Determination of selenium in steel by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract

The direct determination of selenium in steel by flame atomic absorption spectrometry is described. Spectral interference from iron is minimised by instrumental settings and the remaining interferences are eliminated by using a selenium-free steel matrix solution. The sample decomposition procedure, which proved to be critical for obtaining correct results, is described. Selenium contents as low as 0.01% can be determined. The relative standard deviations are 5.12 and 1.03% for 0.014 and 0.096% selenium, respectively.