Selenium: Water Quality and the Biogeochemical Engine

This lecture covers the importance of selenium (Se) in human health, focusing on its role as an essential micronutrient and cellular antioxidant. It discusses the narrow range between Se deficiency and toxicity, the global distribution of Se deficiency, and its correlation with diseases like Keshin Beck disease. The lecture also explores the mobility of Se in soil, its volatilization in wetlands, and its immobilization through specific sorption and reduction mechanisms. Additionally, it delves into the global cycle of Se, emphasizing its impact on articular cartilage and the potential for improving biomechanical properties through bioengineering. Overall, the lecture highlights the critical role of Se in various biological processes and its implications for human health and environmental sustainability.