TRM - Al, Ba, Ca, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Zn - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® TUNE12

Significance of the Topic

Aqueous multi-element calibration solutions are critical for ensuring reliable quantitative results in atomic spectroscopy and related analytical techniques. High-purity reference materials support method validation, instrument calibration, and quality control in environmental monitoring, industrial process control, and research laboratories.

Objectives and Study Overview

This identification sheet presents the preparation, characterization, and intended use of ASTASOL® TUNE12, a certified reference material containing ten essential elements at trace and minor concentrations. The document aims to describe its composition, preparation protocols, assigned values with uncertainties, and instructions for safe handling and storage.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

The calibration solution was prepared gravimetrically from high-purity primary compounds in a nitric acid matrix. Traceability was established through a short unbroken chain involving certified reference materials (CRM AN series) and primary analytical methods, including atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), atomic emission spectrometry (AES), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and comparisons to NIST standard reference materials.

Main Results and Discussion

Assigned concentrations at 20 °C and expanded uncertainty (k=2) are:

• Phosphorus: 10.0 ± 0.05 mg/L
• Potassium, Nickel: 5.00 ± 0.05 mg/L each
• Aluminium, Copper, Manganese: 1.00 ± 0.01 mg/L each
• Barium, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc: 0.200 ± 0.002 mg/L each

Homogeneity and stability studies confirm uniform distribution and no significant degradation over the one-year shelf life under recommended storage (5–30 °C) and handling conditions.

Benefits and Practical Applications

ASTASOL® TUNE12 enables accurate calibration of analytical instruments for multi-element determinations in aqueous media. Its certified values and low uncertainty support stringent quality control in environmental analysis, food safety, pharmaceutical testing, and industrial monitoring.

Future Trends and Applications

Ongoing trends include expanding the range of elements, integrating digital certificate data for automated instrument calibration, and developing matrix-matched reference solutions for complex sample types. Advances in miniaturized and field-deployable spectrometers may drive demand for portable calibration standards.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® TUNE12 offers a reliable, traceable multi-element calibration solution with well-characterized uncertainty, supporting a wide range of spectrometric and electroanalytical methods. Its robust certification and comprehensive handling guidelines ensure consistent performance in laboratory and field applications.

References

• ISO Guide 31: Reference Materials – Contents of Certificates.
• Certified Reference Materials AN 9002(1N), AN 9006(1N), AN 9009(1N), AN 9015(1N), AN 9028(1N), AN 9032(1N), AN 9033(1N), AN 9038(1N), AN 9040(1S), AN 9069(1N).
• NIST Standard Reference Materials for trace element analysis.
• ISO 9001:2016 Quality Management Systems.
• ISO 17034:2017 Competence of Reference Material Producers.