Biogeochemistry of Molybdenum

The molybdenum (Mo) is the one of the most important trace elements, being essential for plants and animals. The most important biogeochemical role of this metal is related to the process of biological fixation of molecule nitrogen (N2) from the atmosphere, since Mo is the obligatory constituent of the relevant biochemical ferment at N-fixing leguminous species. 

Both Mo deficiencies in crops and toxicity in foraging animals have been reported. Deficiency of molybdenum is possible at levels 0.1 ppm, while toxic effects are observed in cattle feeding on plants with Mo levels 10 ppm by dry weight. The average Mo contents in soils range from 0.1 to 40 ppm. 

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Similar to boron, the consideration of biogeochemistry of molybdenum will be carried out on the example of a Mo-enriched area of Armenia, a mountain country in the south Caucasus. In the high-mountain part of this country, two biogeochemical provinces have been monitored theAnkawan and the Kanzharan provinces (Figures 14 and 15). 

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