Determination Of Waterhyacinth Biomass/Water Area Ratio For Effective Reclamation In Simulated Models Of Wastewater At Two Nutrient Levels

Abstract

Using three different densities, requirement of waterhyacinth biomass for adequate nutrient depletion was examined in simulated models of wastewater of two different trophy. Density dependent removal of phosphate and nitrate was pronounced in low nutrient levels. The results indicated greater preference of N over P when space and nutrients were limitless, whereas, preferential uptake of P over N occurred at high density of both nutrient levels. It is concluded that the required level of orthophosphate of water was achieved at high density of low nutrient enrichment after 12 days of waterhyacinth introduction, suggesting their immense potentials for reclamation of eutrophic water and induction of grazing food chain.