Selenium reduces cadmium uptake and mitigates cadmium toxicity in rice

► Se alleviated Cd-toxicity, reduced Cd content and O2−, H2O2, MDA in rice plants. ► Se counteracted Cd-induced alterations of antioxidant enzymes. ► Se suppressed Cd-induced increase in SOD, APX, but elevated depressed CAT activity. ► Se markedly increased H+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase activities in roots under Cd exposure.