Unexpected species diversity in the understanding of selenium-containing soil invertebrates.

ABSTRACT: Yutangba, situated in Enshi City, Hubei Province, is globally noted for its high selenium (Se) content. Soil invertebrates are essential to the functionality and services of terrestrial ecosystems, yet their community composition in this region remains under-explored. This study utilized environmental DNA metabarcoding to investigate the interrelations among environmental factors, soil invertebrate diversity, and community characteristics concerning soil Se content, pH, and moisture content in the region. Environmental factors such as Se concentration, water content, and pH were strongly associated with species beta diversity of soil invertebrates in Se-rich areas, reshaping their distribution and abundance, while alpha diversity remained relatively stable. Among these, Se notably emerges

SUBMITTER: Mao B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11779833 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature