Overview
ISO/TS 17379-1:2013 defines a validated analytical procedure for the determination of selenium in water using hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG‑AFS / HG‑AFS). The technical specification applies to drinking water, surface water, groundwater and rainwater, with an application range of 0.02 µg/L to 100 µg/L (higher concentrations can be measured after dilution). The method targets inorganic selenium species after conversion to Se(IV) and is unlikely to detect organoselenium compounds. Sensitivity depends on instrument and operating conditions.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Principle: Pre‑reduction of Se(VI) to Se(IV), hydride generation via sodium tetrahydroborate, atomization and fluorescence detection at λ = 196.0 nm.
- Pre‑treatment: Reflux in 6 mol/L HCl for 1 hour to convert Se(VI) to Se(IV); digestion is recommended when necessary to decompose selenium compounds.
- Reagents & blanks: Use analytical‑grade reagents and ultrapure water (ISO 3696). Prepare reagent blanks; reagent selenium content must be below the lowest level of interest.
- Calibration & quantification: Calibration curve and appropriate statistical evaluation as per ISO methods; automated sampling and software control are supported.
- Interferences: Hydride generation is susceptible to effects from transition and easily reduced metals. Specific elements can bias results (e.g., tellurium causes positive bias; gold, silver, copper can cause negative bias). Dilution and recovery/spike tests are recommended to assess/remediate interferences.
- Instrumentation: HG‑AFS in batch or continuous modes with appropriate hydride generator, gas/liquid separator and atomizer (e.g., hydrogen diffusion flame).
Applications and users
- Laboratories performing environmental monitoring of selenium in natural and treated waters.
- Drinking‑water authorities and public‑health agencies conducting compliance testing.
- Industrial and wastewater testing labs needing trace selenium analysis and process monitoring.
- Research groups studying selenium distribution, mobility and speciation in hydrological systems.
- Intended for analysts experienced with trace element techniques and standard laboratory safety practices.
Related standards
- ISO 3696 (water for analytical laboratory use)
- ISO 5667 series (water sampling guidance)
- ISO 8466‑1 (calibration and evaluation of analytical methods)
- ISO 15587‑1 (digestion for element determination - aqua regia)
Keywords: ISO/TS 17379-1:2013, selenium in water, HG-AFS, hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry, water quality standard, selenium detection, trace element analysis.