TRM - Ba, Be, Bi, Ce, Co, In, Li, Ni, Pb, U - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® TUNE01

Significance of the Topic

This calibration solution provides traceable and reliable standards for multi-element analysis in aqueous matrices. High-purity reference materials are essential for ensuring accuracy and comparability across laboratories, supporting quality control in environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical analysis, food safety and industrial process control.

Objectives and Overview

The document describes the ASTASOL® TUNE01 aqueous calibration solution containing ten trace metals at 10.0 mg/L each. Its primary aim is to offer a stable, homogeneous multi-element standard suitable for atomic spectrometry (AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS), molecular absorption and selected electroanalytical methods.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The solution was prepared gravimetrically from high-purity primary compounds (e.g., BaCO₃ 99.997 %, UO₂(NO₃)₂·6H₂O 99.95 %) in 5 % HNO₃. Traceability to NIST SRMs is ensured via an unbroken calibration chain using certified reference materials AN 9006–AN 9064 and measurement techniques such as:

• 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

Each of the ten analytes—Ba, Be, Bi, Ce, Co, In, Li, Ni, Pb and U—is assigned a concentration of 10.0 mg/L with an expanded uncertainty of ±0.1 mg/L (k=2) at 20 °C. Trace impurities are below 0.05 mg/L total. Homogeneity testing confirms uniform distribution of all elements. Stability studies demonstrate no significant change in concentration over the two-year shelf life when stored between 5–30 °C and handled according to guidelines.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This multi-element calibrator simplifies workflow by reducing the need for separate single-element standards. It supports:

• Routine QC checks in environmental and industrial labs
• Accurate method validation and instrument calibration
• Inter-laboratory comparisons and proficiency testing

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances may include integration with digital traceability platforms, microfluidic dispensing systems for low-volume assays and extended stability formulations for field use. Custom multi-element mixes and matrix-matched standards are likely to grow in demand as analytical techniques evolve toward higher throughput and lower detection limits.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® TUNE01 delivers a well-characterized, traceable multi-element calibration solution with demonstrated homogeneity and stability. Its broad compatibility and certified performance make it a valuable tool for accurate trace metal analysis across diverse applications.

References

• ANALYTIKA®, spol. s r.o.: Identification sheet for ASTASOL® TUNE01 (Version 01, 01.02.2021).