Determination of selenium using atomically imprinted polymer (AIP) and hydride generation atomic absorption...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Selenium is an essential trace element with a narrow range between nutritional deficiency and toxicity.
• Accurate determination of selenium in food and biological samples is crucial for health and environmental monitoring.
• Existing methods for selenium determination can be complex and time-consuming, necessitating improved analytical approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize a novel method for selenium determination.
• To utilize atomically imprinted polymers (AIPs) for preconcentration of selenium.
• To integrate the AIP preconcentration with on-line hydride generation-flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HG-FAAS) for sensitive detection.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of atomically imprinted polymers (AIPs) using SeO2, 4-vinylpyridine, and 1-vinylimidazole.
• Optimization of analytical parameters using Doehlert design.
• On-line preconcentration of Se(0) using AIPs followed by detection via HG-FAAS.

Main Results:

• Achieved a limit of detection (LOD) of 53 ng L⁻¹ and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 177 ng L⁻¹.
• Demonstrated a wide linear range (0.17–6 μg L⁻¹) with a high correlation coefficient (r=0.9936).
• Obtained a high preconcentration factor (PF) of 232, good concentration efficiency (CE) of 58 min⁻¹, and successfully applied the method to diverse food samples (Brazil nuts, apricot, white bean, rice flour, milk powder) with satisfactory accuracy and precision (RSD < 10%).

Conclusions:

• The developed method based on AIPs and HG-FAAS provides a sensitive, efficient, and reliable approach for selenium determination.
• The method is suitable for routine analysis of selenium in various complex matrices, including food products.
• The high throughput of 12 analyses per hour makes this method advantageous for practical applications.