Soil selenium enrichment in the Loess Plateau of China: Geogenic evidence, spatial distribution, and it's influence factors

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) 2023-11, Vol.340, p.139846-139846, Article 139846
• Main Authors: Li, Xuezhen, Hou, Qingye, Duan, Yiren, Li, Yongchun, Lin, Kun, Li, Bo, Sheng, Weikang, Wang, Yongliang, Su, Rilige, Gu, Zhoulei, Yu, Tao, Tang, Qifeng, Yang, Zhongfang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Enrichment factors; Geological sources; Loess Plateau; Selenium
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139846

The selenium (Se)-deficient soil belt in China has gained widespread attention. During large-scale soil surveys in China, Se-rich soils within low-Se belts have been identified. However, the sources of Se in those soils and the controlling factors for their enrichment remain unclear. Here we summarize Se concentrations and spatial distributions in the Yuanzhou district of the Loess Plateau. We evaluated Se variations in soil profiles, Se migration into water bodies, and considered soil indicators, topographic characteristics and the influence of land-use types on soil Se concentrations. The average Se concentration in the topsoil of the Yuanzhou district was 0.164 μg/g. High-Se soils (>0.222 μg/g) were found in the western valley plain and the southern red bed hilly area, as well as sporadically in higher elevation forestland and grassland areas in the east. Enrichment of Se in the topsoil in the eastern and southern areas was primarily due to Se adsorption and accumulation by soil organic matter as well as enrichment in gypsum, berlinite, and clay minerals during soil formation. Widespread enrichment in the southern area was linked to high Se concentrations in red Tertiary sedimentary rocks. In the western area, enrichment of Se in topsoil was found on both sides of the Qingshui River at low elevations with gentle slopes, with river water being the primary carrier of Se enrichment. These findings provide valuable insights into the epigenetic geochemical behavior of soil Se in China's low-Se belt that accounts for development of Se-rich soils in the region. [Display omitted] •High-Se soils were identified in the low-Se belt of China.•Higher Se content in western/southern topsoil resulted from natural sources.•Soil Se content was influenced by gypsum, minerals, organic matter, and topography.•River water transports Se, enriching the soil in low-lying floodplains.