Conceptual Model for Selenium Cycling in the Great Salt Lake

This document describes a conceptual model for selenium cycling in the Great Salt Lake. The document consists of four parts: A) Introduction to the problem & Overview (page 1) B) The framework of the model and underlying assumptions (page 7) C) Visual depiction of conceptual model (page 17) D) Relevant references supporting the model framework (page 22) During the Fall of 2005 a panel of nationally recognized scientists in the area of selenium environmental toxicology and geochemistry was convened to work with local scientists and engineers to develop a conceptual model to guide development of investigations in support of determining an open water selenium standard for the Great Salt Lake. The expert panel included Dr. The local scientists and engineers who worked with the expert panel in development of the conceptual model were Motivation The motivation to determine a selenium standard for the open water of the Great Salt Lake (GSL) derives from public concern for a plan to allow disposal of reverse osmosis (RO) concentrate in the GSL. The concentrate would contain elevated concentrations of major and trace elements, including selenium. The need for reverse osmosis treatment of groundwater arises from sulfate contamination in the confined aquifer emanating from the Kennecott evaporation ponds.