CRM Ag, Al, B, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, In, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, Tl, Zn - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® AN9114MN

Importance of the Topic

A reliable and multi-element aqueous calibration solution is essential in analytical chemistry workflows. Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) such as ASTASOL® AN9114MN ensure accuracy and traceability of quantitative analyses in various spectrometric and electroanalytical methods, supporting quality control, regulatory compliance, and interlaboratory comparability.

Objectives and Overview of the Certificate

This document certifies the composition, concentration, uncertainty, homogeneity, and stability of an aqueous multi-element calibration solution prepared by Analytika, spol. s r. o. in accordance with ISO Guide 31. The target is to provide a well-characterized CRM containing 23 metal analytes for use in atomic spectrometry (AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS), molecular absorption spectrometry, and selected electroanalytical techniques.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

The solution was gravimetrically prepared from high-purity primary compounds (purities ≥99.98%) and diluted in 10% sub-boiled HNO₃. Concentrations (1000 ±2 mg/L) and density (1.1224 ±0.0005 g/cm³ at 20 °C) were determined using:

• Gravimetry and titrimetry for major elements with direct SI traceability
• Complexometric titration with EDTA for elements such as Al, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ga, In, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Tl, Zn
• ICP-OES for Cr, K, Li, Na
• AAS and ICP-MS for trace impurity profiling

Main Results and Discussion

Certified concentrations for Ag, Al, B, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, In, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, Tl, Zn are 1000 mg/L with expanded uncertainty (k=2) of ±2 mg/L. Trace impurities were quantified at detection-limit levels (<0.001–0.5 mg/L) by AAS, ICP-OES, and ICP-MS; these values are for informational purposes only. Homogeneity tests confirmed batch uniformity, and stability studies guarantee shelf life of three years unopened and 12 months after first opening under prescribed storage conditions.

Benefits and Practical Applications

ASTASOL® AN9114MN offers:

• Multi-element calibration in a single solution, reducing preparation time
• Direct SI traceability to mass unit via gravimetric methods
• Wide applicability across spectrometric and electroanalytical methods
• Assured homogeneity and stability for consistent calibration results

Its use minimizes systematic errors, enhances comparability of results across instruments and laboratories, and supports compliance with regulatory standards.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances in CRM production may focus on:

• Expanding element coverage including non-metallic and rare earth species
• Matrix-matched solutions for environmental, food, or biological samples
• Digital certification with embedded metadata for AI-driven data management
• Miniaturized and on-site preparation kits for field analysis

Integration with automated calibration and validation software will further streamline analytical workflows.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® AN9114MN is a rigorously characterized, multi-element CRM designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern analytical laboratories. Its certified values, traceability, and robust quality documentation make it a valuable tool for ensuring accurate, precise, and comparable analytical results.

Used Instrumentation

• Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)
• Atomic Emission Spectrometry (AES)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Reference

• ISO Guide 31: Preparation of Certified Reference Materials
• ČSN EN ISO 17034:2017 – General requirements for the competence of reference material producers
• ČSN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 – General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
• ČSN EN ISO 9001:2016 – Quality management systems