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State to Study Selenium in Fish, Water for a Year

Posted on: Saturday, 12 November 2005, 00:00 CST

By The Associated Press

Environmental regulators are trying to determine how much selenium is present in fish and the state's waterways in anticipation of the federal government establishing new criteria for the mineral.

Biologists and water quality specialists have begun a yearlong study of selenium concentrations, taking fish and water samples from streams and lakes across West Virginia, the Department of Environmental Protection said Thursday.

Selenium is a naturally occurring mineral found in many rocks and soils. In small amounts, it is essential for good health in humans. But in greater amounts it can be highly toxic to humans, causing such problems as hair loss and neurological damage such as numbness in the extremities.

Elevated concentrations of selenium have been found downstream of large surface mines and in some discharges from underground mines. Elevated concentrations also have been found below flyash disposal areas, the DEP said.

"The current federally-recommended selenium water quality criteria is under review and will likely change to a criteria that is based on whole fish, or body burden, criteria. This study will allow DEP to get state-specific data so that it will be better prepared to implement any new criteria recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency," the agency said.

Results of the study are expected to be released in early 2007.

Source: Charleston Gazette, The

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