ABSTRACT

Aquatic macrophytes are important components of wetland ecosystems as they help in the uptake of nutrients and hence help in maintaining the chemical integrity of the respective ecosystem. These plants mobilize mineral elements from the bottom sediments and provide shelter to aquatic macro invertebrates and fishes. The current study investigates the diversity, biomass, nutrient and metal uptake potential following the standard protocol. Polygonum glabrum and Typha angustata had higher biomass at both inlet and outlets. Carbon content was higher in Typha angustata, Nitrogen and Phosphorus was highest in Spirodela polyrhiza in the outlet. Cadmium concentration was within normal range with Alternanthera philoxeroides and Pistia stratiotes accumulating highest in inlet and outlet. Typha angustata in inlet had Copper concentration in critical range whereas in outlet all species had normal range with Ludwigia sp the highest. Lead, Zinc, Nickel and Chromium was in higher concentration in Typha angustata than other species in inlet. Nickel was above normal range in Typha angustata in inlet and in all species in outlet. In the outlet Typha angustata (Lead), Pistia stratiotes (Zinc and Nickel) and Alternanthera philoxeroides (Chromium) had higher concentrations. Thus the study highlighted the remediation potential of Macrophytes from Jakkur Lake.