Determination of Se in human serum by GFAAS with transversely heated graphite atomizer and longitudinal Zeeman-effect background correction

A method has been established for the determination of selenium in human se rum samples, applying transversely heated graphite furnace AAS with Zeeman- effect background correction. For determination, the serum samples were dil uted (1+2) with 0.1% Triton X-100 and 0.1% nitric acid. A Pd/Mg (NO3)(2) ma trix modifier was used to stabilize the analyte. To avoid any buildup of ca rbonaceous residues on the graphite platform, air ashing was applied at ele vated temperatures. The method was evaluated by the analysis of a certified reference material and a comparison study for several samples which was pr ovided by a certified medical laboratory. The detection limit was calculated to 2.0 mu g/L Se, i.e., 20 pg.