The physiological role of secondary metabolites of phenolic nature, dependence of their level on growth conditions and stress factors, in particular, on environmental pollution by heavy metals and xenobiotics in higher aquatic plants are considered. Polyphenol biosynthesis is partially regulated by external abiotic signals such as light, temperature, or resource availability. Flavonoids are involved in the protection of plants from oxidative damage caused by the action of xenobiotics, heavy metal ions (HM) or other biotic and abiotic factors. The toxicity of HM is reduced due to the ability of phenylcarboxylic acids, bioflavonoids and a number of other polyphenolic compounds to form complex compounds with metal ions. When the level of HM is raised in the environment, the biosynthesis of flavonoids in macrophytes is stimulated. Data are presented in favor of the participation of polyphenolic compounds in the chemical defence of macrophytes against pathogens and against being eaten by herbivorous insects. In this regard, significant excess of the total content of phenolic compounds in surface and floating leaves as compared with underwater leaves can be attributed to the greater vulnerability of surface organs to stress and damaging effects (high light intensity, UV radiation, insect attack).

Keywords: polyphenols, higher aquatic vegetation, flavonoids, phytoremediation, xenobiotics

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