Evaluation of selenium-enriched microalgae produced on domestic wastewater as biostimulant and biofertilizer for growth of selenium-enriched crops

This study assessed selenium (Se)-enriched microalgae biomass produced in a pilot-scale raceway pond treating domestic wastewater and an extract thereof as biostimulant biofertilizer. After producing the Se-enriched wastewater, effect of on seed germination, growth, yield beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) was studied by conducting germination test foliar soil applications pot experiments. Furthermore, potential dry to elevate Se concentration beans, leading biofortified crop, also experiment. Presoaking seeds at low (1%) enhanced their measured significant increase seedling length vigor index. Application spray more effective stimulating growth increasing compared its application drench. Foliar resulted 3.5 times (at 1%) 1.8 increment 5%). Additionally, amendment with 5%) (3.2 for seeds) bean plants (1.8 seeds), simultaneously. These results indicate that cultivated Se-rich could be used microalgae-based biofertilizer or improve content higher market value. may offer environmental-friendly sustainable approach biofortify food crops Se-deficient regions.