Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

INFLUENCE OF CHANGING WATER QUALITY ON EICHHORNIA CRASSIPES (MART) SOLMS.IN THE UPTAKE PATTERN OF VARIOUS MINERALS AND NUTRIENTS

V. Sobha and Harilal C.C.

Abstract

Changes in the Physico-chemical characteristics of an aquatic system, having influx of a milk factory effluent and infestation of Eichhornia crassipes, has been monitored monthly for a period of one year. Periodic changes in the pigment and nutrient content of the weds were also studied along with an assessment of the changes in water quality brought about by weed growth. Factors responsible for the luxuriant growth of the weeds were also worked out.The site under study was found to be polluted with high Turbidity, TS, TDS, Chloride, BOD, COD and low DO content. Minerals and nutrients present in the aquatic system were in optimum concentration to promote the luxuriant growth of the weed. Accumulation of calcium, magnesium, potassium, total nitrogen and total phosphorus were found to be higher in the leaves whereas sodium was accumulated more in the roots. Accumulation of various elements and nutrients in the plant parts were more or less in accordance with the periodic changes in water quality. It was also noticed that Eichhornia crassipes, through the process of accumulation of minerals and nutrients brings about detoxification of the aquatic system. Key word's : Eichhornia, crassipes, water quality, nutrients.