TRM - Al, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, In, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, Tl, U, V, Zn - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® TUNE03

Importance of the Topic

A reliable multi-element calibration solution is essential for accurate quantification in atomic and molecular spectrometry, as well as electroanalytical techniques. Certified reference materials (CRMs) such as ASTASOL® TUNE03 ensure traceability, consistency, and comparability of results across laboratories and instruments.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document describes the preparation, characterization, and intended application of ASTASOL® TUNE03, an aqueous calibration solution containing 24 metal and metalloid analytes at 10.0 mg/L. The goal is to provide a thoroughly characterized, homogenous, and stable CRM for use in AAS, AES, ICP-OES, ICP-MS, molecular absorption, and selected electroanalytical methods.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The solution was gravimetrically prepared using high-purity primary substances (>99.95 %) and diluted in 5 % sub-boiled HNO₃ with ultrapure water (≥18 MΩ·cm). Traceability to NIST SRMs was established through an unbroken calibration chain involving atomic absorption spectroscopy, atomic emission spectroscopy, and ICP-OES.

Instrumentation involved:

• Atomic Absorption Spectrometers (AAS)
• Atomic Emission Spectrometers (AES)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectrometers (ICP-OES)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometers (ICP-MS)

Main Results and Discussion

Each analyte concentration was assigned as 10.0 ± 0.1 mg/L at 20 °C, with expanded uncertainty (k = 2). Total trace impurities are below 0.05 mg/L. Homogeneity tests and stability studies confirm that the solution remains consistent throughout its shelf life when stored between 5–30 °C and handled according to instructions.

Benefits and Practical Applications

ASTASOL® TUNE03 offers:

• Multi-element coverage for broad method calibration
• High purity and low impurity background
• Certainty of concentration with low uncertainty
• Traceability to international standards for regulatory compliance

It can be used to calibrate instruments in environmental, pharmaceutical, metallurgical, and quality-control laboratories.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Advances in spectrometric sensitivity and multi-analyte detection will drive demand for CRMs with lower uncertainty and expanded element ranges. Future developments may include matrix-matched multi-element solutions for specific sample types (e.g., seawater, biological fluids) and stabilization of challenging species.

Conclusion

ASTASOL® TUNE03 represents a robust multi-element calibration solution, combining precise gravimetric preparation, rigorous traceability, and proven stability. Its use supports accurate, reproducible analyses across diverse spectrometric and electroanalytical techniques.

References

• ISO Guide 31: Reference materials – Contents of certificates and labels.
• NIST Standard Reference Materials database for traceability.
• ČSN EN ISO 9001:2016 – Quality management systems.
• ČSN EN ISO 17034:2017 – General requirements for reference material producers.