The Physico-chemistry and Distribution of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia cressipes) on the river Nun in the Niger Nelta

The physicochemical studies and phytochemical investigations of River Nun and the water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) 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.