Azolla Pinnata Research Articles

Potential of Azolla pinnata R. Br. green manure for boosting soil fertility and yield of terrestrial crops in Uganda: a case study of Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn

Potential of Azolla pinnata R. Br. green manure for boosting soil fertility and yield of terrestrial crops in Uganda: a case study of Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn

Biomass Growth and Composition of Azolla (Azolla Pinnata R. BR.) Supplemented With Inorganic Phosphorus in Outdoor Culture

An experiment was conducted to know the effect of supplemental phosphorus on biomass growth and composition of a floating aquatic fern, Azolla pinnata, cultured in a pit system for 21 days with 4 levels of phosphorus (0, 5, 10, and 15 ppm) supplementation. Water quality parameters of the pits were within a suitable range for A. pinnata culture. It was observed that fresh and dry weights of A. pinnata increased with phosphorus supplementation up to 10 ppm. Doubling time was the fastest when the culture medium was supplemented with 10 ppm of phosphorus. Phosphorus content of A. pinnata was proportional to the phosphorus supplementation in the culture medium. Supplementation of phosphorus also improved the protein and lipid contents of A. pinnata. It was concluded that supplementation of 10 ppm phosphorus to water used for culturing A. pinnata is optimum under outdoor conditions. SAARC J. Agric., 19(1): 177-184 (2021)

Isolation, Purification and Identification of β-carotene from Azolla Pinnata R. Br. as a New Carotenoid Wealthy Source

Azolla is a wealthy source of β-carotene. The purpose of this study was to isolate, purify and identify the β-carotene in Azolla Pinnata R. Br. plant. In this order, dry and fresh of A. Pinnata R. Br. were used and their β-carotene was extracted using the Acetone/Hexane solvent system. For the purification of β-carotene extracted, the column chromatography was used. In the following, an HPLC technique optimized for β-carotene designation and compared with a spectrophotometric standard method. The most appropriate sample conditions were: extraction with Hexane/Acetone 60:40 (v/v) and MeOH/THF/Water 67:27:6 (v/v) as mobile phase. The results indicated that the fresh sample has almost two times higher β-carotene comparing to the dried sample. So due to the importance of β-carotene as an antioxidant in one hand and the free of cost of mass production of A. Pinnata on another hand, the application of the water fern can be feasible for commercially β-carotene purification.

Recycling of agricultural wastes to vermicomposts: Characterization and application for clean and quality production of green bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

With increasing agricultural production after green revolution in India, generation of agricultural waste is a concern for clean agricultural production system. The purpose of the study is to recycle locally available agricultural wastes into vermicompost and apply it on crops. In this study vermicomposts prepared from combinations of four sources of each plant biomass and animal excreta were characterized and tested for yield and quality of green bell pepper (Capsicum annum L.). Vermicompost samples were analyzed for macronutrients, micronutrients and enzymatic activities at intermediate (40 d) and final (80 d) stages of decomposition. During composting, total organic carbon content of the bedding material decreased and C: N ratio was narrowed down. Zinc, Cu, and Mn contents were decreased by 6.9–177.3%, 28.5–318.5% and 0.7–207.4%, respectively, while Fe content increased by 15.4–64.3% in the matured samples. Acid phosphomonoesterase and dehydrogenase activities were reduced by 2.5–26.0% and 15.5–84.1%, respectively; while the β-glucosidase activity of vermicompost from cow dung and pig dung was increased by 2.0–30.7% at maturity. Application of vermicompost along with NPK fertilizers enhanced morphological, biochemical and yield attributes of green bell pepper which in-turn improved yield (7.1–135.7%) over the control. Vermicomposts also improved soil fertility by increasing organic C and plant-available N, P and K. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that the properties of mature vermicomposts were mainly determined by the animal excreta. Poultry litter along with paddy straw and Azolla pinnata proved to be superior raw material in the production of high quality vermicompost which could produce good quality and quantity of fruits. The study also suggests that production of vermicompost from locally available plant biomass and animal excreta will sustain crop harvest with quality produce and improve soil fertility.

Effect of Partially Substitution of Soybean Protein with Azolla (Azolla pinnata) on Productive Performance and Carcass Traits of Growing Rabbits

The present experimental work investigated partially substituting soybean protein with different levels of dried Azolla' effect on productive performance, carcass traits and economic efficiency of growing rabbits. A number of 36 local Black Balady rabbits, 5 weeks' old were weighed and divided into four equal groups (3 replicates each). The 1st group fed a basal diet (without Azolla), while the 2nd,3rd and 4th groups were fed diets contained 20, 30 and 40%, respectively dried Azolla substituted for soybean protein. All Azolla diets resulted in the highest (P<0.05) final body weight values at 14 weeks' age over the control. Weight gain from 5 to 14 weeks' age took the same trend. No significant alternations of dietary Azolla levels was noticed on feed intake, feed conversion ratio and performance index. Viability percentage recorded the highest percent for group fed 30% Azolla compared with the control. Rabbits fed Azolla at 20 and 30% of soybean protein recorded lower serum cholesterol values than the control. The different levels of Azolla, especially 10.08% Azolla (40% of soybean protein) resulted in improving serum HDL. Most blood hematology traits were not affected by dietary Azolla inclusion in the rabbits' diets. Carcass traits were not influenced by different levels of Azolla substitution. Conclusively, the inclusion of dried Azolla substitution up to 40% of soybean protein in the diet of growing rabbits positively affected growing rabbits' productive performance and had no adverse influence on blood biochemical and carcass traits under Egyptian environmental condition.

The Effect of Biofertilizer of Azola, Phosphate and Nitrogen Fertilizers on Yield and Grain Quality of Rice

A field experiment was carried out during the summer season of 2019 in one of the fields of Al-Tahiniah village - Al-Mahanawiya district which is 36 km away from the Diwaniyah governorate center, to study the effect of Azola, phosphate and nitrogen fertilizers and the interactions between them on yield components, yield and grains quality of the rice grown in water logging conditions. The experiment was arrangement as factorial experiment according to Randomized Complete Blocks Design (RCBD) at three replications. The experiment included three factors, the first factor included the application of Azolla (Azolla pinnata L.) at 20 tons ha-1 and the control treatment (without application of Azolla), while the second factor included application three levels of phosphate fertilizer (21, 42 and 84 kg P ha-1) as well as the control treatment (without application of phosphate fertilizer), whereas the third factor included application two levels of nitrogen fertilizer (92 and 184 kg N ha-1) as well as the control treatment (without application of nitrogen fertilizer). The results showed that the application of Azolla pinnata L. achieving the highest results of the number of panicles per plants, number of grains per panicle and grain yield by 30.30, 6.37 and 7.80% respectively compared with control treatment that achieved the lowest results for all traits respectively. Also, the application of phosphate fertilizer at half recommended amount (42 kg P ha-1) was significantly superior and gave the highest results of the number of panicles per plant, number of grains per panicle and grain yield with a significant increase of 35.29, 4.76 and 7.55 respectively compared with control treatment. In addition to, the application of nitrogen fertilizer at the recommended amount (184 kg N ha-1) had the highest results of the number of panicles per plant and number of grains per panicles by 48.29 and 5.75% respectively, without significant difference on the application of nitrogen fertilizer at half the recommended amount (92 kg N ha-1) which had the highest mean of the grain yield by 4.94% compared with control treatment which had the lowest results for all traits respectively. The interaction between the application of Azola and the levels of phosphate fertilizer, application of Azola and the levels of nitrogen fertilizer, application of phosphate and nitrogen fertilizers as well as the tri-interaction between three factors had significant effect in all the studied traits except the weight of 1000 grains. We can concluded that the application of Azolla pinnata L. reduced the amounts of phosphate and nitrogen fertilizer by 50% of Recommended amounts and led to improvement the yield and yield components of rice in addition to grain rice quality.

