Water-Hyacinth from Nile River: Chemical Contents, Nutrient Elements and Heavy Metals

SAMPLES of water-hyacinth were collected from the main stream of Nile River near the location of El-Kanater El-Khayria. Plant samples were taken at three intervals during March, August and December during the years 2014 and 2015 to study the seasonal variation. The harvested plants were divided into leaves, stems and roots and were subjected for general analysis of crude protein, ash, crude fat, fibers and nitrogen free extract.
      
      Meanwhile, sugars and carbohydrates were determined in the different plant samples. Plant stems showed maximum reducing sugars content. On the other hand, leaves demonstrated the highest level of both non-reducing and total sugars. The mineral analysis revealed that sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium were found in relatively higher level. Iron, zinc and manganese were within moderate concentration. Copper, lead and cobalt detected in plant tissues were in minor amounts. Results indicated that the level of the determined chemical contents depended mainly on the sampling date and the plant organ.