Linking plant-root exudate changes to micropollutant exposure in aquatic plants (Lemna minor and Salvinia natans). A prospective metabolomic study

Recent findings indicate that plant-root exudates can stimulate plant-associated microorganisms to enhance the biodegradation of contaminants in constructed wetlands. To understand this process, we studied root-exudation changes two aquatic plants (Lemna minor and Salvinia natans) upon micropollutants exposure (10, 100 1000 ?g/L mixes containing naproxen, diclofenac, carbamazepine, benzotriazole). After a 2-day exposure, plant were collected, extracted non-target analysis was performed with gas chromatography–high resolution Orbitrap mass-spectrometer. Plants didn't show morphological or growth differences between control spiked reactors, but exudation observed both at all concentration levels. Partial least squares discriminant showed that, for Lemna minor, increase linked reduction sugar fatty acid exudation. This may trigger microbial community living on complex carbon forms. Instead, natans, release long-chain compounds such as cuticular waxes sesquiterpenoids, which might be related stress signaling. These results demonstrate micropollutant-exposure environmentally relevant levels triggers root exudates. help design new strategies degradation nature based solutions