EFFECTS OF PH LEVELS ON THE GROWTH OF WATER HYACINTH (PONTEDERIA CRASSIPES)

The Research work on the “effects of different pH levels on the growth of water hyacinth (pontederia crassipes)” was carried with the objectives of assessing the growth patterns of water hyacinth under different pH conditions and to ascertain which pH level is more favorable for the growth of water hyacinth. Fifteen (15) containers (of equal size) were bought from the market and used for the experiment. Water hyacinth plants were sourced from nearby ponds and the water from that pond was used as the standard (control) in the experiment. The initial pH level of the of the Standard (natural water from where the experimental plants were sourced) was measured using a pH meter or testing kit. pH levels in separate containers were altered to desired ranges (2, below the standard and 2 above the standard) using pH-adjusting substances. The plants were regularly monitored and growth parameters (plant height, leaf number, root length) were measured. The data collected was analyzed using the One-Way ANOVA with repeated measures for any significant difference in the effect of the pH levels on the growth of the water hyacinth at 95% confidence interval (0.05 Significant Level). The experiment was tested at 95% confidence level (0.05 Level of Significance) and the results showed a significant difference for both number of leaves and height of plants for within subjects and between subjects respectively. This implies that changes in pH levels can affect the aquatic habitat both positively and negatively as seen that slightly higher pH (acidic) encouraged the growth of the plants both height and number of leaves. The null hypothesis then stands rejected since pH had significant effects on the growth of water hyacinth. Some recommendations are thus: Optimize pH Levels for Control Measures, integrate pH Monitoring into Management Plans, implement pH Manipulation Trials: