Phenolic Compounds in Wetland Macrophytes

Abstract

Abstract Phenolics are the most widely distributed class of plant secondary metabolites and higher plants are able to produce several thousand different phenolic compounds. It has been reported that phenolics are more resistant to decomposition due to the negative impact on the microorganisms involved. Therefore, it may be hypothesized that the higher content of phenolics in plant tissue may cause slower decomposition rates and potentially higher carbon sequestration in the soil. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate and compare the content of phenolics in seven common macrophytes in the Czech Republic. Aboveground biomass was sampled in June 2016 at seven different localities and phenolics concentrations determined by spectrophotometric methods according to the Folin-Cioacalteau method ranged from 9.02 to 28.39 g kg−1 dry biomass weight (DW). Several plants were also harvested in August, October and December in order to follow a seasonal pattern. According to the results it seems that surveyed macrophytes vary widely in phenolics concentrations in relation to sampled site, harvesting time, plant species, and plant parts as well.