Selenium and its mechanisms mitigate cadmium toxicity in plants: Promising role and future potentials

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Plant Biology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic environmental contaminant affecting plants, animals, and humans through the food chain.
• Anthropogenic activities significantly increase environmental Cd concentrations, posing global ecological and health risks.
• Cd toxicity in crops impairs nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and growth, leading to yield losses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the sources, environmental impacts, and plant uptake mechanisms of Cadmium (Cd).
• To explore the potential of Selenium (Se) supplementation in mitigating Cd toxicity in plants.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of Se in protecting plants against Cd stress and identify research gaps.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on Cadmium (Cd) sources, environmental fate, and plant toxicity.
• Analysis of studies investigating Selenium (Se) effects on plant physiology under Cd stress.
• Synthesis of information on Se-mediated defense mechanisms, remediation strategies, and bioavailability.

Main Results:

• Cadmium (Cd) toxicity severely disrupts plant physiological and biochemical processes, inhibiting growth and yield.
• Selenium (Se) supplementation demonstrates significant potential to counteract Cd toxicity by enhancing plant defense mechanisms.
• Se promotes Cd immobilization, co-precipitation, and compartmentalization, reducing its bioavailability and detrimental effects.

Conclusions:

• Selenium (Se) supplementation, including nanoforms (Se-NPs), offers a promising strategy to mitigate Cadmium (Cd) toxicity in crops.
• Understanding Se's role and application methods is crucial for developing effective strategies in Cd-contaminated soils.
• Further research is needed to fully clarify the mechanisms and optimize Se application for agricultural productivity and reduced human health risks.