Selenium distribution in French forests: Influence of environmental conditions

Selenium is a trace element and an essential nutrient. Its long-lived radioisotope, selenium 79 of potential radio-ecological concern in surface environment deep geological repository for high-level radioactive waste. In this study, the influence environmental, climatic geochemical conditions on stable Se (as surrogate 79Se) accumulation was statistically assessed (PCA analysis, Kruskall-Wallis Spearman tests) based analysis its concentration litterfall, humus, soil samples collected at 51 forest sites located France. concentrations were ranges: 22–369, 57–1608 25–1222 ?g kg?1 respectively soil. The proximity ocean oceanic climate promoted enrichment likely due to significant reaction wet deposits with canopy. content enhanced by humification (up 6 times) suggesting that humus affected atmospheric inputs. stock decreased order decreasing biomass increasing turnover organic matter: mor > moder mull. Positive correlations between parameters such as carbon content, total Al Fe confirmed important role matter (OM) mineral Fe/Al oxides retention soils.