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

Significance of the Topic

Certified aqueous calibration solutions such as ASTASOL® AN9114MN provide traceable concentration standards for multielement analysis in various atomic and molecular spectrometric and electroanalytical methods. Their rigorous certification under ISO Guide 31 and ISO 17034 ensures reliable method validation, quality assurance, and interlaboratory comparability in environmental, industrial, and research laboratories.

Objectives and Study Overview

The certificate for ASTASOL® AN9114MN aims to deliver a ready-to-use, multielement reference solution containing 23 analytes at 1000±2 mg/L concentration in 10% HNO3. The document details the formulation, homogeneity, stability, certification procedure, uncertainty estimation, and instructions for storage and use.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The calibration solution was prepared gravimetrically from high-purity primary materials and diluted in sub-boiled ultrapure nitric acid and water. Certified values and uncertainties were established by complementary approaches:

• Gravimetric and titrimetric primary methods for direct traceability to the SI kilogram.
• Instrumental techniques — AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS — calibrated with independent reference materials (e.g., NIST SRMs).

Main Results and Discussion

All 23 elements (Ag, Al, B, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, In, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, Tl, Zn) achieved a certified concentration of 1000±2 mg/L (891±3 mg/kg derived by density). Homogeneity tests confirmed consistency across the batch, and stability studies guarantee integrity over a three-year shelf life ( bottle unopened) and 12 months post first opening when stored at 5–30°C.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Accurate calibration for multielement quantification in AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, UV-vis, and select electroanalytical methods.
• Quality control and method validation in laboratories performing environmental monitoring, food safety, pharmaceutical analysis, and industrial process control.
• Direct SI traceability and minimized uncertainty support accreditation requirements and compliance with regulatory standards.

Future Trends and Opportunities

• Development of higher-concentration and lower-level CRM variants to cover ultra-trace and high-range applications.
• Integration with digital certificates linked to blockchain for enhanced traceability and data integrity.
• Expansion of matrix-matched CRMs for complex sample types (e.g., seawater, biological fluids).
• Automation of CRM handling and dispensing to reduce user variability and contamination risk.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® AN9114MN represents a robust multielement certified reference solution designed for precise calibration and validation across diverse analytical platforms. Its comprehensive certification ensures SI traceability, low uncertainty, and reliable performance, facilitating high-quality data generation and method comparability in analytical chemistry.

Used Instrumentation

• Gravimetric balances and volumetric equipment
• Complexometric titration setups (EDTA standardization)
• Flame and graphite furnace AAS
• Atomic emission spectrometers (AES, ICP-OES)
• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
• Electroanalytical titration systems

References

1. ISO Guide 31: Reference Materials — Contents of Certificates.
2. ČSN EN ISO 17034:2017, General Requirements for the Competence of Reference Material Producers.
3. ČSN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018, General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories.
4. ČSN EN ISO 9001:2016, Quality Management Systems — Requirements.
5. NIST Standard Reference Materials (SRM 3151, 928, 3104a, etc.) used for method validation.