Preliminary Study on Hydrophytes Planted in Acidic Media

Abstract

Two aquatic plants species were treated with different pH values (4, 5 and 6) for a period of one week. The experiment was carried out in laboratory conditions. Physico-chemical parameters; temperature, salinity, oxygen, total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) were detected. Tissue analysis of the treated hydrophytes species was calculated as well; chlorophyll a content, ash, proteins, fats, carbohydrates and moisture of the tissue. The results of water analysis indicated that the salinity and conductivity were under oligohaline level, the TDS values ranged between 1.218mgl-1 and 1.396mgl-1 in pH 6 and pH 4 media respectively. The tissue analysis revealed that the carbohydrates in Ceratophyllum demersum was more than that of Salvinia natans while the ash in the later was more than that the former species ,Ceratophyllum demersum. The Chlorophyll a content had been destroyed in the tissues of Ceratophyllum demersum species, but less damage was recorded in case of Salvinia natans species when was treated with low pH media. A marked decrease in the ash contents of Ceratophyllum demersum tissues and a slight decrease in case of Salvinia natans. Increasing in protein contents were detected for both species. Low acidity had no effect on the fat contents in Ceratophyllum demersum tissues while a clear increase was detected in Salvinia natans species.. The low acidity media could cause retardation to the growth of the hydrophytes.