Suite of ten new soil reference materials released

Soil reference materials (RMs) are critical to ensuring the accuracy and consistency of analytical results across laboratories and research institutions. BGS has produced ten new soil RMs, which have been developed by its inorganic geochemistry team to offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional certified reference materials (CRMs), while maintaining confidence in analytical data. The RMs have been released at a lower price point to help improve access to high-quality materials for researchers and laboratories with limited budgets, enabling them to enhance measurement controls and increase confidence in analytical results across a variety of sectors worldwide. 

Developed from a broad selection of parent materials and incorporating a diverse range of textures and organic carbon contents, reference soils BGS110 to BGS119 have each been characterised by a select group of international laboratories using a variety of analytical techniques. The RMs are also accompanied by data sheets that include reference and information values for 64 major, minor and trace elements, including rarely measured bromine and iodine. More information about the ten new RMs can also be found in the new report, Ten new soil reference materials (BGS110 to BGS119) characterised for 64 major, minor, and trace elements.

Reference materials are the backbone of geochemical analysis, providing confidence in the measurements that a laboratory produces. Our RMs offer reliable benchmarks for analysing samples with similar matrices. Due to their diverse concentrations of economically and environmentally significant elements, these RMs will enable laboratories, PhD researchers and industry professionals to calibrate instruments, validate analytical methods and ensure data comparability across studies.

Dr Michael Watts, head of BGS Inorganic Geochemistry.

BGS now has 18 soil RMs (including one for use in bioaccessibility testing and seven for the analysis of agriculturally relevant soil properties) and five mineral RMs available for purchase through its website.

The inorganic geochemistry team also remains actively engaged in global initiatives to harmonise soil analytical data across laboratories. These efforts support enhanced health outcomes and food security worldwide. BGS produces custom proficiency testing (PT) materials for international PT schemes coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ FAO-UN Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN). As part of its collaboration with the FAO-UN and other organisations, BGS has delivered laboratory training around the world, including guidance on producing RMs and PT samples. A free, publicly available standard operating procedure for preparation of an internal quality control sample is accessible via the GLOSOLAN website.

In addition, BGS prepares geological PT samples and CRMs for a number of commercial distributors, supporting both UK and international PT schemes.

To place an order or for more information on our bespoke RM and PT preparation services, please contact the inorganic geochemistry team (inorganicgeochemistry@bgs.ac.uk). (Gamma irradiated soil RMs are available on request for shipping internationally.)