Short-term (2 h) exposure to 200 μM paraquat resulted in the maximum H2O2 production.
The highest effective quantum yield of PSII (ΦPSII) was linked with the highest H2O2 production.
Non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) was inefficient as a protective mechanism to paraquat in Cymodocea.
A threshold concentration (200 μM) was required for induction of paraquat tolerance.
Chlorophyll fluorescence imaging revealed herbicide toxicity effects in aquatic plants.