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D3859-15 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
ASTM D3859-15 (Reapproved 2023) provides standardized atomic absorption methods for determining dissolved and total recoverable selenium in water. Selenium monitoring is critical due to its toxicity profile, and the standard specifies two principal techniques (Gaseous Hydride AAS and Graphite Furnace AAS) to accommodate various concentration ranges and laboratory capabilities.
🔬 Scope and Significance
In most natural waters, selenium concentrations are below 10 µg/L, but runoff from seleniferous soils can push levels to several hundred µg/L. These methods accurately analyze inorganic and organic dissolved selenium, as well as particulate forms solubilized via the defined acid digestion. The standard defines “total recoverable selenium” as the forms recovered by this digestion procedure. Caution is advised as some heavy metallic sediments may resist complete digestion.
⚠️ Safety Advisory: Users must establish appropriate safety protocols. Specific hazard statements are mandatory reading in Sections 11.12 and 13.14 of the standard.
⚙️ Test Methods: Hydride vs. Graphite Furnace AAS
The standard outlines two distinct atomic