TRM - Ag, Al, Ba, Be, Bi, Ce, Co, Cs, Cu, Ga, Ho, In, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, Rh, Sc, Sr, Ta, Tb, Tl, U, Y, Zn - Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL® TUNE07P

Importance of the topic

Reliable multi element calibration standards are essential for accurate quantification in modern analytical techniques such as atomic spectrometry and molecular absorption methods. The use of certified reference materials ensures traceability, reduces measurement uncertainty, and supports quality assurance in research and industrial laboratories.

Aims and overview

The identification sheet for ASTASOL TUNE07P provides detailed information on composition, preparation, and certification of this aqueous calibration solution. It outlines the intended use as a calibrator for methods analyzing trace metals, its homogeneity and stability characteristics, and the traceability chain to primary standards.

Used methodology and instrumentation

The solution is prepared gravimetrically from high-purity primary compounds and diluted in a matrix of 2 vol percent nitric acid with ultrapure water and traces of hydrofluoric acid. Certification is based on gravimetric assignment of concentration values. Traceability is established through comparisons and calibrations against a series of CRM AN reference materials, themselves traceable to NIST SRMs. This calibrator is designed for use in:

• Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS)
• Atomic emission spectrometry (AES, ICP-OES)
• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
• Molecular absorption spectrometry
• Selected electroanalytical methods

Main results and discussion

ASTASOL TUNE07P contains 25 elements at assigned concentrations ranging from 3.00 to 35.00 micrograms per liter with expanded uncertainties (k=2) in the order of 1 percent. For example, beryllium is present at 35.00 ± 0.35 µg/l, zinc at 20.00 ± 0.20 µg/l, and a group of rare earth and heavy elements at 3.00 ± 0.03 µg/l. Total trace impurities remain below 0.04 µg/l. Homogeneity tests confirm consistent composition across bottles and stability studies guarantee integrity over the declared shelf life when stored under specified conditions.

Benefits and practical applications of the method

The certified multi element solution simplifies daily calibration workflows by combining a broad panel of analytes in a single standard. This reduces handling errors, ensures consistent performance across different spectrometric methods, and supports laboratories in meeting accreditation requirements under ISO standards. The narrow uncertainty intervals support high accuracy in trace metal determination.

Future trends and possibilities

Advances in ultra trace analysis and emerging techniques such as single particle ICP-MS and hyphenated methods will drive demand for even lower concentration multi element standards with extended analyte range. Development of novel matrices, enhanced stability additives, and digital certification can further improve usability and traceability in automated and remote analytical platforms.

Conclusion

ASTASOL TUNE07P represents a versatile, well characterized multi element calibration solution for aqueous analysis of trace metals. Its rigorous certification procedure, broad applicability, and robust stability profile make it a valuable reference material for research, QA/QC, and industrial laboratories.

Reference

Identification sheet for Aqueous calibration solution ASTASOL TUNE07P, ANALYTIKA spol s r o, Prague, January 2023.