Selenium content of some foodstuffs and other environmental samples in a mineralized area of Italy

No data are available on Selenium concentration in the Italian environment in spite of its importance as an essential and toxic element. In order to get some information about the concentration and distribution of this element in the environment and in the food-chain, a survey has been made in the Monte Amiata area (Toscana, Italy). Such an area was selected for this study owing to its large mineralization due to many elements (e.g. Fe, Cu, Ag, Sb and particularly Hg). The selenium content has been determined by thermal neutron activaltion analysis and a large volume high-resolution Ge-Li gamma ray spectrometer connected on line to a DEC PDP 8/L computer. The instrumental method requires neither a chemical separation technique nor a pre-or post-concentration of Selenium. The Selenium concentration for wet weight in foodstuffs ranges between a value of 0.008 ppm in milk and a value of 0.2 ppm in chicken. The average Se intake for the population living in the area under investigation has been also estimated. A critical discussion of the data is reported together with a comparison with the Se concentration values referring to other countries.