Summary
This narrative review synthesises current understanding of selenium cycling in soil-microbe-plant systems, examining both its essential micronutrient role and contamination risks. The authors examine selenium sources, environmental behaviour, bioavailability, and toxicity, alongside microbial and plant tolerance and detoxification mechanisms. The review identifies unresolved challenges in environmental control of selenium, including establishing appropriate discharge standards and predicting long-term stability of bioreduced selenium forms.
UK applicability
Relevant to UK soil and water management policy insofar as selenium contamination from industrial sources or geological weathering may occur; however, the review's focus on bioremediation technologies and microbial mechanisms suggests applicability primarily where selenium-contaminated sites require remediation rather than in routine agricultural practice.
Key measures
Selenium speciation, bioavailability, toxicity thresholds, tolerance mechanisms, detoxification pathways, bioremediation technologies
Outcomes reported
The review synthesised knowledge on selenium sources, speciation, bioavailability, toxicity mechanisms, and microbial/plant tolerance and detoxification strategies. It identified key challenges in establishing discharge limits, predicting bioreduced selenium fate, and ensuring long-term stability of biogenic selenium.
Topic tags
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