CRM Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, Ti, Tl, V, Zn - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® AN9090MN

Significance of the Topic

Aqueous multi-element calibration solutions are fundamental for ensuring accuracy and traceability in quantitative elemental analysis. They serve as primary standards for atomic spectrometry (AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS), molecular absorption, and electroanalytical methods across environmental, clinical, pharmaceutical, and industrial laboratories.

Objectives and Study Overview

This certificate describes the production, certification, and intended application of ASTASOL® AN9090MN, a certified reference material (CRM) containing 25 elements at 100.0 mg/L in 5 % HNO₃. The aim is to provide users with a robust calibration solution traceable to SI units, with documented homogeneity, stability, and uncertainty values.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Certification was based on gravimetric preparation, ensuring direct traceability to kilogram. Verification was carried out using primary and instrumental techniques:

• Complexometric titration with EDTA for Al, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Tl, V, Zn (traceable to SRM NIST 928 and specific NIST SRMs).
• Gravimetric determination for As, Ba, Be, Mo, Sr, Ti (linked to NIST SRMs).
• ICP-OES for Cr, K, Li, Na (using SRM NIST and in-house standards).
• Iodometric titration for Se (SRM NIST 3149).
• AAS, ICP-OES, ICP-MS profiling for trace impurities.

Main Results and Discussion

Each element is certified at 100.0 mg/L (± 0.2 mg/L, k = 2) and 96.6 mg/kg (± 0.3 mg/kg) at 20 °C. The solution density is 1.0345 g/cm³ (± 0.0005 g/cm³). Trace impurities were below detection limits or at low microgram-per-liter levels, confirming high purity. Homogeneity tests and stability studies demonstrate consistent composition over a five-year shelf life when stored at 5–30 °C.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High-purity, SI-traceable calibration for multi-element analysis.
• Wide applicability across spectrometric and electroanalytical techniques.
• Extended shelf life and clearly defined expiration protocols for reliability.
• Detailed instructions for storage and handling to maintain integrity.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances may include lower uncertainty levels through enhanced instrumental characterization, development of matrix-matched CRMs for complex samples, and digital certification integration for automated laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Conclusion

ASTASOL® AN9090MN offers a robust, multi-element calibration solution with comprehensive certification data, ensuring dependable results and compliance with international standards. Its extensive characterization supports rigorous QA/QC procedures in diverse analytical workflows.

Reference

• ISO Guide 31:2000 – Reference Materials – Contents of Certificates.
• ČSN EN ISO 17034:2017 – General Requirements for the Competence of Reference Material Producers.
• NIST SRM 928 – Multielement Standard Solution.
• Relevant NIST SRMs: 3101a, 3103a, 3104a, 3105a, 3106, 3108, 3109a, 3112a, 3113, 3114, 3128, 3129a, 3131a, 3132, 3134, 3152a, 3153a, 3158, 3165, 3168a.