Unveiling the vital role of soil microorganisms in selenium cycling: a review

Selenium (Se) is a vital trace element integral to numerous biological processes in both plants and animals, with significant impacts on soil health and ecosystem stability. This review explores how soil microorganisms facilitate Se transformations through reduction, oxidation, methylation, and demethylation processes, thereby influencing the bioavailability and ecological functions of Se. The microbial reduction of Se compounds, particularly the conversion of selenate and selenite to elemental Se nanoparticles (SeNPs), enhances Se assimilation by plants and impacts soil productivity. Key microbial taxa, including bacteria such as