Abstract:
Selenium is an antioxidant and a micronutrient for animals and humans. However, the concentration range between deficiency and toxicity is particularly narrow. This allotropic metalloid is indirectly introduced into the food chain through its accumulation in the food and water. However the literature and data on this subject are still limited and incomplete in Algeria. This thesis is focuses on the determination of selenium levels and its routing from soil and water to plants, animals and humans in an eastern region in Algeria. Quantification methods used are the atomic absorption (SAA ET) and mass spectrometry inductively coupled plasma (ICP- MS). The results showed that the soil contains a moderate rate in this trace element. While its content in drinking water does not exceed the Algerian standard and that the population of the target area is not deficient on tis that micronutrient and therefore it doesn’t risk cardiovascular problems due to a deficiency of this element.
