Light and urea. These are two "basic ingredients" that can be enough for effective and gentle water purification. This has been proven by new research conducted by scientists from CEITEC Brno University of Technology (BUT). Although this is only basic research and scientists will continue to build on it, its results can already be used in practice.Urea is an organic substance that is commonly found in nature. Thanks to this, it is widely available.The key is its modification, in which scientists obtain a special compound of carbon and nitrogen from it. This can then be used for photocatalysis. "Our compound therefore serves as a catalyst that is activated by incident light. Thanks to this, substances that eliminate impurities present in water begin to be released," says Daina Arenas Buelvas from the Quantum Molecular Magnetism team at CEITEC BUT, who led the research.This represents a significant shift compared to current methods. Filters that capture impurities are now used to purify water. These filters then need to be removed and the captured substances disposed of. The carbon and nitrogen compound formed from urea, when hit by the light, both captures and decomposes pollutants. In laboratory tests this is done with an efficiency of up to 97%.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Cisteni_vody_pomoci_svetla_Laboratorni_testy_prokazaly_ucinnost_az_97_2_719253ff50.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/Jakub Rozboud: Purifying Water Using Light? Laboratory Tests Have Shown 97% Efficiency: Daina Dayana Arenas Buelvas preparing samples." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Cisteni_vody_pomoci_svetla_Laboratorni_testy_prokazaly_ucinnost_az_97_2_719253ff50.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1067"><h3>A unique method that freezes particles</h3>The research is also unique thanks to the technology used. The scientists used EPR spectroscopy, which can capture free radicals whose lifetime is only a few nanoseconds and “freezes” them, giving scientists the space to examine them.“This allowed us to describe the entire reaction that took place in the material. We thus obtained information that we and other scientists can use in follow-up research,” points out Daina Arenas Buelvas.<blockquote>Researchers use a technique called spin trapping to confirm that the material produces reactive oxygen species that break down impurities. Since these molecules are too short-lived to be detected directly, a special 'trap' molecule is added to convert them into a stable, measurable compound, definitively proving that the material generates the active cleaning agents.</blockquote>The results of the research were <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214993726002150?via%3Dihub">published</a> in the prestigious scientific magazine Sustainable Materials and Technologies. In addition to the Quantum Molecular Magnetism team of Vinicius Tadeu Santana from CEITEC BUT, the Brazilian scientific teams of Felipe La Porta from the University of Paraná and Débora Quadreli from the University of Londrina, and the team of Christian M. M. Rocha from the University of Barranquilla, Colombia, also participated in it.<h3>They will test the use against microplastics</h3>The scientists verified the effectiveness of graphitic carbon nitride, which is the name of the used carbon and nitrogen compound, in water contaminated with methylene blue. Thanks to the photocatalytic reaction, the compound removed 97.2% of the impurities.The wide availability of urea and the easy treatment required to obtain the key compound allow for rapid implementation in practice. At the same time, other scientific works can follow up on this research.Daina Arenas Buelvas also plans to do the same. "I want to find out whether it is possible to use photocatalysis in graphitic carbon nitride to remove microplastics. But we are only at the beginning," adds the scientist, who came to the Czech Republic from Colombia.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Cisteni_vody_pomoci_svetla_Laboratorni_testy_prokazaly_ucinnost_az_97_3_0b9e23b800.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/Jakub Rozboud: Purifying Water Using Light? Laboratory Tests Have Shown 97% Efficiency: EPR laboratory at CEITEC BUT." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Cisteni_vody_pomoci_svetla_Laboratorni_testy_prokazaly_ucinnost_az_97_3_0b9e23b800.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1067"><blockquote><h4>Article&nbsp;</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214993726002150?via%3Dihub">Unraveling precursor effects on the cytotoxicity, adsorption and photocatalytic Performance of g-C3N4 materials: Insights from experimental and computational approaches</a></h4>Daina D.A. Buelvas, João P.A. de Jesus, Lucie Kotásková, Christian M.M. Rocha, Débora H. Quadreli, Juliana M. Serpeloni, Glaura S.A. Fernandes, Bruno L.S. Vicentin, Vinicius T. Santana, Felipe A. La Porta&nbsp;Sustain. Mater. Technol., 2026, 48, e02064<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e02064">10.1016/j.susmat.2026.e02064</a></blockquote>

