Preface

*Importance of Selenium in the Environment and Human Health* contains a number of recent studies on the analyses of the effect of selenium on environmental as well as human health. Selenium is very significant in environments, animals, plants, microorganisms, and humans. It is a beneficial microelement existing in minute amounts in environments as well as organisms. It is also very useful to animals as well as human health as an active antioxidant, hormonal regulator, and anticarcinogenic. However, it can be toxic at excess levels of concentration, which results in competing and replacing sulfur in amino acids. Excess levels lead to inappropriate folding of protein and eventually the creation of a non-functional protein and enzymes in living beings. Selenium is also a beneficial micronutrient, which reduces the risk of cancer in human health. As an essential trace element, it has been studied for its anticancer properties in both oxidative stress and in inflammatory-related mechanisms that may contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis. This book looks at the intraconnections and interrelationships between selenium in the environment, plants, agriculture, biology, human health, animals, and molecular and biochemistry processes. It is a key book for research organizations, governmental research centers, academic libraries, and R&D facilities affiliated to the recent research and study of the effects of selenium on environmental and human health.

> **Prof. Mohammed Muzibur Rahman, Prof. Abdullah Mohamed Asiri, Dr. Anish Khan and Dr. Inamuddin** Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials Research (CEAMR), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
