The physicochemical studies and phytochemical investigations of River Nun and the water
hyacinth (
Eichhornia Cressipes
) were carried out in relation to the distribution of
Eichhornia crassipes (Mart)
Solms, Family Pontederiaceae in the River Nun.. The physicochemical studies of the water showed that dissolved
oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), nitrate (NO3), salinity and alkalinity (pH) had mean + SD
values of 6.94 + 0.22, 5.86 + 0.42mg/L,13.76 + 5.76 mg/L, 0.237 + 0.082 mg/L, 7.25 + 0.37 mg/L and 5.92 + 0.32
mg/L respectively. Phosphate (PO4) and sulphite (SO3) were not detected. The pH and DO levels appeared to
favour the growth of
E. crassipes.The BOD values were relatively higher than those of the control. The
phytochemical studies showed that
E. crassipes contains flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin, tricin, chrysoeriol,
kaempferol, azaeleatin, gossypetin and orientin), amino acids (methionine, valine, glutamic acid theonine,
tryptophan, tyrosine, leucine and lysine), phosphorous, protein, organic matter and cyanide. Some of these
phenolic compounds and cyanide contribute to the negative impact associated with the proliferation of E.
crassipes, in aquatic systems in addition to blocking water ways. The high protein and total organic matter content
of
Eichhornia crassipes, however, make
E. crassipes a potential raw material for the production of animal feed
and organic fertilizers. The study also shows that this plant prefers an almost neutral pH aquatic environment with
a substantial concentration of dissolved oxygen, an increased rate of biochemical oxygen demand with a
substantial concentration of nitrates. These conditions explain why this plant thrives in freshwater habitats such as
the River Nun.
