators</li></ul></li><li>Sample Viewing<ul><li>Enhance only: Equipped with CCD camera</li></ul></li><li>Sample Changers<ul><li>Ideal &amp; Enhance: Optional 10- or 20-position sample changers</li></ul></li><li>XL Sample Support<ul><li>Ideal: Optional chamber extension</li><li>Enhance: Supports samples up to 36 cm in height</li></ul></li><li>Standardless Analysis<ul><li>Enhance only: Includes UniQuant™ software</li></ul></li><li>Data Transfer<ul><li>All configurations support TRACEcom interface for LIMS integration</li></ul></li></ul>

Thermo Scientific ARL PERFORM'X Sequential X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer

Solve analytical challenges in a wide range of applications with X-ray fluorescence with sample surface mapping and small spot analysis with Thermo Scientific ARL PERFORM'X Sequential X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer

Solve analytical challenges in a wide range of applications with one comprehensive tool. The Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ PERFORM'X Sequential X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer for advanced materials characterization integrates bulk elemental analysis with mapping and small spot analysis to create a solution that evaluates up to 90 elements in nearly any solid or liquid sample.Industries as diverse as metallurgy, petroleum, polymers, mining, glass, cement and refractories as well as labs dealing with geochemistry, materials science, environmental research and forensics will benefit from its performance and versatility.With the ARL PERFORM'X spectrometer, analysis of materials in varied sizes, coatings, layers, heterogeneities and inclusions or requiring wide elemental coverage, wide concentration ranges and varied samples matrices is achieved with desired precision and limits of detection.<h5>Advanced Technology</h5><ul><li>Digitally mastered gearless goniometer based on Moiré fringe electro-optical technology, for precise and robust angular positioning of all its components.</li><li>Powerful OXSAS software and standard-less Thermo Scientific™ QuantAS™ and Thermo Scientific™ UniQuant™ Analysis Packages provide simple and rapid analysis of totally unknown samples with no standards required.</li><li>Thermo Scientific™ PetroilQuant™ Pre-calibration program, capable of quantifying up to 30 elements in a variety of fuels, light and heavy distillates and lubricants both quickly and cost-effectively.</li><li>UCCO technology: Ultra Closely Coupled Optics for highest performance from boron to uranium.</li><li>IQ/OQ &amp; Remote Diagnostics for easy installation and serviceability.</li></ul><h5>Main Features</h5><ul><li>Large library of factory calibrations covering many metals and non-metals applications.</li><li>Material composition mapping and quantification capability.</li><li>Small spot analysis for contamination or defect identification and quantification.</li><li>Industry-leading liquid sample recognition and leak prevention design.</li><li>Wide dynamic range (from sub ppm to 100%) and excellent precision.</li><li>Integrated comprehensive sample changer allows large numbers of different samples to be treated fully automatically in mixed batches.</li><li>Faster analysis cycle time for high throughput lab applications using XY-loader for fully automated sample management.</li><li>Easy, non-destructive sample preparation.</li></ul><h5>Models</h5><ul><li>ARL PERFORM'X 1500W: Cost effective low-power system, no external water cooling required.</li><li>ARL PERFORM'X 2500W: High performance mid-power system, no external water cooling required.</li><li>ARL PERFORM'X 4200W: Highest power system for the most demanding applications.</li></ul><h5>Recommended for</h5><ul><li>Geological and environmental applications.</li><li>Petroleum products, polymers and chemicals.</li><li>Materials science and forensics.</li><li>Major, minor and trace elemental analysis in raw materials, glasses, ceramics and refractories.</li><li>Specialty alloys, metals and ores.</li><li>Mining, minerals and cement.</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_ARL_PERFORM_X_Sequential_X_Ray_Fluorescence_Spectrometer_5_6bac427b14.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific: ARL PERFORM'X Sequential X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer - Application" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_PERFORM_X_Sequential_X_Ray_Fluorescence_Spectrometer_5_6bac427b14.jpg 198w," sizes="100vw" width="547" height="432">

Thermo Scientific ARL OPTIM'X WDXRF Spectrometer

Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ OPTIM'X WDXRF Spectrometer provides all the benefits of wavelength dispersive x-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), one of the most versatile methods for elemental analysis of solids and liquids. 

Meet demanding materials analysis requirements with qualitative and quantitative characterization of all types of conductive and non-conductive unknown samples. The Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ OPTIM'X WDXRF Spectrometer provides all the benefits of wavelength dispersive x-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), one of the most versatile methods for elemental analysis of solids and liquids. The system is available in four preconfigured packages specifically suited for analysis in the petroleum, cement and slags industries or for multi-purpose requirements in analytical laboratories.The ARL OPTIM’X WDXRF Spectrometer analyzes elements from carbon to uranium in a wide variety of samples with accuracy, precision and reliability. WDXRF is a standard test method for analytical laboratories (ASTM and ISO norms for example) by virtue of its simplicity, flexibility, affordability and reliability. The cost per analysis is clearly advantageous over many traditional wet chemical and other spectroscopic methods.<h5>Advanced Technology</h5><ul><li>Innovative UCCO technology (Ultra Closely Coupled Optics) for increased intensity, up to 210% higher than conventional geometry</li><li>Unique compact SmartGonio device for sequential analysis</li><li>Optional Multichromators for faster analysis or better performance on selected elements</li><li>Optional OptiQuant package provides “standard-less” analysis for up to 73 elements when specific standards are not available, or when samples can only be obtained in small quantities or as irregular shapes</li></ul><h5>Main Features</h5><ul><li>Unique WDXRF platform with sequential and/or simultaneous capabilities</li><li>500W equivalent analytical performance from 200W X-ray power</li><li>200W equivalent analytical performance from 50W X-ray power</li><li>Element coverage from carbon to uranium, depending on configuration</li><li>High precision (short term and long term repeatability) thanks to temperature regulation of spectrometer and crystals</li><li>Superior spectral resolution from low Z elements to heavy elements (∼15 eV at CaKα)</li><li>Stand-alone and autonomous operation without water cooling</li><li>No gas supply required (depending on the configuration)</li><li>Simple and direct sample introduction</li><li>Automatic analysis of batches with sample changer</li><li>Small footprint</li></ul>Many sample types can be analyzed including conductive or non-conductive solids, liquids, loose powders, pressed pellets, fusion beads, pastes, granules and coatings.<h5>Recommended for</h5><ul><li>Analysis of alternative fuels and waste incineration products for the cement industry</li><li>Analysis of sulfur (S) and other elements in petroleum products and lubricants, fully compliant with ASTM, ISO and other industrial WDXRF norms</li><li>Major and minor oxides in raw materials such as limestone, sand, bauxite, ceramics, refractories, slags and sinters</li><li>Major and trace elements and contaminants in food and chemical products</li></ul>

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