Methods for recovering and recycling selenium from wastewater and soil

Abstract

The high toxicity of soluble selenium (Se) has led to the establishment of environmental standards in Japan. Consequently, various methods for recovering Se from wastewater and contaminated soil have been developed and applied. Despite the recovery and recycling potential of Se after wastewater and/or soil treatment, Se recycling has rarely been mentioned in previous studies. Therefore, a recycling method for Se proposed by the authors is outlined here. Briefly, the selenate contained in wastewater was converted into solid elemental Se or volatile dimethyl diselenide via Pseudomonas stutzeri NT-I metabolism, recovered, purified to high-purity elemental Se, and recycled. The advantages and disadvantages of this recycling method are discussed, as well as those of other recovery and recycling treatment. Overall, Se in soils and wastewater can be recovered by choosing a treatment method suitable for each condition and Se species.

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