14
1. Selenium Pollution Around the World
that existing and planned agricultural irrigation projects be reviewed
for possible selenium contamination. The anticipation and evaluation
of potential problem areas will allow changes to be made in irrigation
practices for the benefit of both agriculture and wildlife (Lemly 1994b,
1994c; Lemly et al. 2000).
Conclusions
When the phenomenon of selenium pollution on a global scale is examined closely, it becomes clear that the more we look, the more
examples we find. Important sources of selenium contamination in
aquatic habitats are often overlooked by environmental biologists and
ecological risk assessors due to preoccupation with other, higher priority pollutants. These oversights occur in experimental research as well
as in field management operations. Failure to include selenium in the
list of constituents measured in contaminant screening/monitoring
programs is a major mistake, from the aspects of both hazard assessment and pollution control. Once selenium contamination begins, a
cascade of events is set into motion that can result in major ecosystem
disruption. Early detection and action is key. Environmentally sound
hazard assessment and water quality goals, coupled with prudent risk
management, can prevent significant biological impacts. The methods
and techniques set out in the following chapters of this book are intended specifically for that purpose.
References
API (American Petroleum Institute). 1978. Analysis of refinery wastewaters for
the EPA Priority Pollutants. Washington, DC. American Petroleum Institute.
API Publication 4296.
CATF (Clean Air Task Force). 2000. Laid to waste-the dirty secret of combustion
waste from America's power plants. Boston, MA. Clean Air Task Force.
Clark, D. R., Jr. 1987. Selenium accumulation in mammals exposed to contaminated California irrigation drainwater. The Science ofthe Total Environment 66: 147168.
Cumbie, P. M. 1980. Effects of pH adjustment and S03 fly ash conditioning on the
Belews Creek Steam Station ash basin. Duke Power Company. Charlotte, NC.
Technical Report No. 80-01.
Desborough, G., E. DeWitt, J. Jones, A. Meier, and G. Meeker. 1999. Preliminary
mineralogical and chemical studies related to the potential mobility of selenium
and associated elements in Phosphoria Formation strata, southeastern Idaho.
Denver, CO. U.S. Geological Survey. Open-File Report 99-129.
Ensminger, J. T. 1981. Coal: Origin, classification, and physical and chemical prop-
1. Selenium Pollution Around the World
that existing and planned agricultural irrigation projects be reviewed
for possible selenium contamination. The anticipation and evaluation
of potential problem areas will allow changes to be made in irrigation
practices for the benefit of both agriculture and wildlife (Lemly 1994b,
1994c; Lemly et al. 2000).
Conclusions
When the phenomenon of selenium pollution on a global scale is examined closely, it becomes clear that the more we look, the more
examples we find. Important sources of selenium contamination in
aquatic habitats are often overlooked by environmental biologists and
ecological risk assessors due to preoccupation with other, higher priority pollutants. These oversights occur in experimental research as well
as in field management operations. Failure to include selenium in the
list of constituents measured in contaminant screening/monitoring
programs is a major mistake, from the aspects of both hazard assessment and pollution control. Once selenium contamination begins, a
cascade of events is set into motion that can result in major ecosystem
disruption. Early detection and action is key. Environmentally sound
hazard assessment and water quality goals, coupled with prudent risk
management, can prevent significant biological impacts. The methods
and techniques set out in the following chapters of this book are intended specifically for that purpose.
References
API (American Petroleum Institute). 1978. Analysis of refinery wastewaters for
the EPA Priority Pollutants. Washington, DC. American Petroleum Institute.
API Publication 4296.
CATF (Clean Air Task Force). 2000. Laid to waste-the dirty secret of combustion
waste from America's power plants. Boston, MA. Clean Air Task Force.
Clark, D. R., Jr. 1987. Selenium accumulation in mammals exposed to contaminated California irrigation drainwater. The Science ofthe Total Environment 66: 147168.
Cumbie, P. M. 1980. Effects of pH adjustment and S03 fly ash conditioning on the
Belews Creek Steam Station ash basin. Duke Power Company. Charlotte, NC.
Technical Report No. 80-01.
Desborough, G., E. DeWitt, J. Jones, A. Meier, and G. Meeker. 1999. Preliminary
mineralogical and chemical studies related to the potential mobility of selenium
and associated elements in Phosphoria Formation strata, southeastern Idaho.
Denver, CO. U.S. Geological Survey. Open-File Report 99-129.
Ensminger, J. T. 1981. Coal: Origin, classification, and physical and chemical prop-