Effects of inorganic and organic selenium intervention on resistance of radish to arsenic stress

Abstract

Arsenic (As) pollution, a potential threat for human health, in vegetables is one of the primary sources of As intake by the human body. In the Pot Experiment, the As content, physiological index and antioxidant enzyme activity of radish were determined. The results demonstrated that the order of As concentration in radish tissues was roots > stems > leaves. Organic selenium (Se) can inhibit the absorption of arsenic in radish more effectively than inorganic Se. The application of organic Se and low concentration of selenite (Se(IV)) significantly enhanced the stress resistance of radish for increasing superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity, increasing soluble protein, chlorophyll and proline content, and reducing malondialdehyde content. In contrast, the high concentration of Se(IV) and selenate (Se(VI)) treatment group demonstrated stress and toxicological effects on radish. This study provides an idea for further research on the remediation mechanism of Se to As toxicity and provides a reference for the adoption of Se fertilizer in agriculture.