Absorption of Excess Selenium and Sulfur by Plants and Animals
January 1995
in “
Journal American Society of Mining and Reclamation
”
Studysummary This review discusses the forms of selenium and sulfur in soil, their plant absorption, and risks of toxicity to livestock, emphasizing selenium's role in selenosis and sulfur's link to polioencephalomalacia in ruminants; it reports no new experimental results. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
This document discussed the absorption and accumulation of selenium (Se) and sulfur (S) in plants and their subsequent toxicity to animals, particularly in areas affected by western coal mining. Selenium in plants was metabolized into non-protein forms or selenomethionine, which is readily absorbed by animals, leading to acute and chronic selenosis. Symptoms of chronic selenosis included inappetence, hair loss, and poor reproductive performance. The study also highlighted the condition known as "blind staggers" or polioencephalomalacia (PEM) in ruminants, which was linked to excess sulfur intake rather than selenium. The findings emphasized the importance of considering both Se and S levels in mine reclamation efforts to prevent toxicity in grazing animals.
