Supporting Material 

A Methodology for Ecosystem-Scale Modeling of Selenium 

(Ecosystem-Scale Modeling of Selenium) 

Theresa S. Presser*† and Samuel N. Luoma†‡ 

†U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California 94025 

‡John Muir Institute of the Environment, University of California, Davis 

*To whom correspondence may be addressed: tpresser@usgs.gov 

Theresa S. Presser 

U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California 94025 

tpresser@usgs.gov 

650-329-4512 

FAX 650-329-4538 

Samuel N. Luoma 

U.S. Geological Survey, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, California 94025 

snluoma@usgs.gov 

650-329-4481 

FAX 650-329-4545 

John Muir Institute of the Environment, University of California, Davis, California 95616 

snluoma@ucdavis.edu 

530-754-9141 

1 
ECOSYSTEM-SCALE SELENIUM MODELING: DATA AND 

REFERENCES 

Compilation and Calculation of Kds and TTFs

Ratios derived here employ dry weight (dw) for media (particulate material and tissue). 

Datasets are temporally and spatially matched from 52 field studies that included water-column 

Se concentrations and particulate Se concentrations (Supplemental Table A). The Kds typical of a 

variety of ecosystems (e.g., ponds, rivers, estuaries) are given. If a range was reported, a median 

is listed; if a series of data was reported, a mean is listed. 

A compilation of experimental data for invertebrate physiological parameters allowed 

calculation of kinetic TTFs for invertebrates (particulate to invertebrate) (Supplemental Table B). 

Additional calculated TTFs from denoted field studies are shown in Supplemental Table C. A 

compilation of experimental data for fish physiological parameters allowed calculation of kinetic 

TTFs for fish (invertebrate to fish) (Supplemental Table D). Additional calculated TTFs from 

denoted field studies (invertebrate to fish except where noted as fish to fish) are shown in 

Supplemental Table D. 

Detailed Data Sets for Field Case Studies Used in Validation

Datasets (in dw) are temporally and spatially matched from 29 field locations (Supplement 

Tables E and F). Food webs focus on particulate material, invertebrates, and fish (Supplemental 

Table E) or birds (Supplement Table F). Predicted and observed Se concentrations for 

invertebrates, fish (whole-body or muscle), and bird eggs are shown. Data collection at most 

field case studies included all these media phases. Case studies that were not complete still 

2 
yielded useful information in either validation of prey or predator Se concentrations. Sites 

illustrated are those exposed to selenium contamination. However, in three study area 

investigations (Kesterson Reservoir, McLeod River/Luscar Creek watershed, and the San 

Joaquin River), sites identified as reference sites are included. 

Modeled invertebrate and fish species are identified under food webs (Supplemental Tables E 

and F). Bioaccumulation data for invertebrates (in dw) from field studies for comparison with 

biodynamic predictions were available for crustaceans (amphipods, copepods, generic 

zooplankton, Daphnia, crayfish); aquatic insects (mayfly, caddisfly, cranefly, stonefly, 

damselfly, corixid, chironomid); and freshwater and marine clams (C. fluminea; C. amurensis, 

respectively). Bioaccumulation data for fish (in dw) were available for freshwater minnow, 

sunfish, trout, sucker, catfish, sculpin, perch, silversides; shad; killifish, livebearers (sailfin molly 

and mosquitofish) and saltwater sturgeon, sargo, talapia, croaker, corvina, topsmelt, halibut, 

goby, turbot, perch, mullet, and anchovy. Bioaccumulation data for birds were included for coot, 

stilt, avocet, killdeer, gadwall, teal, mallard, grebe, dipper, sandpiper, scoter, scaup, gull, 

skimmer, rail, tern, egret, and heron (See main text Tables 3 and 4 and Supplemental Tables B, 

C, and D for more detailed information on species). 

Prediction starts with an observed particulate Se concentration and uses a species-specific 

TTFinvertebrate (see main text Tables 3 and 4 for details) to predict an invertebrate Se concentration 

(Supplemental Tables E and F). The type of particulate material that was collected varied among 

different case studies. Where data were available from multiple types of particulates, 

concentrations were averaged. In a few cases professional judgment was employed to eliminate 

unrepresentative particulate data (e.g. to avoid what were obviously sandy sediments or an 

obvious error in data reduction). Invertebrate Se concentrations are predicted using a subset of 

3 
TTFinvertebrate shown in main text Table 3: amphipod, 0.9; zooplankton, 1.5; crayfish, 1.6; aquatic 

insects, 2.8; brine shrimp, 4.2; brine fly, 1.65; freshwater clam, 2.8; and marine clam 6.25. 

Where applicable to a specific species (i.e. for piscivores), an additional factor of 1.1 is applied 

to an invertebrate Se concentration to represent an interim transfer step of invertebrate to fish for 

a fish-eating bird or forage fish to predator fish. For the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary, an 

additional factor of 1.35 is applied to represent a food web from particulate material to copepod 

to mysid to striped bass. In a few cases, data for Se concentrations in diet were used to validate 

both fish and bird food webs, if, for example, a complete temporally matched data set was not 

available (e.g., Blackfoot River watershed, southeast Idaho). 

Fish Se concentrations are predicted using a TTFfish of 1.1 (see main text Table 3) applied to 

the predicted invertebrate Se concentrations (Supplemental Table E). If data are available for 

more than one invertebrate food web, multiple fish concentrations are predicted. Ranges of fish 

Se concentrations and means of invertebrate and fish species for a site location are given for 

comparison. As noted in Supplemental Table E, individual identified species-specific food web 

Se concentrations or grand means of observed invertebrate and fish Se concentrations were used 

to derive correlations of observed to predicted Se concentrations (see main text Figures 3 and 4). 

Bird egg Se concentrations are predicted using a 1.8 TTFbird applied to the predicted 

invertebrate Se concentration (Supplemental Table E). In complex food webs that consider birds 

consuming fish, an additional step applying a TTFfish of 1.1 is used. 

Sites are noted in Supplemental Tables E and F (e.g., Belews Lake, Kesterson Reservoir) 

where Se exposure caused die-offs and deformities in fish or high rates of embryonic terata in 

birds (Skorupa, 1998; Ohlendorf, 2002). Conditions at these sites showed extensive ecosystem 

exposure and, at sites affecting birds, effects of general Se toxicity or poisoning (e.g,, 

4 
emaciation, no nesting, dead adult birds). In modeling, these sites show predicted Se 

concentrations in tissue of predators above observed Se concentrations. Food avoidance by birds 

is a documented phenomenon in the laboratory (Heinz and Sanderson, 1990) and at contaminated 

sites such as Kesterson Reservoir (Ohlendorf, 1996; Ohlendorf et al., 1988). Heinz and 

Sanderson (1990) state that at 10 to 20 μg/g, Se-treated diets were avoided by mallards. Heinz 

and Fitzgerald (1993) state that high dietary concentrations of Se make birds sick, leading to 

reduced feeding, and ultimately to severe emaciation and death. Food avoidance by fish in 

laboratory experiments takes place in about the same range (13-14 μg/g) (Hodson et al., 1980; 

Finley, 1985). 

