ABSTRACT
The wetlands receiving the drainage water, in the course of being used as wildlife habitat, were also operated as evaporation ponds to reduce the volume of agricultural wastewater. Deleterious effects on birds and fish were documented on biological systems inhabitating or frequenting Kesterson Reservoir. Phytoremediation is a plant-based technology that is being considered for managing Se in central California soils and for removing other toxic trace elements in soils. Cropping, irrigation, cultivation of the soil, and organic matter contribute to the solubilization and movement of immobile or complexed soil Se. Water requirements are not known for crops used in phytoremediation, yet water management strategies are essential for growing Se-accumulating plants in irrigated regions of the west side of central California regions to produce the greatest amount of biomass with the minimum application of water.