Amelioration of immune and digestive system through weed supplemented feed against Aeromonas hydrophila in Clarias gariepinus

Aquaculture is one of the important globally growing industries. It serves as an important food source of protein for human beings. With the expanding demand for the fish and their products it has become extremely important to improve the aquaculture practices. Aquaculture in India has witnessed huge mortalities caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, nematodes etc. Aquatic weeds plants are harmful for aquaculture in many ways. Present study is aimed to overcome the disease caused by Aeromonas hydrophila (fish pathogenic bacteria) through feed supplementation of two aquatic weed plants (Azolla pinnata and Ceratophyllum demersum). The fish were divided into 6 groups: experimental groups (fish fed on supplementary feed at 5% and 2.5% concentration for individual plant and challenged with bacteria), positive control (fish fed on non-supplemented feed and challenged with bacteria) and negative control (fish fed on non-supplementary feed and not challenged with bacteria). It was observed that supplemented feed enhanced both cell mediated and humoral immunity in fish. Therefore, we advocate that feed formulated with incorporation of Azolla pinnata and Ceratophyllum demersum leaf powder at 5% and 2.5% could be used to prevent disease caused by A. hydrophila or can be used to enhance fish health by boosting its immune system. The results of this study also showed an improved digestibility in fish fed on supplemented feed.

Phytoremediation of dairy wastewater using Azolla pinnata: Application of image processing technique for leaflet growth simulation

The present study assessed the phytoremediation efficiency of water fern (Azolla pinnata R.Br.) in the treatment of dairy wastewater (DWW). Batch mode experimentation was done using different dilutions (0 to 100%) of DWW transplanted with five healthy leaflets of A. pinnata. Besides this, the A. pinnata growth was captured using camera vision-based image recognition and further modeled using logistic and modified Gompertz models. The findings showed that after 14 days of phytoremediation experiments, the maximum significant (p < 0.05) reduction efficiency of selected pollutant parameters of DWW i.e. pH (9.41%), electrical conductivity (61.42%), total dissolved solids (71.56%), total Kjeldahl's nitrogen (73.25%), and total phosphorus (65.37%) observed using 75% DWW dilution. Moreover, the periodically taken surface images were useful to recognize the position and number of leaflets which further helped to simulate A. pinnata growth patterns. The maximum number of leaflets (n = 20), fresh biomass (16.18 ± 0.42 g), dry biomass (1.47 ± 0.04 g), and chlorophyll content (3.14 ± 0.03 mg/g fwt.) was also observed using 75% DWW treatment, respectively. The logistic model was found more robust as compared to modified Gompertz to predict leaflet production (y) as revealed from model validation results i.e. coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.9533) and minimum difference between experimental and model-predicted results. Thus, the combined application of phytoremediation and image processing techniques can be used to monitor and maximize plant growth performance.

Accumulation of Iron, Zinc and Lead by Azolla pinnata and Lemna minor and activity in contaminated water

In this study, two aquatic macrophytes namely, Azolla pinnata and Lemna minor are floating plants were obtained from Agric. Microbial Dept., Soils, Water and Environment Research Institute (SWERI), Agric. Res. Center (ARC), Giza, Egypt and used to some heavy metal such as Iron, Zinc and lead This study reported the ability of two aquatic plants (A. pinnata and L. minor) to remove Iron, Zinc and lead from aqueous solutions FeSO4.7H2O, ZnSo4.7H2O and C4H6O4Pb.3H2O of four different initial concentrations (0–100 ppm) for 20 days under greenhouse conditions. The results indicated that A. pinnata gave higher growth density than that recorded for L. minor during all the tested incubation periods from zero time up to 20 days. Results obtained in this study showed a maximum removal of Fe, Zn (88.18, 84.63 %) by L. minor at 100ppm initial metal concentration however the maximum removal by A. pinnata at the same concentration was (86.97, 81.14%) after 20 day of incubation. These A. pinnata appeared to be more efficient than L. minor for removing Pb .On the other hand A. pinnata was better than L. minor in biomass for each of the elements used in the experiment during the incubation period.