WILDLIFE SELENIUM CRITERIA: EXAMPLE CALCULATION 

 A reference dose (RfD) for Se can be derived from experimental feeding studies for adult 

mallards in which effects from maternally ingested Se were measured (Heinz, 1989; Sample et 

al. (1996)). The measured reproductive endpoint is avian egg hatchability. The example equation 

RfD = (4 μg/g ww food as selenomethionine) (0.1 kg food/day) ÷ 1 kg BW ww (1) 

uses a No Observable Effect Level (NOEL) of 4 μg/g (laboratory chow at 10% moisture 

enriched with selenomethionine), an ingestion rate of 100 g/day, and a Body Weight (BW) of 1 

kg. This ingestion rate is 10% of BW because a 1-kg mallard was tested. The derived RfD is 

0.400 mg/kg-day or 400 μg/kg-day. The USEPA derived an avian tissue residue value (TRV) for 

Se by combining three endpoints (growth, reproduction, and mortality) for two test species 

ingesting invertebrates and sediment from terrestrial food webs (USEPA, 2007). The derived 

avian wildlife TRV for Se is 290 μg/kg-d [highest NOEL lower than lowest bounded Lowest 

5 
Observable Effect Level (LOEL) for reproduction, growth or survival], with a geometric mean of 

NOEL values of 606 μg/kg-day. 

If a Se RfD of 400 μg/kg-day is assumed for modeling of effects to birds, then allowable 

Cfood for various species of birds can be calculated. Note that uncertainty factors could be applied 

to adjust the selected RfD downward for a margin of safety as is recommended in 1) a Canadian 

protocol for wildlife protection [Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME), 

1999]; and 2) the derivation of fish consumption advisories for humans (USEPA, 2000a). In an 

example deriving a wildlife criterion for lesser scaup, a bird of similar body weight to mallard of 

1 kilogram, the ingestion rate is increased to 0.2 kg (20% of BW) and 0.3 kg (30% of BW) 

food/d based on increased feeding rates for wild birds. If 10% moisture is assumed in ingested 

food (similar to laboratory chow), then the calculated allowable Cfood is 2.0 μg/g ww and 2.2 

μg/g dw at the lower feeding rate and 1.3 μg/g ww and 1.5 μg/g dw at the higher feeding rate. If 

the hypothetical ingested food is fish with a 75% moist content, then the allowable Cfood is 2.0 

μg/g ww and 8.0 μg/g dw at the lower feeding rate and 1.3 μg/g ww and 5.3 μg/g dw at the 

higher feeding rate. In an example derivation for a smaller bird species, if a belted kingfisher 

weighs 0.148 kg, ingests 50 g fish/d (34% of BW) with a moisture content of 75%, then the 

allowable Cfood is 

(400 μg Se/kg BW-day) (0.148 kg) ÷ 12.5 g dw food/day = 4.74 μg/g dw (2) 

Thus, to successfully calculate allowable Cfood, both the % BW ingested and the % moisture in 

food need to be specified. For watershed evaluation, the allowable Cfood is used as a dietary target 

and compared to 1) existing Se concentrations in dietary items of biologically appropriate food 

webs; or 2) predicted concentrations as a result of food web modeling. Equations can be added to 

consider mixtures of food (see main text Table 6). 

6 
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13 
14 

http://wdr.water.usgs.gov/wy2008/pdfs/380907082020601.2008.pdf. Accessed 8/4/2009. 

http://wdr.water.usgs.gov/wy2008/pdfs/380842082032401.2008.pdf. Accessed 8/4/2009. 

http://wdr.water.usgs.gov/wy2008/pdfs/380929082015301.2008.pdf. Accessed 8/4/2009. 

http://wdr.water.usgs.gov/wy2008/pdfs/380809082022601.2008.pdf. Accessed 8/4/2009. 

http://wdr.water.usgs.gov/wy2008/pdfs/380616082000101.2008.pdf. Accessed 8/4/2009. 

Velinsky DJ, Cutter GA. 1991. Geochemistry of selenium in a coastal salt marsh. Geochim 

Cosmochim Acta 55:179-191. 

Wang W-X, Fisher NS. 1998. Accumulation of trace elements in a marine copepod. Limnol 

Oceanogr 43:273-283. 

Wang W-X, Fisher NS, Luoma SN. 1996a. Kinetic determinations of trace element 

bioaccumulation in the mussel Mytilus edulis. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 140:91-113. 

Wang W-X, Reinfelder JR, Lee B-G, Fisher NS. 1996b. Assimilation and regeneration of trace 

elements by marine copepods. Limnol Oceanogr 41:70-81. 

Wang W-X, Qiu J-W, Qian P-Y. 1999. The trophic transfer of Cd, Cr, and Se in the barnacle 

Balanus Amphitrite from planktonic food. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 187:191-201. 

Ware LL. 2008. Selenium uptake and effects in greater scaup wintering on western Lake Ontario 

[MSc Thesis]. London, (ON), Canada: University of Western Ontario. 

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection. 2009. Selenium bioaccumulation among 

select stream and lake fishes in West Virginia. 

http://www.wvdep.org/Docs/16548_Se%20Fish%20Tissue%20Summary%20Paper%20final.pdf. 

Accessed 7/29/2009. 

Wurtsbaugh W. 2007. Preliminary analyses of selenium bioaccumulation in benthic food webs of 

the Great Salt Lake, Utah. 

http://www.deq.utah.gov/Issues/GSL_WQSC/docs/051408_Appendix_E.pdf. Accessed 

7/29/2009. 

Xu Y, Wang W-X. 2002. Exposure and potential food chain transfer factor of Cd, Se, and Zn in 

marine fish Lutjanus argentimaculatus. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 238:173-186. 

Zhang GH, Hu MH, Huang YP, Harrison PJ. 1990. Se uptake and accumulation in marine 

phytoplankton and transfer of Se to the clam Puditapes philippnarum. Mar Environ Res 30:179-

190. 

