A new paper published in Environment International presents data on the co-production of volatile carbon (CO2and CH4) and selenium (Se) species in incubation experiments with organic-rich soils from NE China. The paper entitled “Soil respiration induces co-emission of greenhouse gases and methylated selenium from cold-region Mollisols: Significance for selenium deficiency”. The first author is Dr. Kunfu Pi a former ERG postdoctoral fellow and now a faculty member at China University of Geosciences (CUG) in Wuhan. Co-authors include Philippe Van Cappellen and colleagues from CUG and Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences. Among other findings, the dominant binding of Se to biodegradable soil organic matter explains the correlation of the production of gaseous CO2, CH4 and methyl selenide. The emissions of methylated Se were also stronger in cultivated soils. Therefore, accelerating Se soil loss due to agricultural expansion and climate warming may increase the risk of dietary Se deficiency.
