EPA-NERL: 270.2:  Selenium by Graphite Furnace AA

  • Summary
  • Analytes
  • Revision
  • Data and Sites
Official Method Name
 Selenium (Atomic Absorption, Furnace Technique)
Current Revision
Issued 1978
Media
 WATER
Instrumentation
 Graphite Furnace-Atomic Absorption Spectrometer
Method Subcategory
 Inorganic
Method Source
  EPA-NERL
Citation
  Methods for the Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes (MCAWW) (EPA/600/4-79/020)
Brief Method Summary
 A sample prepared according to EPA Method 200.0 is analyzed using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. Specifications for instrument operation and preparation of standards are provided in the method.
Scope and Application
 This method determines selenium by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Sample pretreatment according to EPA Method 200.0 determines the applicability.
Applicable Concentration Range
 5-100 ug/L (optimal range).
Interferences
 Background correction is recommended.
Chlorides: Selenium suffers interferences from chlorides and sulfates. For the analysis of industrial effluents and samples with concentrations of sulfate from 200 to 2000 mg/L, both samples and standards should be prepared to contain 1 percent nickel.
For additional interferences see EPA Method 200.0.
Quality Control Requirements
 QC requirements for drinking water procedures are provided in method 200.0
Sample Handling
 Sample handling and preservation procedures are provided in EPA Method 200.0.
Maximum Holding Time
 6 months (MCAWW, Table 1).
Relative Cost
 $51 to $200
Sample Preparation Methods
 200.0
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