Optimization of performance and emission characteristics of compression ignition engine powered with Azolla pinnata fuel blends – A response surface methodology approach

ABSTRACT Biodiesels possess enhanced emission characteristics in comparison with neat diesel; therefore, biodiesel can be considered as a substitute for diesel and if blended with diesel, gives enhanced performance characteristics. In this study, tests on the performance of engine were carried out at a different number of nozzle holes (HN), the weight percentage of blends, and loads with the main focus to identify the optimal process parameter which minimizes Brake Specific Energy Consumption (BSEC), maximize Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE), and minimize emission parameters like smoke, Carbon monoxide (CO), Hydrocarbon (HC), and Nitrogen oxides (NOx). The design of the experiment was based on the RSM Design of experiments. Using the RSM desirability function, process parameters are optimized for better performance. The influence of process parameters on responses is investigated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Blending ratio has the maximum percentage contribution of 47.64% and 61.04% for BSEC and NOx, the load has the maximum percentage contribution of 39.69% and 65.12% for BTE and smoke, respectively, HN has a maximum percentage contribution of 80.6% and 56.41% for CO and HC, respectively. The optimal parameters of six holes in the fuel injector, 20% of biofuel with 80% of diesel, and 65% of load are identified.

Effects of Formulation of Soilless Growth Media from Azolla Pinnata sp on Water Absorption, Water Loss, and Water Retention

Most plants require soil as a growth media. Soilless media has been introduced to overcome the lack of soil for plant cultivations. An Azolla cube was developed as soilless growth media with nutrient-rich and water-storing capabilities through the usage of Azolla pinnata sp. Azolla cube is a new research product, providing an alternative to the existing products, such as Midorie Pafcal and Jiffy-7 pellets. This research introduced four samples of Azolla cubes at different formulations to evaluate the performance of the cubes on water absorption, water loss, and water retention. This product was developed by using two types of binder method: tapioca starch (Cassava starch) and Bentonite clay. Based on the results, sample C held an estimation of 5.94 g ± 0.01 of 10 g of water within 6 hours at room temperature while that of Sample A, B, and D was 5.45 g ± 0.01, 3.37 g ± 0.01, and 4.70 g ± 0.01, respectively. Sample C also lost an estimation of 2.56 g ± 0.01 of water within 2 days of observation. The results also showed that sample C had the highest percentage of moisture content (15.4%) after undergoing four stages of applied pressure, 0 kPa, 1 kPa, 33 kPa, and 1500 kPa, for the water retention test, in which the value of water movement remained constant. In conclusion, Azolla cube was shown to be capable of providing the nutrients needed for plants and absorbing more water compared to the current products.

Phytofabrication of selenium nanoparticles using Azolla pinnata: Evaluation of catalytic properties in oxidation, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

We demonstrate the green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles with Azolla pinnata plant extract as a reducing and capping agent. The synthesized nanoparticle was characterized through Ultraviolet-Visible analysis, X-Ray Diffraction analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared studies. UV-Vis analysis has confirmed the absorption value at 306 nm respectively. The crystallite size of the A. pinnata stabilized nanoparticle was found to be 36.45 nm. The synthesized selenium nanoparticle was spherical in shape. The XPS analysis confirmed that the elements such as selenium a major part with a 3d core level region. The yield percentage was found to be 78.3% from the oxidation of p-Tolualdehyde to p-Toluic acid. The free radical scavenging potential was found to be high at the concentration of 500 μg/mL from the antioxidant study. From the antimicrobial activity, the synthesized Ap-Se NPs showed the maximum zone of inhibition in E. coli 17 ± 0.67 mm followed by E. faecium 15 ± 0.13 mm, C. albicans 15 ± 0.32 mm and S. aureus 14 ± 0.93 mm. Hence, it was proved that the synthesized nanoparticles act as a catalyst in oxidation and effective antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.

