Matrix CRM of strawberry leaves METRANAL® CRM AN-BM01

Importance of the Topic

Certified reference materials are essential tools in analytical chemistry, providing well-characterized samples to ensure data quality, traceability and comparability of results across laboratories. A CRM of plant matrix, such as strawberry leaves, addresses the growing demand for reliable standards in environmental monitoring, food safety, agronomy and phytochemical research.

Objectives and Overview of the Certificate

This certificate documents the preparation, characterization and intended use of a strawberry leaves CRM (AN-BM01), produced by Analytika, spol. s r.o. It follows ISO Guide 31 and ISO 17034 requirements and supplies information on sample composition, storage instructions, certified values, uncertainties and recommended analytical methods.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The material was processed into a fine powder (< 100 µm) and radiation-stabilized to preserve integrity. Moisture content was determined by oven drying at 105 °C to constant weight. Metrological traceability to SI units was achieved using certified calibration solutions and comparison with matrix CRMs of similar composition. Recommended analytical techniques include:

• Flame atomic absorption spectrometry (Flame AAS)
• Electrothermal AAS (ETA-AAS)
• Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES)
• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Main Results and Discussion

The certificate provides certified and indicative mass fractions for 28 elements, all corrected to dry weight at 105 °C. Major macronutrients include calcium (14 480 ± 387 mg/kg), potassium (20 240 ± 619 mg/kg), magnesium (3 868 ± 171 mg/kg), phosphorus (2 762 ± 130 mg/kg) and sulphur (~1 418 mg/kg). Trace elements such as iron (782 ± 39 mg/kg), zinc (24.5 ± 1.4 mg/kg), manganese (174 ± 5 mg/kg) and nickel (2.47 ± 0.15 mg/kg) were also quantified. Elements with lower concentrations (e.g. arsenic 0.290 ± 0.021 mg/kg, cadmium 0.170 ± 0.011 mg/kg) are reported as indicative values when fewer data points were available. Expanded combined uncertainties (k=2) reflect dominant contributions from characterization.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This CRM supports laboratories in method validation, performance verification, interlaboratory comparisons and routine quality control. It ensures accuracy in total element determinations in plant matrices, aiding compliance with regulatory standards and enhancing confidence in environmental and food safety analyses.

Future Trends and Applications

Advances in multi-element analysis and hyphenated techniques will demand CRMs with broader matrices and ultra-trace capabilities. Expanded certification of organic compounds, isotopic ratios and nanoparticle distributions in plant materials represents emerging areas. Integration with digital certificate delivery and blockchain may further improve traceability and user engagement.

Conclusion

The METRANAL® CRM AN-BM01 strawberry leaves material offers a robust tool for total element analysis in botanical samples. Its thorough characterization, accreditation and recommended methods make it a valuable resource for quality assurance and method development in diverse analytical settings.

Reference

• ISO Guide 31: Reference Materials – Contents of Certificates and Labels
• ISO 17034:2017: General Requirements for the Competence of Reference Material Producers
• ISO 9001:2016 and ISO/IEC 17025:2018 Quality Management and Testing Laboratory Standards