Co-exposure Effects of Selenium and Mercury on Phaseolus vulgaris Excised Leaves Segment by Enhancing the NR, Anti-oxidative Enzyme Activity and Detoxification Mechanisms

Abstract

Mercury is known to disrupt the biological function in plants by inhibiting their growth and developmental process, while selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient within the appropriate amount. This paper is aimed to study co application and interactive effects of selenium (Se) and mercury (Hg) on the Nitrate Reductase NR (such as in-vivo and endogenous) and the antioxidant system through a pot experiment and clarify the possible mechanism how Se alleviates the toxicity of Hg. The observations indicate that when selenium applied after mercury exposure the enzyme activity enhanced hence Se may reduce the toxic level of Hg in phaseolus vulgaris.