Biocidal formulations that include a selenium compound selected from the group consisting of RSeH, RSeR′, RSeSeR, RseSeR′, and RseX, wherein each of R and R′ include an aliphatic or phenolic residue, and wherein X is a protecting group selected from the group consisting of a halogen, an imide, a cyanide, an azide, a phosphate, a sulfate, a nitrate, a carbonate, selenium dioxide, and combinations thereof, are provided. The selenium compounds may be incorporated into an acrylate polymer matrix, or may be incorporated into a molten plastic material. Methods for preventing growth of a species of interest on an object or in a composition are also provided.