Abstract
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is a key micronutrient involved in several major metabolic pathways in humans, but its deficiency has become a major concern worldwide due to its heterogeneous distribution on the Earth’s surface. Conventionally, Se oxyanions have been used for fertilization, nonetheless, they are toxic and inefficient due to huge leaching losses. Thus, there is a need for safe and effective fertilizers. Microorganisms convert toxic Se oxyanions into non-toxic Biogenic Se nanoparticles (BioSeNPs). BioSeNPs contain elemental Se encapsulated by proteins or extracellular polymeric substances, depending upon the microbial origin. This surface capping acts as a protective layer around Se, preventing its quick release from the core. Considering this property, BioSeNPs produced by
E. coli
and anaerobic granular sludge were investigated as a slow-release fertilizer for Indian mustard in this study. First, the fundamental properties of the nanoparticles were studied, followed by leaching of BioSeNPs in soil and plant uptake investigation. BioSeNPs produced by
E. coli
and anaerobic granular sludge were able to retain 96.7±1.2% and 91.7±2.1% Se, respectively, in the soil, whereas 63.6±1.1% and 86.3±1.9% Se from selenite and selenate were lost due to leaching. Further, 10 g∙ha
-1
Se from BioSeNPs was applied in the soil to analyse their uptake by the mustard plants. 24.1±2.2 % and 28.5±2.4 % Se were assimilated in the plants (total assimilation in roots and shoots) from BioSeNPs produced by anaerobic granular sludge and
E. coli
, respectively, in the first 8 weeks. Thus, BioSeNPs can provide sustained release of Se that is bioavailable.
1. Clinical Trial Registration
Not applicable.