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Studying the Influence of Soil Characteristics on Selenium Distribution in Bas-Chellif Soils Algeria and Predicting Speciation Patterns

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Abstract

Knowledge of the geochemistry of selenium (Se) is crucial for understanding its behavior in the environment. While numerous studies have explored selenium geochemistry, there is a notable inadequacy, especially in extreme soil conditions such as saline soils, which are widespread globally. This study focuses on characterizing the geochemistry of selenium in saline soils, with a specific focus on the El Hamadna perimeter in Bas-Cheliff, Algeria. This location was chosen due to its diverse salinity levels and selenium content. Utilizing Phreeqc software, the study examines selenium’s chemical speciation. In the arid soils of this region, predicted selenium (IV) concentrations range from 0.19 to 3.05 mg kg–1, and selenium (VI) concentrations range from 0.54 to 5.58 mg kg–1. A significant negative correlation was observed between total selenium and Se(VI) concentrations with pH, whereas Se(IV) showed a positive and significant correlation with pH. No correlation was found between selenium concentrations and the salinity gradient in the studied soils. Non-significant correlations were observed between selenium levels and CaCO3, clay, and organic matter in the soils, suggesting that these soil properties do not influence the distribution of selenium concentrations in the examined soils. Only the pH and the presence of the main form MgSeO3 control the representation of selenium in the soil profile.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors are grateful to the Associate Editor (Dr. V.V. Ermakov) and the reviewers for their constructive comments, which have enabled them to improve this work.

Funding

This work was supported by ongoing institutional funding. No additional grants to carry out or direct this particular research were obtained.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University Mohamed El Bachir El Ibrahimi of Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Algeria

    M. Ait Mechedal & H. Laoufi

  2. University Centre of Tipaza Morsli Abdellah, Tipaza, Algeria

    K. Ouamer-ali

  3. Higher National Agronomic School, Alger, Algeria

    K. Djili & Y. Daoud

  4. College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

    D. B. Sims

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  1. M. Ait Mechedal
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Ait Mechedal, M., Laoufi, H., Ouamer-ali, K. et al. Studying the Influence of Soil Characteristics on Selenium Distribution in Bas-Chellif Soils Algeria and Predicting Speciation Patterns. Geochem. Int. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0016702924700460

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