Pollution of antimony (Sb) raises a serious environmental problem. Although this non-essential element
can be taken up by roots and accumulated in plant tissues in relatively high concentrations, there is still
lack of knowledge about the effect of Sb on biochemical and metabolic processes in plants. It was shown
that application of silicon (Si) can decrease the toxicity of other heavy metals and toxic elements in
various plants. The aim of this study was to assess how Si influences the growth and antioxidative
response of young Zea mays L. roots exposed to elevated concentrations of Sb. Antimony reduced the root
growth and induced oxidative stress and activated antioxidant defense mechanisms in maize. Silicon
addition to Sb treated roots decreased oxidative stress symptoms documented by lower lipid peroxidation,
proline accumulation, and decreased activity of antioxidative enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase, EC
1.11.1.11; catalase, EC 1.11.1.6; and guaiacol peroxidase, EC 1.11.1.7). Although neither positive nor negative
effect of Si has been observed on root length and biomass, changes in the oxidative response of plants
exposed to Sb indicate a possible mitigation role of Si on Sb toxicity in plants