Influence of Hydrological Variables on Macrophytes in a Black Water River Ecosystem

This study assessed the influence of hydrological variables on macrophytes in a Black Water River ecosystem of Enyong River in Itu and Ibiono Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers States, Nigeria. Four vegetation plots were chosen and in each of the plots, four belt transect were laid. In each transect, macrophyte were systematically sampled in four 10 m × 10 m quadrat at regular intervals. Macrophytes were identified to species level and their frequency and density determined. Water samples were obtained in each quadrat where the macrophytes were sampled and analyzed for their physicochemical properties using standardized methods. Altogether, 10 macrophyte species were encountered. Vossia cuspidata had the highest density (100.00±8.00 st/ha) and frequency values (100 %). Sacciolepis africana had the least density of 7.10±0.45 st/ha while Ludwigia octovalvis, Persicaria senegalensis, andSacciolepis africana had the least frequency of 25 %, respectively. The pH of the water was strongly acidic (5.54±0.03), electrical conductivity was low (20.00±5.77 µs/cm), temperature (29.00±1.10 ºC), Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (9.20±0.12 mg/l) and turbidity (7.10±0.06 NTU) values were high while Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) (2.00±0.29 mg/l) Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) (10.00±0.29 mg/l) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) were low (5.00±1.15 mg/l). Water Nutrients followed this decreasing order; chloride (3.55±0.02 mg/l) &gt; nitrate (2.45±0.03 mg/l) &gt; sulphate (2.02±0.06 mg/l) &gt; phosphate (0.08±0.01 mg/l) and sulphide (0.03±0.02 mg/l). Heavy metals also followed this descending order; Pb (0.50±0.03 mg/l) &gt; Zn (0.07±0.02 mg/l) &gt; Cu (0.03±0.02 mg/l). Canonical Correspondence Analysis delineated 11 hydrological variables (temperature, pH, sulphate, turbidity, phosphate, BOD, nitrate, DO, TDS, sulphide and TSS) which exerted great influence on macrophyte distribution. V. cuspidata had affinity to pH and temperature, Sacciolepis africana had affinity to turbidity and BOD, Ludwigia octovalvis and Nymphaea lotus had affinity to sulphate and chloride, respectively, while Ipomoea aquatica and Alternanthera sessils had affinity to phosphate. On the other hand, Persicaria senegalensis, Salvinia molesta, Azolla pinnata and Ceratophyllum demersum had affinities to sulphide, DO, TSS and TDS, respectively. Since hydrological variables regulate macrophyte diversity and distribution, this study calls for consistent, monitoring and management of this ecosystem against future environmental changes. &#x0D; Keywords: Aquatic plants, Black water, Canonical Correspondence Analysis, Ordination

The Effect of Biofertilizer of Azolla, Phosphate and Nitrogen Fertilizers on some Growth Traits of Rice

A field experiment was carried out during the summer season of 2019 in one of the fields of Al-Tahiniah village-Al-Mahanawiya district which is 36 km away from the Diwaniyah governorate center, to study the effect of azolla, phosphate and nitrogen fertilizers and the interactions between them on some growth traits of rice. The experiment was arrangement as factorial experiment according to Randomized Complete Blocks Design (RCBD) at three replications. The experiment included three factors, the first factor included the application of azolla (Azolla pinnata L.) at 20 tons ha−1 and the control treatment (without application of azolla), while the second factor included application three levels of phosphate fertilizer (21, 42 and 84 kg P ha−1) as well as the control treatment (without application of phosphate fertilizer), whereas the third factor included application two levels of nitrogen fertilizer (92 and 184 kg N ha−1) as well as the control treatment (without application of nitrogen fertilizer). The results showed that the application of Azolla pinnata L. gave the highest means for the content of rice leaves of nitrogen and phosphorous, plant height and leaf content of chlorophyll with a significant increase 14.83, 30.30, 6.37 and 7.80% respectively. Also, the application of phosphate fertilizer at 42 kg P ha−1 was significantly superior and gave the highest results of the content of rice leaves of nitrogen and phosphorous, plant height and leaf content of chlorophyll with a significant increase 31.32, 12.38, 6.04 and 11.87% respectively. In addition to, the application of nitrogen fertilizer at 184 kg N ha−1 had the highest results of the content of rice leaves of nitrogen and phosphorus, plant height and leaf content of chlorophyll with a significant increase 42.03, 16.22, 15.49 and 16.04% respectively, without significant difference with application of nitrogen fertilizer at 92 kg N ha−1. We can concluded that the application of Azolla pinnata L. reduced the amounts of phosphate and nitrogen fertilizer by 50% of recommended amounts and led to improve the growth traits of rice.

