Paving the Way for New and Challenging Matrix Reference Materials –Particle Suspensions at the Core of Material Processing Providing RMs for Method Development and Method Validation

Sufficient homogeneity of a parameter in a matrix reference material (RM) is a quality criterion. The heterogeneity of the target parameter is evaluated and a relative value is calculated. The term homogeneity testing is used for this check. A high degree of homogeneity is a quality mark of a good RM. Whole water reference materials for persistent organic pollutants, PM2,5-like atmospheric dust to microplastic RMs were produced using particle suspensions at the core of the material processing step. These matrices cannot be easily mixed, handled or dosed in dry form to prepare larger sample batches. A stirred suspension of particles was at the core of the material processing step. Relative between-bottle heterogeneities from 1.6 % to 9 % were achieved for the target parameters. The heterogeneity that can be quantified for a target parameter over an RM-fill series is only as low as the method repeatability itself when it comes to single-use samples. Concerning developments of new CRMs in emerging fields, the co-dependence between the availability of validated analytical methods with good repeatability and testing materials with a known and high homogeneity of the target parameter(s), becomes challenging. Strategies for stepwise processes whereby RM producers and analytical method developers work hand in hand will be presented. Development of a portfolio of easily accessible and well-homogenised common samples coupled with a reporting interface is suggested.

EMTEBORG Hakan;  SEGHERS John;  GARCIA RUIZ Silvia;  ELORDUI-ZAPATARIETXE DEL AGUILA Saioa;  BREIDBACH Andreas;  LABIBES Kamel;  CHAROUD-GOT Jean;  KOEBER Robert; 

2024-10-14

SPRINGER HEIDELBERG

JRC135213

1618-2642 (online),   

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-023-05046-2,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC135213,   

10.1007/s00216-023-05046-2 (online),