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2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is an herbicide widely used in crops against broadleaf weeds. However, 2,4-D residues are considered an environmental pollutant in bodies of water. Phytoremediation with Plectranthus neochilus is a substantial strategy to remove 2,4-D from the aquatic environment. The objective of this study was to verify the efficiency of the association of the photostimulus by Light Emitting Diodes (LED) with P. neochilus to improve phytoremediation of 2,4-D in water. Phytoremediation was evaluated with the following samples: natural light, white LED, blue LED, and red LED, with and without the plant as controls. The data corresponding to the validation of the method were in accordance with the required parameters: R2: 0.9926; RSD: 1.74%; LOD: 0.075 mg.L−1; LOQ: 0.227 mg.L−1 and recovery by SPE was 76.57%. The efficiency of the association of LED with P. neochilus in the 28 days was: ambient light + plant (47.0%); white light + plant (37.10%); blue light + plant (26.80%); red light + plant (3.32%). This study demonstrated, for the first time, the efficiency of using LEDs light in association with P. neochilus for the phytoremediation of 2,4-D in water. NOVELTY STATEMENTS: Phytoremediation of organic compounds in water is a time-consuming process and generally unfavorable to the plant. This study demonstrated that the photostimulation with blue and red LED lights can accelerate the phytoremediation of the herbicide by P. neochilus, decreasing the t1/2 of 2,4-D in water by 2 and 5 times, respectively. We equate the time of this process to physical-chemical degradation methods, but without the use of reagents, creating a green strategy to accelerate the decontamination of water resources contaminated with pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plectranthus neochilus' tea is widely used for medicinal purposes like digestive disorders, liver problems, hangover and to a lesser extend, for treating respiratory infections. It is one type of "boldo" used in different corners of the world because it has a year-round growth, easy adaptation and environmental resistance, tolerating intense sun and demanding little manipulation. This review aims to compile the up-to-date information about P. neochilus obtained from scientific databases (ScienceDirect, Springer, Google Scholar and PubMed). The plant was recently identified and differentiated anatomically and microscopically from anothers also called "boldo". Many compounds were identified in their extracts (aqueous, ethanolic, hexane among others). The most recent studies point out the importance of its essential oil, rich in mono and sesquiterpenes. Some activities presented by these extracts or essencial oil are: antioxidant, insecticidal, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer and antischistosomal activity. In relation to the non-traditional use of the plant, it is used to promote phytoremediation or to be used in green roof. P. neochilus has versatility use and high valuable biological character therefore, more studies are necessary with more extracts and formulations of their oil in order to verify activities in different experimental models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]