Understanding boron toxicity in aquatic plants (Salvinia natans and Lemna minor) in the presence and absence of EDTA

Even though boron is a widely used element in various industries and a contributor to water pollution worldwide, few studies have examined the toxicity of boron in aquatic plants. EDTA is used to maintain aquatic plants cultures, however it is possible to modify the toxicity of metals. The objective of this study is to assess the toxicity of boron in aquatic plants and explore the impact of EDTA presence on the resulting toxic responses. Floating watermoss Salvinia natans and duckweed Lemna minor were exposed to concentrations ranging from 5 to 100 mg/L for 7 days and 1 to 60 mg/L for 3 days, respectively. Growth and photosynthetic activity parameters were investigated in the presence and absence of EDTA. Growth inhibitions in both aquatic plants were observed in a concentration-dependent manner, irrespective of the presence or absence of EDTA. For instance, based on the specific growth rate (leaves coverage), EC10 values for S. natans were calculated as 12.7 (9.9–15.3) mg/L and 8.0 (5.8–10.3) mg/L with and without EDTA, respectively. In the case of L. minor, EC10 values were calculated as 1.3 (0.8–1.89) mg/L and 2.0 (0.4–4.3) mg/L with EDTA without EDTA, respectively. Significant effects were also observed on the photosynthetic capacity, however there was no change in the increase of boron concentration. Generally, negligible effects of EDTA to the toxicity of boron were observed in the present study. By comparing toxicity results based on the presence and absence of EDTA, which is an essential element in the test medium, the results of this study are expected to be utilized for the ecological risk assessment of boron in aquatic ecosystems.