Separate and combined effects of glyphosate and copper on growth and antioxidative enzymes in Salvinia natans (L.) All.

The coexistence of glyphosate and copper is widely found in bodies of water and terrestrial ecosystems due to widespread application of herbicides and heavy metal. However, their joint ecotoxicological risks in aquatic environments remain unknown. The experiment investigated the individual and combined effects of glyphosate and copper on the growth and physiological response in Salvinia natans (L.) All. The results showed that their joint toxicity is related to concentration. Antagonistic effects were induced when plants were exposed to low concentrations of glyphosate and copper (≤1 + 0.2 mg l-1). Synergistic effects were elicited at higher doses (≥5 + 1 mg l-1). In addition, increased hydrogen peroxide levels indicated the occurrence of oxidative stress at individual or combined exposures. To cope with oxidative stress, S. natans can activate the antioxidant defense systems, including increased superoxide dismutase and changes in peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase. High concentrations of combined pollution exceed the oxidative defense capabilities of plants, and therefore, malondialdehyde content increased significantly. Our results indicated that the ecotoxicity of glyphosate or copper may be exacerbated in aquatic environments and caused obvious damage to S. natans.