Nutrient Removal by Waterhyacinth

Abstract

Removal of nitrogen and phosphorus by waterhyacinth [Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms] in static and flowing water was investigated. Milligrams of phosphorus absorbed per plant per day in static water averaged 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, and 1.6 in 10, 25, and 50% Hoagland's solution and in sewage effluent, respectively, while in flowing water the values were 1.7, 2.5, and 3.3 for 10, 25, and 50% Hoagland's solution. Milligrams of nitrogen absorbed per plant per day from these same solutions averaged 5.3, 11.4, 19.8, and 6.6 from static water and 9.9, 18.4, and 20.8 from flowing water. Transpiration per plant per day averaged approximately 175 mi in static water and 225 ml in flowing water. One hectare of waterhyacinth plants under optimum conditions could absorb the average daily nitrogen and phosphorus waste production of over 800 people.