This study is concerned with the effects of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(DEHP)on two kinds of duckweeds(Spirodela polyrhiza and Lemna minor).The results indicate that DEHP has aquatic toxicity to Spirodela polyrhiza at 0.4 mg/L and to Lemna minor at over 0.1 mg/L by changing their physiologic-biochemical characteristics.The contents of duckweed chlorophyll and soluble protein decrease with increasing DEHP concentration after 7 d of exposure.DEHP shows the stimulating role in catalase(CAT)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)systems at relative low levels.At 0.01 mg/L and 0.005 mg/L,SOD activities of Spirodela polyrhiza and Lemna minor reach their peak values respectively,while CAT activity reaches its maximum value at 0.05 mg/L and 0.01 mg/L.When DEHP levels are too high,the protection enzyme system would be destroyed and plant growth is inhibited.The analysis of malondialdehyde(MDA)and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy manifest that DEHP could affect the tested duckweeds by destroying its cell membranes,and Spirodela polyrhiza is more resistant to DEHP exposure than Lemna minor.