Phytoremediation of selenium-contaminated soil and water

摘要

Selenium (Se) contamination of soil and water is a problem worldwide. It is encountered in arid and semiarid regions of the world that have seleniferous, alkaline soils derived from the weathering of Se-bearing rocks and shales. Selenium is also released into the environment by various industrial activities; for example, oil refineries and electric utilities generate Se-contaminated aqueous discharges. Because of the presence of excessive and potentially toxic levels of Se in the environment, it is important that we find ways of removing or detoxifying Se in Se-contaminated soil and water. Phytoremediation, using plants to remove, stabilize, or detoxify pollutants, is a promising technology to achieve this end (Terry et al., 2000).