CRM Sulfates (SO4 2-) - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® AN8078HIC

Importance of the Topic

This summary describes ASTASOL® AN8078HIC, a certified reference material (CRM) for sulfate determination in aqueous solutions. Reliable calibration standards are vital for ensuring accuracy and traceability in environmental monitoring, quality control and research applications across diverse analytical platforms.

Study Objectives and Overview

The certificate documents the preparation, certification and intended use of an aqueous sulfate calibration solution prepared by Analytika, spol. s r.o. Accredited under ISO 17034:2017, this CRM provides traceable, gravimetrically prepared sulfate concentrations for method calibration and validation.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Gravimetric preparation of (NH4)2SO4 in ultrapure water to achieve direct SI traceability.
• Verification by independent sulfate determination as barium sulfate precipitate and comparison with NIST SRM 3181.
• Ion chromatography (IC) for profiling trace anionic impurities (Br–, Cl–, F–, I–, NO2–, NO3–, PO43–).

Certification Details and Results

The CRM has a certified sulfate concentration of 100.0 mg/L with an expanded uncertainty of ±0.2 mg/L (k=2) at 20 °C, corresponding to 100.0 mg/kg ±0.3 mg/kg. Density was determined as 0.9997 g/cm3 ±0.0005 g/cm3 at 20 °C. Trace contaminants were below detection limits (<0.02 mg/L), confirming high purity. Homogeneity and stability studies guarantee consistent performance over five years when stored at 5–30 °C.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This CRM supports calibration and validation of:

• Atomic spectrometry methods (AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS).
• Molecular absorption spectrometry.
• Selected electroanalytical techniques.

By providing a well-characterized sulfate standard, laboratories can improve measurement accuracy, comparability and regulatory compliance.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

• Integration into automated multi-analyte calibration systems.
• Development of matrix-matched CRMs for complex water samples.
• Expansion of certified analyte panels to support emerging environmental contaminants.
• Enhanced digital traceability via blockchain or advanced data management platforms.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® AN8078HIC represents a high-purity, SI-traceable sulfate CRM designed to meet stringent analytical demands. Its certified concentration, stability profile and low impurity levels make it a robust tool for laboratories engaged in water quality testing and method validation.

Reference

• ISO Guide 31: Reference Materials – Contents of Certificates and Labels.
• ISO 17034:2017: General Requirements for the Competence of Reference Material Producers.