Impact of glass packaging leaching on the uncertainty of inorganic standard solutions

The stability of certified reference materials (CRMs) is essential for ensuring reliable measurements and maintaining metrological traceability. This study presents the first comprehensive evaluation of leaching-induced uncertainty using advanced modeling approaches. We analyzed the leaching behavior of elements such as B, Na, Mg, Ca, and Zn from glass ampoules under controlled conditions, including exposure to 5% nitric acid at 50 °C for 28 days. The analysis detected significant concentrations of these elements, while others like Fe, Cd, and Pb were not detected. By applying logarithmic regression models, we predicted leaching behavior over a 365-day CRM shelf life. The results indicated that, although leaching led to concentration increases-26% for B, 28% for Na, and 15% for Mg-the associated uncertainty remained low, around 0.01% for standard concentrations of 1000 mg kg $$ . These findings highlight the reliability of glass ampoules as a packaging option for CRMs and establish a methodological foundation for incorporating leaching effects into uncertainty estimations. This approach supports the development of improved storage protocols and enhances the long-term stability and accuracy of CRMs, contributing to advancements in the chemical metrology area.