TRM - Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Ho, In, K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Nd, Ni, P, Pb, Pd, Pr, Rb, Re, Sb, Se, Sc, Si, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn, Zr

Significance of the topic

The precise calibration of analytical instruments is fundamental to ensuring reliable quantitative results in various fields including environmental monitoring, pharmaceuticals, and industrial quality control. Multi‐element calibration solutions such as ASTASOL® TUNE06 provide a standardized reference for atomic spectrometry and related techniques, supporting method validation and traceability to international standards.

Objectives and Overview

This document describes the development and certification of ASTASOL® TUNE06, an aqueous multi‐element calibration solution containing 61 analytes at uniform concentrations. The study aims to assign accurate concentration values, evaluate homogeneity and stability, and establish traceability to reference materials in compliance with ISO Guide 31.

Methodology

The solution was prepared gravimetrically using high‐purity primary compounds. Each analyte compound was weighed and dissolved in a 2% nitric acid matrix with trace hydrofluoric acid, using ultrapure water. The concentration assignment relies on a short, unbroken calibration chain, leveraging certified reference materials traceable to NIST SRMs. Homogeneity and stability tests were conducted throughout the shelf life under controlled temperature conditions.

Used 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

The certified calibration solution contains each analyte at 50.0 ± 0.5 µg/L (expanded uncertainty, k = 2) at 20 °C. Trace impurities are below 0.3 µg/L in total. Batch homogeneity has been verified, and stability is assured for one year when stored at 5–30 °C in sealed bottles. Proper handling with parafilm protection ensures concentration integrity.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Comprehensive coverage of 61 elements in a single solution simplifies multi‐element calibration procedures.
• Gravimetric preparation and traceability ensure high accuracy and comparability of results.
• Compatibility with AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, molecular absorption, and selected electroanalytical methods.
• Ready-to-use format reduces laboratory workload and potential dilution errors.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances may include custom-tailored multi-element blends, integration with digital calibration platforms, and expansion to greener solvent matrices. Miniaturized and automated preparation systems could further streamline calibration workflows. Hybrid reference materials combining elements and organics may emerge for complex matrix analyses.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® TUNE06 delivers a robust, traceable multi-element calibration solution suitable for a variety of spectrometric and electroanalytical methods. Its rigorous certification and stability characteristics support high-confidence measurements across research and quality control laboratories.

References

• ISO Guide 31: Reference Materials – Contents of Certificates and Labels
• ČSN EN ISO 9001:2016 – Quality Management Systems
• ČSN EN ISO 17034:2017 – General Requirements for Reference Material Producers
• NIST Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) chain of traceability