Root exudation pattern of Typha latifolia L. plants after copper exposure

Aims: Typha latifolia L. is an aquatic plant that has been widely exploited for the aims of phytoremediation. The main reason why we have chosen this plant species for the current study is its capacity to accumulate and detoxify heavy metals. The main topic of the investigation focused on the root uptake of copper (II) nitrate and copper (II) sulfate and the impact of different chemical copper species on the excreted organic acids. Methods: Oxalic, malic, acetic and lactic acids were determined using capillary electrophoresis; a comparison between the concentration and the time course during 7 days of treatment was performed. Results: There is a correlation between the total copper (II) sulfate concentration in the roots and the total amount of the excreted organic acids. In addition to that organic acids are involved in the detoxification mechanisms of Typha latifolia for copper (II) nitrate and copper (II) sulfate. Conclusions: Different from so far investigated plant species the highest amounts of organic acids are excreted from T. latifolia roots not in the first hours after treatment, but up to 7 days later.