Characteristics of selenium migration in soil–plant system of East Meshchera and Transbaikalia

Herein some results of comparative researches to determine the parameters of selenium migration in meadow biogeocenoses of East Meshchera and East Transbaikalia are presented. The parameters of selenium mobility in soils (i.e., the element total content, plant-accumulation coefficient (Kb) and/or mobile form ratio) in Urov biogeochemical provinces of the East Transbaikalia are quite comparable to the element migration parameters found in selenium-deficient landscapes of the same area. Selenium mobility indices and ecological status are significantly higher for meadow biogeocenoses of the East Meshchera (Moscow Region) and also for limestone soils.

Research Highlights
► Selenium deficiency is typical not only for the Urov endemic-affected territories.
► The selenium biogenic migration low rates are specific for territories in Transbaikalia and extensive Se-deficient territories of European part of Russia.
► The selenium deficiency has been found most frequently in the areas were granitoids and inundated meadow-alluvial soil types are spread.
► The elevated content of arsenic and selenium antagonists heavy metals entering the landscapes as a result of gold mining, development of polymetallic deposits, intensity of agricultural land exploitation and frozen ground spread.