Sustainable production of selenium-rich and cadmium-safe rice by nZVI–melatonin synergy via coordinated plant–microbe regulation

Key Points

• The aim is to develop strategies to lower cadmium levels in rice while boosting selenium content for improved food safety.
• Utilized nZVI (nano zero-valent iron) to reduce cadmium accumulation.
• Applied melatonin to promote selenium uptake.
• Regulated interactions between plants and microbes to enhance nutrient profiles.
• Achieved significant reduction in cadmium accumulation in rice grains.
• Increased selenium content was observed in treated rice plants.
• Demonstrated effective synergy between nZVI and melatonin in regulating plant responses.