The effects of triclosan on spore germination and hyphal growth of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus intraradices

► The effects of triclosan on pre-colonization stages of arbuscular mycorrhizae were assessed. ► TCS levels were within ranges found in North American surface waters and sediments. ► Germination and hyphal morphology were reduced at 0.4 μg/L and 4.0 μg/L TCS. ► Mycotoxic effects and effects consistent with plant-signal interference were found. ► AM colonization in wetlands receiving WWTP effluent may be impaired by TCS exposure.