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This research evaluates the efficacy of Lemna minor in remediating heavy metal and microplastic-contaminated waters.

February 8, 2026BMC Plant Biology0 citationsOpen Access

Biochemical and physiological insights into Lemna minor as a remediator of multi metal–microplastic contaminated waters

MFMujahid FaridGujarat University SISufia Iram IrshadUniversity of Gujrat QUQudrat UllahWalailak University

Key Points

This research evaluates the efficacy of Lemna minor in remediating heavy metal and microplastic-contaminated waters.
Conducted a 42-day hydroponic experiment with Lemna minor
Analyzed impacts of synthetic wastewater with various heavy metals and microplastics
Measured morphological traits, photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidant enzyme activities
Fresh weight reduced by 92.33% and dry weight by 88.04% at maximum contaminant levels
Total chlorophyll decreased by 91.27%
Antioxidant enzymes increased significantly, e.g., CAT by 533.18%
Reactive oxygen species markers rose, with H₂O₂ and MDA up by 108.06% and 154.52% respectively
Heavy metal accumulation in L. minor exceeded Cu's highest concentration

Abstract

Aquatic ecosystems face escalating threats from heavy metals (HMs) and microplastics (MPs), which bioaccumulate and disrupt plant physiology, necessitating effective phytoremediation strategies. This study evaluated the impacts of synthetic wastewater (WW at 25%, 50%, 100%) containing Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and polyethylene MPs (0.5 g/L, 1 g/L) on Lemna minor in a 42-day hydroponic experiment. Morphological traits declined significantly, with fresh weight reduced by 92.33% and dry weight by 88.04% at 100% WW + 1 g MPs compared to controls. Photosynthetic pigments decreased up to 91.27% in total chlorophyll, while antioxidant enzymes surged (e.g., CAT by 533.18%, SOD by 423.81%). Markers of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as H₂O₂ and MDA, increased by 108.06% and 154.52%, respectively, alongside HM accumulation exceeding the highest concentration for Cu. These findings elucidate synergistic stress mechanisms, highlighting L. minor potential for hyperaccumulating HM-MP, which informs sustainable wastewater treatment and ecosystem restoration practices.

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