Selenium Biofortification and Phytoremediation Phytotechnologies: A Review

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Plant biology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Selenium (Se) is essential but toxic, with a narrow safe range.
• Phytotechnologies utilize plants and microbes to address Se challenges.
• Existing knowledge on Se uptake, metabolism, and ecological effects is substantial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the dual role of phytotechnology in selenium management.
• To optimize selenium phytoremediation and crop biofortification.
• To leverage plant-microbe interactions for enhanced selenium strategies.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing research on plant-selenium interactions.
• Analysis of plant uptake, metabolism, accumulation, and volatilization mechanisms.
• Consideration of ecological impacts and microbial roles in selenium processes.

Main Results:

• Plants can remediate excess environmental Se and biofortify crops.
• Selenium-enriched plants have potential as green fertilizer or fortified food.
• Plant-associated microbes significantly influence selenium dynamics.

Conclusions:

• Phytotechnology offers a sustainable approach to selenium toxicity and deficiency.
• Optimizing plant breeding, genetic engineering, and agronomic practices can enhance Se phytotechnology.
• Understanding plant-Se-microbe-ecosystem interactions is key for future applications.