ABSTRACT
Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
Selenium (Se) contamination from agricultural drainage water has been blamed for wildlife deaths and grotesque deformities of hatchlings at Kesterson Reservoir (Merced County, CA). Some approaches in reducing the toxic Se concentrations have been proposed, but most of these tend to be costly and/ or ineffectual (e.g., physical removal and disposal). One approach, which is based on biomethylation of Se, is being considered as a remedial alternative. This study involves the development of an in situ biomethylation process based upon landfarming principles to detoxify seleniferous sediments. Optimum management practices were identified to accelerate Se volatilization, a naturally occurring component of Se cycling in the biosphere. This bioremediation technique is highly dependent on specific carbon amendments, temperature, moisture, aeration, and activators (cofactors). The biotechnology prototype developed could be applicable for cleanup of polluted sediments on irrigated farms throughout the western U.S. where selenium is a growing problem.
