Release Of Selenium Research Articles

Differences in slow-release characteristics and release kinetics of three selenium nanoparticles from different synthesis strategies: Revealing the advantages synthesized by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum

The controlled release of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) is pivotal significance in improving bioavailability and mitigating potential side effects. Three types of SeNPs, Selenium nanoparticles synthesized by chemical method (CSeNPs), extracellular polysaccharide-encapsulated selenium nanoparticles (EPS-SeNP), and selenium nanoparticles synthesized by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LacSeNPs), were synthesized in this study using chemical reduction, polysaccharide-assisted, and microbial reduction methods, respectively. The selenium release kinetics of the nanoparticles were investigated in simulated gastrointestinal with five kinetics models. CSeNPs released 67.80% of selenium in simulated gastric fluids (SGF) and, depicting a Brownian motion fraction of 81.0. EPS-SeNPs released 77.38% of selenium in SGF while only releasing 16.28% in simulated intestinal fluids (SIF). The release process was primarily affected by changes in the nanoparticle structure after Super Case II Transport in SGF and the zero-order model in SIF. The zero-order model provided the best fit for releasing LacSeNP profiles in the SGF. In SIF, the release mechanism of LacSeNPs was regulated by combination of diffusion and carrier swelling or erosion, leading to non-Fickian diffusion. Therefore, synthetic nanoparticle methods determine their structures and compositions, leading to differences in their release kinetics and release mechanisms. Notably, the release of LacSeNPs in the SGF aligns with the absorption patterns of selenium within the human body. The current study elucidates the potential application advantages of SeNPs synthesized using microbial means as selenium-enriched supplements.

Enhancement of exercise-induced fatigue alleviation and liver selenium regulation through in situ nanoselenium synthesis by Lactobacillus rhamnosus cells, empowered by Ganoderma lucidum spore loading.

Given the increasing awareness of the negative effects of fatigue on daily activities, mental health, and quality of life, antifatigue supplements are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. Selenium has been found to have antifatigue potential in high dosage, but may cause toxicity effects to the body. In this study, inorganic selenium was first converted to nanoselenium particles via in situ synthesis by Lactobacillus rhamnosus SHA113 (Se-LRS), and then loaded by Ganoderma lucidum spores (GLS). The resulting products were not only assessed for their antioxidant activities, but also the antifatigue potential in mice. As a result, both Se-LRS and the Se-LRS/GLS complex exhibited higher antioxidant and antibacterial activities in simulated gastrointestinal fluids compared to isolated selenium nanoparticles. The Se-LRS/GLS complex demonstrated sustained release of selenium in simulated gastrointestinal fluids and showed significant alleviation of exercise-induced fatigue indicators, but relatively lower liver selenium accumulation in the mice, surpassing the effects of isolated nanoselenium. No toxicity was found to Caco-2 cells for Se-LRS/GLS complex at 2µg/mL. This is a novel approach to enhance the antifatigue potential of selenium without causing extra toxicity.

Selenium loaded sodium alginate/polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite film as wound dressing: structural, optical, mechanical, antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility

In the current research, synthesized Se-NPs were loaded into sodium alginate/polyvinyl alcohol SA/PVA blend, 1:2 (w:w), with different proportions to form nanocomposite films by using the solution casting method. The main goal is to enhance the physical and antibacterial properties of the polymer blend; therefore, it can be utilized for wound dressing applications. The physical aspects of the prepared films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), UV–Vis spectroscopic technique, and mechanical analysis to show the effect of increasing the concentration of Se-NPs from zero to 0.5 wt% on their properties. Regarding the XRD analysis, the calculated values of lattice strain (ε\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\varepsilon$$\\end{document}) increased from 0.005 to 0.013. The FTIR absorption spectrum recorded an intensity reduction and position shift in the main characteristic peaks of SA/PVA. The morphology of Se-NPs revealed a spherical shape with a mean diameter of 131.76 nm, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The surface morphological images showed the appearance of a few cracks; besides, the average roughness increased from 1.59 to 2.08 nm. According to the UV–Vis spectroscopic analysis, the optical band gap reduces (from 5.425 to 5.216 eV) for the direct transition and from (5.07–4.78 eV) for the indirect transition, which is an indication of the interaction between Se-NPs and SA/PVA blend. Young’s modulus, tensile strength, and yield strength of the films increased with the addition of selenium nanoparticles. On the other hand, the amount of selenium release significantly increased with enhancing the concentration of Se-NPs in SA/PVA blend film from 0.1 to 0.5 wt%. Additionally, the inclusion of Se-NPs supplied the polymer blend with excellent antimicrobial activity, which would remove the possibility of microbial infection at the wound site. Moreover, the prepared SA/PVA/Se nanocomposite films have good biocompatibility with Human Skin Fibroblast (HSF). The results suggest the potential of this nanocomposite to be used in wound dressing applications.

