Reducing mercury accumulation in common carp using selenium-enriched Bacillus subtilis

Abstract With the rapid development of industrial society, a large amount of energy and resources are consumed, causing some mercury (Hg) pollution problems or potential Hg pollution problems. The Hg pollution in fish and water environment affects human health and becomes a global problem. Selenium (Se) is an essential element and plays an important role in many physiological and biochemical processes. In this study, 6 strains of Bacillus were screened for their potential probiotic capacity about Hg and Se tolerance and bioadsorption in vitro, and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) was selected for animal experiments because of its excellent Hg and Se tolerance and bioadsorption. Both Se-only group and selenium-rich B. subtilis can reduce Hg accumulation in organs following Hg exposure in common carp. Selenium-rich B. subtilis is better than selenium-only group in reducing Hg accumulation in organs of fish. Our results suggested that administration of Selenium-rich B. subtilis has the potential to combat dietary Hg toxicity in common carp.