Reclamation Information Sharing Environment (RISE)

The Salton Sea in California, sustained by agricultural drainwater, has significantly declined, leading to new vegetated wetlands on the dry lakebed that provide habitat for wildlife, including the endangered Yuma Ridgway’s rail and desert pupfish. However, these wetlands are contaminated with selenium. This literature review evaluates selenium removal technologies and their feasibility for the Salton Sea, using a decision matrix to compare effectiveness, cost, and ecological impact. We discuss integrated approaches combining new technologies with management practices to mitigate selenium risks throughout the Salton Sea agricultural and playa wetland system. Key findings suggest a multi-faceted approach may effectively reduce selenium hazards for wildlife, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement in implementing these methods. Adaptive management strategies, incorporating continuous monitoring and community input, are essential for addressing selenium contamination in the Salton Sea wetlands.