Effect of Azolla (Azolla pinnata) as a bio-stimulant on nutrient uptake and yield of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

A bio-stimulant is any substance that can enhance crop productivity and nutrient uptake. The study was conducted to determine the nutrient uptake and yield performance of mungbean using Azolla (Azolla pinnata) concentrates as a bio-stimulant. A 5 × 3 factorial arrangement in randomized complete block design was used with three replications. The levels of Azolla concentrates (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) served as factor A and soaking duration (1, 1.5, and 2 h) as factor B. Results revealed that soil pH, OM content, available P, and available K were increased after the addition of Azolla. Application of different concentrates of Azolla significantly increased (P = 0.001) the length of pods, number of pods, N, and K uptake efficiency of mungbean. Soaking duration likewise influenced significantly (P = 0.001) the P and K uptake efficiency of the mungbean plant. The highest return of investment was attained when mungbean seeds were soaked in 100% Azolla concentrates for 1.5 h, with a value of 429%. However, the number of seeds per pods and the yield of mungbean were not significantly affected by the levels of Azolla concentrates and soaking duration.

Potentiality of Azolla pinnata R. Br. for Phytoremediation of Polluted Freshwater with Crude Petroleum Oil

The pollution of freshwater resources with crude petroleum oil is a major environmental issue in oil-producing countries. As a result, the remediation of polluted aquatic ecosystems using eco-friendly and cost-effective technology is receiving increased global attention. In this study, the ability of Azolla pinnata R. Br. to remediate petroleum-polluted freshwater was assessed. The remediation potentiality was determined by evaluating the total petroleum hydrocarbon degradation percentage (TPH%) and changes in the molecular type composition of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbon fractions. TPH% was estimated gravimetrically, and changes in the molecular type composition of saturated and aromatic fractions were measured using gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The results reveal that A. pinnata has the potential to phytoremediate freshwater polluted with low levels (up to 0.5 g/L) of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs). After seven days of phytoremediation, the degradation rate of total PHs was 92% in the planted treatment compared with 38% in the unplanted positive control. The highest breakdown of PHs for the normal paraffinic saturated hydrocarbon fraction occurred in the presence of A. pinnata combined with Anabena azollaea (A-A), which showed a moderate degradation capacity toward total aromatic hydrocarbons (TAHs) and total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The results indicate that A. pinnata effectively removed C18, a saturated PH, and acenaphthene (Ace), an aromatic PH. Therefore, this study suggests that A. pinnata is a useful tool for the remediation of freshwaters contaminated with low pollution levels of crude oil.

Study of chemical composition of green Azolla Azolla pinnata

The chemical composition of feed is most important step for assessing its quality. In the present investigation percent chemical composition of green Azolla (Azolla pinnata) was estimated according to AOAC (2016). Azolla (Azolla pinnata) was cultivated in water trough and harvested on day to determine chemical composition. The dry and organic matter content of Azolla (Azolla pinnata) was 90.20% and 79.60% respectively. The crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber and nitrogen free extract content was 23.45%, 3.10%, 12.45% and 40.60% respectively. The total Ash content was 20.40%. The Azolla pinnata contained 42.29% NDF, 31.22% ADF and 11.07% HC. The mineral profile of Azolla pinnata indicates 1.66% Calcium and 0.47% Phosphorus and other minerals in trace levels. It was concluded that green Azolla (Azolla pinnata) was a rich source of crude protein, trace minerals and vitamins.

