CRM Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, In, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Se, Sr, Tl, U, V, Zn - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® AN9117MN

Importance of the topic

Precise multi-element calibration solutions are fundamental in analytical chemistry to achieve accurate, reliable and traceable measurements across atomic and molecular spectrometric techniques. They support quality assurance in environmental monitoring, clinical analysis, industrial process control and research laboratories.

Study objectives and overview

The certificate outlines the development and certification of ASTASOL® AN9117MN, a reference material containing 27 elements at 10 mg/L in a 5 % HNO₃ matrix. The goal is to provide a homogeneous, stable and SI-traceable calibration standard for a broad range of analytical methods.

Methodology and instrumentation

The solution was gravimetrically prepared from high-purity primary compounds and ultrapure reagents, ensuring direct traceability to the kilogram. Characterization involved:

• Gravimetric and titrimetric primary methods for mass fraction determination.
• Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), atomic emission spectrometry (AES), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and ICP-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) calibrated against independent standards.
• Density measurement at 20 °C to convert concentration to mass fraction.
• Homogeneity and stability studies over the declared shelf life.

Used instrumentation

• AAS for Ag, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Sr and trace impurities.
• AES for selected elements (e.g., Cr, Cs).
• ICP-OES for multi-element verification (Cr, K, Li, Na, Rb).
• ICP-MS for ultra-trace impurity screening.
• Complexometric titration with EDTA for Al, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ga, In, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Tl, U, V and Zn.
• Iodometric titration for Se.

Main results and discussion

Each of the 27 analytes was certified at 10.00 ± 0.05 mg/L (expanded uncertainty k=2) at 20 °C, corresponding to 9.75 ± 0.07 mg/kg by mass fraction. Trace impurities across the board were below detection limits or at sub-µg/L levels, demonstrating high matrix purity. Homogeneity tests confirmed minimal between-unit variability, and stability studies validated performance over one year when stored at 5–30 °C.

Benefits and practical applications

This CRM simplifies multi-element calibration workflows and enhances method validation in:

• Atomic spectrometry (AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS).
• Molecular absorption spectrometry.
• Electroanalytical techniques.
• Quality assurance and regulatory compliance in water analysis, food safety and industrial process control.

Future trends and possibilities

Advancements may include expansion to speciation-specific CRMs, adaptation for micro-volume platforms, integration of digital traceability (blockchain) and development of matrix-matched reference materials for emerging sample types.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® AN9117MN offers a robust, SI-traceable solution for multi-element calibration, combining high purity, certified uncertainty and broad applicability to support accurate analytical measurements.

References

• SRM NIST series for primary method calibration (e.g., 3101a, 3112a, 3141a).
• Analytika in-house solid and liquid CRMs.