Zhang YQ, Moore JN. 1996. Selenium fractionation and speciation in a wetland 

system. Environ Sci Technol 30:2613-2619. 
15 

Supplemental Table A. Water-column Se concentrations, particulate Se concentrations (dw), and calculated Kds from field studies. I

median is listed; if a series of data was reported, a mean is listed. [a) see example in text; b) means of Kds, water-column Se, and alg

Kd Ecosystem Water-column 

Se 

(μg/L)

Particulate Se (μg/g 

dw)

107 San Diego Creek, California 14.4 1.54 Presser and 110 Alamo River, California 6.35 0.7 LeBlanc and 122 Fording River, British Columbia, Canada 18 2.2 Harding et a146 San Joaquin River, California 11 1.6 Saiki et al., 1255 San Diego Creek constructed pond, California 20.4 5.2 Presser and 256 New River, California 3.9 1.0 LeBlanc and 269 Tulare Basin, evaporation ponds, California (range 109-500) 2.2-49 0.45-19.4 Moore et al., 272 Upper Newport Bay, California (range 101-776) 0.29-3.5 0.17-0.39 Presser and 276 Mud Slough, California 13 3.6 Saiki et al. 1340 Benton Lake (pool 2), Montana 10.4 3.5 Zhang and M346 Luscar Creek, Alberta Canada (range 220-514)a 10.7 3.7 Casey, 2005355 Kesterson Reservoir (SLD/pond 2), California (range 200-500) 330 55-165 Presser and 359 Salt Slough, California 9.0 3.2 Saiki et al. 1494 Sage Creek, Idaho 7.7 3.8 Greater Yello500 Benton Lake, Montana, pool 5 0.74 0.35 Zhang and M512 Benton Lake, Montana, pool 1 channel 20.3 10.4 Zhang and M591 Elk River, British Columbia, Canada 2.2 1.3 McDonald an611 Lower Great Lakes, Lake Ontario 0.18 0.11 Ware, 2008 625 East Allen Reservoir, Wyoming 4.8 3.0 Birkner, 197657 Crow Creek at Toner, Idaho 3.5 2.3 Greater Yello667 Meeboer Lake, Wyoming 0.3 0.2 Birkner, 197750 Diamond Lake, Wyoming 0.3 0.225 Birkner, 197762 Chevron Marsh (constructed), California (range 214-1241) 5-9.8 2.1-6.7 Hansen and 767 Miller's Lake, Colorado 6.0 4.6 Birkner, 197784 San Diego Creek constructed marsh, California 2.0 1.6 Presser and 818 Mac Mesa Reservoir, Colorado 2.2 1.8 Birkner, 197968 Sweitzer Lake, Colorado 9.4 9.1 Birkner, 197968 Desert Reservoir, Colorado 12.5 12.1 Birkner, 197

1,104 Mud River at Spurlock, West Virginia 6.25 6.9 USGS, 20081,196 Salton Sea, California 0.92 1.1 California Re1,224 Twin Buttes Reservoir, Wyoming 7.6 9.3 Birkner, 1971,312 Galett Lake, Wyoming 0.8 1.05 Birkner, 1971,341 Angus Creek, Idaho 0.82 1.1 Greater Yello
16 

Kd Ecosystem Water-column 

Se 

(μg/L)

Particulate Se (μg/g 

dw)

Presser et a

1,388 Lower Great Lakes, Hamilton Harbor 0.67 0.93 Ware, 20081,436 Tulare Basin, evaporation ponds, California b 8.8 11.8 Fan et al., 201,498 Big Canyon Wash (sites 1 and 2), California 21.5 32.2 Presser and 1,579 Cobb Lake, Colorado 3.8 6.0 Birkner, 1971,619 Timber Lake, Colorado 2.1 1.3 Birkner, 1971,717 Larimer HWY 9 pond, Colorado 15.9 27.3 Birkner, 1971,759 Great Salt Lake, Utah 0.54 0.95 Marden, 2001,800 Upper Mud River Reservoir at Palermo, West Virginia 3.7 6.7 USGS, 20081,818 Crow Creek above Sage Creek, Idaho 0.99 1.8 Greater Yello1,941 Wellington State Pond, Colorado 1.7 3.3 Birkner, 1971,943 Thompson Creek, Idaho 1.75 3.4 GEI Consult2,143 Highline Reservoir, Colorado 4.2 9.0 Birkner, 1972,250 Deer Creek, Idaho 1.6 3.6 Greater Yello2,798 Belews Lake, North Carolina 10.9 30.5 Cumbie, 1982,902 Kesterson Reservoir (pond 8), California 41 119 Saiki and Lo3,044 Hyco Reservoir, North Carolina 6 -17 27 Bowie et al., 3,150 Big Canyon Wash (site 3) California 24 75.6 Presser and 3,556 Kesterson Reservoir (pond 11), California 9.0 32 Saiki and Lo4,000 Delaware River (tidal freshwater), Delaware 0.17-0.35 0.6-1.5 Riedel and S6,500 Great Marsh, Delaware 0.01-0.06 0.3-0.7 Velinsky and 7,817 San Francisco Bay, California (1998-1999) 0.114 0.823 Cutter and C9,456 Salton Sea estuary, Alamo River 0.92 8.7 LeBlanc and 

11,956 Salton Sea estuary, Whitewater River 0.92 11 LeBlanc and 13,788 Outer San Francisco Bay, California (1998-1999) 0.088 1.20 Cutter and C15,000 Xiamen Bay, Fujian Province, China 0.08 1.2 Liu et al., 1917,391 Salton Sea estuary, New River, California 0.92 16 LeBlanc and 21,500 San Francisco Bay (1986;1995-96) (range 3,000-40,000) 0.05-0.4 suspended 0.3-8 Presser and 18,942 Lower Newport Bay, California (range 6,933-42,715) 0.07-0.15 1.05-2.98 Presser and 
Supplemental Table B. Experimental data for invertebrate physiological parameters and calculated kinetic TTFs for invertebra

in dw). [a) assumed IR; b) chosen from Fowler and Benayoun, 1976; Zhang et al., 1990; and Okazaki and Panietz, 1981; c) ca[efflux (/d) = 0.69/half-life (d)], Reinfelder et al., 1997; d) calculated from 52 day half-life; e) calculated from 70 day half-life; f) c

Marine Environments

Species AE IR ke TTF (AE X IR/ke) copepod (Acartia tonsa) 0.97 0.42a 0.13 3.1 copepod (Temora longicornis) 0.55 0.42 0.155 2.0 copepod (A. tonsa; T. longicornis) 0.8 0.42a 0.19 1.8 copepod (Oithona; Limnoithona; Tortanus; Acartia; T. longicornis) 0.50 0.42 0.155 1.35 mysid (Neomysis mercedis) 0.61-0.73 0.45 0.25 1.1-1.3 amphipod (Leptocheirus plumulosus) 0.45 0.20 0.15 0.6 clam (Corbula amurensis) 0.45-0.80 0.25 0.025 4.5-8.0 clam (C. amurensis) 0.36-0.54 0.25 0.025 3.6-5.4 clam (Corbicula fluminea) (also freshwater) 0.29-0.81 0.05 0.010 1.45-4.05 clam (Macoma balthica) 0.22-0.86 0.25 0.012b 11.2 (using mean AE) clam (M. balthica) 0.54 (mean) 0.25 0.030c 4.5 clam (Puditapes philippnarum) 0.52-0.70 0.25a 0.013d 10-13.5 clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) 0.92 0.25a 0.010e 23 oyster (Crassostrea virginica) 0.45-0.70 0.25a 0.069f 1.6-2.5 oyster (Crassostrea rivularis) 0.55 0.45 oyster (Saccostrea glomerata) 0.45 0.32 mussel (Mytilus edulis) 0.31 0.27 0.022 3.8 mussel (M. edulis) 0.72 0.27 0.022 8.8 barnacle (Balanus amphitrite) 0.63-0.79 0.40 0.014 18-22.6 barnacle (Elminius modestus) 0.34-0.74 0.40 0.0137 9.9-21.6 

Freshwater Environments

Species AE IR ke TTF (AE X IR/ke) zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) 0.28-0.46 0.42 0.026 4.5-7.4 clam (Corbicula fluminea) (also marine) 0.29-0.81 0.05 0.010 1.45-4.05 

17 
18 

Supplemental Table C. Calculated TTFs from field studies for invertebrates (particulate to invertebrate in dw). 

