Methods of Spectroscopy for Selenium Determination: A Review

Selenium (Se) is cumulative nonmetallic element that occurs naturally in a range of oxidation states as volatile species or analogues of organic sulphur compounds. At low concentrations, selenium is an essential element; however at higher concentrations it possesses toxicological properties. Its determination requires a sampling procedure to be followed, an initial digestion stage of the sample matrix and the reduction of Se (VI) to Se (IV). Spectroscopic methods for the determination of Se including hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry, hydride generation, graphite furnace, flame atomic absorption spectrometry and spectrophotometric methods are described detailing detection limits and sensitivity.