Hydrogen selenide evolution-electrothermal atomic absorption method for determining nanogram levels of total selenium

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Accurate determination of total selenium (Se) is crucial for biological and environmental monitoring.
• Existing methods may lack the sensitivity or applicability for diverse sample matrices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a sensitive method for quantifying nanogram concentrations of total selenium.
• To establish a reliable technique for selenium analysis in biological and environmental materials.

Main Methods:

• A mixed acid digestion procedure was employed to decompose organic matter.
• Hydrogen selenide (H2Se) evolution was achieved using sodium borohydride and a redesigned hydride generator.
• Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with an electric-heated absorption tube was used for selenium detection.

Main Results:

• The method demonstrated a detection limit of 4 ng/mL and a sensitivity of 0.6 ng/mL.
• Linearity was observed across a concentration range of 0 to 90 ng Se/mL.
• High precision (relative standard deviation 5-17.2%) and accuracy (mean errors 0 to +0.8%) were confirmed using reference materials and spiked samples.

Conclusions:

• The described hydrogen selenide evolution-electrothermal atomic absorption method is effective for determining total selenium in various matrices.
• The technique offers excellent sensitivity, precision, and accuracy for nanogram-level selenium quantification.
• This method provides a valuable tool for selenium analysis in environmental and biological studies.