The Level of Toxic Elements in Edible Crops from Seleniferous Area (Punjab, India)

Abstract

The primary objective of the present study was to assess the level of selenium and toxic trace elements in wheat, rice, maize, and mustard from seleniferous areas of Punjab, India. The content of selenium (Se) and toxic trace elements, including aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and tin (Sn), in crop samples was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry after microwave digestion of the samples. The obtained data demonstrate that cultivation of crops on seleniferous soils significantly increased Se level in wheat, mustard, rice, and maize by a factor of more than 590, 111, 85, and 64, respectively. The study also showed that Se exposure affected toxic metal content in crops. In particular, Se-rich wheat was characterized by a significant decrease in Al, As, Ni, Pb, and Sn levels. The level of As, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Sn was significantly decreased in Se-rich rice, whereas As content was increased. In turn, the decrease in Al, As, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Sn levels in Se-rich maize was associated with a significant elevation of Hg content. Finally, Se-rich mustard was characterized by a significant increase in Al, As, and Hg levels, while the content of Ni, Pb, and Sn was significantly lower than the control levels. These findings should be taken into account while developing the nutritional strategies for correction of Se status. At the same time, the exact mechanisms underlying the observed differences are to be estimated.

RETRACTED: Interaction between zinc and selenium bio-fortification and toxic metals (loid) accumulation in food crops

“…Bernat et al (2014) reported that Ni toxicity is associated with changes in phospholipids, and although the use of Se improved wheat growth, it did not reduce its negative effect on phospholipids profile. Skalnaya et al (2018) showed that growing wheat in selenium-rich soil reduces the content of toxic metals such as Ni and Pb in roots and shoots. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles prevented the adverse effects of cadmium stress in the plant but caused the accumulation of Cd in the root and stem tissues of mung beans (Roshid et al, 2022).…”

“…(2014) reported that Ni toxicity is associated with changes in phospholipids, and although the use of Se improved wheat growth, it did not reduce its negative effect on phospholipids profile. Skalnaya et al. (2018) showed that growing wheat in selenium-rich soil reduces the content of toxic metals such as Ni and Pb in roots and shoots.…”

Mineral patterns in hair: A decisive factor between reproducible and repeat breeder dairy cows

“…Trace minerals, such as copper, zinc, iron, iodine, manganese, and chromium, are required in smaller amounts by the body but are also important for animal health [ 2 ]. However, certain amounts of toxic elements including arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and lead, adversely affect the body [ 3 ].…”