Biomimetic bone-periosteum scaffold for spatiotemporal regulated innervated bone regeneration and therapy of osteosarcoma

The complexity of repairing large segment defects and eradicating residual tumor cell puts the osteosarcoma clinical management challenging. Current biomaterial design often overlooks the crucial role of precisely regulating innervation in bone regeneration. Here, we develop a Germanium Selenium (GeSe) co-doped polylactic acid (PLA) nanofiber membrane-coated tricalcium phosphate bioceramic scaffold (TCP-PLA/GeSe) that mimics the bone-periosteum structure. This biomimetic scaffold offers a dual functionality, combining piezoelectric and photothermal conversion capabilities while remaining biodegradable. When subjected to ultrasound irradiation, the US-electric stimulation of TCP-PLA/GeSe enables spatiotemporal control of neurogenic differentiation. This feature supports early innervation during bone formation, promoting early neurogenic differentiation of Schwann cells (SCs) by increasing intracellular Ca2+ and subsequently activating the PI3K-Akt and Ras signaling pathways. The biomimetic scaffold also demonstrates exceptional osteogenic differentiation potential under ultrasound irradiation. In rabbit model of large segment bone defects, the TCP-PLA/GeSe demonstrates promoted osteogenesis and nerve fibre ingrowth. The combined attributes of high photothermal conversion capacity and the sustained release of anti-tumor selenium from the TCP-PLA/GeSe enable the synergistic eradication of osteosarcoma both in vitro and in vivo. This strategy provides new insights on designing advanced biomaterials of repairing large segment bone defect and osteosarcoma.

Construction, characterization, antioxidant activity and effects on properties in vitro digestion of selenium nanoparticles decorated with Cyperus esculentus polysaccharides

In this study, in order to obtain selenium complex with high antioxidant activity and low release rate, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were decorated by chemical reduction with Cyperus esculentus polysaccharides (CEP) as stabilizers (CEP-SeNPs). The characterization, construction mechanism, stability, and effects on properties in vitro digestion of CEP-SeNPs were investigated. CEP-SeNPs were orange-red in color and uniformly distributed in a spherical shape with an average diameter of 138.33 ± 0.57 nm, exhibiting good stability which could be stored at 4 °C. The selenium element in CEP-SeNPs was selenium in a zero-valent amorphous state. The O-H and C=O bonds in CEP were bound to selenium by an inductive effect to construct CEP-SeNPs for infrared analysis, and no new covalent bonds were formed in this process. CEP as stabilizer on selenium nanoparticles were physical combination. At the same time, the synergistic effects at antioxidant activity of polysaccharides and selenium was found which made CEP-SeNPs had a higher antioxidant activity than CEP. Above all, CEP-SeNPs showed better pH and enzyme stability in simulated digestion. The selenium release rate of CEP-SeNPs were only 18.52 % ± 0.17 % after intestinal digestion. The antioxidant activity of CEP-SeNPs were higher than that of CEP in the simulated digestion. It provides a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of rich selenium products.