 Purifying Water Using Light? Laboratory Tests Have Shown 97% Efficiency 

Olomouc – The new REEactor technology platform addresses the growing demand for rare earth elements and the challenges associated with their extraction. Alexander Dömling from CATRIN at Palacký University has received a prestigious European Research Council grant in the Proof of Concept category to develop this platform. Together with his team, the renowned chemist aims to use automated chemistry, artificial intelligence and molecular research to speed up and streamline the separation of these raw materials, while reducing both chemical consumption and the volume of toxic waste generated during their extraction. The project was officially launched yesterday in the presence of academics and representatives from the public sector.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Projekt_RE_Eactor_odstartoval_Zjednodusi_separaci_prvku_vzacnych_zemin_2_648397508e.jpg" alt="CATRIN: The REEactor project has been launched. It will simplify the separation of rare earth elements" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Projekt_RE_Eactor_odstartoval_Zjednodusi_separaci_prvku_vzacnych_zemin_2_648397508e.jpg 208w," sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="1440">“Securing an ERC Proof of Concept grant is an important validation of our vision that autonomous chemistry, automation and artificial intelligence can help address one of Europe’s most pressing challenges in the field of critical raw materials. For decades, China has been building up expertise in the separation of rare-earth elements, specialised academic capacity and industrial know-how.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Projekt_RE_Eactor_odstartoval_Zjednodusi_separaci_prvku_vzacnych_zemin_3_049bc5af73.jpg" alt="CATRIN: The REEactor project has been launched. It will simplify the separation of rare earth elements" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Projekt_RE_Eactor_odstartoval_Zjednodusi_separaci_prvku_vzacnych_zemin_3_049bc5af73.jpg 208w," sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="1440">Rare earth elements comprise 17 chemical elements that are essential, for example, in the manufacture of batteries, electric vehicles, aeroplanes, drones, wind turbines, mobile phones, medical diagnostic equipment, semiconductors and high-performance magnets. The industrial separation of rare-earth elements is currently largely concentrated in China and is associated with a number of problems. REEactor will focus on finding the molecular key to one of the most difficult problems in the processing of critical raw materials: how to separate rare-earth elements that are nearly identical. Instead of slowly testing individual compounds, it will use automation to prepare and test tens of thousands of molecular variants, with artificial intelligence helping to identify the most successful ones.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Projekt_RE_Eactor_odstartoval_Zjednodusi_separaci_prvku_vzacnych_zemin_4_8418d66c05.jpg" alt="CATRIN: The REEactor project has been launched. It will simplify the separation of rare earth elements" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Projekt_RE_Eactor_odstartoval_Zjednodusi_separaci_prvku_vzacnych_zemin_4_8418d66c05.jpg 208w," sizes="100vw" width="1703" height="1277">“The main aim of the project is to demonstrate that rare-earth elements can be separated more easily, using fewer chemicals and less energy, and producing less waste. In the longer term, REEactor could help replace large, resource-intensive industrial separation plants with smaller, modular facilities that are more efficient, flexible and environmentally friendly. The transfer of the technology into industrial practice shall be carried out by the newly established spin-off company REEactor, the development of which is another objective of the project,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Imma&nbsp;Capriello, CEO and Co-Founder&nbsp;of&nbsp;REEactor Tech and a member&nbsp;of&nbsp;the&nbsp;research team at CATRIN.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CATRIN_Projekt_RE_Eactor_odstartoval_Zjednodusi_separaci_prvku_vzacnych_zemin_5_db1bfe4fea.jpg" alt="CATRIN: The REEactor project has been launched. It will simplify the separation of rare earth elements" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CATRIN_Projekt_RE_Eactor_odstartoval_Zjednodusi_separaci_prvku_vzacnych_zemin_5_db1bfe4fea.jpg 208w," sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="1440"><blockquote>In the first round of the 2026 call for proposals, the European Research Council (ERC) awarded a total of 27.3 million euros to 182 researchers; only one project in the Czech Republic received funding. Each grant is worth €150,000 and is intended for current and recent ERC grant holders to enable them to validate the commercial or societal potential of their research results. This grant programme forms part of the European Union’s Horizon Europe framework programme for research and innovation.</blockquote>

The REEactor project has been launched. It will simplify the separation of rare earth elements

