Logo of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt

Traceability system of elemental analysis

So-called primary pure substances with an extremely well-known purity (Urel(wpur) ≤ 0.01 %) and gravimetrically prepared primary solutions (derived from these primary pure materials) with an element content of w(E) = 1 g/kg and Urel(w(E)) ≤ 0.05 % form the foundation of the traceability system of elemental analysis. In the daily analytical practice, commercially available mono-elemental solutions serve as calibration standards. In order to make these so-called secondary solutions traceable to the SI, they have to be compared to the primary solutions. For this purpose, a measurement method ensuring the required extremely precise comparison of two mono-elemental solutions with Urel(w2(E)) ≤ 0.1 % was worked out. Even in this case we work hard to further reduce the uncertainty. The work in this field happens in close cooperation with the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und –prüfung (BAM), a business partner from industry as well as a European Directorate.

Accred Qual Assur (2006) 10:633-639
Accred Qual Assur (2007) 12:615-622
Metrologia 49 (2012) Tech. Suppl., 08010 doi:10.1088/0026-1394/49/1A/08010
Anal Bioanal Chem (2015) 407:3093-3102