Seleniferous

Seleniferous describes something containing or yielding selenium, a nonmetallic chemical element (Se) with atomic number 34. This often applies to rocks, soils, and plants that have absorbed selenium from the surrounding environment. The presence of seleniferous materials can have significant implications, particularly for agriculture and human health. Selenium is an essential micronutrient, but excessive exposure to seleniferous compounds can lead to selenosis, a condition characterized by symptoms such as hair and nail loss, gastrointestinal distress, and neurological problems. The concentration of selenium varies greatly depending on geological factors and environmental conditions, thus understanding the distribution and form of seleniferous substances is crucial for environmental management and public safety. This is especially true in areas with known selenium-rich deposits, which require careful monitoring to prevent contamination of water sources and agricultural products.

Seleniferous meaning with examples

• Geologists studying the region discovered extensive seleniferous shale formations. These findings raised concerns about potential selenium contamination in the local water supply, necessitating rigorous testing and environmental impact assessments to gauge the risk of exposure to residents and wildlife in the area.
• Livestock grazing in seleniferous pastures often exhibit symptoms of poisoning. The animals ingest plants that accumulate selenium from the soil. The severity of the effects varies depending on the selenium concentration of the feed and the duration of exposure.
• The study analyzed the mineral composition of a sample of volcanic ash, confirming the presence of seleniferous compounds. This discovery helped to understand the volcanic origin and the dispersal patterns of selenium across the wider region.
• Farmers in the valley were advised to test their soil for selenium levels, as irrigation from seleniferous waterways had been identified as a possible source of the trace element that was potentially harmful for the crops.
• A team of researchers investigated the plant uptake of selenium in a seleniferous region, comparing the accumulation of selenium in different plant species. Their observations aimed at identifying potential bioindicators and developing methods for phytoremediation.