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent one of the most significant environmental contaminants in our world today. These complex organic compounds, composed of multiple fused aromatic rings, are ubiquitous pollutants that demand our attention due to their profound impact on both environmental and human health.<h3>What are PAHs?</h3>PAHs are a class of over 100 different chemicals that generally occur as complex mixtures. They form during the incomplete combustion of organic matter, including coal, oil, gasoline, diesel, wood, and garbage [6]. The simplest PAH is naphthalene with two aromatic rings, while more complex PAHs like anthracene or phenanthrene have three or more rings.These compounds are characterized by their uncharged, non-polar, and planar structure. Many PAHs are colorless and can be found in fossil fuel deposits such as coal and petroleum. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has designated sixteen PAHs as high priority pollutants due to their widespread occurrence and potential health risks [6].<h3>Health and Environmental Impacts</h3>The health risks associated with PAH exposure are substantial and well-documented:<ul><li>Carcinogenicity: Many PAHs are recognized as carcinogens, mutagens, and teratogens. Prolonged exposure is linked to increased risk of lung cancer, as well as cancers of the skin, pancreas, esophagus, bladder, colon, and breast [8].</li><li>Cardiovascular Effects: PAH exposure has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, thrombosis, hypertension, and myocardial infarction [12]</li><li>Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity: Studies show that PAHs can cause reproductive issues and developmental complications.</li><li>Immunotoxicity: PAHs have been linked to weakened immune systems, potentially compromising the body's defense mechanisms.</li></ul><h3>Sources of PAH Exposure</h3>Understanding the sources of PAH exposure is essential for mitigation efforts:<ul><li>Food: Charred or barbecued food represents one of the highest rates of exposure to people [8].</li><li>Tobacco smoke: Both cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke are significant sources. Ambient air is another source.</li><li>Industrial activities: Coking plants, incomplete combustion from industrial processes, and waste incineration contribute significantly to atmospheric PAHs.</li><li>Vehicle Emissions: Exhaust fumes, tire wear, and improper motor oil disposal all release PAHs.</li><li>Wood Burning: Using wood stoves and fireplaces releases PAHs into the environment.</li><li>Treated Wood: Creosote-treated wood products release PAHs into the environment.</li></ul><h3>EPA Method 3546: Microwave Extraction</h3><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/epa-methods-3510-and-3546-optimizing-sample-preparation">EPA Method 3546</a> is a crucial procedure for extracting PAHs from environmental samples. This method uses microwave-assisted solvent extraction (MASE) for extracting water-insoluble or slightly water-soluble organic compounds from soils, clays, sediments, sludges, and solid waste [7].<h4>Key Features of EPA 3546</h4><ul><li>Procedure: The method involves grinding samples to a powder, loading them into extraction vessels, adding appropriate solvents, sealing the vessels, and heating them to extraction temperature, extracting for around 10 minutes [7].</li><li>Target Compounds: EPA 3546 is designed for extracting organochlorine pesticides, semi-volatile organics, PAHs, PCBs, phenoxyacid herbicides, phenols, dioxins, and furans [1].</li><li>Advantages: Compared to traditional extraction methods, EPA 3546 offers:<ul><li>Reduced extraction time (10-20 minutes vs. hours for traditional methods) [1] [11]</li><li>Lower solvent consumption</li><li>Higher extraction temperatures and pressures</li><li>Improved efficiency and throughput [11]</li></ul></li><li>Operating Conditions: The extraction typically occurs at 100-115°C and 50-175 psi pressure [2] [11].</li><li>Solvent Systems: The most commonly applied solvent mixtures are acetone-hexane (1:1) and acetone-methylene chloride (1:1) [1].</li></ul><h4>Recent Developments in EPA 3546 Implementation</h4>Recent technological advances have addressed some limitations of traditional EPA 3546 implementations:<ul><li>Increased Sample Capacity: Modern systems like the Milestone Ethos X can process up to 24 samples simultaneously with up to 30g of sample per vessel, improving limits of quantitation and allowing for the extraction of over 200 samples in an 8-hour workday [11].</li><li>Disposable Vessels: The use of disposable glass vials eliminates potential contamination, memory effects, and cleaning requirements [11].</li><li>Temperature Control: Advanced systems feature contactless temperature control in all positions, ensuring consistent extraction conditions [11].</li></ul><h3>Analytical Methods for PAH Detection</h3>Several analytical techniques have been developed for PAH detection in environmental and biological samples:<h4>Chromatographic Methods</h4><ul><li>High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/hplc-sample-preparation">HPLC</a> coupled with fluorescence detectors (FLD) or ultraviolet detectors is frequently used for PAH detection [4] [9]. This method offers high sensitivity and good selectivity but can be affected by matrix interferences and lacks positive confirmation as identification is based solely on retention time [3].</li><li>Gas Chromatography (GC): GC coupled with mass spectrometry (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/preparing-samples-for-gc-ms/ms-analysis">GC-MS</a>) provides high selectivity, sensitivity, and a simple operating system [4]. It's one of the most common methods for PAH determination and provides compound confirmation through spectral libraries. The DB-5 MS capillary column is most often used for determination of 16 EPA priority PAHs [4].</li><li>Supercritical Fluid Chromatography: This is an emerging technique for PAH determination in different food and water matrices [4].