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Biological Samples Preparation for Speciation at Cryogenic Temperature using High-Resolution X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy

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Small mammals collected from a site with elevated selenium concentrations and three reference sites.

Gary M Santolo¹

¹CH2M HILL, 2485 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 600, Sacramento, CA, 95833, USA. gsantolo@ch2m.com

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology

|April 18, 2009

Summary

Small mammals at Kesterson Reservoir showed reduced reproductive health and potential feminization, possibly due to elevated selenium (Se) levels. Further research is needed to confirm selenium

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Area of Science:

Environmental Toxicology
Mammalogy
Ecotoxicology

Background:

Kesterson Reservoir in Merced County, CA, has elevated selenium (Se) concentrations.
Small mammal populations were studied to assess environmental impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the health and reproductive status of small mammals at a selenium-contaminated site compared to reference sites.
To determine if elevated selenium exposure is linked to observed physiological differences in small mammals.

Main Methods:

Small mammals were trapped and analyzed at Kesterson Reservoir and three reference sites.
Data collected included species, reproductive condition, sex ratio, condition index, liver size, anogenital distance, and liver selenium concentrations.

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Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Biological Samples Preparation for Speciation at Cryogenic Temperature using High-Resolution X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Biological Samples Preparation for Speciation at Cryogenic Temperature using High-Resolution X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Published on: May 27, 2022

Main Results:

Fewer Kesterson mammals were reproductively active, with a lower proportion of males among deer mice.
Mice from Kesterson exhibited lower condition indices, enlarged livers, and potentially feminized characteristics (smaller anogenital distance in males).
Liver selenium concentrations were higher in Kesterson mice, correlating with observed health effects.

Conclusions:

Elevated selenium exposure at Kesterson Reservoir may be contributing to reduced reproductive success and physiological abnormalities in small mammals.
While physical stressors could play a role, selenium toxicity is a likely factor in the observed health differences.
Further investigation is warranted to fully understand the long-term impacts of selenium on wildlife health.