A MSFIA system for selenium speciation by atomic fluorescence spectrometry

Abstract

In the present work a new automated MSFIA system was developed for selenium speciation using a non-chromatographic technique. Selenite, selenomethionine, and selenate were analyzed by the proposed system. Selenomethionine was oxidized by UV-light to selenite. Selenate was reduced to selenite by UV-light under alkaline medium and halides. The photochemical behaviors of both compounds were investigated. The effects of halides onto selenate reduction by UV-light were compared. Hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry was selected as a detection technique due to its sensitivity and selectivity. Detection limits of 0.11, 0.12, and 0.13 μg L⁻¹ were obtained to selenite, selenomethionine, and selenate respectively. Some environmental samples were analyzed with recoveries close to 100%.