Evaluation of Nutrient and Heavy Metal Concentrations in Aquaculture Wastewater and Aquatic Macrophytes (Eichhornia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes) before Phytoremediation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51459/jostir.2026.2.1.0184Abstract
Aquaculture expansion has intensified nutrient and heavy metal loading in production ponds, necessitating eco-friendly treatment solutions. This study evaluated the concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals in aquaculture wastewater and two aquatic macrophytes (Eichhornia crassipes and Pistia stratiotes) prior to phytoremediation. Wastewater and plant samples were collected during the dry and wet seasons from aquaculture ponds in Makurdi, Nigeria, and analyzed for physicochemical parameters, nutrients, and metals. Results showed significant seasonal variation in wastewater quality. Ca (118.3 ± 0.15 mg/L), Mg (75.22 ± 0.11 mg/L), Na (63.41 ± 0.12 mg/L) and K (32.45 ± 0.08 mg/L) were significantly higher in the dry season, while Fe increased in the wet season (6.22 ± 0.01 mg/L). pH increased in the wet season (6.43 ± 0.03), whereas turbidity and BOD were higher in the dry season (26.26 ± 0.03 NTU and 13.40 ± 0.10 mg/L). In macrophytes, Mg was significantly elevated in the wet season in both water hyacinth (14.28 ± 1.30 mg/kg) and water lettuce (15.72 ± 1.10 mg/kg), while Na, K, and Mn were highest in the dry season. Minimal seasonal differences were observed for Fe, Zn, and Cu in plant tissues. These results demonstrate strong seasonal influences on wastewater pollutant levels and pre-exposure metal loading in macrophytes. The high metal uptake in E. crassipes and P. stratiotes emphasize their suitability as phytoremediation agents. This findings provide essential data for optimizing macrophyte based wastewater treatment in tropical aquaculture systems.
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