TRM - Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, K, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, Zn - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® TUNE28

Significance of the Topic

Aqueous calibration standards play a critical role in quantitative chemical analysis. Certified reference materials (CRMs) such as ASTASOL® TUNE28 ensure traceability, accuracy and comparability of results across laboratories and analytical techniques. Reliable calibration directly impacts data quality in fields ranging from environmental monitoring to pharmaceutical quality control.

Goals and Overview of the Document

This identification sheet describes the preparation, characterization and intended use of ASTASOL® TUNE28, an aqueous multi‐element calibration solution containing 14 target analytes at defined concentrations. Key objectives include defining the assigned concentrations and uncertainties, establishing traceability to international standards and providing handling instructions to preserve material integrity.

Methodology and Preparation

The solution is gravimetrically prepared by dissolving highly purified inorganic salts and metals (purity typically ≥99.99%) in 2% nitric acid (v/v), produced with sub‐boiling distilled acid and ultrapure water (resistivity ≥18 MΩ·cm). Two concentration levels are provided: potassium at 50.00 mg/L ±0.25 mg/L, and the remaining elements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, Zn) at 5.00 mg/L ±0.05 mg/L (expanded uncertainty, k=2) at 20 °C.

Used Instrumentation

The calibration solution is suitable for a variety of spectrometric and electroanalytical techniques including:

• 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 spectrometry and selected electroanalytical methods

Characterization and Traceability

Assigned values derive from gravimetric preparation. Traceability is established through comparison and calibration against a series of in‐house CRMs (AN 9002–AN 9069), all linked to NIST SRMs via atomic spectrometric methods or primary techniques. Total trace impurities remain below 0.05 mg/L. Homogeneity and stability tests confirm consistent performance over the declared shelf life when stored and handled as specified.

Handling and Storage Instructions

Proper storage and handling conditions preserve certification validity:

• Store closed bottles at 5–30 °C.
• Equilibrate solution to 20 ±0.5 °C before use.
• Seal bottle neck and cap with parafilm after opening.
• Do not pipette directly from the stock bottle or return aliquots.
• Do not use below 10% remaining volume.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The multi‐element CRM simplifies method calibration by providing a single solution for simultaneous determination of major and trace elements. This reduces preparation time, potential dilution errors and inter‐element interactions. Its certified uncertainty supports method validation, quality assurance programs and compliance with regulatory standards.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Development of matrix‐matched and higher‐level multi‐element CRMs will address growing demands in emerging fields such as single‐cell analysis, nanoparticle characterization and automated on‐line monitoring. Integration with digital data management and blockchain‐based traceability could further strengthen confidence in calibration hierarchies.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® TUNE28 is a rigorously characterized multi‐element calibration solution offering traceable concentrations of 14 analytes with low uncertainties. Its broad compatibility with atomic spectrometry techniques and robust quality assurance features make it an essential tool for analytical laboratories seeking high accuracy and reproducibility.

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 the Competence of Reference Material Producers.