Optimization of flow injection hydride generation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the determination of selenium in water and serum samples

Abstract

Flow injection hydride generation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (FI-HG-ICP-MS) was used to determine selenium in waters and serum samples. Flow injection parameters such as sample volume, purge gas flow rate, forward power, and acid and reductant concentration and flow rate were investigated and optimized. The possible interference of 31 elements in the selenium determination by this technique was evaluated. The selenium detection limit using a volatile hydride (35 ng l^–1) is about two orders of magnitude lower than that obtained by aqueous sample introduction using pneumatic nebulization (3 µg l^–1). The calibration graph is linear over 3 orders of magnitude and relative standard deviations are generally better than 5%. The method was successfully applied to the determination of selenium in certified water samples and in water and serum spiked samples (1.0–5.0 µg l^–1) with a recovery in the 92–104% range.