Freshwater Environments

 Invertebrate Field TTF Referencemayfly (Baetidae; Heptageniidae; Ephemerellidae) 2.7 Casey, 2005caddisfly (Rhyacophilidae; Hydropsychidae) 3.2 Casey, 2005cranefly (Tipulidae) 2.3 Casey, 2005stonefly (Perlodidae/Perlidae; Chloroperlidae) 2.6 Casey, 2005aquatic insect (composite) 3.2 Harding et al, 2005damselfly (Coenagrionidae) 2.6 Birkner, 1978midge (Chironomus sp.) 2.7 Birkner, 1978; Saikwaterboatman (Cenocorixa sp.) 2.14 Birkner, 1978crayfish (Procambarus clarki; Astacidae; Orconectes sp.) 1.5 Birkner, 1978; SaikDaphnia (Daphnia magna) 1.9 Besser et al., 1989amphipod (Hyalella azteca; Gammarus fasciatus; Corophium spp.) 0.94 Birkner, 1978; Saikzooplankton (composite) 1.5 Saiki et al., 1993

Saline or Marine Environments

 Invertebrate Field TTF Referenceeuphausiid (Meganyctiphanes norvegica) 1.3 Fowler and Benayobrine shrimp adult (Artemia franciscana) 4.2 Marden, 2008brine shrimp nauplius 2.6 Marden, 2008brine shrimp cysts 2.2 Marden, 2008brine fly adult (Ephydra gracilis) 1.8 Cavitt, 2007; Wurtzbrine fly larvae 1.5 Cavitt, 2007; Wurtz
19 

Supplemental Table D. Calculated kinetic or field TTFs for fish (invertebrate to fish in dw except where noted as fish to fish in dw). [ab) with assumptions; c) experimental microcosm.] 

Fish Species Kinetic 

TTF 

Field or lab TTF Experimental Physiological 

Parameters 

R

mangrove snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) 1.1 ke 0.031; IR 5%; 69% AE Xu and Wang, 2002 striped bass (juvenile) (Morone saxatilis) 0.89 ke 0.08; IR 17%; 42% AE Baines et al., 2002 Chinese mudskipper (Periophthalmus cantonensis) 0.84 ke 0.019; IR 5%; 32% AE Ni et al., 2005 smooth toadfish (Tetractenos glaber) 0.80 ke 0.015-0.032; assumed IR 7-10%; AE 24% Alquezar et al., 2007 gilthead sea bream (Sparus auratas) 0.6 ke 0.13; assumed IR 10%; AE 77% Mathews and Fisher. 200sea bass (from bream) (Dicentrarchus labrax) 1.1 ke 0.06; assumed IR 10%; AE 64% Mathews and Fisher. 200fathead minnowa (Pimephales promelas) 1.0b ke 0.025; assumed IR 5%; AE 50% Bennett et al.,1986 fathead minnow adult 0.71-1.8b ke 0.014;assumed IR 5%;AE 20-50% Bertram and Brooks, 198bluegill (fry/juvenile)c

(Lepomis macrochirus) 0.51b ke 0.035; AE 36% assumed IR 5% Besser et al., 1993 

bluegill (fry/juvenile) 0.61b ke 0.041; assumed IR 5% AE 50% Cleveland et al., 1993 bluegill (juvenile) 1.15 (lab) Lemly, 1993 bluegill 1.06 Saiki et al., 1993 white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) 1.7 Presser and Luoma, 200white sturgeon 0.6-1.3 (mean 0.9) Stewart et al., 2004 yellowfin goby (Acanthogobius flavimanus) 1.2 Stewart et al., 2004 starry flounder (Platichthys stellatus) 1.6 Stewart et al., 2004 leopard shark (Triakis semifasciata) 0.52 Stewart et al., 2004 striped bass 0.8 Stewart et al., 2004 western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) 

range 0.71-1.8 

(mean 1.2) Saiki et al., 1993 

western mosquitofish 1.3 Saiki et al., 2008 largemouth bass range 0.95-1.1 Saiki et al., 1993 
20 

Fish Species Kinetic 

TTF 

Field or lab TTF Experimental Physiological 

Parameters 

R

(Micropterus salmoides) (mean 1.0) sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna) 1.4 Saiki et al., 2008 rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

range 0.71-1.1 

(mean 0.91) Casey, 2005 

rainbow trout 1.04 Greater Yellowstone Coa

Buhl, 2004; 2005; Hamilt

cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) 1.0 McDonald and Stosher, 1cutthroat trout from dace range 0.87-0.99 (mean 0.93) Greater Yellowstone Coa

Buhl, 2004; 2005; Hamilt

cutthroat trout from sculpin range 0.95-1.0 (mean 0.98) Greater Yellowstone Coa

Buhl, 2004; 2005; Hamilt

cutthroat trout range 0.97-1.53 (mean 1.25) Greater Yellowstone Coa

Buhl, 2004; 2005; Hamilt

brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) 0.77 Hamilton and Buhl, 2004brown trout (Salmo trutta) 

range 1.18-1.45 

(mean 1.32) 

Greater Yellowstone CoaBuhl, 2004; 2005; Hamilt

mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi) 

range 1.23-1.66 

(mean 1.45) 

Greater Yellowstone CoaBuhl, 2004; 2005; Hamilt

longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae) 

range 1.41-1.65 

(mean 1.53) 

Greater Yellowstone CoaBuhl, 2004; 2005; Hamilt

chub (Gila sp.) (Utah chub is common in Idaho) 

range 1.03-1.38 

(mean 1.21) 

Greater Yellowstone CoaBuhl, 2004; 2005; Hamilt

redside shiner (Richardsonius balteatus) 1.5 Greater Yellowstone Coamountain whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni) 1.31 Greater Yellowstone Coasucker (Catostomus sp.) 

