THE ROLE AND INFLUENCE OF ABIOTIC FACTORS IN LEMNA MINOR GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY UNDER EXPERIMENTAL LABORATORY CONDITIONS

AUTHORS: Valentin Jujea , Cristian Emilian Pop, Cosmin Alexandru Munteanu, Cătălin Dinu, Denis Dulubei , Adelina Dumitrescu, Anca Vârcolici, Dorin Lucian Hanganu , Nicolai Crăciun

Abstract: This study examines the influence of abiotic factors over Lemna minor, along with its

symbiotic organisms, in its growth rate under laboratory conditions. We explored the ability of

the plant to purify water taken from fish ponds under variable conditions (such as temperature,

symbiotic organisms, oxygen, nitrites, nitrates and ammonia). The viable specimens were

exposed to simulated conditions during 18 months and samples have been taken periodically.

An increased Malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase and polyphenol levels in L. minor

indicated reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and that oxidative damage has occurred.

This is due to ROS growth potential to induce oxidative stress contributing to lipid peroxidation

and membrane damage, MDA level was considered as an indicator of the lesion.