TRM - Bi, In, 6Li, Sc, Tb, Y - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® ASTASOL® INT-MIX6

Importance of the topic

A reliable multi-element calibration solution is essential for ensuring accuracy and comparability in routine and research applications of atomic spectrometry and related analytical techniques. Certified reference materials with defined concentrations and uncertainties support method validation, quality control and instrument calibration across laboratories.

Objectives and overview of the study

This identification sheet details the preparation, characterization and intended use of ASTASOL® INT-MIX6, an aqueous calibration solution containing Bi, In, 6Li, Sc, Tb and Y at 100.0 ± 0.5 mg/L. The document follows ISO Guide 31 to describe composition, traceability, homogeneity, stability and handling instructions.

Applied methodology and instrumentation

The solution was prepared gravimetrically from high-purity compounds (≥ 99.99 %) in 5 % HNO₃ using sub-boiled acid and ultrapure water. Primary reference materials from ANALYTIKA® (AN 9008, AN 9026, AN 9030, AN 9052, AN 9058, AN 9067) calibrated against NIST SRMs were used to establish traceability. Homogeneity tests and stability checks ensured the material’s consistency over its two-year shelf life when stored at 5–30 °C.

Instrumentation

• 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

All six analytes were certified at 100.0 mg/L with an expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of 0.5 mg/L at 20 °C. Trace impurities are below 0.2 mg/L total. The material demonstrated excellent homogeneity across bottles and maintained stability throughout its declared shelf life when stored and handled according to the provided instructions.

Benefits and practical applications

• Serves as a ready-to-use calibrator for AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS and selected electroanalytical and molecular absorption techniques
• Supports QA/QC and method validation in environmental, clinical and industrial laboratories
• Simplifies multi-element calibration and reduces preparation errors

Future trends and possibilities

Ongoing developments may include expanding the range of certified elements, reducing uncertainties through advanced primary methods and integrating novel storage formats to further enhance stability. Digital documentation and on-line traceability tracking could improve user convenience and compliance with evolving regulations.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® INT-MIX6 provides a well-characterized, traceable and stable multi-element calibrator tailored for high-performance spectrometric methods. Its rigorous production and certification processes ensure it meets the demands of modern analytical laboratories for accuracy and reproducibility.