Selenium in Drinking Water
EPA Limit (MCL)
50 ug/L
EPA Goal (MCLG)
50 ug/L
Status
Regulated
Health Effects
Selenium is an essential nutrient in small amounts, but excessive intake from drinking water can cause hair loss, nail brittleness, numbness in fingers and toes, and circulatory problems.
How Selenium Gets Into Water
Occurs naturally in soils and certain rock formations. Can enter water through irrigation runoff, mining, and petroleum refining.
How to Remove Selenium
Reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and activated alumina are effective methods for selenium removal.
Recommended: Reverse Osmosis or Ion Exchange
RO systems or specialized ion exchange filters can reduce nitrates, arsenic, and other inorganic contaminants.
Up to 95% removal depending on contaminant
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