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KETOS SHIELD provides easy heavy metal monitoring in real-time. Cover all of your water testing parameters with one device and leverage our industry-leading $0-CAPEX subscription model to save money along the way.
As an intelligent water quality monitoring solution, KETOS SHIELD provides real-time monitoring for selenium and 30+ other water testing parameters (such as other environmental factors, various heavy metals, and more). Monitoring happens within a cloud-enabled modular system that allows for safe, easy 24/7 access from any device (mobile, tablet, laptop).
Selenium is a rare trace element found in soil originating from sedimentary deposits. Selenium can enter the waterways naturally (via erosion and surface runoff) and through human activity (via industrial discharges from mining).
While small amounts of selenium are essential for human health, the EPA limits selenium in drinking water to 0.05 mg/L as higher amounts can be toxic.
This challenge with selenium is that the difference between “essential” and “toxic” is quite slim, and even relatively small amounts of selenium (if released into the environment) can adversely affect wildlife. Due to a general concern for how selenium can affect an entire ecosystem, the EPA adjusted its selenium regulations in 2016 to include selenium contamination in food webs (not just water). There is also potential for rules surrounding selenium to become even more severe in the coming years.
While industrial and manufacturing organizations must already treat wastewater for selenium before discharge, water operators must continuously comply with regulations while staying vigilant should a change in compliance occur. Having a water quality management solution that can monitor for selenium and set threshold-based alerts can ensure organizations maintain compliance while protecting the surrounding environment from contamination.
Selenium, a naturally occurring element, is essential in trace amounts for various biological functions, but elevated levels in water can pose significant challenges and concerns. Here are key issues associated with selenium in water:
Selenium, a trace element essential for human and animal health in small amounts, can be found in water from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Geological formations containing selenium-rich minerals can release this element into water through weathering processes. Additionally, selenium can enter water bodies through erosion of soils and sediments, particularly in regions where selenium-rich rocks are prevalent. Agricultural activities, such as the use of selenium-containing fertilizers and irrigation practices on selenium-rich soils, can contribute to selenium runoff into waterways. Industrial processes, including mining, petroleum refining, and coal-fired power plants, may also release selenium into water sources through wastewater discharges. While selenium is necessary for biological functions, excessive levels can lead to environmental and health concerns, making it crucial to monitor and manage selenium concentrations in water to mitigate potential risks.
The acceptable levels of selenium in water vary across industries due to differing requirements and potential impacts on human health and the environment. In the agricultural sector, where irrigation water quality is crucial, the permissible selenium concentration typically ranges between 5 to 10 micrograms per liter (µg/L). For aquatic ecosystems and wildlife preservation, such as in fisheries and conservation areas, the accepted selenium levels may be lower, often around 1 µg/L or less to prevent toxicity and bioaccumulation. However, in industrial applications like mining, where selenium is a byproduct, the permissible levels might be higher due to the nature of the operations. These variations underscore the importance of tailored regulations to mitigate selenium’s adverse effects while supporting diverse industrial needs.
Industry | Acceptable Selenium Levels (µg/L) |
---|---|
Agriculture (Irrigation) | 5 – 10 |
Aquatic Ecosystems/Wildlife Preservation | ≤ 1 |
Industrial (Mining) | Variable, potentially higher |
Monitoring for selenium and many other heavy metals just got easier with KETOS. Instead of measuring selenium with a meter that only measures a handful of conditions; the KETOS SHIELD is capable of mentoring dozens of water related issues — in real-time.
Simplify the monitoring process for selenium and various heavy metals with KETOS. Our platform offers streamlined solutions for comprehensive water analysis, ensuring efficient detection and management of contaminants. With KETOS, empower your organization with advanced capabilities for effective monitoring and protection of water resources.
If you need to detect temperature in reclaimed water, Total Ammonia Nitrogen in groundwater, or Total Dissolved Solids in the food processing industry, KETOS’ automated water monitoring will save time and reduce regulatory issues.
KETOS is a fully integrated platform that combines hardware, software, connectivity, automated reporting, predictive analytics, and maintenance to automate water monitoring and testing. KETOS enables water operators to identify and solve mission-critical water efficiency and quality challenges in real-time, or before they happen through predictive algorithms, to ensure that water meets specific quality and safety standards.