Emerging Topics in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management pp 1-13
Editors: Dr.R. S. Khoiyangbam
Dr. Ch. Raghumani Singh (2025)
ISBN: 978-93-94174-59-7
Chapter 1
Heavy Metal Concentrations in Aquatic Plants of a Riverine Ecosystem: A Case Study in Nambul River, Imphal West, Manipur, India
Thangjam Gopeshwor Singh*
College of Food Technology, Central Agricultural University, Lamphelpat, Imphal-795004, Manipur
Abhik Gupta
Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar-788011, Assam, India
Khomdram Nermeshori Devi
Department of Environmental Science, Pravabati College, Mayang Imphal-795132, Manipur
Ch. Raghumani Singh
Department of Environmental Science, Manipur University, Canchipur, Imphal – 795003
Abstract
Although required in trace amounts, the excessive
availability of heavy metals beyond a threshold level can
be detrimental to aquatic organisms. This is due to their
ability to cause oxidative stress in the cells by forming free
radicals, thereby replacing essential enzymes and
disrupting the cellular function of the organism, both
plants and animals. Rivers, being a far-reaching and
highly vulnerable ecosystem, are the easiest sink of
various trace elements sourced from urban run-off,
agricultural activities, household activities, and industrial
effluents. Studies around the globe have revealed high
levels of heavy metal concentrations in different portions
of aquatic plants. This has rendered major environmental
and health concerns with long-term negative impacts. The
present review has taken up one such case study in the
Nambul River flowing through the Imphal City of
Manipur, India. The ICP-MS results and statistical
analyses have shown significant concentrations of three
heavy metals in different parts of Alternanthera
philoxeroides Griseb. collected from the river in Imphal
West District of Manipur for wet (June to October) and
dry seasons (November to February) for the years 2012
and 2013. These heavy metals absorbed by the river plants
may be attributed to anthropogenic origin, including
chemicals used in agriculture..
Keywords
Alternanthera philoxeroides Griseb.,
copper, lead, nickel, concentration, shoot, root,
Nambul river
Cite this Chapter: Thangjam Gopeshwor Singh, Abhik Gupta, Khomdram Nermeshori Devi and Raghumani Singh, Ch. 2025. Heavy Metal Concentrations in Aquatic Plants of a Riverine Ecosystem: A Case Study in Nambul River, Imphal West, Manipur, India. In: R. S. Khoiyangbam and Ch. Raghumani Singh (Eds.), Emerging Topics in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management. Excellent Publishers, India. pp. 1-13. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/978-93-94174-59-7_1