</li></ul><h4>Advanced Detection Techniques</h4><ul><li>Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM): When GC-MS is operated in SIM mode, it collects data only at masses of interest, increasing sensitivity for detecting PAHs at lower concentrations [3].</li><li>Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS): Significantly improves the intensity of molecules, while holding a low detection limit and high sensitivity [8].</li><li>Microwave Plasma Torch Mass Spectrometry (MPT-MS): Shows promise as a versatile platform for PAH research with advantages including simple construction, easy operation, and relatively high sensitivity [8].</li></ul><h4>Emerging Technologies</h4><ul><li>Electrochemical Sensors: Recently developed for onsite detection of PAHs [4].</li><li>SERS-based Optical Sensors: Allow for rapid, field-deployable detection capabilities [4].</li><li>Biosensor Methods: Portable, field-deployable antibody-based PAH biosensor methods can provide rapid measurements of PAH availability [10].</li></ul><h3>Challenges in PAH Detection</h3>Despite advances in analytical techniques, several challenges remain:<ul><li>Complex Mixtures: PAHs typically exist as complex mixtures, making individual compound identification difficult. For example, the gas chromatographic procedure does not adequately resolve certain pairs of compounds, including anthracene and phenanthrene; chrysene and benzo(a)anthracene; benzo(b)fluoranthene and benzo(k)fluoranthene; and dibenzo(a,h)anthracene and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene [9].</li><li>Trace Concentrations: PAHs often exist in trace amounts, requiring highly sensitive detection methods and applications that can identify low limits.</li><li>Matrix Effects: The complex matrices in which PAHs are found (soil, water, food) can interfere with detection methods.</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.organomation.com/environmental-sample-preparation">Sample Preparation</a>: Many methods require complicated pre-processing that is time-consuming and labor-intensive.</li></ul><h3>Recent Advances in PAH Analysis</h3>Recent technological developments have improved PAH analysis capabilities:<ul><li>Advanced GC-MS Technology: Modern GC-MS systems demonstrate excellent sensitivity with low instrument detection limits (IDLs) and method detection limits (MDLs) in the low picogram range, exceeding regulatory requirements and ensuring accurate quantification of even trace levels of PAHs [12].</li><li>Automated Extraction Systems: Systems like the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products/746">Thermo Scientific EXTREVA ASE Accelerated Solvent Extractor</a> combine extraction and evaporation in one seamless operation, saving time, reducing errors and solvent usage, enabling unattended operations, and significantly increasing analytical throughput [6].</li><li>Improved Calibration Methods: Average Response Factor calibration curves for PAHs now span over 5 orders of magnitude (from 2.5 to 20,000 ng/mL), enhancing the accuracy of quantitative analysis [12].</li></ul><h3>Conclusion</h3>The detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons remains a critical aspect of environmental and public health protection. As analytical capabilities continue to improve, particularly through advancements in EPA Method 3546 implementation and detection technologies, we gain better insights into the distribution, fate, and impact of these widespread contaminants.Continued research and development of more sensitive, rapid, and field-deployable detection methods will be essential in our ongoing efforts to monitor and mitigate PAH exposure. By understanding where and how PAHs exist in our environment, we can develop more effective strategies to reduce their impact on human health and the ecosystems we depend upon.Through collaborative efforts between environmental scientists, analytical chemists, public health officials, and regulatory agencies, we can work toward a future with reduced PAH contamination and its associated health risks.Be sure to check out our other installments of our&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/introducing-our-environmental-contaminants-series-making-sense-of-the-alphabet-soup">Environmental Contaminant Series</a>&nbsp;covering&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/article/8059">Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/the-importance-of-detecting-semi-volatile-organic-compounds-svocs">Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOCs)</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://blog.organomation.com/blog/the-importance-of-detecting-polychlorinated-biphenyls-pcbs">Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/article/7810">Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)</a>.

The Importance of Detecting Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

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Since its establishment in 2011, CEITEC has quickly developed into a cutting-edge infrastructure for research which performs highly alongside the best institutes in Europe. Among the main priorities of CEITEC are the promotion of a motivating and dynamic international scientific environment, the provision of state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and the policy of open communication and equal opportunities.

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The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (CATRIN) at Palacký University is a cutting-edge scientific hub dedicated to advancing research in the fields of nanotechnology, biotechnology, and biomedicine. At its core, CATRIN boasts outstanding scientific teams, featuring international researchers. We emphasize interdisciplinarity, foster global collaborations, and work to translate our research findings into practical applications.

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