(Utah and mountain suckers are common in Idaho) 

0.97 Greater Yellowstone Coa
21 

Supplemental Table E. Model validation for prediction of invertebrate and fish (whole-body or muscle) Se concentrations. Predicte

concentrations are shown. If data are available for more than one invertebrate food web, multiple fish concentrations are predicted. concentrations and means of invertebrate and fish species for a site location are given for comparison. As noted below, individual id

web Se concentrations or grand means of observed invertebrate and fish Se concentrations were used to derive correlations of obs

concentrations (see main text Figures 3 and 4). Additional details of data interpretation are described in the main text. [ND = no dat

potential food avoidance by fish; mt whitefish = mountain whitefish; wt mosquitofish = western mosquitofish; CA killifish = California 

halibut; spt sand bass = spotted and bass] 

Location Food Web

Mean observed 

particulate Se 

(μg/g dw)

TTFinvertebrate

Predicted 

invertebrate 

Se 

(μg/g dw)

Mean observed 

invertebrate Se 

(μg/g dw)

TTFfish (wb 

or muscle)

Belews Lake** (main 

reservoir, 1975-1984) 

North Carolina 

(Cumbie, 1984; Lemly, 

1985) (converted from ww 

except suspended)

suspended particulate> insect>sunfish, bass 

30.5 1.5 

2.8 2.8

45.8 85.4 85.4

51 zoo- +phytoplankton 93 insect 54 mollusk 53 crustacean 70 annelid 

1.1 

Cienega de Santa Clara, 

Colorado River Delta 

(Garcia-Hernandez et al., 

2000; 2001)

bed sediment>adult brine 

shrimp, crayfish>fish

1.6 4.2 

1.6

6.7 2.6

5.0 brine shrimp 3.5 crayfish

1.1 1.1 

Elk Valley, Alexander 

Creek, British Columbia, 

Canada 

(Orr et al., 2006) 

sediment, algae> 

insect>trout 

2.7 2.8 7.6 9.6 mayfly 

4.5 stonefly 3.4 caddisfly (mean 5.8) 

1.1 

Elk Valley, Barns Lake 

wetland, British Columbia, 

Canada 

(Orr et al., 2006) 

 algae> insect>trout 4.4 2.8 12.3 11.1 mayfly 

5.9 cranefly (mean 8.5) 8.2 beetle 

ND 

 Elk Valley, Elk River 

(below Michel Creek), 

British Columbia, Canada 

(McDonald and Strosher, 

1998)

attached algae>benthic 

invertebrate>trout

1.3 2.8 3.6 4.3 benthic 1.1 

 Elk Valley, Fording River 

(above Swift Creek), British 

Columbia, Canada 

(McDonald and Strosher, 

1998)

attached algae>benthic 

invertebrate>trout

1.6 2.8 4.5 10.7 benthic 1.1 

Elk Valley, Fording River sediment>insect>trout 8.8 2.8 24.6 18.4 mayfly 1.1 
22 

Location Food Web

Mean observed 

particulate Se 

(μg/g dw)

TTFinvertebrate

Predicted 

invertebrate 

Se 

(μg/g dw)

Mean observed 

invertebrate Se 

(μg/g dw)

TTFfish (wb 

or muscle)

(oxbow), British Columbia, 

Canada 

(Orr et al., 2006) 

33 caddisfly 28.4 chironomid (mean 26.6) 

Elk Valley, Fording River, 

British Columbia, Canada 

(Harding et al., 2005)

particulate>insect 2.2 2.8 6.2 

(from below)

7.1 (mayfly, stonefly, caddisfly, cranefly)

ND 

Elk Valley, Fording River, 

British Columbia, Canada 

(Kennedy et al., 2000)

particulate>insect >trout 2.2 

(from above)

2.8 6.2 ND 1.1 

Elk Valley, Fording River, 

British Columbia, Canada 

(Orr et al., 2006) 

sediment, algae> 

insect>trout 

2.9 2.8 8.1 7.1 mayfly 

6.9 stonefly 8.9 caddisfly (mean 7.6) 

1.1 

Elk Valley, Goddard 

Marsh, British Columbia, 

Canada 

(Orr et al., 2006) 

sediment>insect>trout 26 2.8 72.8 42.6, 29.5 dragonfly 

165.4 caddisfly 66.6 mayfly (mean 76) 

ND 

Elk Valley, Line Creek, 

British Columbia, Canada 

(Orr et al., 2006) 

sediment, algae> 

insect>trout 

2.15 2.8 6.0 7.3 mayfly 

2.7 stonefly 5.4 caddisfly (mean 5.1) 

1.1 

Hyco Reservoir** (1986-

1987) 

North Carolina 

(Bowie et al., 1996)

phytoplankton>insect> 

bluegill

27 2.8 76 70 benthic insects 1.1 

Illco Pond (1996), Kendrick 

Reclamation Project, 

Natrona County, Wyoming 

(Ramirez and Dickerson. 

1999; See et al.,1992)

pondweed>insect 6.6 2.8 18.5 25 composite insect 1.1 

Imperial National Wildlife 

Refuge, Lower Colorado 

River (Lusk, 1993; 

Martinez, 1994) 

sediment, detritus, 

aufwuch>clam, crayfish 

4.0 2.8 

1.6 

11.2 

6.4 

10.5 clam (C. fluminea) (6-26) 

7.7 crayfish (2-36) 

ND 

Kesterson Reservoir** 

(1983), pond 2 

sediment, algae, 

detritus>insect> 

58 2.8 162 180 dragonfly, damselfly, 

chironomids

1.1 
23 

Location Food Web

Mean observed 

particulate Se 

(μg/g dw)

TTFinvertebrate

Predicted 

invertebrate 

Se 

(μg/g dw)

Mean observed 

invertebrate Se 

(μg/g dw)

TTFfish (wb 

or muscle)

(Saiki and Lowe, 1987) mosquitofish 

Kesterson Reservoir** 

(1983), pond11 

(Saiki and Lowe, 1987)

sediment, algae, 

detritus>insect> 

mosquitofish

18 2.8 50 41 dragonfly, 

damselfly, chironomid

Kesterson Reservoir** 

(1984), ponds 2, 7, and 11, 

(Schuler et al., 1990; 

Ohlendorf and Hothem, 

1995)

sediment, diatom,algae> 

insect>

35.3 2.8 99 18.6 corixid (59-130) 

98 damsel (50-160) 69 dragonfly (48-110) 59 beetle (12-110) 102 diptera l(76-180) (72 mean insect)

ND 

Kesterson Reservoir** 

(1983), 

(Ohlendorf et al., 1986)

algae>zooplankton, 

insect> 

mosquitofish (all other 

species died)

43.5 1.5 

2.8

65 

122 

85 net plankton 22 corixid 139 chironomid 122 dragonfly 175 damselfly (mean insect 114)

1.1 1.1 

Kesterson Reservoir area 

reference site (Volta 

Wasteway), California 

(Saiki and Lowe, 1987) 

sediment>plankton, 

insect> 

mosquitofish 

0.34 1.4 

2.8 

0.48 0.95 

2.8 net plankton 1.7 damselfly 

1.1 1.1 

McClean Lake area 

(Vulture Lake), northern Saskatchewan, Canada 

(Muscatello and Janz, 

2009) 

sediment, algae, net 

plankton (153 

micron)>insect>fish 

1.3 2.8 3.6 1.6 chironomid 

3.1 caddisfly 1.6 dragonfly (mean 2.1) 0.86 leech 0.52 snail 

1.1 

McLeod River/Luscar 

Creek watershed, Alberta, 

Canada 

(Casey, 2005)

sediment, biofilm, 

algae>insect > trout, 

whitefish 

3.7 2.8 10.4 10.1 mayfly 

11.8 caddisfly 8.4 cranefly 9.4 stonefly (mean insect 10)