Physicochemical stability of lichenan (Usnea longissima) decorated-selenium nanoparticles for cancer chemoprevention

The biological activity of amorphous selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) was limited by their poor stability and rapid spontaneous phase transformation. Herein, we prepared amorphous SeNPs by decorating them with lichenan (LC), a natural random coil conformation polysaccharide, through C–O⋯Se bonds or O–H⋯Se bonds. The synthesized amorphous spherical LC-SeNPs maintained their amorphous phase and zero valence state after being stored for 60 days at 4 °C. This stability can be also maintained under different heating treatment temperatures (37, 55, 75, and 95 °C), pH conditions (pH 3–10), and ionic strength (10–200 mM). Furthermore, LC-SeNPs displayed potential anticancer efficacy based on their ROS-triggered selenium release property and variable redox potential in the ROS model. The underlying antiproliferative mechanism was related to cell cycle arrest, intracellular redox imbalance, and mitochondrial dysfunction. This work provides a promising strategy for using LC-SeNPs in diet supplements or cancer chemoprevention.

Selenium quantification in wastewaters from selected coal-fired power plants and river waters in South Africa using ICP-MS

South Africa mainly relies on Eskom's coal-fired power plants for electricity generation. However, the use of coal causes several adverse environmental impacts, including the release of selenium into the hydrosphere. Selenium is an essential nutrient for humans, animals, and microbes, but excess selenium is toxic. This paper describes the determination of total dissolved selenium in wastewater from selected coal-fired power plants and river waters near coal-fired power plants in South Africa. A sensitive and robust inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method for determining total dissolved selenium in wastewater and river water was developed using a certified reference material (NIST SRM 1640a Trace Elements in Natural Water). The results agreed with the certified values, with percentage recoveries ranging from 92–96%. The method detection limit was 0.13 µg/L. Total Se concentrations in wastewater samples from Kriel and Lethabo Power Stations ranged between 4.86 and 8.53 µg/L, and in river water samples from the Olifants and Wilge Rivers, the concentrations ranged from 2.63–8.20 µg/L. These results indicate that the Se levels in the wastewater are too low to pose a health hazard to humans and livestock but pose an environmental threat to aquatic life. The low concentrations in the river samples also show that there may be slight Se pollution (regarding aquatic life) from the selected coal-fired power plants in South Africa. There may be slight Se pollution (with regards to aquatic life) from Duvha and Kendal Power Stations because an increase from 2–8 µg/L was observed in river water samples collected near these selected coal-fired power plants.

The effect of wastewater components and operation conditions on selenium release during desulfurization wastewater evaporation: A lab-scale study

Rotary atomization evaporation technology is one of the effective technologies to achieve zero discharge of desulfurization wastewater. However, the migration and transformation mechanism of selenium during desulfurization wastewater evaporation is still unknown, hindering this technology's further application. Therefore, the effects of evaporation temperature, pH, Cl−, S2O2–8, SO2–4and Ca2+ on selenium release during evaporation were investigated in this work. The results showed that elevated temperature promoted the release of selenium, especially in the solid-phase pyrolysis stage. pH affected the release of selenium through influencing its initial species, and the release rate of Se(IV) increased with decreasing pH. The ionic compositions of the solution were also found to be a critical factor in the stability of selenium species during evaporation. Cl− would promote the release of Se(IV), while SO2–4 inhibited the release of selenium species, and Ca2+ had little effect on the final release rate of selenium species release. In addition, it was found that the presence of S2O2–8 would significantly enhance the conversion of Se(IV) to Se(VI) during the evaporation process. The results obtained in this work provided guidelines and suggestions for controlling the selenium release from desulfurization wastewater in power plants.

Enzyme-catalyzed synthesis of selenium-doped manganese phosphate for synergistic therapy of drug-resistant colorectal cancer

