Selenium accumulation in plant foods and selenium intake of residents in a moderately selenium-enriched area of Mingyueshan, Yichun, China

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of total, organic and inorganic selenium (Se) in edible plants and surrounding soils of a moderately Se-enriched area of Mingyueshan (Yichun, China). The absorption and transport capacity of Se in plants as well as the total daily intake Se by local residents consuming the studied plants were investigated. A total of 167 samples were collected from 31 plants and their surrounding soils and measured by inductively coupled plasmamass spectrometry (ICPMS) and atomic fluorescence spectrophotometry. Selenium, mainly in organic form, was detected in most samples. Most plants were found to easily absorb inorganic Se from the soil, and based on the absorption and transport capacity, the Se distribution was as follows: root > leaf > stem or rhizome > fruit. The total daily intake of Se by local residents consuming the studied plans was 50 µg, mainly owing to Oryza sativa and leafy vegetables.