Water quality improvement through Macrophytes : A case study

Abstract

Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh city is popular and known as the city of lakes having more then eighteen smaller and the big pond as water sources and also after some initial treatment a source of drinking water. The present experimental study was focus on two eutrophic lake famous for irrigation, fishing and recreational activities centre named shahpura Lake and lower Lake compare and identify their potential to improve the water quality by removing the heavy metals. Macrophytes play an important roles in balancing lake ecosystem. They have capacity to improve the water quality by absorbing nutrients with their effective root system. The objective of the study is to evaluate the usefulness of different macrophytic species (Biofilters) in reducing the nutrient content of the water i.e. to reduce the pollution level of water. The paper is the outcome of ex&situ experiments conducted on samples collected from Lower Lake and Shahpura Lake, Bhopal. Two macrophyteic Species <em>Eicchornia crassipes </em> and <em>Hydrilla</em> <em>verticillata</em>. Results indicates that both the macrophytes are capable in improving water quality by reducing nutrient concentration and uptake heavy metals too. Purification of water through macrophytes is a good example of natural means.