Characteristics of the Low Molecular Weight Metabolome of Potamogeton Natans L. (Potamogetonaceae) from Lakes of Different Trophic State (Karelian Isthmus, Northwest Russia)

Abstract

The qualitative and quantitative component composition of low molecular weight volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of the essential oil of the floating-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton natans L., Potamogetonaceae family) growing in various lakes of the Karelian Isthmus (North-West of the Russian Federation) in the fruiting stage was investigated in detail for the first time by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The low molecular weight metabolome (LMWM) of P. natans contained 138 components, 128 of which were identified. VOCs belonging to esters, alcohols, and various functional groups dominated the LMWM of floating leaf pondweed from mesotrophic and eutrophic lakes. A significant similarity was found between the component composition of VOCs of floating leaf pondweed from mesotrophic and eutrophic lakes. Many of the substances found in the LMWM of P. natans can be attributed to biologically active compounds. This opens up prospects for the use of this plant (particularly manool and ecdysteroids from its LMWM) for various economic applications as a valuable natural raw material. Due to the characteristic of the floating leaf pondweed's substantial resistance of its LMWM to the factor of the trophic status of the lakes, it is feasible to use it as an ecological indicator of significant disruptions in aquatic environments.