Semi-automated fluorimetric determination of nanogram quantities of selenium in biological material

A semi-automated method, based on the solvent extraction and fluorescence of 4,5-benzopiazselenol, is described for the determination of selenium in biological material. Samples, in batches of up to 150, are digested in a mixture of nitric and perchloric acids in temperature-controlled aluminium blocks. Selenate formed in the perchloric acid is reduced to selenite with hydrochloric acid. Metal ion interferences, including hydroxide adsorption of selenite, are prevented by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Sulphate above 50 mM precipitates the 2,3-diaminonaphthalene, so wool digests were diluted accordingly. The digests are analysed from their digestion tubes at the rate of 40 per hour by the semi-automated method. Results for blood and a variety of food samples compare favourably with those obtained by other methods including hydride/atomic absorption and instrumental neutron-activation analysis.