Uptake and growth response of water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) in lead (Pb)-spiked water

Musa Adamu Ibrahim, Mohammad Sadisu Waziri, Musa Ibrahim, Binta Aliyu Kyari, Bitrus Apagu, Kutarju Jasini Adams

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Maiduguri, P.M.B.1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria

Corresponding author: moosaad8@gmail.com, doi.org/10.55639/607.4252


ABSTRACT

Discharge of lead (Pb) into water bodies affects water quality, human health and aquatic organisms. Lead is one of the most important toxic heavy metals of environmental concern. This study evaluates the phytoaccumulation rate of water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) to [Pb (NO3)2] for 40 days. Static water vessels containing various nominal concentrations; 0 mg/L, 25 mg/L, 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L were used in a controlled environment. The results indicated a 21% mean uptake of Pb by Pistia stratiotes. There was a strong correlation (R2 = 0.996) between tissue uptake and concentration. Similarly, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and electrical conductivity (EC) were concentration-dependent. Chlorophyll contents and biomass reduced significantly (p < 0.05) at higher concentrations.

Keywords:

Lead,
Pistia stratiotes,
phytoaccumulation,
phytoremediation
water pollution