This laboratory study grew the microalga Chlorella vulgaris in media with sodium selenite and tracked growth, antioxidant enzymes, pigments and selenium content. Up to 75 mg/L selenite stimulated growth and the algae converted most absorbed selenium to organic forms; above 100 mg/L growth and antioxidant markers declined. The authors suggest selenium-enriched Chlorella as a food or feed ingredient, but no market products were tested.
Key numbers
- Highest total selenium in the algae: 857 µg/g dry weight (Results, p. 4).
- Maximum organic selenium: 316 µg/g dry weight after 6 days at 75 mg/L selenite (Results, p. 4; Fig. 1).
- Accumulated selenium was more than 68% organic and less than 32% inorganic (Results, p. 4).
- This paper reports no numerical findings relevant to human selenium exposure.
Methods (brief)
Cultures were exposed to 0 to 200 mg/L selenite for 144 hours. Dried biomass was acid-digested and total selenium measured by ICP-MS; inorganic selenium was extracted with hydrochloric acid and organic selenium calculated by difference.
Evidence fitness
Supports context on how a microalga concentrates and transforms selenite. It does not describe commercial algal foods or human exposure.
Limitations
Laboratory concentrations far exceed natural waters; speciation by difference does not identify individual compounds; no detection limits reported.
Related evidence
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