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Origin, Mobilization and Distribution of Selenium in a Soil/Water/Air System: A Global Perspective With Special Reference to the Indian Scenario
Author(s) -
Paikaray Susanta
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
clean – soil, air, water
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.444
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1863-0669
pISSN - 1863-0650
DOI - 10.1002/clen.201300454
Subject(s) - biogeochemical cycle , environmental science , environmental chemistry , phytoremediation , arsenic , effluent , groundwater , environmental protection , soil water , environmental engineering , chemistry , geology , soil science , geotechnical engineering , organic chemistry
Narrow tolerance limit of selenium (Se) brings serious concerns through deficiency as well as toxicity in the biological and environmental systems. Both geogenic and anthropogenic activities govern Se origin in nature, while its bioavailability is controlled by biogeochemical conditions and nature of Se species. Selenium hazards have drawn a special research interest globally, especially in USA, Canada and China, where large populations of aquatic life and human beings are being severely affected. Both Se deficiency and toxicity has been reported in India. Deficiency is shown to amplify arsenic (As) poisoning in As polluted regions. Industrial, mining, coal burns, and natural sources have been recognized as major causes of Se poisoning in soil, surface/groundwater and atmosphere. Besides local scale pollutions, the NW Indian state Punjab is known as the most alarmed region with >1000 ha of contaminated farm lands. Alkaline soil pH, cultivation of Se bioaccumulators, improper treatment of industrial effluents/emissions is responsible for Se mobilization and easy bioavailability. Acidification of soil pH, phytoremediation, application of excessive organic matters and sulfur‐rich minerals such as gypsum, changes in cultivation practices to non‐bioaccumulators, regulatory industrial effluent/emission treatment, and avoidance of Se‐rich fodders are considered to overcome Se‐toxicity, while Se supplements and/or Se‐rich fertilizers may resolve Se‐deficiency.