Review of selenium toxicity in the aquatic food chain

Environmental Contaminants in Fish and Their Associated Risk to Piscivorous Wildlife in the Yukon River Basin, Alaska

“…Toxicity thresholds associated with Se tissue concentrations are relatively low because of this elementÕs high toxicity and potential to bioaccumulate. Whole-body Se concentrations should not exceed 4 lg/g dw (1.0 lg/g ww assuming 75% moisture) to avoid toxicity to larval fish and 3 lg/g dw (0.75 lg/g ww) to protect piscivorous wildlife (Hamilton 2004;Lemly 1996Lemly , 2002. Only male burbot from Station 305 exceeded 0.75 lg/g (Fig.…”

Cooperative Ethylene and Jasmonic Acid Signaling Regulates Selenite Resistance in Arabidopsis

“…The accumulation of Se in surface waters or soil can become a source of toxicity for livestock, wildlife, and humans (Hamilton, 2004;Hira et al, 2004). At the same time, Se is an essential element for many organisms, including mammals, many bacteria, and some green algae (Birringer et al, 2002;Fu et al, 2002;Obata and Shiraiwa, 2005).…”

Selenium Biotransformations in an Engineered Aquatic Ecosystem for Bioremediation of Agricultural Wastewater via Brine Shrimp Production

“…2 Due to its relative abundance in these environments, ecotoxicity concerns center around SeO4 2-and its biomagnification up the aquatic food chain. 10,11 Selenium evapoconcentration in aquatic ecosystems has been documented to cause deformity and mortality in fish, waterfowl, shore birds, and mammals. [12][13][14][15] The food chain transfer and bioaccumulation of organic Se represents another exposure route in addition to the direct uptake of SeO4 2-.…”

“…[12][13][14][15] The food chain transfer and bioaccumulation of organic Se represents another exposure route in addition to the direct uptake of SeO4 2-. 11,12 Possible biochemical transformations, variability in food chain accumulation, and a strong dependence on the physical site characteristics make it difficult to predict Se pollution risks based on waterborne, inorganic Se concentrations alone. 11,12 In addition to accumulating Se in biomass, aquatic primary producers are main drivers for Se volatilization in aquatic ecosystems via production of methylated selenides, including dimethylselenide (DMSe) and dimethyldiselenide (DMDSe).…”

“…11,56 In hyper-saline ecosystems, brine flies and brine shrimp are essential components of shore birds' diet. 45,57,58 Brine fly larvae, pupa, and adults have an even higher nutrient value per individual than brine shrimp and dominate shore bird diets at certain times of the year.…”