BackgroundThe development of multidrug resistance (MDR) during postoperative chemotherapy for colorectal cancer substantially reduces therapeutic efficacy. Nanostructured drug delivery systems (NDDSs) with modifiable chemical properties are considered promising candidates as therapies for reversing MDR in colorectal cancer cells. Selenium-doped manganese phosphate (Se-MnP) nanoparticles (NPs) that can reverse drug resistance through sustained release of selenium have the potential to improve the chemotherapy effect of colorectal cancer.ResultsSe-MnP NPs had an organic–inorganic hybrid composition and were assembled from smaller-scale nanoclusters. Se-MnP NPs induced excessive ROS production via Se-mediated activation of the STAT3/JNK pathway and a Fenton-like reaction due to the presence of manganese ions (Mn2+). Moreover, in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated Se-MnP NPs were effective drug carriers of oxaliplatin (OX) and reversed multidrug resistance and induced caspase-mediated apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells. OX@Se-MnP NPs reversed MDR in colorectal cancer by down-regulating the expression of MDR-related ABC (ATP binding cassette) transporters proteins (e.g., ABCB1, ABCC1 and ABCG2). Finally, in vivo studies demonstrated that OX-loaded Se-MnP NPs significantly inhibited proliferation of OX-resistant HCT116 (HCT116/DR) tumor cells in nude mice.ConclusionsOX@Se-MnP NPs with simple preparation and biomimetic chemical properties represent promising candidates for the treatment of colorectal cancer with MDR.

Effects of Selenium-Enriched Rape Returning Amount on Available Selenium Content in Paddy Soil and Selenium Accumulation in Rice.

Selenium-rich rape "Selenium Ziyuan No.1" was used as green manure to study the effects of different amounts of green manure returned to the field on the release characteristics of available selenium in acidic paddy soil in southern China, and to analyze the absorption and transformation of selenium in rice, so as to provide a theoretical basis for planting natural selenium-rich rice in acidic areas of southern China. Six treatments with different amounts of selenium-enriched rapeseed returning (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 t/hm2) were set up. Two rice varieties (selenium-rich rice variety Meixiangzhan 2 and common rice variety Zhongguangxiang 1) were selected. The results showed that (1) with the increase of selenium-rich rapeseed returning amount, the available selenium in soil showed an increasing trend. Over time, soil available selenium showed a significant increasing trend, and the content of soil available selenium reached the maximum at tillering stage, and then decreased. (2) For selenium-rich varieties, when the amount of selenium-rich rapeseed returned to the field was less than 15 t/hm2, the selenium content in rice grains increased significantly with the increase of the amount of selenium-rich rapeseed returned to the field, then remained basically stable. For conventional varieties, with the increase of the amount of selenium-rich rapeseed returned to the field, the selenium content of rice grains showed an increasing trend, but the overall selenium content was much lower than that of selenium-rich variety. (3) With the increase of the amount of rapeseed returned to the field, the rice yield had an increasing trend, but the maximum rice yields appeared when the amount of selenium-rich rapeseed returned to the field was 15 t/hm2. Therefore, Se-enriched rape returning could promote the release of available selenium in soil and the enrichment of selenium in rice plants, and significantly increase the selenium content in rice. According to the selenium content and yield of rice, it is suggested that the selenium-rich rice variety Meixiangzhan 2 was chosen and the amount of Se-rich rape returning is 15 t/hm2.

Nano-WSe2 Is Absorbable and Transformable by Rice Plants.

As typical transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC), tungsten selenide (WSe2) nanosheets (nano-WSe2) are widely used in various fields due to their layered structures and highly tunable electronic and magnetic properties, which results in the unwanted release of tungsten (W) and selenium (Se) into the environment. However, the environmental effects of nano-WSe2 in plants are still unclear. Herein, we evaluated the impacts and fate of nano-WSe2 and micro-WSe2 in rice plants (Oryza sativa L.). It was found that both nano-WSe2 and micro-WSe2 did not affect the germination of rice seeds up to 5000 mg/L but nano-WSe2 affected the growth of rice seedlings with shortened root lengths. The uptake and transportation of WSe2 was found to be size-dependent. Moreover, W in WSe2 was oxidized to tungstate while Se was transformed to selenocysteine, selenomethionine, SeIV and SeVI in the roots of rice when exposed to nano-WSe2, suggesting the transformation of nano-WSe2 in rice plants. The exposure to nano-WSe2 brought lipid peroxidative damage to rice seedlings. However, Se in nano-WSe2 did not contribute to the synthesis of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) since the latter did not change when exposed to nano-WSe2. This is the first report on the impacts and fate of nano-WSe2 in rice plants, which has raised environmental safety concerns about the wide application of TMDCs, such as WSe2 nanosheets.

