TRM - Bi, In, Sc, Tb, Y - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® ASTASOL® INT-MIX1

Importance of the topic

Aqueous calibration solutions with certified multi-element content are fundamental for accurate quantification of trace metals. Reference materials for Bi, In, Sc, Tb and Y support reliable method validation, inter-laboratory comparability and regulatory compliance in atomic spectrometry, molecular absorption and electroanalytical analyses.

Objectives and overview of the product

This document describes ASTASOL® INT-MIX1, a traced reference material formulated at 10.00 ± 0.05 mg/L for each target element. The goal is to deliver a homogeneous, stable calibrator suitable for diverse analytical techniques.

Methodology and preparation

The calibration solution was gravimetrically prepared using primary compounds of certified purity and ultrapure reagents:

• Bismuth metal (99.999%), indium metal (99.999%), scandium oxide (99.995%), terbium oxide (99.998%) and yttrium oxide (99.99%)
• Matrix: 5 % (v/v) HNO₃ from sub-boiling distilled acid and demineralized water (≥ 18 MΩ·cm, 0.22 µm filtered)

Used instrumentation

• Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)
• Atomic Emission Spectrometry (AES)
• ICP-OES
• ICP-MS
• Molecular absorption spectrometry
• Selective electroanalytical methods

Traceability and quality assessment

Concentration values were established by gravimetric dilution and linked to CRMs AN 9008, AN 9026, AN 9052, AN 9058 and AN 9067 through AAS, AES and ICP-OES, all traceable to NIST SRMs. Homogeneity and stability were verified for the entire two-year shelf life under recommended storage conditions.

Main results and discussion

• Certified concentration: 10.00 ± 0.05 mg/L (expanded uncertainty, k=2) at 20 °C per analyte
• Total trace impurities ≤ 0.02 mg/L
• Proven homogeneity across production batch and stable performance when stored at 5–30 °C

Benefits and practical applications

ASTASOL® INT-MIX1 enables robust calibration for routine and advanced workflows, improving analytical precision in environmental monitoring, clinical diagnostics and industrial quality control. Its documented traceability and handling instructions reduce measurement uncertainty and procedural errors.

Future trends and opportunities for use

Emerging needs for high-throughput, multi-element analysis will drive innovation in reference material formats, expanded analyte portfolios and digital certification. Integration of automated dispensing and online data validation will further enhance laboratory efficiency and data integrity.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® INT-MIX1 offers a rigorously characterized, traceable and stable multi-element calibration solution. Its quality assurance properties support accurate, reproducible quantification across a wide range of spectrometric and electroanalytical applications.