1.1 

McLeod River/Luscar 

Creek watershed reference 

site (Deerlick Creek), 

Alberta, Canada 

(Casey, 2005) 

sediment, biofilm> 

insect > trout 

0.6 2.8 1.7 6.2 mayfly 

3.8 caddisfly 3.3 stonefly 2.4 cranefly (mean insect 3.9) 

1.1 

Miller’s Lake, Colorado 

(Birkner, 1978) 

algae>insect, crayfish> 

fathead

4.6 2.8 

1.6

12.9 

7.4 

18.8 chironomid 9.9 corixid 

1.1 1.1
24 

Location Food Web

Mean observed 

particulate Se 

(μg/g dw)

TTFinvertebrate

Predicted 

invertebrate 

Se 

(μg/g dw)

Mean observed 

invertebrate Se 

(μg/g dw)

TTFfish (wb 

or muscle)

(mean insect 14.4) 11.3 crayfish

Newport Bay (lower), 

California 

(Presser and Luoma, 

2009)

particulate> 

copepod> 

pelagic fish

2.05 1.5 3.1 ND 1.1 

Newport Bay (upper), 

California 

(Presser and Luoma, 

2009)

particulate> mysid, 

clam>pelagic fish

1.5 0.9 

2.8

1.4 4.2

4.8 amphipod 6.1 bivalve 2.9 clam 4.4 mussel (mean 4.5) 8.4 isopod 6.1 crab 6.2 snail 

1.1 1.1

Rasmus Lee Lake** 

(1994), Kendrick 

Reclamation Project, 

Natrona County, Wyoming 

(Ramirez and Dickerson. 

1999; See et al.,1992)

pondweed> 

insect> 

30 2.8 84 93 composite insect ND 

Red Draw Reservoir, Big 

Spring, Texas (USEPA 

2000b)

periphyton> 

snail, chironomid> 

silverside, minnow, 

killifish 

 3.1 2.8 8.7 12.4 chironomid 

2.2 snail (up to 8.8) 

1.1 

Salton Sea, California 

(California Resources 

Agency, 2006)

sediment, algae> 

amphipod, corixid

1.1 0.9 

2.8

0.99 

3.1

1.6 amphipod 2.3 corixid

ND 
25 

Location Food Web

Mean observed 

particulate Se 

(μg/g dw)

TTFinvertebrate

Predicted 

invertebrate 

Se 

(μg/g dw)

Mean observed 

invertebrate Se 

(μg/g dw)

TTFfish (wb 

or muscle)

Salton Sea, California 

(California Resources 

Agency, 2006)

sediment, algae> 

pileworm>fish 

6.0 (site 

specific) 

6.6 6.6 pileworm 1.1 

San Diego Creek 

watershed (lower San 

Diego Creek), California 

(Presser and Luoma, 

2009)

particulate> insect, 

crayfish, clam 

2.8 2.8 

1.6 2.8

7.8 4.5 7.8

7.5 corixid 5.8 crayfish 7.5 clam 4.9 snail

ND 

San Diego Creek 

watershed (marsh A), 

California 

(Presser and Luoma, 

2009)

particulate> 

insect

2.2 2.8 6.2 5.6 dragonfly 

4.2 backswimmer (mean insect 4.9)

ND 

San Diego Creek 

watershed (marsh B), 

California 

(Presser and Luoma, 

2009) 

particulate> zooplankton, 

insect, crayfish>fish

5.3 1.5 

1.6 2.8 

8.0 8.5 

14.8 

6.8 zooplankton 12.1 crayfish 11 chironomid 11.6 corixid 10.2 dragonfly (10.9 mean insect) 5.3 snail 7.6 freshwater clam

1.1 1.1 1.1 

San Francisco Bay-Delta 

Estuary (1989—1997), 

California 

(Presser and Luoma, 

2006)

particulate>clam> 

sturgeon

2.0 6.25 12.5 13.5 (maximum 20) 

(C. amurensis, in 1995-1997)

1.1 

San Francisco Bay-Delta 

Estuary (2000-2001), 

California 

 (Presser and Luoma, 

2006)

particulate> 

copepod>mysid> 

striped bass

1.0 1.3 and 

1.35 

(two-steps) 

1.8 4.5 zooplankton 

2.2 mysid 1.8 amphipod 1.7 isopod 2.2 shrimp 

1.1 (from 

mysid)

San Francisco Bay-Delta 

Estuary (2000-2001), 

particulate>clam> 

sturgeon

1.0 6.25 6.2 10.8 (clam, C. amurensis) 1.1 
26 

Location Food Web

Mean observed 

particulate Se 

(μg/g dw)

TTFinvertebrate

Predicted 

invertebrate 

Se 

(μg/g dw)

Mean observed 

invertebrate Se 

(μg/g dw)

TTFfish (wb 

or muscle)

California 

 (Presser and Luoma, 

2006)

San Joaquin River at Hills 

Ferry, California (Saiki et 

al., 1993)

particulate> 

amphipod, zooplankton, 

insect, crayfish 

>bluegill, bass

1.6 1.5 

0.9 2.8 1.6 

2.4 1.4 4.5 2.6 

(mean 2.7)

4.3 zooplankton 2.8 amphipod 4.1 chironomid 1.9 crayfish (mean 3.3)

1.1 

San Joaquin River 

reference site (at Durham), 

California (Saiki et al., 

1993) 

particulate> 

amphipod, zooplankton, 

insect, crayfish 

>bluegill, bass 

0.61 1.5 

0.9 2.8 1.6 

0.92 0.55 

1.7 

0.98 

(mean 1.04) 

1.8 zooplankton 1.1 amphipod 1.6 chironomid 1.3 crayfish (1.45 mean ) 

1.1 

San Joaquin River 

reference site (at Lander), 

California (Saiki et al., 

1993) 

particulate> 

amphipod, zooplankton, 

insect, crayfish 

>bluegill, bass 

0.25 1.5 

0.9 2.8 1.6 

0.38 0.22 0.70 0.40 

 (0.42 mean ) 

1.3 zooplankton 1.3 amphipod 1.0 chironomid 0.74 crayfish (1.1 mean ) 

1.1 

San Joaquin River tributary 

(Mud Slough) 

 California (Saiki et al., 

1993)

particulate> 

amphipod, zooplankton, 

insect, crayfish 

>bluegill, bass

3.6 1.5 

0.9 2.8 1.6 

5.4 3.2 

10.1 

5.8 

(mean 6.1)

4.4 zooplankton 3.7 amphipod 6.9 chironomid 3.2 crayfish (mean 4.6)

1.1 

San Joaquin River tributary 

(Salt Slough) 

California (Saiki et al., 

1993)

particulate> 

amphipod, zooplankton, 

insect, crayfish 

>bluegill, bass

3.2 1.5 

0.9 2.8 1.6 

4.8 2.9 9.0 5.1 

(mean 5.45) 

5.4 zooplankton 3.3 amphipod 7.2 chironomid 4.4 crayfish (mean 5.1)