Structure, stability, antioxidant activity, and controlled-release of selenium nanoparticles decorated with lichenan from Usnea longissima

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have attracted widespread attention, but the poor water dispersibility restricted their applications seriously. Herein, Usnea longissima lichenan decorated selenium nanoparticles (L-SeNPs) were constructed. The formation, morphology, particle size, stability, physicochemical characteristics, and stabilization mechanism of L-SeNPs were investigated via TEM, SEM, AFM, EDX, DLS, UV–Vis, FT-IR, XPS, and XRD. The results indicated that the L-SeNPs displayed orange-red, amorphous, zero-valent, and uniform spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of 96 nm. Due to the formation of CO⋯Se bonds or the hydrogen bonding interaction (OH⋯Se) between SeNPs and lichenan, L-SeNPs exhibited better heating and storage stability, which kept stable for more than one month at 25 °C in an aqueous solution. The decoration of the SeNPs surface with lichenan endowed the L-SeNPs with superior antioxidant capability, and their free radicals scavenging ability exhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, L-SeNPs showed excellent selenium controlled-release performance. In simulated gastric liquids, selenium release kinetics from L-SeNPs followed the Linear superimposition model, which was governed by the polymeric network retardation of macromolecular, while in simulated intestinal liquids, it was well fitted to the Korsmeyer-Peppas model and followed a Fickian mechanism controlled by diffusion.

Synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of microwave-assisted fabricated selenylation Astragalus polysaccharides

Selenylation Astragalus polysaccharides (Se-APS) was fabricated by an optimized microwave-assisted method. Their physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacities and selenium (Se) release rate under gastrointestinal conditions were determined. Se-APS with the highest Se content (18.8 mg/g) was prepared in 0.4 % nitric acid, under the microwave conditions of 90 min and 80 °C. FTIR and XPS spectra indicated that Se was bound to the polysaccharide chain in the form of O-Se-O and O-H···Se, and most of Se+4 was reduced to Se0. Meanwhile, the micromorphology of Se-APS became clusters, loose and porous, which decreased its hydrodynamic particle size and negative surface charges. Besides, Se-APS displayed strong scavenging capacities towards ABTS and superoxide anion free radicals than Na2SeO3, and showed higher Se release rate (12.52 ± 0.31 %) under intestinal fluid comparing with gastric fluid (3.14 ± 0.38 %) during 8 h in vitro digestion. The results provided efficient preparation method references for selenylation polysaccharides, and broaden the application fields of APS.

Treatment of Selenium-Laden Agricultural Drainage Water Using a Full-Scale Bioreactor

Soils in the San Joaquin Valley of California have been a source of selenium (Se) release through dissolution into agricultural drainage, requiring treatment before discharge to the environment. A full-scale primarily anaerobic, granular activated-carbon (GAC) bioreactor with an empty bed contact time ranging from 3.4 to 5.0 h was fed 757 L/min of second-pass agricultural drainage water (ADW) at the San Luis Demonstration Treatment Plant (SLDTP) in Firebaugh, California, for 1,062 days. This study summarized startup of an actual water treatment plant with a process scheme that had never been designed or operated at this scale. ADW nitrate (NO3−) and dissolved oxygen (O2(aq)) concentrations largely dictated the externally dosed carbon (EDC), or glycerin dose, which served as the electron donor to achieve selenate (SeO42−) reduction to elemental Se (Se0). Total Se (SeT) influent concentrations between 111 and 332 μg/L were treated to average effluent SeT concentrations of 7.4 μg/L across the bioreactor. Bioreactor effluent SeT concentrations were further reduced across a downstream ultrafiltration membrane system (UFMS) to an average permeate SeT concentration of 2.9 μg/L. It was determined that most of the SeT removed from the ADW was retained on the bioreactor GAC and was not amenable to removal through backwashing, rendering it hazardous waste by both California and federal standards. Removal of other trace metals such as chromium and uranium were investigated.

