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Review
. 2019 Apr;41(2):1003-1035.
doi: 10.1007/s10653-018-0195-8. Epub 2018 Sep 28.

A comprehensive review on environmental transformation of selenium: recent advances and research perspectives

Habib Ullah  1 , Guijian Liu  2 , Balal Yousaf  1 , Muhammad Ubaid Ali  1 , Samina Irshad  1 , Qumber Abbas  1 , Rafay Ahmad  1
Affiliations
Review

A comprehensive review on environmental transformation of selenium: recent advances and research perspectives

Habib Ullah et al. Environ Geochem Health. 2019 Apr.

Abstract

Selenium (Se) is an important micronutrient and essential trace element for both humans and animals, which exist in the environment ubiquitously. Selenium deficiency is an important issue worldwide, with various reported cases of its deficiency. Low selenium contents in some specific terrestrial environments have resulted in its deficiency in humans. However, high levels of selenium in the geochemical environment may have harmful influences and can cause a severe toxicity to living things. Due to its extremely narrow deficiency and toxicity limits, selenium is becoming a serious matter of discussion for the scientists who deals with selenium-related environmental and health issues. Based on available relevant literature, this review provides a comprehensive data about Se sources, levels, production and factors affecting selenium bioavailability/speciation in soil, characteristics of Se, biogeochemical cycling, deficiency and toxicity, and its environmental transformation to know the Se distribution in the environment. Further research should focus on thoroughly understanding the concentration, speciation, Se cycling in the environment and food chain to effectively utilize Se resources, remediate Se deficiency/toxicity, and evaluate the Se states and eco-effects on human health.

Keywords: Bioavailability; Deficiency; Health exposure; Selenium; Toxicity.

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