ASTM D3859-08

In most natural waters selenium concentrations seldom exceed 10 μg/L. However, the runoff from certain types of seleniferous soils at various times of the year can produce concentrations as high as several hundred micrograms per litre. Additionally, industrial contamination can be a significant source of selenium in rivers and streams.

High concentrations of selenium in drinking water have been suspected of being toxic to animal life. Selenium is a priority pollutant and all public water agencies are required to monitor its concentration.

These test methods determine the dominant species of selenium reportedly found in most natural and wastewaters, including selenities, selenates, and organo-selenium compounds.

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of dissolved and total recoverable selenium in most waters and wastewaters. Both test methods utilize atomic absorption procedures, as follows:

1.2 These test methods are applicable to both inorganic and organic forms of dissolved selenium. They are applicable also to particulate forms of the element, provided that they are solubilized in the appropriate acid digestion step. However, certain selenium-containing heavy metallic sediments may not undergo digestion.

1.3 These test methods are most applicable within the following ranges:

These ranges may be extended (with a corresponding loss in precision) by decreasing the sample size or diluting the original sample, but concentrations much greater than the upper limits are more conveniently determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see 11.12 and 13.14.

7.1 This test method covers the determination of dissolved and total recoverable selenium in the range from 1 to 20 μg/L. The range may be extended by decreasing the sample size or diluting the original sample.

7.2 This test method has been used successfully with reagent water, natural water, wastewater, and brines. The information on precision may not apply to waters of other matrices.

17.1 This test method includes the determination of dissolved and total recoverable selenium in the range from 2 to 100 μg/L. The range may be extended by decreasing the sample size or diluting the original sample.

17.2 This test method has been used successfully with reagent water, waste treatment plant effluent, tap water, well water, and treated wood plant effluent. The information on precision may not apply to waters of other matrices.