Profile of selenium in soil and crops in seleniferous area of Punjab, India by neutron activation analysis

In the Nawanshahr–Hoshiarpur region of Punjab, India, more than 1000 hectares of agricultural land is significantly affected by high levels of selenium (Se). Studies were carried out to examine Se levels in soil and crops such as wheat grains, wheat husk, rice, maize and mustard using neutron activation analysis. The Se concentrations in soil and crop products were found to be ranging from 2.7 to 6.5 mg kg−1 and 13 to 670 mg kg−1, respectively, indicating significantly high selenium in these crop products. Two reference materials were analysed for Se contents by INAA as controls.