Microbial Diversity and Physicochemical Properties of Eichhornia crassipes

Abstract

Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth) is an invasive aquatic weed that grows rapidly and has a high lignocellulosic content. The plant has negative ecological effects but can also provide a habitat for microorganisms and serve as a potential substrate for biotechnological use. This study examined the microbial diversity and physicochemical characteristics of E. crassipes obtained from Sabongarin Takanebu in Miga Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria. The samples were air-dried, ground, sieved, and analysed using standard physicochemical and microbiological methods. Results showed that the plant had a pH of 5.66 ± 0.01, temperature of 38 ± 0.3 °C, and moisture content of 5.71 ± 0.03%. Organic carbon was high (49.56%), while nitrogen content was low (0.30 ± 0.42%), giving a wide C/N ratio of 55.13. Ash content was 2014.92 mg/kg. Major nutrients recorded included potassium (1234.13 ± 0.37 mg/kg), sodium (237.41 mg/kg), calcium (7115.66 ± 0.01 mg/kg), and magnesium (2945.39 ± 0.38 mg/kg). Trace elements such as copper (2.47 ± 0.01 mg/kg) and lead (18.03 ± 0.56 mg/kg) were also present. Microbial counts showed 6.8 × 10⁵ cfu/g for bacteria and 3.0 × 10³ cfu/g for fungi. Eleven bacterial species were identified, among them Klebsiella sp., Streptococcus sp., Corynebacterium sp., Azotobacter sp., and Bacillus sp. Fungal isolates included Aspergillus niger, Alternaria alternate, Rhizopus sp., and Paecilomyces sp. The study indicates that E. crassipes supports diverse microbial populations and contains valuable nutrients, suggesting its potential for use in microbial and biotechnological studies.