Water contamination is the most complex global environmental problem. Any pollution that is emitted into the environment at a certain time reaches the groundwater, rivers, lakes and seas. Nowadays aquatic ecosystems around the world are increasingly threatened by different pollutants. Rivers and lakes are under constant pressure from urban wastewater pollution, chemical waste from industry and transport, pesticides from agricultural areas, etc. By applying various methods in the laboratory were tested quality and impact of the water, characteristic for its high content of certain pollutants, to the test plants: buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea). The analyzed water was taken from two locations of the River Lesa in Portugal. Physico-chemical analysis of water indicates that nitrates, nitrites and ammonium were detected in values exceeding maximum allowable concentration, according to Portuguese regulations of water quality. Also, in the analyzed water samples cadmium (Cd), magnesium (Mg) and iron (Fe) were found in quantities that exceed the MAC values, as well as some pesticidal substances (MCPA, fonofos). In the tested samples, long list of pharmaceuticals were detected. The obtained results indicate differences in tolerance of the test plants according to the parameters which have been detected in the water. Physiological parameters (germination energy and germination) have not been proven to be good indicators of water quality, while the more reliable may be considered some morphological parameters (length of shoot), that reacted by stimulation of the shoot
