Journal of Environmental Biology

Exploring the influence of detrital loading of Eichhornia crassipes on water properties under different nutrient gradients in mesocosm experiments

T. Dey and T. Das*     

Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar-778011, India

Received: 13 June 2025                   Revised: 07 August 2025                   Accepted: 05 September 2025

*Corresponding Author Email : das.tapati@gmail.com                  *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8610-9602

Abstract

Aim: This mesocosm study assessed the ecological impacts of the detrital loading of Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) on aquatic ecosystems by analyzing changes in the water physico-chemical properties across six nutrient gradients, mesotrophic, eutrophic, and hyper-eutrophic, each at low and high levels. The study focused on detritus-induced hypoxia in nutrient-rich systems and aimed to inform effective management strategies for E. crassipes invasions.

Methodology: A total of 252 mesocosms were established in a randomized block design using modified Hoagland solution adjusted to represent six nutrient levels. E. crassipes plants were acclimatized for 15 days before stocking, and control sets were maintained separately. Water quality parameters and detrital loading were monitored fortnightly, with data analyzed using One-way ANOVA, PCA, regression, and cluster analysis.

Results: Significant variation was observed in total dissolved solids, pH, total alkalinity, hardness, dissolved oxygen, free CO₂, nitrate-N, and phosphate-P across treatments. Higher detrital loading under eutrophic and hyper-eutrophic conditions increased nutrient levels and reduced dissolved oxygen, indicating hypoxia. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations of detritus with pH, nitrate-N, and phosphate-P, and negative with dissolved oxygen.

Interpretation: Elevated nutrients accelerate the detrital loading of E. crassipes degrading water quality. The study advocates for nutrient control, sustainable biomass utilization, and integrated water quality management to maintain aquatic ecosystem health.

Key words: Detritus dynamics, Eichhornia crassipes, Mesocosm, Trophic gradient, Water quality

Copyright © 2026 Triveni Enterprises. All rights reserved. No part of the Journal can be reproduced in any form without prior permission. Responsibility regarding the authenticity of the data, and the acceptability of the conclusions enforced or derived, rest completely with the author(s).