Giant reed for selenium phytoremediation under changing climate

Abstract

At very low concentrations selenium is an essential micronutrient for humans, animals and some lower plants including algae and bacteria, whereas Se is extremely toxic at higher doses. Living organisms can be exposed to high selenium concentrations from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Climate is a major factor governing the biogeochemistry of Se. Climate change can indeed modify Se uptake by plants and the rhizosphere and the volatilization of Se by plants. High precipitation rates and low temperatures can reduce Se accumulation by plants. Se-hyperaccumulator plants such as giant reed thus appear as a means to regulate Se flow in ecosystems. Se-hyperaccumulator plants can indeed be used to clean Se-contaminated agricultural soils and wastewaters and as a source of dietary Se. Those plants are also converting mineral soil Se into volatile organic Se that is released in the atmosphere.