ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the study of effects of selenate (Se(VI)) application on the detoxification of mercury (Hg) via the physiological and biochemical responses of pak choi (Brassica chinensis). The MDA contents in pak choi significantly decreased by 39.6–40.5% when Se(VI) was applied at 0.5 mg/kg in comparison with respective Hg treatment (p < 0.01). However, a high significant increase (41.4–71.7%) was observed when Se(VI) treatments were applied at 2.5 mg/kg for 1.0 and 2.0 mg Hg/kg (p < 0.001). No significant decrease (p > 0.05) in MDA contents was observed when Se(VI) was applied at 1.0 mg/kg. The selenate application at low concentration (0.5 mg/kg) has an important role in promoting the detoxification of Hg under oxidative stress via significantly improving the growth of pak choi via the elevation of antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and CAT), as well as via the suppression of the content of MDA.
