Biogeochemical cycling of selenium in Chinese environments

The biogeochemical cycling and chemical transformation of Se in Chinese environments is reviewed, especially with regard to the formation of low-Se environments. The occurrence, distribution, concentration and flux of Se in Chinese environments are reported in comparison to those in the rest of the world. Low-Se regions in China can be classified into 4 categories. In the NE, organic matter in the soil affects bioavailability of Se in soil. In the Huabei plain, the concentration of soil Se is strongly influenced by leaching and hydrological transport processes and Se deficient regions are mostly located on the hill-slopes due to leaching. In the Loessial Plateau, low-Se soils have developed on the low-Se parent material with a very low flux of Se between soil and plants. Low-Se regions in the SW have soils derived from weathered materials of lower Se contents. Both the lowest and highest concentrations and the flux of Se in environments are reported for China.