the mine sample was fortified with a mercury nitrate solution [Hg(NO3)2:50gL 1] to adjust Hg concentration levels to 5 ± 0.08 and 10 ± 0.09 lgHgg 1. J. curcas seeds were collected from plants found in soils that were uncontaminated with Hg. The seeds were washed with tap water, submerged in a 10% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite solution for 15 min and rinsed with deionized water.