<p><strong>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.</strong></p><p>The accident ranks among the <strong>most serious environmental incidents in the Czech Republic in recent years</strong>. After a tanker train derailed, hundreds of<strong> metric tons of benzene leaked</strong>; 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.</p><p>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 <strong>RNDr. Jan Němeček, Ph.D.</strong>, began testing the feasibility of the<strong> in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) method</strong>. This technology is designed to<strong> break down benzene directly within the rock matrix</strong>, 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.</p><h4><strong>Benzene Remediation: Technically Simple, Complicated in Practice</strong></h4><p>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.</p><p>Scientists in Liberec therefore tested <i>in situ </i>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.</p><p>The tests evaluated two main options:<strong> activated hydrogen peroxide and sodium peroxodisulfate</strong>. Both substances removed up to<strong> 99.99% of the benzene</strong>, 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.</p><p>For field applications, the researchers therefore unequivocally recommended <strong>activated hydrogen peroxide</strong>.</p><h4><strong>Dosage Matters</strong></h4><p>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 <strong>soil oxidant consumption (SOD)</strong>. 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.</p><p>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.</p><h4><strong>One Year After the Accident: Research Turns into Real-World Assistance</strong></h4><p>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.</p>

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

<p><strong>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;</strong></p><p>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;</p><p>The Eurachem/CITAC guide on ‘<i><strong>Setting and Using Target Uncertainty in Chemical Measurement</strong></i>’ suggests how to set upper boundaries for the uncertainty based on the intended use of the result [1].&nbsp;</p><p><strong>The impact of the MU on decisions is illustrated in a fictional scenario.&nbsp;</strong></p><p><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"></p><p>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<sup>-1</sup> and a Brix level above 55 °Bx, paying more if the Brix level is above 65 °Bx.&nbsp;</p><p>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;</p><p>The producer accepted the oranges but decided to pay less than expected.&nbsp;</p><p>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.</p><p><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"></p><p><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"></p><p>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.</p><p>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;</p><p>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.</p><p><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"></p><blockquote><p>Approaches to defining the target MU described in the Eurachem/CITAC Guide, where u<sup>tg</sup> and U<sup>tg</sup> represent the target standard and expanded uncertainties, respectively. (the numbers in the bottom of the circles identify the sections of the Guide)</p></blockquote>

Setting Target Measurement Uncertainty

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Academy

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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.

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Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ RQ ICP-MS

Compact, robust SQ-ICP-MS for high-throughput labs. Offers excellent interference removal, low detection limits, and intuitive automation across diverse sample matrices.

<p><strong>Robust single-quadrupole ICP-MS for high-throughput laboratories</strong></p><p><strong>The iCAP RQ ICP-MS is a compact, high-performance inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer that combines robustness, ease of use, and exceptional analytical capabilities for routine laboratories. With intuitive workflows, minimized maintenance, and advanced interference removal technology, it delivers confident multi-element analysis across a wide range of challenging matrices.</strong></p><h3><strong>Key Features and Benefits</strong></h3><h4>⚙️ <strong>Robust Hardware Design</strong></h4><ul><li>Tolerates high-matrix samples (e.g., seawater, organic solvents)</li><li>Reliable plasma performance even with 100% acetonitrile</li><li>Advanced thermal management for long-term mass stability</li><li>Solid-state RF generator and durable electronics</li></ul><h4>🚀 <strong>High Productivity</strong></h4><ul><li>‘Get Ready’ one-click setup automates startup</li><li>Cone replacement in as little as 60 seconds</li><li>Quick-connect sample introduction components</li><li>Supports 24/7 operation with minimal downtime</li></ul><h4>🎯 <strong>Exceptional Analytical Accuracy</strong></h4><ul><li>Single quadrupole with He KED and QCell LMCO for interference removal</li><li>Detects elements like Li and Be at sub-ppt levels</li><li>Flexible interfaces for robust, matrix-tolerant, or high-sensitivity needs</li><li>High ion transmission with low background</li></ul><h4>🧠 <strong>Smart Software – Qtegra ISDS</strong></h4><ul><li>Streamlined method development with visual interface</li><li>Compliance-ready with 21 CFR Part 11 features</li><li>Integrated QA/QC protocols reduce re-runs</li><li>Autosampler and valve compatibility, LIMS support, custom reporting</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Pragolab_Thermo_Scientific_ICP_MS_i_CAP_RQ_Hmotnostni_spektrometr_s_indukcne_vazanym_plazmatem_4f1c97ac70.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ RQ ICP-MS" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Pragolab_Thermo_Scientific_ICP_MS_i_CAP_RQ_Hmotnostni_spektrometr_s_indukcne_vazanym_plazmatem_4f1c97ac70.jpg 160w," sizes="100vw" width="782" height="764"></p><h3><strong>Advanced Workflow Capabilities</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Argon Gas Dilution (AGD)</strong>: Direct high-matrix sample analysis</li><li><strong>Autodilution</strong>: Intelligent calibration and automated sample prep</li><li><strong>Speciation</strong>: Full IC, LC, and GC integration via ChromControl plug-in</li><li><strong>Laser ablation</strong>: Supports depth/spatial solid sample profiling</li><li><strong>Single particle analysis</strong>: Accurate spICP-MS using npQuant module</li></ul><h3><strong>Application Areas</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Environmental</strong>: Drinking water, wastewater, soils (e.g., EPA 200.8)</li><li><strong>Pharmaceutical</strong>: Elemental impurities (ICH Q3D, USP 232/233)</li><li><strong>Food safety</strong>: Simultaneous toxic/essential element screening</li><li><strong>Clinical research</strong>: Trace-level element detection in complex matrices</li><li><strong>Geosciences</strong>: Rock digests, lithium borate fusions</li><li><strong>Industry &amp; materials</strong>: Alloys, advanced materials, nuclear isotopic ratios</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Pragolab_Thermo_Scientific_ICP_MS_i_CAP_RQ_Hmotnostni_spektrometr_s_indukcne_vazanym_plazmatem_2_4c27c3a2d0.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ RQ ICP-MS" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Pragolab_Thermo_Scientific_ICP_MS_i_CAP_RQ_Hmotnostni_spektrometr_s_indukcne_vazanym_plazmatem_2_4c27c3a2d0.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2291" height="1391"></p>

Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ iSpark™ Optical Emission Spectrometers

High-performance spark OES system for elemental and inclusion analysis in metals. Offers fast, precise results with advanced optics, signal processing, and automation readiness.

<h4><strong>High-performance spark OES platform for advanced elemental and inclusion analysis in metals</strong></h4><p><strong>The ARL iSpark series is a powerful platform of optical emission spectrometers designed for fast, precise, and flexible analysis of metallic samples across the iron and steel, non-ferrous, and precious metals industries. Based on the renowned ARL PMT optical technology and equipped with state-of-the-art spark source and signal processing, the ARL iSpark offers unmatched analytical capability, long-term stability, and ease of use in routine and advanced OES workflows.</strong></p><h3><strong>Key Features and Benefits</strong></h3><h4>🔬 <strong>Advanced PMT Optics</strong></h4><ul><li>Legendary one-meter focal length Paschen-Runge mount</li><li>High dispersion and resolution in a compact, sealed vacuum body</li><li>Direct optical path ensures maximum sensitivity</li><li>Superior performance in multi-base and trace-level analysis</li></ul><h4>⚡ <strong>Innovative Spark Source – IntelliSource™</strong></h4><ul><li>Controlled discharge shaping for optimal ablation and excitation</li><li>Flexible dual current control (CCS) for all metallic matrices</li><li>DISC™ (Discharge Interrupt by Short-Circuit) improves trace repeatability</li></ul><h4>🧠 <strong>Superior Signal Acquisition</strong></h4><ul><li>Time Gated Acquisition (TGA) for ultra-precise measurement</li><li>Single Spark Acquisition (SSA) for better signal stability</li><li>DISIRE algorithm for improved precision by removing diffuse signals</li><li>FAST algorithm for selecting only optimal single spark data</li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Pragolab_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_i_Spark_OES_spektrometr_5_606072e779.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ iSpark™ Optical Emission Spectrometers" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Pragolab_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_i_Spark_OES_spektrometr_5_606072e779.jpg 202w," sizes="100vw" width="1101" height="851"></p><h3><strong>Micro-Inclusion Analysis with Spark-DAT™</strong></h3><ul><li>Rapid inclusion characterization during routine OES</li><li>Simultaneous elemental and inclusion analysis (e.g. Al₂O₃, MnS, TiB₂)</li><li>No need for surface polishing or special sample prep</li><li>Standard and advanced modes for inclusion size, type, and oxygen content</li></ul><h3><strong>User-Friendly Design</strong></h3><ul><li>Compact, front-access design allows wall or corner installation</li><li>Quick table changeover without tools</li><li>Air-cooled spark stand with reduced argon consumption</li><li>Smart Argon Management (SAM) with ECOmode and argon-saving presets</li></ul><h3><strong>OXSAS Software Suite</strong></h3><ul><li>Comprehensive instrument control, calibration, and diagnostics</li><li>Flexible user access levels and full traceability</li><li>Maintenance management and quality tools</li><li>Seamless integration with automation and SMS sample handling</li></ul><h3><strong>Applications</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Ferrous and non-ferrous metals</strong>: steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, titanium</li><li><strong>Precious metals</strong> and specialty alloys</li><li><strong>Inclusion analysis</strong>: cleanness control in steel/aluminum</li><li><strong>QA/QC</strong>, production control, and R&amp;D in metallurgy and foundries</li><li>Compatible with <strong>manual or fully automated workflows</strong></li></ul><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Pragolab_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_i_Spark_OES_spektrometr_6_fa6dd82e9f.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ iSpark™ Optical Emission Spectrometers" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Pragolab_Thermo_Scientific_ARL_i_Spark_OES_spektrometr_6_fa6dd82e9f.jpg 198w," sizes="100vw" width="938" height="738"></p>

Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS 10 FTIR Spectrometer

Nicolet iS10 FTIR spectrometer for mid-IR analysis with high resolution, DTGS detector, sealed optics, and broad accessory compatibility.

<p>The <strong>Thermo Scientific Nicolet™ iS™ 10 FTIR Spectrometer</strong> is a <strong>high-performance infrared spectrometer</strong> designed for <strong>routine and advanced analytical applications</strong> in <strong>QA/QC, pharmaceuticals, polymers, forensics, and petrochemical analysis</strong>.</p><p>The system is optimized for the <strong>mid-infrared (mid-IR) region</strong>, utilizing a <strong>KBr/Ge beamsplitter</strong>, with optional <strong>XT-KBr/Ge extended range optics</strong>. It is equipped with a <strong>fast recovery DTGS detector</strong>, providing <strong>high sensitivity and stability without the need for liquid nitrogen cooling</strong>.</p><p>A <strong>sealed optical bench</strong> ensures resistance to ambient humidity, supporting reliable long-term operation. The <strong>modular design</strong> allows integration with a wide range of accessories including <strong>SMART accessories, microscopes, and TGA-IR systems</strong>.</p><h4><span><strong>Key Features</strong></span></h4><ul><li>FTIR spectrometer optimized for mid-IR analysis</li><li>Spectral range up to 11,000–350 cm⁻¹ (XT optics)</li><li>High resolution &lt; 0.4 cm⁻¹</li><li>DTGS detector (no liquid nitrogen required)</li><li>KBr/Ge beamsplitter (standard)</li><li>Sealed optics for humidity resistance</li><li>Dual source (Ever-Glo + tungsten/halogen)</li><li>Compatibility with wide accessory range (SMART, microscopy, TGA-IR)</li><li>USB connectivity</li><li>ASTM E1421 compliant (ISO/GLP)</li></ul><h3><span><strong>Technical Specifications</strong></span></h3><h4><span><strong>Optics and Performance</strong></span></h4><ul><li><strong>Spectral range:</strong><ul><li>7800–350 cm⁻¹ (standard KBr)</li><li>11,000–375 cm⁻¹ (XT-KBr extended range)</li></ul></li><li><strong>Spectral resolution:</strong> &lt; 0.4 cm⁻¹</li><li><strong>Laser:</strong> HeNe</li><li><strong>Beamsplitter:</strong><ul><li>KBr/Ge (standard)</li><li>XT-KBr/Ge (optional)</li></ul></li></ul><h4><span><strong>Detection and Sources</strong></span></h4><ul><li><strong>Detector:</strong><ul><li>DTGS (standard)</li><li>MCT (optional, LN₂ cooled)</li></ul></li><li><strong>Source:</strong><ul><li>Mid-IR Ever-Glo</li><li>Tungsten/halogen</li></ul></li></ul><h4><span><strong>Construction and Compatibility</strong></span></h4><ul><li><strong>Optical system:</strong> sealed</li><li><strong>Compatible with:</strong><ul><li>SMART Accessories</li><li>Continuum microscope</li><li>TGA-IR</li><li>Photoacoustic modules</li><li>standard FTIR accessories</li></ul></li></ul><h4><span><strong>Interface</strong></span></h4><ul><li>USB 2.0</li></ul><h4><span><strong>Dimensions and Weight</strong></span></h4><ul><li>Width: 570 mm</li><li>Height: 250 mm</li><li>Depth: 550 mm</li><li>Weight: 33 kg</li></ul><h4><span><strong>Validation</strong></span></h4><ul><li>ASTM E1421</li><li>ISO / GLP compliance</li></ul>

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Setting Target Measurement Uncertainty

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