TRM - Al, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, In, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, Tl, U, V, Zn - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® TUNE03

Importance of the Topic

Aqueous multi-element calibration solutions are fundamental to quantitative analytical chemistry. They ensure accuracy and comparability of results across techniques such as atomic absorption spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma methods and electroanalytical procedures. Certified reference materials with well-defined concentrations and uncertainties underpin quality assurance in environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical analysis, food safety and industrial process control.

Objectives and Study Overview

This identification sheet presents ASTASOL® TUNE03, a certified aqueous calibration solution containing 22 elements at 10.0 mg/L each. The document outlines its preparation, characterization, traceability, storage instructions and intended analytical applications. It serves as a basis for laboratories to integrate the material into calibrations and validate analytical workflows.

Applied Methodology and Instrumentation

Methodology:

• Gravimetric preparation from high-purity primary compounds (purity ≥ 99.95 % for most elements).
• Matrix formulation in 5 % v/v HNO₃ prepared from sub-boil distilled acid and ultrapure water (resistivity ≥ 18 MΩ·cm, 0.22 µm filtered).
• Value assignment by direct weighing with expanded uncertainty (k = 2) based on gravimetric protocols.
• Traceability established via a continuous calibration chain using certified reference materials (CRM AN series), ultimately linked to NIST SRMs through AAS, AES and ICP-OES comparisons.

Instrumentation:

• Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)
• Atomic Emission Spectrometry (AES)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
• Molecular absorption and selected electroanalytical methods for method validation.

Main Results and Discussion

Each analyte—Al, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, In, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, Tl, U, V, Zn—is certified at (10.0 ± 0.1) mg/L at 20 °C. Homogeneity tests confirm negligible within-bottle variability; stability studies demonstrate compliance with shelf life up to two years when stored between 5–30 °C. Trace impurities are below 0.05 mg/L total, ensuring suitability even for low-level determinations.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

ASTASOL® TUNE03 offers:

• Comprehensive multi-element calibration with a single solution.
• High confidence in uncertainty budgets for QA/QC protocols.
• Versatility across a broad array of analytical platforms.
• Streamlined laboratory workflows by reducing the need for multiple single-element standards.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging trends include digital calibration management, integration with automated sampling systems and expansion to ultra-trace and isotopic calibrators. Coupling certified solutions with advanced chemometric tools can further enhance method robustness and data integrity.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® TUNE03 is a rigorously characterized, traceable multi-element calibration solution. Its documented homogeneity, stability and low impurity levels make it a reliable calibrator for diverse analytical methods, supporting high-precision measurements in research and industry.

References

1. ISO Guide 31: Reference materials—Contents of certificates and labels.
2. ČSN EN ISO 9001:2016—Quality management systems.
3. ČSN EN ISO 17034:2017—General requirements for reference material producers.