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Selenium in the environment

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Selenium in Food and Health

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Abstract

Metals and metalloids are a natural part of the environment and life has evolved in contact with them ever since it first appeared on the surface of the planet. This is no less true of the life of humans and other animal species than it is of plants, bacteria and all other organisms. A balance, in coexistence and even in exploitation, has been developed between living matter and the elements. Sometimes organisms have had to protect themselves against chemically aggressive elements, either by the development of defensive mechanisms or by simple withdrawal from proximity. However, on the whole, the arrangement has been a remarkable success. Indeed, without metals and metalloids, life as we know it would be impossible.

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  1. School of Public Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia

    Conor Reilly B.Sc, B.Phil., H.Dip.Ed., Ph.D., Faifst (Formerly Professor and Head of School)

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  1. Conor Reilly B.Sc, B.Phil., H.Dip.Ed., Ph.D., Faifst
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Reilly, C. (1996). Selenium in the environment. In: Selenium in Food and Health. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-6494-9_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-6494-9_9

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