Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2026
10:05
Integrated Field Lysimetry and Porewater Sampling for Evaluation of Chemical Mobility in Soils and Established Vegetation
Published on: July 4, 2014
Emerging opportunities in management of selenium contamination
Samuel N Luoma1, Theresa S Presser
1John Muir Institute of the Environment, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA. snluoma@usgs.gov
Environmental Science & Technology
|December 24, 2009
Summary
Understanding selenium
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Biochemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Selenium is an essential trace element with a narrow window between nutritional and toxic levels.
- Environmental selenium contamination poses risks to ecosystems and human health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To integrate the chemical, biological, and ecotoxicological aspects of selenium.
- To provide a basis for regulating environmental selenium levels.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing data on selenium chemistry, biology, and ecotoxicology.
- Analysis of dose-response relationships and environmental fate pathways.
Main Results:
- The chemical form of selenium dictates its bioavailability and toxicity.
- Biological and ecotoxicological data reveal critical thresholds for adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- A multidisciplinary approach is essential for effective selenium environmental regulation.
- Integrating chemistry, biology, and ecotoxicology informs risk assessment and management strategies.
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