Worldwide, selenium (Se) is proving to be a significant environmental concern, with many anthropogenic activities (e.g., coal mining and combustion, phosphate mining and agricultural irrigation) releasing potentially hazardous concentrations into soil and natural water ecosystems. Specifically in southeastern Idaho, historic and on-going phosphate mining have resulted in Se-enriched soils throughout the region. Previous work has shown that different Se oxidation states (i.e. Se(IV) and Se(VI)) impact fungal growth and aerobic Se reduction(to Se(0)) very differently, though in practice Se speciation is rarely measured in soils. We have analyzed soils from reclaimed mine sites to quantify total Se and identify chemical forms of Se contained in the soil. In addition, we are assessing the culturable microbial community and identifying microorganisms that mediate Se redox reactions. Results from this study are key for understanding Se-mobility and bioavailability in reclaimed mine soils.

Understanding Se biogeochemistry in seleniferous reclaimed mine soils

251st National Meeting (2016)

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