Selenium Migration Mode in Coal Seams: Insights from Multivariate Analysis, Leaching Investigation, and Modelling

Processes controlling selenium concentrations ([Se]) in mine waters were studied at an operating coalmine district in Xuzhou city, China. The geochemistry and mobility of selenium was studied through leaching experiments, multivariate analysis, and numerical modeling. Results showed that selenium leaching was influenced by selenium occurrence in minerals, pH, electron activity (pe), and sulfur concentration in the water. Selenium occurrence in host rock was mainly sulfide minerals, and clay minerals in coal, respectively. Therefore, the oxidation and dissolution of sulfide minerals and transformation of clays may control the release of selenium. Experimental leaching experiments suggested selenium tends to leach more when the solution has more sulfur dissolved. A positive relationship is established between pH and the amount of Se released into solution with four times more Se released at pH 12 compared to pH 2 when leached with high-purity water. This release behavior is higher in O2-rich environments. The numerical modeling results showed that pH, pe, and sulfur presence in the solution play important roles in selenium adsorption. Selenium was desorbed from adsorbing surfaces under alkaline conditions, specifically when the solution pH was higher than 8. Higher pe values in the solution caused reduced selenium adsorption. In addition, dissolved sulfur competed with selenate for surfaces of adsorption, thus, selenium adsorption decreases as the sulfur concentration increased.

Digestion and absorption properties of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides stabilized selenium nanoparticles

In the present study, the digestion and absorption properties of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides stabilized selenium nanoparticles (LBP-SeNPs) were investigated. The results showed that selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) exhibited a higher selenium release rate than LBP-SeNPs (p＜0.05) after being digested in the stages of oral cavity, stomach and intestine. During the digestion process, the particle size of the LBP-SeNPs and SeNPs were both significantly increased, but the particle size of LBP-SeNPs was significantly smaller than that of SeNPs. The results of TEM further indicated that LBP-SeNPs can better maintain the morphology and properties of nanoparticles. Besides, the experiments of the intestinal sac model showed that LBP-SeNPs can better promote the absorption of selenium in various parts (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) of the intestine. Therefore, the LBP can help to improve the structural stability of SeNPs in the digestion process and improve the bioavailability of selenium.

The Effect of High Selenite and Selenate Concentrations on Ferric Oxyhydroxides Transformation under Alkaline Conditions.

Iron-based nanomaterials have high technological impacts on various pro-environmental applications, including wastewater treatment using the co-precipitation method. The purpose of this research was to identify the changes of iron nanomaterial’s structure caused by the presence of selenium, a typical water contaminant, which might affect the removal when the iron co-precipitation method is used. Therefore, we have investigated the maturation of co-precipitated nanosized ferric oxyhydroxides under alkaline conditions and their thermal transformation into hematite in the presence of selenite and selenate with high concentrations. Since the association of selenium with precipitates surfaces has been proven to be weak, the mineralogy of the system was affected insignificantly, and the goethite was identified as an only ferric phase in all treatments. However, the morphology and the crystallinity of ferric oxyhydroxides was slightly altered. Selenium affected the structural order of precipitates, especially at the initial phase of co-precipitation. Still, the crystal integrity and homogeneity increased with time almost constantly, regardless of the treatment. The thermal transformation into well crystalized hematite was more pronounced in the presence of selenite, while selenate-treated and selenium-free samples indicated the presence of highly disordered fraction. This highlights that the aftermath of selenium release does not result in destabilization of ferric phases; however, since weak interactions of selenium are dominant at alkaline conditions with goethite’s surfaces, it still poses a high risk for the environment. The findings of this study should be applicable in waters affected by mining and metallurgical operations.

