Author: F. Gourchane, C. El Kourchi, F. Ndadani, N. Merghoub, A. Bouyahya, A. Bellaouchou, and A. El Hourch

DOI: http://doi.org/10.31788/RJC.2026.1919568

Many plants with therapeutic and environmental benefits can be found in Morocco's varied aquatic and terrestrial flora. The floating duckweed Lemna gibba L. is attracting more interest because of its potential for phytoremediation and biotechnological applications. This study supports a circular economic approach that aims tosustainably valorise biomass sources from wastewater treatment plants. Lemna gibba, sourced froma wastewater treatment lagooning station, demonstrated strong phytoremediation potential alongside rich bioactive profiles. Phytochemical characterization via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed high protein content (27.57%), chlorophylls, carotenoids, and flavonoids, with major constituents including phthalic acid ester andsiloxane. Antioxidant assays showed significant activity (IC50= 13.77 ± 0.00064 mg/mL; EC50 = 8.51 ± 0.00028mg/mL), while extracts exhibited antibacterial efficacy against Bacillus subtilis, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonasaeruginosa. These results highlight L. gibba's dual role as a natural depollutant for wastewater and a source of bioactive molecules. This work opens pathways for integrating aquatic plant valorisation into sustainable resourcemanagement, contributing to environmental biotechnology by enabling low-cost, circular economy solutions for pollution control and pharmacological applications in Morocco and beyond.

Keywords: Lemna gibba, Protein, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Gas Chromatography, Valorisation