WATER QUALITY: Analytical Methods - Determination of selenium by AAS (1667-74).
 

                                           April 8, 1974

QUALITY OF WATER BRANCH TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM NO. 74.14

Subject: WATER QUALITY: Analytical Methods - Determination of 
        selenium by AAS (1667-74).

Attached is a copy of a new method for determining selenium in 
water by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The method is the 
first successful application of M S techniques to the 
determination of selenium in water, and represents a significant 
improvement over the colorimetric method that has been used for 
many years.

Only 100 ml of sample is needed for the AAS method versus 1000 ml 
of sample needed for the colorimetric method. The method also 
provides for a significant saving in time required for analysis, 
and the detection limit is very good (about 2 ug/l).

All Division laboratories are hereby requested to adopt the 
subject provisional method for immediate use. Questions or 
comments pertaining to the method should be directed to thc Chief, 
Quality of Water Branch (Mail Stop 412, Reston, Virginia).



                                R. J. Pickering

Attachment

WRD Distribution: A, B, FO-L, PO


(See hard copy for attachment)