ABSTRACT

This experimental study was carried out to investigate the growth response, survival and morphology of Eichhorniacrassipes (Mart.) Solms (Pontederiaceae) in crude oil and kerosene polluted freshwater. The parameters measured include leaf diameter, stem girth, root length, chlorophyll content index and biomass production. The experimental treatment concentrations used were 0% (control), 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% (v/v) of crude oil and kerosene respectively. Using three replicates per treatment, the plants were exposed to all concentrations for eighteen days. The result showed that leaf diameter, stem girth, root length and chlorophyll content index were significantly reduced (P<0.05) in E. crassipes when exposed to all concentrations of the petroleum products for eighteen days when compared with samples grown without treatment (0%). The effects were concentration dependent. Crude oil had more toxic effect on the test plant. The leaves of the test plant also showed signs of wilting and chlorosis at the end of the experiment. The study has shown that E. crassipes can play a role in phytoremediation at low level of oil pollution and can also be used as a biomonitor of high concentration of crude oil and kerosene pollution in fresh water habitats.