Determination of trace elements in various parts of Eichhornia crassipes

Abstract

Eichhornia crassipes, commonly known as water hyacinth, can absorb large quantities of minerals from the surrounding water column. Experimental research focusing on this plant’s chemical constituents as well as medicinal use are scarce. Insight into the trace element concentration of this plant can perhaps be harnessed to postulate the rationale behind its use in traditional medicine. A microwave assisted digestion method was employed for digesting the segregated parts of the dried plant. Elemental analysis was carried out using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The concentration values of Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Co, Ni, Se, I in E crassipes are reported. A broad difference in the concentration range of the plant was observed. The concentrations of elements were found in the order of Mn> Fe> Zn> Cu> Ni> Co> I in E. crassipes.