Protective effect of selenium in Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) plants subjected to cadmium exposure

The protective effect of selenium against the cadmium-induced oxidative effect in broccoli ( Brassica oleracea) plants was studied. Plants grown in hydroponic culture were supplied with selenium [as Se(IV)] and cadmium [as Cd(II)], individually or simultaneously. Cadmium accumulation in roots was noticeably higher than in the aerial parts of the plants, and this effect was even more acute when selenium was simultaneously added. Cadmium phytotoxicity was evidenced by an increase in the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the roots and a decrease of photosynthetic pigment and tocopherol concentration in the aerial parts of the plant. The simultaneous addition of selenium alleviated cadmium-induced stress in the roots after 40 days of exposition. In the leaves, a more remarkable decrease of tocopherol and chlorophyll concentration was observed in the cadmium-enriched plants after 10 days of exposure. The results provided evidence that selenium supplementation helps the plant to minimize the cadmium oxidant effect. Tocopherol concentration in broccoli fruit of cadmium-supplied plants was not affected in comparison to control. However, the proportion of alpha-tocopherol increases with the addition of selenium. This response is important not only for the protective effect against oxidative damage in the plant but also in terms of human nutrition.