TRM - Bi, Ge, In, 6Li, Lu, Rh, Sc, Tb - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® ASTASOL® INT-MIX5

Significance of the Topic

Aqueous multi-element calibration solutions are essential tools for ensuring the accuracy and comparability of measurements in atomic spectrometry and related analytical techniques. The availability of well-characterized reference materials supports quality control, method validation, and regulatory compliance across environmental, pharmaceutical, and industrial laboratories.

Objectives and Product Overview

This identification sheet describes ASTASOL® INT-MIX5, a traceable reference material designed as a calibrator for the simultaneous determination of eight elements (Bi, Ge, In, 6Li, Lu, Rh, Sc and Tb) in aqueous matrices. The primary goals are to document its composition, concentration values, uncertainty, homogeneity, stability, and intended use.

The product key features include:

• Category: Traceable reference material
• Matrix: 10 % HNO₃ with trace HCl, prepared from sub-boiling distilled acids and ultrapure water
• Assigned concentration: 10.00 ± 0.05 mg/L (expanded uncertainty, k=2) for each analyte at 20 °C
• Batch No.: 10139, Production Date: 24.11.2022, Expiry Date: 24.11.2023

Methodology and Instrumentation

Preparation and characterization relied on gravimetric techniques and a chain of calibrations using certified reference materials (CRMs) AN 9008, AN 9022, AN 9026, AN 9030, AN 9031, AN 9047, AN 9052 and AN 9058. Traceability to NIST SRMs was maintained through atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), atomic emission spectrometry (AES) and inductively coupled plasma techniques (ICP-OES). The homogeneity of the solution was confirmed by replicate analyses, and stability studies ensured consistency over the shelf life.

Instrumentation Used

• Flame and Graphite Furnace AAS
• AES and ICP-OES
• ICP-MS
• Molecular absorption and selected electroanalytical setups

Main Results and Discussion

The certified concentration of 10 mg/L for each element demonstrates high purity and accuracy, with total trace impurities below 0.02 mg/L. Homogeneity tests showed negligible between-bottle variation, and accelerated stability trials confirmed no significant change in concentration within the validated storage conditions. Clear instructions emphasize temperature control (20 ± 0.5 °C), avoidance of cross-contamination, and limits on minimum residual volume to preserve quality.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enables multi-element calibration in one standard, reducing preparation time
• Supports diverse analytical methods: AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, UV-VIS, and electroanalytical techniques
• Facilitates traceable, reproducible measurements in environmental monitoring, quality assurance, and research labs
• Certified uncertainty and traceability enhance confidence in compliance testing and instrument performance checks

Future Trends and Utilization Opportunities

Emerging needs in ultratrace analysis and matrix-matched calibration are likely to drive the development of tailored multi-element standards with expanded analyte lists and specialized matrices (e.g., high–salinity, organic solvents). Integration with automated dilution systems and digital certificates of analysis will further streamline laboratory workflows and support real-time data validation.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® INT-MIX5 offers a robust, traceable solution for simultaneous calibration of eight critical elements in nitric acid matrices. Its rigorous characterization, homogeneity, and stability ensure reliable performance across a range of spectrometric and electroanalytical methods, supporting high-quality analytical results in research and industry.

Reference

• ISO Guide 31: Preparation of Reference Materials
• ČSN EN ISO 9001:2016 – Quality Management Systems
• ČSN EN ISO 17034:2017 – Competence of Reference Material Producers