TRM - Ba, Bi, Ce, Co, Ho, In, Li, Mg, Ti, U, Y - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® TUNE11E

Significance of the topic

The use of well-characterized reference materials is fundamental to ensure accuracy and comparability in trace element analysis across different laboratories and techniques. Certified aqueous calibration solutions support quality control in environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical testing, industrial process control and research by providing known concentrations of analytes with stated uncertainties.

Goals and overview of the study

This identification sheet presents the analytical and metrological properties of ASTASOL® TUNE11E, an aqueous multi-element calibration solution. The primary objectives are to describe its composition, traceability, uncertainty, storage requirements and intended applications in various spectrometric and electroanalytical methods.

Methodology

Preparation relied on high-purity primary compounds weighed gravimetrically. The solution matrix comprises 2% HNO₃ (v/v), 0.5% HCl (v/v) and ultrapure water (resistivity ≥18 MΩ·cm), ensuring minimal contamination. Expanded uncertainties (k=2) were calculated based on gravimetric factors and propagated through traceability chains. Homogeneity and stability studies confirmed uniform distribution of analytes and shelf-life performance under controlled conditions.

Instrumentation used

• Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)
• Atomic emission spectroscopy (AES)
• Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES)
• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Main results and discussion

Each of the twelve analytes (Ba, Bi, Ce, Co, Ho, In, Li, Mg, Ti, U, Y) was assigned a concentration of 1.00 µg/L with an expanded uncertainty of ±0.05 µg/L at 20 °C. Trace impurities in the bottled solution remain below 0.02 µg/L total. The traceability chain is maintained via CRM comparisons and calibrations against primary standards from NIST, ensuring an unbroken link to SI units.

Benefits and practical applications

• Serves as a calibrant for quantitative methods in atomic spectrometry, molecular absorption and selected electrochemical techniques.
• Supports routine QA/QC and method validation in environmental, industrial and research laboratories.
• Provides confidence in low-level measurements through certified values and robust uncertainty budgets.

Future trends and potential applications

Advances in miniaturized and field-portable spectrometers will heighten demand for stable, multi-element standards. Development of matrix-matched reference materials and isotopically enriched calibrants could further enhance method precision. Integration with automated preparation systems may improve workflow efficiency in high-throughput laboratories.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® TUNE11E offers a traceable, user-friendly solution for multi-element calibration at the sub-µg/L level. Its documented homogeneity, stability and certified uncertainty make it a reliable tool for diverse analytical applications, reinforcing measurement quality and comparability across laboratories.

References

ISO Guide 31: Reference Materials—Contents of Certificates and Labels
ČSN EN ISO 17034:2017 – General requirements for the competence of reference material producers
ČSN EN ISO 9001:2016 – Quality management systems requirements