Application of inorganic selenium to reduce accumulation and toxicity of metals and metalloids in plants: the main mechanisms, concerns, and risks

Abstract Anthropogenic activities such as mining, industrialization and subsequent emission of industrial waste, and agricultural practices have led to an increase in the accumulation of metal(loid)s in agricultural soils and crops, which threatens the health of people; the risk is more pronounced for individuals whose survival depends on food sources from several contaminated regions. Selenium (Se) is an element essential for the normal functioning of the human body and is a beneficial element for plants. Se deficiency in the diet is a common issue in many countries around the world, such as China and Egypt. More than 40 diseases are associated with Se deficiency. In practice, Se compounds have been applied through foliar sprays or via base application of fertilizers to increase Se concentration in the edible parts of crops and to satisfy the daily Se intake. Moreover, Se at low concentrations has been used to mitigate the toxicity of many metal(loid)s. In this review, we present an overview of the latest knowledge and practices with regards to the utilization of Se to reduce the uptake/toxicity of metal(loid)s in plants. We have focused on the following issues: 1) the current status of understanding the mechanisms of detoxification and uptake restriction of metal(loid)s regulated by Se; 2) the optimal dose, and speciation of Se and the stage of plant growth that is optimal for application; 3) the differences in the efficiency of different methods of Se application including seed priming, base application, and foliar spray of Se fertilizers; 4) the possibility of using Se along with other methods to reduce multiple metal(loid)s accumulation in crops; and 5) potential risks when Se is used to reduce metal(loid)s accumulation in crops.