CRM Chromium (Cr) - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® AN90131N

Significance of the Topic

This document presents the certification details for ASTASOL® AN90131N, an aqueous calibration solution for chromium (Cr). Certified reference materials of this type are essential for accurate calibration and validation of trace metal determinations in various analytical techniques. Reliable standards underpin quality assurance in environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical testing and industrial process control.

Study Objectives and Overview

The certificate aims to communicate the composition, certified value, uncertainty, traceability and intended use of the chromium CRM. It describes production details, homogeneity, stability, storage conditions and performance verification.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Preparation: Gravimetric dissolution of Cr(NO3)3·9H2O (99.99%) in 2% HNO3 matrix using sub-boiled distilled acid and ultrapure water.
• Traceability: Direct SI linkage via mass measurements.
• Verification: Primary characterization by ICP-OES with parallel analysis against NIST SRM 3112a.
• Impurity Profiling: Levels of over 70 elements determined for information by AAS, ICP-OES and ICP-MS.

Main Results and Discussion

The certified chromium concentration is 1000 ± 2 mg/L at 20 °C (density 1.0128 ± 0.0005 g/cm³). Impurity data confirm negligible interference from other elements, with most trace metals below their detection limits. Homogeneity and stability tests demonstrate consistency throughout a five-year shelf life when stored at 5–30 °C and handled as recommended.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Provides a high-purity, SI-traceable standard for calibration of atomic spectrometry (AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS), molecular absorption and selected electroanalytical methods.
• Supports method validation and quality control in environmental, clinical and industrial laboratories.
• Simplifies compliance with regulatory requirements by offering a certified uncertainty and documented stability.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

As analytical demands evolve, CRMs like ASTASOL® AN90131N will be further refined for ultra-trace analysis and multi-element calibration. Integration with automated workflows, digital certificate linking and expanded isotope-specific standards represent key trends. Enhanced nanomaterial and speciation CRMs may emerge to address advanced environmental and biomedical challenges.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® AN90131N offers a rigorously characterized chromium standard with low uncertainty, comprehensive impurity profiling and long-term stability. It is a reliable tool for calibration and validation across a wide range of spectrometric and electroanalytical techniques.