Nano-selenium and compost vitalized morpho-physio-biochemical, antioxidants and osmolytes adjustment in soybean under tannery effluent polluted soil

Abstract

The aim of this work was to investigate the impact of nano selenium (N–Se) and compost on the growth, photosynthesis, enzymes activity, compatible solutes and metals accumulation in soybean grown under tannery effluent polluted soil. The plants were exposed to compost application (no compost and compost addition) and foliar application of N–Se (0, 25, 50, and 75 mg L−1). The results showed the addition of compost in soil and foliar applied N–Se alleviated the toxic effect of tannery effluent polluted soil. Furthermore, foliar application of N–Se with basal compost supply significantly improved antoxidant enzymes activity in soybean grown in tannery effluent polluted soil. Addition of compost increased the root dry weight (46.43%) and shoot dry weight (33.50 %), relative water contents by (13.74 %), soluble sugars (15.99 %), stomatal conductance (gs) (83.33 %), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) (23.34 %), transpiration rate (E) (12.10 %) and decreased the electrolyte leakage (27.96 %) and proline contents by (20.34 %). The foliage application of N–Se at the rate of 75 mg L−1 showed the most promising results in control and compost amended tannery effluent polluted soil. The determined health risk index (HRI) values were recorded less than 1 for both adults and children under the application of compost and N–Se. In summary, the combined use of N–Se at 75 mg L⁻1 and basal supply of compost is an effective strategy for enhancing soybean productivity while minimizing the potential risks of metal accumulation in soybean grains grown in tannery effluent polluted soil.