There is provided a method for removing selenium from an aqueous influent, comprising: adding a water-soluble reducing agent to an aqueous influent containing an oxidized selenium compound (Sex, wherein x is the oxidation state and x>0); reducing said Sex using said reducing agent at a temperature; removing said Se0 from said aqueous influent using a sorbent or a technique selected from the group consisting of filtration, coagulation, flocculation, clarification and centrifugation.