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The essential toxin: the changing perception of selenium in environmental sciences
1Sub-Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Bomenweg 2, 6700 EV Wageningen, The Netherlands.
The Science of the Total Environment
|September 27, 2008
Summary
Selenium
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Selenium's perception evolved from toxicant to essential nutrient.
- Historical context includes animal toxicity (1930s) and deficiency diseases (1950s).
- Current research explores selenium's role in disease prevention and health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review selenium's role in environmental science.
- To outline treatment options for selenium-contaminated waste streams.
- To address future selenium emission risks from fossil fuel combustion.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of selenium's historical and current roles.
- Analysis of environmental contamination challenges.
- Exploration of waste treatment technologies.
Main Results:
- Selenium is essential in metabolism but poses toxicity risks.
- Effective treatment for selenium waste streams remains a challenge.
- Fossil fuel combustion presents a significant future selenium emission threat.
Conclusions:
- Understanding selenium's dual role is critical for environmental management.
- Innovative solutions are needed for selenium waste treatment.
- Proactive measures are required to mitigate future selenium contamination risks.
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