Effects of incubation time and filtration method on K_d of indigenous selenium and iodine in temperate soils

In this study, the effects of incubation time and the method of soil solution extraction and filtration on the empirical distribution coefficient (K_d) obtained by de-sorbing indigenous selenium (Se) and iodine (I) from arable and woodland soils under temperate conditions were investigated. Incubation time had a significant soil- and element-dependent effect on the K_d values, which tended to decrease with the incubation time. Generally, a four-week period was sufficient for the desorption K_d value to stabilise. Concurrent solubilisation of soil organic matter (OM) and release of organically-bound Se and I was probably responsible for the observed decrease in K_d with time. This contrasts with the conventional view of OM as a sink for Se and I in soils. Selenium and I K_d values were not significantly affected by the method of soil solution extraction and filtration. The results suggest that incubation time is a key criterion when selecting Se and I K_d values from the literature for risk assessments. Values derived from desorption of indigenous soil Se and I might be most appropriate for long-term assessments since they reflect the quasi-equilibrium state of their partitioning in soils.