CRM As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, Zn - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® AN9085MCN

Significance of the Topic

Accurate calibration of analytical instruments for trace metal determination is a cornerstone of quality assurance in environmental, pharmaceutical and industrial laboratories. Certified reference materials (CRMs) such as aqueous multi-element solutions ensure traceability to SI units, enable method validation and support interlaboratory comparability across atomic spectrometry and other techniques.

Objectives and Overview

This certificate describes the preparation, characterization and intended use of ASTASOL® AN9085MCN, an aqueous calibration solution containing 12 metals (As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, Zn). The aim is to provide users with certified concentration values, uncertainties and handling instructions for reliable calibration and validation of analytical methods.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The solution is prepared gravimetrically from high-purity primary compounds (purities 99.5–99.9999%) and diluted in a matrix of 3% HCl, 1% HNO3 and ultrapure water. Direct traceability to the kilogram is established via gravimetry. Characterization and verification employed both primary and instrumental techniques:

• Gravimetric determinations for As, Be, Mo
• Complexometric EDTA titrations for Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, V, Zn
• ICP-OES for Cr
• Atomic absorption (AAS), atomic emission (AES) and ICP-MS for trace impurity screening

Main Results and Discussion

Certified concentrations at 20 °C range from 2.00 mg/l (Cd, Hg) to 200.0 mg/l (Pb, V) with expanded uncertainties (k=2) from 0.04% to 0.2%. Density is 1.0235 ± 0.0005 g/cm3. Homogeneity and stability studies confirm consistency over a two-year shelf life when stored between 5–30 °C. Trace impurities detected at sub-µg/l levels do not affect calibration but inform users of background matrix composition.

Benefits and Practical Applications

ASTASOL AN9085MCN streamlines calibration for atomic spectrometry (AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS), molecular absorption and selected electroanalytical methods. Its multi-element format reduces preparation time, minimizes cumulative weighing errors and supports compliance with ISO 17034 and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Emerging laboratory automation and online monitoring systems will benefit from standardized multi-element CRMs. Future developments may include expansion of element scope, integration with digital certificates of analysis and coupling with real-time data management platforms to further enhance traceability and method validation workflows.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® AN9085MCN offers a robust, SI-traceable multi-element calibration solution with well-defined uncertainties and stability profile. Its application across diverse analytical methods ensures reliable quantification of trace metals and supports rigorous quality control in research and industrial environments.

Reference

• ISO Guide 31 General Requirements for CRM Certificates
• NIST Standard Reference Materials 3103a, 3105a, 3108, 3112a, 3134, 3136, 3128, 3165, 3168a