1.1 

Savage River watershed, 

Blacklick Run 

(atmospheric ) 

western Maryland 

(Mason et al., 2000) 

periphyton, 

bryophyte>crayfish 

insect>sculpin, 

dace>trout

0.78 1.6 

2.8

1.25 

2.2

0.89 crayfish 7.8 mayfly 6.2 caddisfly 1.3 cranefly 2.7 stonefly 2.3 dragonfly 2.4 dobsonfly  (mean insect 3.8)

1.1 1.1 

Savannah River (D-area 

Power Plant) (coal ash 

sediment>insect> 

chubsucker 

20.7 2.8 58 56.9 benthic 1.1 
27 

Location Food Web

Mean observed 

particulate Se 

(μg/g dw)

TTFinvertebrate

Predicted 

invertebrate 

Se 

(μg/g dw)

Mean observed 

invertebrate Se 

(μg/g dw)

TTFfish (wb 

or muscle)

drainage swamp 

microcosms) 

South Carolina 

(Hopkins et al., 2004) 

Sweitzer Lake**, Colorado 

(Birkner, 1978) 

particulate>zooplankton, 

insect, crayfish >killifish, 

minnow, mixed fry

9.1 1.5 

2.8 1.6 

13.6 25.5 14.6 

42.5 plankton 45 damselfly 27 chironomid (mean insect 36) 20 crayfish

1.1 1.1 1.1

Thompson Creek 

downstream of Thompson 

Mine, Idaho 

(GEI Consultants, 2008) 

sediment, 

detritus>insect>sculpin, 

trout 

3.2 2.8 9.0 11.5 insect 1.1 

Thompson Creek 

downstream of Thompson 

Mine, Idaho (GEI 

Consultants, 2008) 

sediment, 

detritus>insect>sculpin, 

trout 

6.3 2.8 17.6 13.9 insect 1.1 

Thompson Creek 

downstream of Thompson 

Mine, Idaho (GEI 

Consultants, 2008) 

sediment, detritus> 

insect>sculpin, trout 

4.3 2.8 12.0 17.9 insect 1.1 

Thompson Creek upstream 

of Thompson Mine, Idaho 

(GEI Consultants, 2008) 

sediment, detritus> 

insect>sculpin, trout 

1.8 2.8 5.0 7.2 insect 1.1 

Thompson Creek upstream 

of Thompson Mine, Idaho 

(GEI Consultants, 2008) 

sediment, detritus> 

insect>sculpin, trout 

2.1 2.8 5.9 9.6 insect 1.1 

Tulare Basin Pond** (Sam 

Andrews), San Joaquin 

Valley, California 

(Moore et al., 1990)

sediment, algae> 

adult brine shrimp, insect, 

brine fly larvae

4.4 4.2 

2.8 1.5

18.5 12.3 

6.6

20.6 brine shrimp 8.1 brine fly larvae 7.5 damselfly 

ND 

Tulare Basin Pond** 

(Westfarmers), San 

Joaquin Valley, California 

sediment, algae>adult brine shrimp, brine fly larvae, insect,

5.45 4.2 

1.5 2.8 

22.9 

8.2 

15.3 

25.5 brine shrimp 21.7 fly larvae 41.1 corixid 

ND 
28 

Location Food Web

Mean observed 

particulate Se 

(μg/g dw)

TTFinvertebrate

Predicted 

invertebrate 

Se 

(μg/g dw)

Mean observed 

invertebrate Se 

(μg/g dw)

TTFfish (wb 

or muscle)

(Moore et al., 1990) 80 damselfly 

(mean insect 61) 

Tulare Basin Pond** 

(Stone Land Company), 

California 

(Moore et al., 1990)

sediment, algae>adult brine shrimp, insect

0.75 4.2 

2.8

3.2 2.1

3.4 brine shrimp 2.3 corixid

ND 

Tulare Basin Pond** 

(Carmel Ranch) San 

Joaquin Valley, California 

(Moore et al., 1990)

sediment, algae>adult 

brine shrimp, insect, brine 

fly larvae

0.40 4.2 

2.8 1.5

1.7 1.1 

0.60

3.9 brine shrimp 4.4 brine fly larvae 2.5 corixid

ND 

Twin Buttes Reservoir, 

Wyoming 

(Birkner, 1978) 

sediment, 

algae>zooplankton, 

amphipod, insect> darter, 

killifish, fathead minnow, 

mixed fry

9.3 1.5 

0.9 2.8

14 

8.4 

26.0 

15.4 plankton 11 amphipod 16 corixid 18 damselfly 34 chironomid (mean insect 23)

1.1 1.1 1.1

Uncompahgre River 

watershed, Arizona and 

Colorado 

Dry Creek, DRY1 

(Butler et al., 1994)

sediment, algae> 

insect>sucker, dace, 

chub

2.45 2.8 6.9 NA 1.5 

Uncompahgre River 

watershed, Arizona and 

Colorado Loutsenhizer 

Arroyo, LZA 1 

(Butler et al., 1991; 1994; 

1996)

sediment, algae>insect, 

crayfish> sucker, dace, 

sunfish

5.5 2.8 

1.6

15.4 

8.8

26 invertebrates (some insects) 14 crayfish

1.1 1.1

Upper Blackfoot River 

watershed, southeast 

Idaho 

(Hamilton and Buhl, 2004; 

2005; Hamilton et al., 

2004)

sediment>insect > 

sculpin, dace

2.5 2.8 7.0 12.1 benthic (some 

cranefly)

1.1 

Upper Blackfoot River 

watershed, southeast 

sediment>insect> 

sculpin, dace> 

2.5 2.8 7.0 12.1 benthic (some 

cranefly)

1.1 

and 
29 

Location Food Web

Mean observed 

particulate Se 

(μg/g dw)

TTFinvertebrate

Predicted 

invertebrate 

Se 

(μg/g dw)

Mean observed 

invertebrate Se 

(μg/g dw)

TTFfish (wb 

or muscle)

Idaho 

(Hamilton and Buhl, 2004; 

2005; Hamilton et al., 

2004)

trout 1.1 

Upper Blackfoot River 

watershed, southeast 

Idaho 

(Greater Yellowstone 

Coalition 2005;2006)

attached algae>insect > 

sculpin, dace

4.1 2.8 11.4 7.8 (cranefly, caddisfly, 

dragonfly, mayfly, stonefly, shrimp)

1.1 

Upper Blackfoot River 

watershed, southeast 

Idaho 

(Greater Yellowstone 

Coalition 2005; 2006)

attached algae>insect> 

sculpin, dace> 

trout

4.1 2.8 11.4 7.8 (cranefly,caddisfly, 

dragonfly, mayfly, stonefly, shrimp)

1.1 

and 

1.1

Upper Mud Reservoir (left 

fork), 

West Virginia 

(USGS, 2008; West 

Virginia Department of 

Environmental Protection, 

2009)

suspended 

material>insect, crayfish, 

clam 

1.7 2.8 

1.6 2.8

4.8 2.7 4.8 

10.5 dragonfly 5.6 crayfish 17.5 clam 8.5 snail 

ND 

Upper Mud Reservoir 

above Palermo, (right fork) 

