The curious case of selenium hyperaccumulation in Coelospermum decipiens from the Cape York Peninsula (Queensland, Australia).

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The tropical shrub Coelospermum decipiens (Rubiaceae) is an extreme selenium (Se) hyperaccumulator, reported to accumulate up to 1140 µg Se g-1 when found growing on soils with levels of Se below the limit of detection (i.e. <0.01 mg Se kg-1) leading to a bioconcentration factor of >100 000.

Methods

Coelospermum decipiens plants were sampled from different populations in far north Queensland and analysed for Se concentrations. Plant material was subjected to synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) and synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) investigations to gain insights into the elemental distribution and chemical speciation of Se.

Results

The foliar Se concentrations ranged from 100 to 1000 µg Se g-1, except for the seeds, which

SUBMITTER: Harvey MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11560376 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature