Phytoremediation Potential of Epipremnum aureum for the Removal of Butylparaben and Propylparaben

Water contamination by emerging pollutants raises concerns due to their endocrine-disrupting effects in aquatic biota and the lack of specific regulations. Given the need for eco-efficient technologies, this study evaluated the phytoremediation potential of the macrophyte Epipremnum aureum exposed to different concentrations of butylparaben and propylparaben in both individual and mixed assays. Specimens cultured in nutrient solution were treated with each contaminant at 10, 50, 100, and 500 ng/L, as well as a 1:1 mixture, for 120 hours. Samples were collected every 24 hours to quantify bioaccumulation in tissues and measure the photosynthetic pigments chlorophyll a and b. Oxidative stress was also monitored through the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase. The results showed that the species absorbs and translocates the contaminants to the shoot in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. In the roots, after 120 hours of the experiment, butyl accumulation ranged from 2 to 9 µg/g and propyl from 4 to 12 µg/g, while in the mixture solution it was 1.5 to 2 µg/g. During this period, the leaves accumulated 1.5 to 2 µg/g of butyl, 2 to 2.5 µg/g of propyl, and 1 to 2.5 µg/g of the mixture. The root system served as an initial barrier to redox protection, with early induction of superoxide dismutase, and exhibited more acute responses to butylparaben due to its greater lipophilicity. In the leaves, the physiological apparatus operated in a complementary manner through delayed activations of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase, ensuring cellular redox buffering. This efficiency prevented photochemical damage and preserved chlorophylls a and b. The mixture of compounds generated synergistic effects on plant metabolism, while the lowest doses suggested a hormetic effect. In conclusion, Epipremnum aureum exhibited a resilient and adaptable biochemical system and can, under certain conditions, serve as an alternative for the phytoremediation of effluents containing parabens.