West Virginia 

[USGS, 2008; West 

Virginia Department of 

Environmental Protection 

(WVDEP), 2009]

suspended 

material>insect, crayfish, 

clam>bluegill, green 

sunfish, crappie

6.7 2.8 

1.6 2.8 

19.0 10.9 

19 

16.5 dragonfly 12.1 crayfish 30.7 clam 36.6 snail 

1.1 
30 

Supplemental Table F. Model validation for prediction of invertebrate and bird egg Se concentrations. Predicted and observed Se = no data available; max = maximum); ** = embryonic terata and potential food avoidance; blk-nk stilt = black-necked stilt; red-wg bblackbird] 

Location Food Web 

Mean observed 

particulate Se 

(μg/g dw) 

TTF invertebrate

Predicted 

invertebrate 

Se 

(μg/g dw) 

Mean observed 

invertebrate Se 

(μg/g, dw) 

TTFbird egg 

Predi

bird 

Se 

(μg/g

Converse County (uranium 

mine wastewater irrigates 

grasslands), Wyoming 

(Ramirez and Rogers, 

2002)

soil>grass> grasshopper> 

blackbird

3.1 soil 

12.7 grass

12.8 grasshopper (11-20)

1.8 23

Elk Valley, Fording River, 

British Columbia, Canada 

(Harding et al., 2005)

particulate>insect> dipper, 

sandpiper

2.2 2.8 6.2 7.1 (mayfly, 

stonefly, caddisfly, cranefly)

1.8 11

Goose Lake** (1994), 

Kendrick Reclamation 

Project, Natrona County, 

Wyoming (Ramirez and 

Dickerson. 1999; See et 

al.,1992)

pondweed>insect>avocet 37.6 2.8 105 52.6 (composite 

insect)

1.8 18

Great Salt Lake, 

Ogden/Antelope Islands, 

Utah (Cavitt, 2007; 

Wurtzbach, 2007)

seston>brine fly larvae> 

shorebirds

0.95 1.5 1.4 1.4 brine fly larvae 

1.7 brine fly adults

1.8 2.

Great Salt Lake, Utah 

(Marden, 2008; Conover, 

2009)

seston>brine shrimp>gull 0.95 3.0 2.8 2.8 brine shrimp 

(4.0 adults; 2.4 nauplius; 2.1 cyst)

1.8 5.

Imperial National Wildlife 

Refuge, Lower Colorado 

River (Lusk, 1993; 

Martinez, 1994)

particulate>crayfish, clam> 

bird

4.0 1.6 

2.8 

6.4 

11.2 

7.7 crayfish (2-36) 10.5 clam (C. fluminea) (6-26) 

1.8 20

11

Kesterson Reservoir** 

(1984) (ponds 2, 7, and 

11), California 

(Schuler et al., 1990; 

Ohlendorf and Hothem, 

1995)

particulate>insect> aquatic 

and terrestrial birds 

(grebes and coots not 

nesting)

35.3 2.8 99 98 damselfly 

69 dragonfly 59 adult beetle 102 diptera larvae 19 corixid 

1.8 17
31 

Location Food Web 

Mean observed 

particulate Se 

(μg/g dw) 

TTF invertebrate

Predicted 

invertebrate 

Se 

(μg/g dw) 

Mean observed 

invertebrate Se 

(μg/g, dw) 

TTFbird egg 

Predi

bird 

Se 

(μg/g

Kesterson Reservoir** 

(1983), California 

(Ohlendorf et al., 1986)

algae, plants>insect> 

grebe, coot, duck, stilt

(grebes and coots not 

nesting)

43.5 1.4 

2.8 

61 

122 

85 net plankton 22 corixid 139 chironomid 122 dragonfly 175 damselfly 

1.8 22

Kesterson Reservoir area 

reference site (Volta 

Wildlife Area) (Ohlendorf et 

al., 1986) 

plankton>insect>grebe, 

duck, stilt, avocet 

2.0 net plankton 1.7 insects 

1.8 3.

3.

(mean 

Newport Bay (upper), 

California 

(Presser and Luoma, 

2009)

particulate> copepod, 

amphipod>avocet, stilt, 

killdeer, rail

0.20 

1.5

1.4 0.28 

2.1 

1.8 0.5

3.

Newport Bay (upper), 

California 

(Presser and Luoma, 

2009)

particulate> copepod, 

amphipod>topsmelt> 

tern, skimmer, grebe

0.20 

1.5

1.4 and 1.1 1.4 and 1.1 

(two-steps)

0.31 

2.3 

1.8 1.8

0.5

4.

Rasmus Lee Lake** 

(1994), Kendrick 

Reclamation Project, 

Natrona County, Wyoming 

(Ramirez and Dickerson. 

1999; See et al., 1992)

pondweed>insect> 

avocet

30 2.8 84 93 composite 

insect 

1.8 16

Salton Sea, California 

(California Resources 

Agency, 2006)

particulate>amphipod, 

insect, pileworm> 

bird 

1.1 0.6 

2.8 7.4 

0.66 

3.1 8.1

1.6 amphipod 2.3 corixid 6.6 pileworm

1.8 2.

5.

11

Salton Sea, California 

(California Resources 

Agency, 2006) 

particulate>insect>fish> 

 bird

1.1 2.8 and 1.1 

(two-steps)

3.4 8.1 largemouth 

bass 8.8 sargo 9-10 redbelly 

1.8 6.
32 

Location Food Web 

Mean observed 

particulate Se 

(μg/g dw) 

TTF invertebrate

Predicted 

invertebrate 

Se 

(μg/g dw) 

Mean observed 

invertebrate Se 

(μg/g, dw) 

TTFbird egg 

Predi

bird 

Se 

(μg/g

talapia 12 Gulf croaker 12 orangemouth corvina 3.2 channel catfish

San Diego Creek 

watershed (lower San 

Diego Creek), California 

(Presser and Luoma, 

2009) 

particulate> insect, 

crayfish, clam> avocet, 

stilt, killdeer, grebe, coot

1.2 1.6 

2.8 2.8 

1.9 3.4

7.5 corixid 5.8 crayfish 4.9 snail 7.5 clam

1.8 3.

6.

Tulare Basin Pond** 

(Sumner Peck), California 

(Moore et al., 1990)

particulate>brine shrimp 6.0 2.8 

4.2 

16.8 25.2 

54.2 brine shrimp 100 damselfly 250 fly larvae 25.7 beetle 43.9 corixid

1.8 45

Tulare Basin Pond** 

(Westfarmers), California 

(Moore et al., 1990)

particulate>brine shrimp> 

shorebird, grebe

5.45 2.8 

4.2

15.3 22.9 

25.5 brine shrimp 80 damselfly 21.7 fly larvae 41.1 corixid

1.8 41

Upper Blackfoot River 

watershed, southeast 

Idaho (Ratti et al., 2006)

sediment>insect> bird 7.8 (assumed from 

Greater Yellowstone Coalition data; see Supplemental Table E)

1.8 14