Selected Metal and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Profiles in Eichhornia Crassipes from Omuechi in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Nigeria
1 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Rivers State University, P.M.B 5080 Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
2 Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Rivers State University, P.M.B 5080 Nkpolu-Oroworukwo Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
3 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, East/West Road, PMB 5323 Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Chemistry and Pharmacy, 2025, 07(02), 027-036.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjcp.2025.7.2.0019
Publication history:
Received on 04 November 2025; revised on 10 December 2025; accepted on 12 December 2025
Abstract:
Environmental pollution remains a significant global concern, and aquatic plants have been recognized as effective phytoremediators due to their capacity to bioaccumulate contaminants. This study assessed the concentrations of selected metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) collected from the Omuechi River in Omuechi Community, Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State. Fresh samples were collected, sun-dried, and pulverized prior to laboratory analysis. Results revealed the presence of 16 PAHs in E. crassipes, including carcinogenic compounds such as benzo[a]pyrene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, and benzo[k]fluoranthene. Anthracene and benzo[ghi]perylene recorded the lowest concentrations (0.04 ± 0.00 ppm), while benzo[b]pyrene showed the highest concentration (0.34 ± 0.00 ppm). All detected PAH levels exceeded the WHO permissible limits. Similarly, concentrations of metals were recorded: Copper (66.95 ± 0.00 mg/L), Iron (70.15 ± 0.01 mg/L), Lead (131.50 ± 0.01 mg/L), Chromium (50.80 ± 0.01 mg/L), Nickel (35.70 ± 0.00 mg/L), Manganese (339.45 ± 0.01 mg/L), and Zinc (191.29 ± 0.01 mg/L), all were within WHO recommended limits. These findings indicate significant pollution of the Omuechi River and demonstrate the high bioaccumulation potential of Eichhornia crassipes, underscoring its suitability for phytoremediation applications.
Keywords:
Eichhornia crassipes; Heavy metals; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Bioaccumulation; Aquatic macrophytes; Environmental pollution; Omuechi Ikwerre L.G.A
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