Selenium contaminated waters: An overview of analytical methods, treatment options and recent advances in sorption methods

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Sílvia Santos (Author) FEUP; Gabriela Ungureanu (Author) FEUP; Rui Boaventura (Author) FEUP; Cidália Botelho (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Science of the Total Environment

Vol. 521

Pages: 246-260

ISSN: 0048-9697

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 85 Citations

Scopus - 144 Citations

Associated Projects

LSRE-LCM - Laboratório de Processos de Separação e Reação - Laboratório de Catálise e Materiais

LSRE/LCM LA - RL1_P3 - Environmental Technologies

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00A-D61

DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.03.107

Abstract (EN): Selenium is an essential trace element for many organisms, including humans, but it is bioaccumulative and toxic at higher than homeostatic levels. Both selenium deficiency and toxicity are problems around the world. Mines, coal-fired power plants, oil refineries and agriculture are important examples of anthropogenic sources, generating contaminated waters and wastewaters. For reasons of human health and ecotoxicity, selenium concentration has to be controlled in drinking-water and in wastewater, as it is a potential pollutant of water bodies. This review article provides firstly a general overview about selenium distribution, sources, chemistry, toxicity and environmental impact. Analytical techniques used for Se determination and speciation and water and wastewater treatment options are reviewed. In particular, published works on adsorption as a treatment method for Se removal from aqueous solutions are critically analyzed. Recent published literature has given particular attention to the development and search for effective adsorbents, including low-cost alternative materials. Published works mostly consist in exploratory findings and laboratory-scale experiments. Binary metal oxides and LDHs (layered double hydroxides) have presented excellent adsorption capacities for selenium species. Unconventional sorbents (algae, agricultural wastes and other biomaterials), in raw or modified forms, have also led to very interesting results with the advantage of their availability and low-cost. Some directions to be considered in future works are also suggested.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 15