Examination of multiple sources of selenium release from coal wastes and strategies for remediation

Selenium (Se) has been mobilised by leaching from coal and associated waste rock exposed by mining activities in Western Canada, with deleterious impact on aquatic wildlife. Waste rock characterisation indicates that up to 7% of the Se, as Se(IV), may be associated with organic matter, with ≈9%, as Se(0), associated with euhedral pyrite. Small 1−2 µm mineral particles with average Se concentration of 1.0 ± 0.4 wt% account for the remaining Se with the largest components likely to be associated with Fe oxide/hydroxide/carbonate as Se(0) and framboidal pyrite as Se(IV) and Se(0). No evidence was found for the presence of Se(−I), Se(−II) or Se(VI). In the first 8 weeks of leaching Se release was not correlated to the addition of aqueous silicate, added to aid pyrite passivation, but was reduced by approximately one third when the waste was treated with manure. This suggests the primary initial source of leached Se was not pyrite. Added organic C results in increased microbial numbers, particularly aerobic microbes, and promotes the formation of extensive coating of extracellular polymeric substances resulting in depletion of O2 at particle surfaces, reducing oxidation of Se(IV) and therefore reducing the leach rate of Se. Subsequent to 8 weeks of leaching the rates of release of Se from the treated wastes were similar regardless of treatment strategy but were reduced as compared to the untreated waste rock, suggestive of partial framboidal pyrite geochemical and microbial passivation. Se leaching was not correlated to S leaching, but the source(s) of the leached S was not known as approximately half of the S within the waste rock was non-sulfidic. These results indicate that utilisation of local organic carbon-containing wastes for coverage of coal waste rock may be a cost-effective strategy to reduce Se leaching to acceptable rates of release regardless of whether the Se is associated with framboidal pyrite or organics.

Selenium in wastewater can be adsorbed by modified natural zeolite and reused in vegetable growth.

Modified natural zeolites (MNZ) are widely used in pollutant removal, but how to address these MNZ that have adsorbed pollutants must be considered. Selenium is an essential trace element for metabolism and is also a water pollutant. Selenium is adsorbed in the water by MNZ in this study first. Then the Brassica chinensis L. was planted in the soil which contains the MNZ loaded with selenium (MNZ-Se) to explore selenium uptake. MNZ-Se release tests in water and soil were also considered. The results showed the following: (1) The maximum adsorption capacity of MNZ for selenium is 46.90 mg/g. (2) Water release experiments of MNZ-Se showed that regardless of how the pH of the aqueous solution changes, the trend of the release of selenium from MNZ-Se in aqueous solution is not affected and first decreases before stabilizing. (3) Soil release experiments of MNZ-Se showed that the selenium content in the soil increased and reached the concentration in the standard of selenium-rich soil. Addition amount and soil pH value will affect the release ratio. The release ratio of MNZ-Se in the water was higher than that in the soil. (4) With an increase in the soil MNZ-Se content, the selenium content in the soil and B. c increases. Above all, MZN can be a good medium for water pollutant removal and soil improvement.

On-line detection and kinetic study of selenium release during combustion, gasification and pyrolysis of sawdust

An on-line analysis system was firstly developed to quantitatively measure the temporal concentrations of selenium in the flue gas directly. Then the selenium release during air combustion, CO2/argon gasification, and argon pyrolysis of sawdust was systematically studied using the on-line analysis system, based on the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The peak of selenium concentration in the flue gas ranges from 0.38 to 1.76 mg∙Nm−3 with change of reaction temperature and atmosphere. The overall activation energy for selenium release is 75.3 kJ∙mol-1 in air combustion, 102.4 kJ∙mol-1 in CO2/argon gasification, and 81.9 kJ∙mol-1 in argon pyrolysis, respectively. The results show that the combustion atmosphere contributes to the selenium release more than that in gasification and pyrolysis. The promotion effect of chlorine on selenium release under combustion environment was one to three times higher than that under gasification and pyrolysis atmosphere. Thermodynamic equilibrium calculation showed that selenium oxides were the main gaseous selenium species in combustion, while the dominant gaseous selenium species were H2Se (g) and Se (g) under gasification/pyrolysis condition. The selenium release was increased with different degrees by additive chlorine species, mainly because of the formation of SeCl2 (g). The role of chlorine in selenium transformation has been provided in the proposed reaction pathways of selenium release, based on the new findings using on-line analysis system. The selenium species retained in sawdust can be transformed into selenium oxide (SeO2, SeO, corresponding to the combustion condition) and selenium hydride (H2Se, corresponding to the gasification/pyrolysis conditions).