Variations of Structural and Functional Traits of Azolla pinnata R. Br. in Response to Crude Oil Pollution in Arid Regions

In oil-producing countries, water pollution by crude petroleum oil frequently occurs and causes many environmental problems. This study aims to investigate the effect of crude petroleum oil on the growth and functional trails of the economically important freshwater plant Azolla pinnata R. Br. and to report on the plant’s resistance to this abiotic stress. Plants were raised in an open greenhouse experiment under different levels of crude oil pollution ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 g/L. Plant functional traits were monitored over a three-week period. Plant cover of A. pinnata was decreased with the increased levels of oil pollution. The total chlorophyll content decreased from 0.76 mg/g fresh weight under 2 g/L oil treatment after 21 days of growth. The chlorophyll a/b ratio exceeded the unity at crude oil treatments above 1 g/L, with values reaching 2.78 after seven days, while after 21 days, the ratio ranged from 1.14 to 1.31. The carotenoid content ranged from 0.17 mg/g in the control to 0.11 mg/g in the 2 g/L oil treatment. The carotenoid content varied over time in relation to DNA% damage, which increased from 3.63% in the control to 11.36% in the highest oil treatment level of 2 g/L. The crude oil stress caused severe damage in the frond tissues and chloroplast structure of A. pinnata, including a less compacted palisade, the malformation of the epidermis, the disintegration of parenchyma tissue, and the lysis and malformation of the chloroplasts. Since A. pinnata cannot withstand high concentrations of crude oil pollution, it is for use in the remediation of slightly polluted freshwaters up to 0.5 g/L.

Petroleum Water Contamination Resulting from Change in Land-Use in Paloich, South Sudan: &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Azolla pinnata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Lemna minor&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L. as an Efficient Bio Treatment Tool

The study focused on the change in land-use and phytoremediation and biosorption efficacy of Lead and Cadmium from the petroleum-contaminated water by Lemna minor L. and Azolla pinnata. For the study of the change in land-use in Paloich, satellite imagery of Paloich between 2000 and 2020 was obtained from http://www.earthexplore.usgs.org/ and analyses. Water samples were collected at different points of Paloich. Experimental set-up consisted of four main samples sets viz: Lemna minor L. and petroleum-contaminated water, Azolla pinnata and petroleum contaminated water, combination of Lemna minor L., Azolla pinnata and petroleum-contaminated water then distilled water (control) all containing 3 liters of the water. Samples were left for 28 days. Physico-chemical parameters, heavy metals (Pb and Cd) and biosorption capacity were analyzed. The result indicates the changes in the land-use that occurred in the area of study for a given period (2000-2020). Built-up area, mining site and environmental degradation have increased by 8 percent between the periods. The reason behind the increase can be as a result of increase in population. The result also indicates high efficiency in pollutant reduction in the set-up containing the combination of Lemna minor L. and Azolla pinnata in which the Cd and Pb reduction efficiency recorded was 95% and 97% respectively. While set up containing Azolla P. had Pb and Cd reduction efficiency of 83% and 87% respectively. However, the set up containing Lemna minor L. has Pb and Cd reduction efficiency of 91% and 85% respectively. A significant absorption of the metals (Pb and Cd) were seen in the samples with the mixture of Lemna minor L. and Azolla pinnata. As such this study reveals the potentiality of Lemna minor L. and Azolla pinnata as some excellent phytoremediation candidates in the treatment of effluents containing Lead and Cadmium; however, we also recommend further studies on the efficacy of such plants in other classes of heavy metals.

Effect of Feeding Green Azolla (Azolla pinnata) on Growth Performance in Sirohi Male Kids

Effect of Feeding Green Azolla (Azolla pinnata) on Growth Performance in Sirohi Male Kids