TRM - Bi, Ge, In, 6Li, Sc, Tb, Y - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® ASTASOL® INT-MIX3

Importance of the Topic

Accurate and reliable calibration standards are fundamental for quantitative analysis in atomic and molecular spectrometry. Certified reference materials ensure traceability, comparability of results, and confidence in measurements across laboratories involved in environmental monitoring, pharmaceuticals, materials science, and quality control.

Study Objectives and Overview

This identification sheet presents the properties and intended use of ASTASOL® INT-MIX3, an aqueous multi-element calibration solution containing bismuth, germanium, indium, lithium-6, scandium, terbium, and yttrium at 10.00 mg/L each. The goal is to document its composition, preparation, traceability, homogeneity, and stability according to ISO Guide 31 requirements.

Methodology and Preparation

The solution is prepared gravimetrically using high-purity primary compounds (≥ 99.99 %). The matrix consists of 5 % HNO₃ with trace HF in ultrapure water (≥ 18 MΩ·cm). Concentrations and uncertainties (± 0.05 mg/L, k=2) are assigned based on mass fractions and calibration against certified CRMs (AN 9008, AN 9022, AN 9026, AN 9030, AN 9052, AN 9058, AN 9067), all traceable to NIST SRMs through atomic spectrometric and primary methods.

Instrumentation Used

• Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)
• Atomic Emission Spectrometry (AES)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Main Results and Discussion

ASTASOL® INT-MIX3 delivers assigned values of 10.00 mg/L for each analyte with expanded uncertainty of 0.05 mg/L. Trace impurities are below 0.02 mg/L total. Homogeneity tests confirm uniform distribution across bottles, and stability studies guarantee integrity over a two-year shelf life when stored at 5–30 °C and handled as instructed.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This calibration solution supports accurate quantification in a range of analytical techniques: AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, molecular absorption, and selected electrochemical assays. Its well-characterized uncertainty and traceability make it suitable for routine quality control, method validation, and interlaboratory comparisons.

Future Trends and Applications

Emerging demands for ultra-trace analysis and speciation studies will drive the development of multi-element standards with lower concentrations and extended element coverage. Integration with digital certification and QR-based traceability will enhance user confidence and streamline laboratory workflows.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® INT-MIX3 represents a robust, ISO-compliant reference solution for multi-element calibration in aqueous matrices. Its precise gravimetric preparation, certified traceability to NIST SRMs, and proven stability support high-quality analytical results across diverse spectrometric and electroanalytical methods.

Reference

ISO Guide 31, Reference materials – Contents of certificates and labels. 2015.
ČSN EN ISO 17034:2017, General requirements for competence of reference material producers. 2017.
ANALYTIKA® Identification Sheet ASTASOL® INT-MIX3, Version 01, May 2023.