Foliar application of biosynthetic nano-selenium alleviates the toxicity of Cd, Pb, and Hg in Brassica chinensis by inhibiting heavy metal adsorption and improving antioxidant system in plant

Yanyun Zhu; Yiwei Dong; Ning Zhu; Hongmei Jin

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety (Jul 2022)

Foliar application of biosynthetic nano-selenium alleviates the toxicity of Cd, Pb, and Hg in Brassica chinensis by inhibiting heavy metal adsorption and improving antioxidant system in plant

Yanyun Zhu,
Yiwei Dong,
Ning Zhu,
Hongmei Jin

Affiliations

Yanyun Zhu: Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource Utilization, Nanjing 210095, China
Yiwei Dong: School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Ning Zhu: Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource Utilization, Nanjing 210095, China
Hongmei Jin: Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Solid Organic Waste Resource Utilization, Nanjing 210095, China; School of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; Corresponding author at: Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 240
p. 113681

Abstract

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Biosynthetic nano-selenium (bio-SeNP), as a plant growth regulator, has better bioavailability and lower toxicity than selenite and selenate. This study investigated the beneficial role of bio-SeNP in mitigating the adverse effects of multiple heavy metals (HMs, e.g., Cd, Pb, and Hg) on growth and yield of pak choi (Brassica chinensis) grown in slightly or heavily polluted (SP or HP) soil by regulating metabolic and antioxidant systems. The results revealed that foliar application of bio-SeNP (5, 10, 20 mg L−1 Se) at the 6-leaf stage greatly reduced the levels of Cd, Pb, and Hg in shoots and roots of pak choi. Application of 5 mg L−1 bio-SeNP significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the translocation factor (TF) of Cd, Pb, and Hg from root to shoot by 9.83%, 44.21%, and 46.99% for SP soil, 24.17%, 56.00%, and 39.36% for HP soil, respectively. Meanwhile, all bio-SeNP treatments led to a significant improvement in plants growth by enhancing the antioxidant defense system (e.g., AsA-GSH) and promoting chlorophyll synthesis as well as suppressed the lipid peroxidation products contents (MDA) in shoots. Moreover, the enhanced levels of mineral nutrient elements (e.g., Ca, Mg, Fe, or Zn) and organic selenium (e.g., selenocystine, Se-methylselenocysteine, and selenomethionine) in the edible shoots of bio-SeNP-treated pak choi plant under multiple HMs stress indicated the positive impacts of bio-SeNP on the improvement of shoot quality and nutritional values. Collectively, our results indicated that bio-SeNP play an important role in the management of multiple HMs-induced adverse effects on pak choi. Foliar application of bio-SeNP at appropriate concentration (≤ 5 mg L−1 Se) can be considered as a promising agronomic measure for safety leafy vegetable production in multiple HMs polluted soils when bio-SeNP application.

Published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

ISSN: 0147-6513 (Print); 1090-2414 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United States
LCC subjects: Technology: Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering: Environmental pollution; Geography. Anthropology. Recreation: Environmental sciences
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/ecotoxicology-and-environmental-safety

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