This study investigated how a bacterium called Rhodococcus qingshengii PM1 can help clean up soil contaminated with selenium, a toxic element that accumulates in food chains. Using advanced genetic sequencing, researchers found that this bacterium can break down toxic selenite compounds by 63-71% within three weeks, which is much faster than natural processes. Adding the bacteria to contaminated soil also helped restore the diversity and health of the natural soil microbial communities, making it a promising tool for environmental cleanup efforts.