Inhibitory Effect of Lime on Arsenic-Induced Lipid Peroxidation in Growing Rice Plants

Seedlings of Ofada rice (Oryza sativum L.) were raised in sand (swampy) and clay (upland) cultures under 500 μM sodium arsenate and 500 μM Ca(OH)2 aqueous extract for 40 days. The uptake and distribution pattern of arsenic with possible induction of oxidative stress in the rice plants were determined. The inhibitory potential of lime against arsenic-induced oxidative stress in rice seedlings was also assessed. Results showed that rice seedlings grown for 10–40 days under 500 μM sodium arsenate showed significant (Pu003c0.05) increase in level of lipid peroxides in roots, indicating enhanced lipid peroxidation in roots than shoots when compared to control. The results further suggest that arsenic-induced lipid peroxidation is a potential threat and could possibly be salvaged by lime in growing rice plants.