CRM Al, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Si, Sr, V, W, Zn, Zr - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® AN9095MFN

Significance of the Topic

Reference calibration solutions certified as reference materials play a fundamental role in ensuring accuracy and traceability in quantitative analyses. Multi-element aqueous standards, such as ASTASOL® AN9095MFN, support the calibration of diverse spectrometric and electroanalytical methods across research, quality control and industrial laboratories.

Objectives and Overview of the Certificate

• Provide a certified multi-element aqueous calibration solution covering 18 metals at 100 mg/L concentration.
• Establish direct SI traceability through gravimetric preparation and validation by primary and instrumental methods.
• Document homogeneity, stability, shelf life and handling instructions for reliable use.

Methodology and Instrumentation Used

The certified reference material was produced by gravimetric weighing of high-purity primary compounds into a mixed acid matrix (5% HNO₃, 0.2% HF) in ultrapure water. Analytical characterization and uncertainty assessment employed:

• Primary methods: gravimetry and complexometric titration (EDTA) for various metals.
• Instrumental techniques: Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), Atomic Emission Spectrometry (AES), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and ICP Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).
• Calibration references: Independent solid and liquid CRMs and NIST SRMs (e.g. SRM 928, SRM 3105a, SRM 3134).

Main Results and Discussion

• Certified concentration: 100.0 ± 0.2 mg/L (100.0 ± 0.3 mg/kg) for each element at 20 °C.
• Density: 1.0361 ± 0.0005 g/cm³ at 20 °C.
• Homogeneity confirmed across the batch and stability assured over a 5-year shelf life and 12-month post-opening period under specified conditions.
• Trace impurities are present at levels below detection limits for most elements, ensuring negligible matrix interference.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Universal calibration standard for spectrometric methods (AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS).
• Validation of analytical procedures in environmental, pharmaceutical and industrial laboratories.
• Support for quality assurance and method accreditation by providing SI-traceable benchmarks.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Development of extended multi-matrix CRMs to match complex sample types.
• Integration of ultra-trace and speciation reference materials for emerging analytes.
• Digital certification and blockchain-based traceability for enhanced data integrity.
• Automated calibration workflows in high-throughput and in-situ monitoring systems.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® AN9095MFN delivers a robust, SI-traceable, multi-element calibration solution with well-validated homogeneity and stability. It underpins accurate and reliable analytical measurements across diverse techniques and industries.

Reference

• ISO Guide 31: Reference materials – Contents of certificates and labels.
• ISO 17034:2017: General requirements for the competence of reference material producers.
• NIST Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) for elemental calibration.