CRM Mercury (Hg) - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® AN8024N

Significance of the topic

Aqueous calibration standards for mercury are essential to ensure accurate quantification of trace metal concentrations in various matrices. Certified reference materials (CRMs) provide metrological traceability and support reliable method validation in environmental monitoring, industrial quality control, and clinical analysis.

Aims and overview

This document presents the certification of ASTASOL AN8024N, an aqueous mercury calibration solution at nominal concentration of 100 mg/l. It details the material composition, certification approach, and intended analytical applications.

Methodology and instrumentation

Preparation of the CRM was performed by gravimetric weighing of 99.999% pure metallic mercury and dilution in 5% sub-boiled nitric acid and ultrapure water. Assignment of the certified concentration was achieved by complexometric titration traceable to NIST SRM 928. Trace impurity profiling employed a combination of:

• Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS)
• Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES)
• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Homogeneity and stability assessments were conducted in accordance with ISO Guide 35 and ISO 17034 requirements.

Main results and discussion

The certified mercury concentration is 100.0 mg/l with an expanded uncertainty of 0.2 mg/l (k=2) at 20 °C, equivalent to 97.6 mg/kg considering the density of 1.0246 g/cm3 ± 0.0005 g/cm3. Impurities for over 70 elements were determined to be below detection limits, ensuring minimal interference. Stability studies confirm the CRM remains homogeneous and stable over a three-year shelf life when stored at 5–30 °C.

Benefits and practical applications

ASTASOL AN8024N is suited for calibration and validation of analytical methods such as AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, molecular absorption spectrometry, and selected electroanalytical techniques. Its high purity and documented uncertainty support rigorous quality control in laboratories.

Future trends and potential applications

Emerging analytical techniques with ultratrace detection and isotope dilution protocols will drive demand for multi-element and isotopically enriched CRMs. Advances in speciation analysis may require tailored standards for different mercury species in complex matrices.

Conclusion

ASTASOL AN8024N is a fully characterized CRM offering high accuracy, traceability, and low impurity levels. Its robust certification under ISO 17034 provides confidence for analytical laboratories seeking reliable mercury calibration solutions.

Reference

Analytika spol s r o Certificate for ASTASOL AN8024N Version 01 dated 25 April 2023