Problem
Selenium as a pollutant
Other Names:
Overexposure to selenium Nature:
Selenium pollution can arise from mining and industrial activities, also from the improper use or disposal of products containing selenium, which may include insecticides, electronic components and radiographic materials. Certain plants are known to accumulate selenium when grown in soils containing a high natural content of this element or where selenium has entered the soil from industrial waste.
Incidence:
In certain areas (such as parts of the mid-Western USA) some plants (for example, loco-weed) accumulate selenium to such an extent that grazing animals display toxic symptoms.
Cereals such as wheat can accumulate up to 30mg/kg without impairment of growth. It is thus possible for food crops to be contaminated by selenium.
Broader Problems:
Toxic metal pollutantsEnvironmental hazards from metals Aggravates:
Selenium poisoning Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST