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@article{192875,
        author = {Fatukasi Bolade Adetutu and Oladapo O.O and Ogunwuyi  M.C and Sulaiman W.K and Oluwasola P.O},
        title = {Phytoremediation Efficacy of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in Heavy Metal Removal from Asa Dam: Toxicological Assessment in Rattus norvegicus},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {9},
        pages = {3930-3946},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=192875},
        abstract = {Heavy metal contamination of freshwater bodies poses serious ecological and public health risks. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) has emerged as a low-cost, eco-friendly biosorbent for heavy metal removal; however, the toxicological safety of water treated through this phytoremediation approach remains poorly characterized. This study evaluated the hematological and biochemical responses of Rattus norvegicus to Asa Dam water following water hyacinth biosorption treatment. Thirty-five adult rats (150–200 g) were randomly assigned to seven groups (n=5 per group): distilled water control, five graded concentrations of Asa Dam water (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%), and a water hyacinth-treated dam water group. Animals received daily oral administration for 28 days. Complete blood counts, differential leukocyte counts, hepatic and renal function indices, serum proteins, bilirubin fractions, and electrolytes were assessed at study termination. Results: Erythrocyte parameters including packed cell volume (41.73–46.47%), hemoglobin (14.63–17.03 g/dl), red blood cell count, and erythrocyte indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC) remained unaltered across all groups (P>0.05). White blood cell counts declined significantly in groups receiving 40–100% dam water and water hyacinth-treated water (P<0.05). Monocyte percentages were significantly elevated in the 60%, 80%, and 100% groups. Serum AST, ALT, globulin, and urea showed notable increases, while creatinine and bilirubin fractions remained stable. Water hyacinth-mediated bioremediation of Asa Dam water demonstrated minimal hematotoxic effects in rats, with preservation of erythrocyte parameters and no anemic manifestations. The observed leukopenia and monocytosis warrant further investigation into immunological implications. These findings support the potential application of water hyacinth in phytoremediation systems while highlighting the necessity for comprehensive safety evaluations.},
        keywords = {Biochemical, Heavy metals, Hematology, Water hyacinth},
        month = {February},
        }