Benchtop and Handheld Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) as Alternative for Selenium Concentration Measurement in Biofortified Broccoli Seedling

Abstract

Biofortification of crops with selenium (Se) is an effective strategy to increase the consumption of this micronutrient. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is one of the most used techniques in quantifying Se. However, due to some disadvantages (high cost, long analysis time, and being destructive), there is a need for new alternatives to Se quantification. This study aimed at establishing instrumental parameters for Se quantification, using two energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF) techniques (benchtop and handheld) in Se-biofortified broccoli seedlings and comparing it with ICP-MS. The results showed that the selection of proper filters for both EDXRF systems was crucial for determining Se and, when compared with ICP-MS, presented similar results for selenium-biofortified broccoli seedling treatments (BS50Se). In addition, the EDXRF techniques presented a Se limit of detection (LOD) at 0.6–0.9 mg kg−1. This study demonstrates that EDXRF systems were successfully applied to concentration measurement of Se in biofortified samples and linked to low cost and shorter analysis time.