Selenium mobilization in soils due to volcanic derived acid rain: An example from Mt Etna volcano, Sicily

The significant amounts of selenium (Se) emitted by volcanoes may have important impact on human health due to the narrow range between nutrition requirement and toxic effects for living organisms upon Se exposure. Although soils play a key role in determining the level in food and water and thereby human health, little is known about the behaviour of Se in volcanic soils. In this work we evaluated the Se release during rainwater–soil interaction under controlled conditions using soils collected on the flanks of Etna volcano and synthetic rain. Selenium concentrations in soil leachate solutions displayed a spatial distribution, which cannot be explained by plume deposition, total Se soil concentrations or the presence of Fe oxides. Instead, Al compounds and to a minor extent SOM were identified as the active phases controlling the selenate mobilization during interaction with sulphate-containing rainwater. This shows the importance of soils as reactive interfaces. Selenium is mobilized when volcanic-derived acid rain interacts with poorly developed soils close to the crater. This geogenic process might influence the chemical composition of groundwater and as a result, human health.

► Selenium is important for human health.
► Volcanic derived acid rain can mobilize selenium during its interaction with soils.
► The Se mobilization is not controlled by plume trace element deposition.
► Soil properties and especially Al compounds control the Se mobility.
► This has implications for 10% of the world population living close to volcanoes.