ABSTRACT
Studies of the mineral composition of Brazil nuts have found that selenium (Se) is one of the most abundant elements, with concentrations reported in the literature ranging from 5 to 512 mg/kg Se in the seed. These Se concentrations depend on Se bioavailability in the soil. Soil samples from the state of Mato Grosso had low concentrations of total and available Se, while those from the state of Amazonas had higher concentrations. Correlation values are shown among the levels of Se available in the soil at different depths with parts of the Brazil nut trees at different ages. The trunk and roots of the Brazil nut trees were the parts containing the highest Se concentrations. The levels of Se were influenced by the quantity and availability of Se in the soil, irrespective of the age of the Brazil nut trees.
